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Broadband Leaders Publish Permitting Success Strategies for ISPs and Local Governments

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Today, a group of leading broadband organizations published a strategic paper titled “ Permitting Success: Closing the Digital Divide Through Local Broadband Permitting. ” The paper will help local governments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) navigate broadband network construction challenges and maximize investments in broadband connectivity for all Americans. The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, in partnership with the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, the American Association for Public Broadband, Fiber Broadband Association, Brightspeed, and GFiber, wrote the Permitting Success paper. The paper publishes at a critical moment when broadband infrastructure funding is at an all-time high due to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program—the single largest broadband program in U.S. history. This historic level of funding creates an opportunity to bring high-speed internet access to every community in America and close the digital divide. Historic levels of funding will accelerate broadband network construction, putting enormous pressure on local governments responsible for permitting infrastructure construction within municipal boundaries. These processes take time and resources, and not every government is equipped for the coming wave of construction. This is especially true in rural areas, where municipal resources are lowest and BEAD activity will be highest. Effective and efficient permitting processes are critical for ISPs and local governments to successfully deploy broadband networks that will give every American community modern connectivity. The Permitting Success paper includes case studies; strategic checklists for ISPs, local governments, and state and federal agencies; and outlines three main categories for permitting success: Fostering partnerships between the permit seeker and the permitting authority Maximizing resources available to the permitting authority Ensuring transparency and consistency in the permitting process The paper’s findings were identified during a collaborative national summit on local permitting processes convened by Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, which was attended by more than 30 permitting leaders representing local, state, and federal governments; ISPs; civil society organizations; philanthropies; and other key stakeholders. The paper will be explored during an episode of FBA’s Fiber for Breakfast on September 25, at 10:00am EDT. Register here to watch the episode live. Supporting Quotes: Drew Garner, Director of Policy Engagement, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society: “Broadband is fundamental to modern life. Yet, for millions of Americans, broadband is unavailable. To correct this, the U.S. has launched a historic effort to bring broadband to every household in the country. But such extensive broadband construction will require extensive construction permitting, and construction permitting often happens at the local level. Thus, the historic effort to close the digital divide will ultimately flow through the permitting offices of our local governments. This paper is intended to help those offices and their applicants operate at maximum efficiency.” Natalie Roisman, Executive Director, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy: “The Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy seeks to be a convener for conversations that are necessary, challenging, and will move the needle on urgent technology policy issues. We were pleased to host the permitting summit that sought input from a wide range of expert private and public sector perspectives, culminating in this thoughtful paper, and hope this process will get us closer to the critical goal of broadband for every American." Gigi Sohn, American Association for Public Broadband Executive Director: “The permitting paper being released today was made possible by a unique collaboration among representatives from across the broadband ecosystem—local, state and federal government officials, civil society, philanthropy and diverse segments of the industry. While there was not always unanimity on every finding, there was complete agreement that everyone benefits when all US households are connected to robust, affordable high-speed broadband. The result is a common sense guide that seeks to ensure that everyone in that ecosystem contributes to a successful local permitting process.” Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton: “There is tremendous opportunity ahead to connect every American to reliable, high-speed broadband and to the economic benefits that come with high-quality connectivity. But every player across the broadband ecosystem needs to develop their best strategy to ensure network construction is safe and efficient and broadband deployment is effective and successful. The Fiber Broadband Association offers a growing library of research and resources to help the industry develop successful strategies for fiber broadband deployment, and we believe this paper is a valuable addition that will help ensure these networks are built right the first time.” Brightspeed: Tom Dailey, senior vice president, Public Policy, Government Affairs and Regulatory, Brightspeed “Brightspeed is actively building our state-of-the-art fiber network across 17 states mostly in rural and suburban communities, and positive and timely engagement with permitting authorities is critical. This is especially true when permitting requirements vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. By creating more streamlined, consistent and transparent permitting processes, we can ultimately reach more homes and businesses more efficiently. We very much appreciate the opportunity to engage with the many permissions and policy professionals who contributed their time, energy and most of all their expertise to developing this paper, which will facilitate the successful deployment of broadband networks across the nation.” GFiber: Darrel Hegar, Head of Market Operations, GFiber “Everyone deserves access to high-quality broadband internet. Communities and providers must work together to speed up network construction and service delivery. The policies and procedures laid out in this paper provide a clear roadmap for how we can make real, tangible progress to bringing the promise of next-generation internet to reality for all Americans.” ### Press Contacts: Benton Institute for Broadband & Society: Drew Garner, dgarner@benton.org Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy: Samantha Simonsen, sas497@georgetown.edu American Association for Public Broadband: Aaron Alberico, alberico@raynoravenue.com Brightspeed: Gene Rodriguez Miller, pr@brightspeed.com Fiber Broadband Association: Autumn Minnich, FBA@connect2comm.com GFiber: gfiber-pr@google.com About the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s primary mission is to bring open, affordable, high-capacity and competitive broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy. For over 40 years Benton has provided information and analysis about communications policy, including universal service. In recent years, Benton’s activities strengthened local, state, and national leadership by providing the timely information, rigorous evidence, practical guidance, and advocacy support needed to articulate and implement a broadband for all agenda. Benton has long advocated for universal, affordable telecommunications access for everyone living in the United States. About Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy The Institute for Technology Law and Policy is a hub at the Georgetown University Law Center for policymakers, academics, advocates, and technologists to study and discuss the most pressing issues in technology law and policy. With the leading academic program for law and technology in the U.S., the Tech Institute supports faculty research initiatives and trains the next generation of tech lawyers and policymakers through an unmatched combination of up-to-the-minute curriculum, world-class faculty, and impactful experiential and career development opportunities. In addition, the Tech Institute convenes public and private discussions on urgent and cutting-edge policy issues, conducts workshops for government staff, and works to identify and create opportunities for technology to improve access to justice. About the American Association for Public Broadband The American Association for Public Broadband proudly represents community-owned broadband networks and co-ops that are fueling the nation's economic future through reliable high-speed internet access. With more than 650+ networks across 33 states, public––or municipal broadband––is answering America's call for reliable, affordable, and accessible internet for all. Learn more at aapb.us. About the Fiber Broadband Association The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policymakers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here. About Brightspeed Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 6.5 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit brightspeed.com. About GFiber GFiber delivers fast, reliable, fairly-priced and open fiber internet service, prioritizing customer service and speed. GFiber started in 2010 as a Google-driven experiment to catalyze the gigabit internet ecosystem, and has since pioneered the gigabit and multigig internet future. For more than a decade, GFiber has maintained its $70/1 Gig base internet plan without any rate increases, and remains committed to bringing the best internet experience to customers in nearly 20 states with plans to further expand. GFiber was awarded PC Mag Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Overall and Fiber ISP in 2024, Best Fiber Internet Provider by Forbes in 2024 and Best Fiber Provider for Gig Internet by CNET in 2024, in addition to top recognitions from J.D. Power, HighSpeedInternet.com and many more. You can find more information, check availability in your area and compare plans at fiber.google.com. Contact Details Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Drew Garner dgarner@benton.org Company Website https://www.benton.org/

September 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX Announces 2024 Excellence Awards Finalists

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, a leading provider of integrated risk and compliance management software, announces today the 2024 NAVEX Excellence Awards finalists. Now in its fourth year, the awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to corporate governance, risk mitigation, and ethical practices. Each year, the NAVEX Excellence Awards highlight how robust governance, risk and compliance (GRC) programs can strengthen corporate culture and meaningfully impact business outcomes that matter. The 2024 finalists exemplify how effective GRC initiatives can proactively manage and mitigate risks when woven into the organizational fabric. "Congratulations to this year’s nominees and finalists for their outstanding achievements," said NAVEX Chief Customer Officer, Steve Chapman. "We are proud to partner with customers who are dedicated to advancing their GRC efforts. These awards shine a spotlight on some of the most innovative and effective programs in the industry, and we applaud the compliance teams at these companies for their ongoing efforts to build highly ethical, risk-aware organizations." The winners will be honored in several categories, including Ethics & Compliance, Risk Management, and Risk and Compliance Program of the Year. Selected from a highly competitive pool of nominations, this year’s finalists include: As in previous years, the judging panel brings together a mix of NAVEX leaders and seasoned GRC professionals. This year’s esteemed panel features: Barbara Boehler, Senior Director, Program on Corporate Compliance and Ethics, Fordham Law Bill Cameron, Founder and Principal, Cameron Advisory Services Carol Williams, CEO and Enterprise Risk Management Consultant, Strategic Decision Solutions Carrie Penman, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, NAVEX Kyle Brasseur, Former Editor in Chief, Compliance Week Kyle Martin, Vice President of GRC Solutions, NAVEX Matt Kelly, Editor and CEO, Radical Compliance LLC Stephen Chapman, Chief Customer Officer, NAVEX Vera Cherepanova, Ethics Advocate, Consultant, Author, Studio Etica Award recipients will be announced after to the 2024 NAVEX Next Virtual Conference on October 1. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global +1 617-388-5773 scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

September 03, 2024 08:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Commerce Finds Dumping; Imposes Duties on Paper Plates from China, Vietnam, and Thailand

American Paper Plate Coalition

The American Paper Plate Coalition (“APPC”), representing the majority of American paper plate production, announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has made preliminary affirmative findings in the antidumping (AD) duty portion of investigations involving paper plate imports from China, Vietnam and Thailand, and imposed preliminary AD duties up to 1039.05 percent. The duties will take effect on or about September 6, 2024. These duties will be imposed on top of anti-subsidy duties of up to 313.14 percent on imports from China and up to 237.65 percent on imports from Vietnam, levied in preliminary decisions released in June 2024. Preliminary duties now total up to 1352.19 percent on imports from China, up to 397.44 percent on imports from Vietnam, and up to 73.17 percent on imports from Thailand. “Improper subsidies and other unfair trade practices have hurt our industry, our company, and our workers over the years,” said William P. Biggins, Jr., President and Co-Owner of APPC member Aspen Products, Inc. “The duties announced today are a welcome step in the right direction to get the market back on track. We are grateful to Commerce for its commitment to seeing our trade laws enforced and for giving all players a chance to fairly compete.” Commerce’s preliminary determinations come in response to petitions filed in January by the APPC, requesting AD and CVD investigations into unfairly priced and subsidized imports of paper plates from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Commerce is expected to announce its final AD determinations in these investigations in early November 2024. The countervailing duty investigations concerning imports from China and Vietnam are ongoing and may lead to higher final CVD rates. “We welcome the competition of a free and fair market – but that’s not what we’ve been experiencing,” said Robert Epstein, President and CEO of APPC member AJM Packaging Corporation. “We look forward to getting back on a level playing field where all products compete on their own merits. Today’s decision is another step in getting us there.” If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations and the U.S. International Trade Commission makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue formal AD and CVD orders on imports from all three countries. For more on the petitions, see the APPC’s press release. For more on the ITC’s investigation, see the Commission’s press release. For more on the DOC’s investigation, see the agency’s press release. About the American Paper Plate Coalition The American Paper Plate Coalition, representing the leading U.S. producers of paper plates, is comprised of AJM Packaging Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Aspen Products, Inc. of Kansas City, MO; Dart Container Corporation of Mason, MI; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. of Oshkosh, WI; Huhtamaki, Inc., of De Soto, KS; and Unique Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit https://www.ajmpack.com/, https://www.aspenpro.com/, https://www.dartcontainer.com/, https://www.hoffmaster.com/, https://www.huhtamaki.com/en-us/north-america/, and https://www.favors.com/ The American Paper Plate Coalition is represented by Adam H. Gordon of The Bristol Group PLLC, a Washington, DC international trade law firm committed to defending American industry, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs. Contact Details Elizabeth Posthumus +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

August 30, 2024 01:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Synergist Technology Partners with Microsoft to Drive Ethical and Compliant AI Innovation

Synergist

Synergist Technology, a leader in AI governance and compliance, announces a strategic partnership with Microsoft, aimed at advancing the development and deployment of compliant AI solutions. By integrating Synergist’s expertise with Microsoft’s robust cloud infrastructure, the partnership seeks to address the growing market demands for ethical and secure AI systems. As the rapid adoption of AI continues to outpace regulatory frameworks, many organizations face significant challenges in deploying AI technologies with accountability. Together, the companies will provide comprehensive AI solutions that help businesses navigate the complex landscape of AI regulations while maximizing the potential of Microsoft’s AI offerings. The partnership is further strengthened by the involvement of key partners, including Pliant Consulting and Maureen Data Systems, which will assist in integrating and enhancing AI solutions for clients. This collaborative effort ensures that customers can navigate the complexities of AI governance with ease and assurance. “With over 700 pieces of proposed regulation at the state and federal level, our partnership with Microsoft represents a significant step forward in our mission to bring responsible AI to every organization,” said Elycia Morris, CEO of Synergist Technology. “By combining our governance and compliance expertise with Microsoft’s advanced technologies, we are creating a powerful synergy that will enable organizations to harness the transformative power of AI while maintaining trust and transparency.” “This partnership enables organizations to confidently leverage AI’s transformative power while adhering to the highest standards of regulatory adherence,” said Vishal Amin, General Manager of Security Solutions, Microsoft. “Microsoft and Synergist have a shared commitment to empower businesses to achieve more through innovation and trust.” Since the inception of the partnership, Synergist has made significant strides in its go-to-market strategy, leveraging Microsoft programs such as the ISV Success Program to expand the reach of its offerings. This strategic collaboration is set to evolve further, with plans to integrate Synergist’s AFFIRM platform into Microsoft’s Marketplace, making it more accessible to businesses worldwide. About Synergist Technology Synergist Technologies is a leader in AI governance and compliance, specializing in enabling ethical and compliant AI innovation through their AFFIRM platform. Their solutions help organizations navigate the complexities of AI regulations, ensuring responsible and effective AI deployment.For more information, visit https://synergist.technology/. Contact Details Julia Worthington synergist@kitehillpr.com

August 29, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Nuvectis Pharma Rises in Pre-Market Following FDA Orphan Drug Designation for NXP800, Fueling Optimism Ahead of Key Clinical Data

Global Markets News

Nuvectis Pharma (NASDAQ: NVCT) has achieved a significant milestone with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting Orphan Drug Designation for its lead candidate, NXP800. This designation, specifically for the treatment of ARID1a-deficient ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers, marks a critical step forward in Nuvectis’s mission to address unmet needs in oncology. Orphan Drug Designation: A Strategic Advantage The FDA’s Orphan Drug Designation is awarded to drugs that show promise in treating rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. For Nuvectis, this designation not only validates the potential of NXP800 but also provides several strategic benefits. These include tax credits for clinical trial costs, exemption from certain FDA fees, and potentially seven years of market exclusivity upon approval. NXP800 targets ARID1a-deficient cancers, a subset of ovarian cancers that present significant treatment challenges. The Orphan Drug Designation underscores the importance of this candidate in potentially offering a new, more effective treatment option for patients with this specific genetic mutation. Background and Market Impact This latest achievement builds on Nuvectis Pharma’s earlier successes. Earlier this year, the FDA granted Fast Track Designation to NXP800 for its development in platinum-resistant, ARID1a-mutated ovarian cancer. The Fast Track status, combined with the Orphan Drug Designation, highlights the urgent need for innovative treatments in this space and positions NXP800 as a potential game-changer in oncology. Financial analysts have taken note of Nuvectis’s progress. H.C. Wainwright recently reiterated its buy rating for Nuvectis, setting a price target of $21. This optimistic outlook reflects the market’s confidence in the company’s strategic direction, particularly as it prepares to release key clinical data later this year. Anticipation for Upcoming Results The next few months are expected to be pivotal for Nuvectis Pharma. The company is poised to share updates from its ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial of NXP800, which targets patients with platinum-resistant, ARID1a-mutated ovarian cancer. This trial is being closely watched, as positive results could significantly advance the development of NXP800, bringing it closer to pivotal trials and eventual regulatory approval. Additionally, Nuvectis is also conducting a Phase 1a dose escalation study for NXP900, its second key candidate, which targets YES1/SRC-driven tumors. Updates from this study are expected to provide further insights into the safety and potential efficacy of NXP900. ### Nuvvectis' Full announcment, titled " Nuvectis Pharma Announces Orphan Drug Designation Granted by the FDA for NXP800 for the Treatment of ARID1a-deficient Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancers" was published on August 29th, 2024. ### This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment or any form of professional advice, recommendation or endorsement. Please review the full documentation detailing financial compensation disclosures and disclaimers the article is subject to. https://justpaste.it/fcm9n/pdf. Global Markets News Network is a commercial digital brand compensated to provide coverage of innovative companies and industries and it is thus subject to conflicts of interest. Contact Details Global Markets News News Coverage ronald@futuremarketsresearch.com

August 29, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Brief Filed in Opposition to Warren Buffett’s Attempt to Get Lawsuit Dismissed

NLPC

On Monday the National Legal and Policy Center filed its brief in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska opposing Warren Buffett ‘s and Berkshire Hathaway ‘s motion to dismiss NLPC’s lawsuit filed in May to hold them accountable for having NLPC’s Chairman, Peter Flaherty, arrested at Berkshire’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Mr. Flaherty’s presentation, as part of the meeting agenda, supported NLPC’s shareholder proposal to have the positions of Chairman and CEO be held by separate individuals, as a matter of good corporate governance. As part of his presentation, Mr. Flaherty criticized Mr. Buffett’s billions of dollars of support to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which promotes the controversial Critical Race Theory teaching that “math is inherently racist,” and a Gender Identity Toolbox, “which asserts that gender is a result of socially and culturally constructed ideas.” Mr. Flaherty also pointed out Bill Gates ‘s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which had been reported in a Wall Street Journal story two days before the meeting. As he spoke, Buffett cut Flaherty’s microphone and ordered his security guards to eject Mr. Flaherty from the arena, who had an Omaha Police officer arrest Flaherty on the spot. “The silencing and arrest of a shareholder who was speaking in favor of a shareholder proposal has never before occurred at an annual meeting of a public company in the United States,” Flaherty said. “We look forward to having our day in court to hold Mr. Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway accountable for their actions,” said NLPC Counsel Paul Kamenar. It is expected that the federal court will rule in the coming weeks on Berkshire’s motion to dismiss. Click here for NLPC’s Brief. Click here for Exhibit #1 (charge dismissal document). Click here for Exhibit #2 (meeting transcript) Click here for Exhibit #3 (Flaherty Declaration) Click here for NLPC’s original Complaint (May 3, 2024) Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

August 21, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Supports California Governor Newsom’s Call to Halt Tribal Gaming Projects That Are Contrary to U.S. Department of Interior Precedent

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office urged the Department of the Interior not to move forward with new casino projects proposed by the Koi Nation of Northern California and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians at locations outside of their aboriginal homelands. In a letter to Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland, the Governor’s Office notes that both projects are far outside the aboriginal territory of the Koi Nation and the Scotts Valley Band and the Department of the Interior has failed to consider reasonable alternative locations within their Lake County homelands. The Governor’s Office also expressed concern that the Department of the Interior could stretch the limits of what is allowed under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to move these proposed casino projects forward, sidestepping the state and ignoring the concerns of other tribes and local communities. “ The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria appreciates Governor Newsom’s support in protecting tribal sovereignty against Interior’s unexplained rush to move these projects forward while ignoring the concerns of local tribes,” said Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Chairman Greg Sarris. “We have repeatedly explained to Interior that these projects will have devastating impacts to the rights and cultural resources of our Tribe and others in whose ancestral territory these prospective projects are located. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has ultimate responsibility for these decisions and needs to ensure that Interior is working to protect the interests of all tribes.” *** About the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. Legislation restoring federal recognition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria was signed into law in December 2000. Tribal lands are located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, CA. For more information, visit www.gratonrancheria.com. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Brianne Miller +1 650-575-7727 graton@landispr.com Company Website https://gratonrancheria.com/

August 20, 2024 04:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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New Survey Finds 1 in 10 US Workers are Digital Nomads: Social Contract and Policy Response Are Needed by Regulators and Corporations Alike

MBO Partners

The latest research conducted by​ MBO Partners® reveals that digital nomadism like many other social norms has evolved, faster than relevant regulation and corporate policies from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream work movement, necessitating urgent action from employers to adopt comprehensive policies now and for a change in the social contract between workers and corporations. The 2024 State of Independence Report shows that 11% of the U.S. workforce, or 18.1 million workers, now identify as digital nomads. Despite this trend, 36% of these workers operate without formal employer consent, exposing companies to significant regulatory, tax, compliance, and cybersecurity risks. As more workers aspire to this lifestyle, formal, enforceable policies become critical, enabling employers to mitigate risks and capitalize on this rapidly growing workforce segment. “Today, leading organizations know they must attract top talent to survive, including allowing workers to operate when and where they want,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “Implementing formal policies to track and engage with remote and nomadic workers should be considered standard practice. In this case, policies aren’t restrictive, they help attract the most in-demand workers while reducing potential legal, regulatory, and IT risks. At the same time today’s social contract is outdated and needs to be changed to reflect the reality of workers’ rights and to properly align work arrangements to reduce the regulatory burden on corporate America." Key trend insights revealed in this year’s study include: Digital Nomadism has evolved from niche to normal. The 2024 report reveals that more than one in ten workers is now a digital nomad, reflecting a 4.7% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 147% growth since 2019. Digital nomads now constitute 11% of the U.S. workforce, reflecting that this way of working is now the new normal for independent workers and traditional employees alike. Structured digital nomad programs are win-win for employers and workers alike. As digital nomadism becomes more prevalent, employers recognize the benefits of implementing these programs for talent acquisition and internal compliance with tax, legal and security policies. Digital nomads are ambassadors for work-life balance. Digital nomads often serve as ambassadors for their companies, showcasing the attractive work-life balance that employers of choice can offer. By aligning work projects with employees’ travel plans, companies can create a win-win situation where both productivity and employee satisfaction are maximized. This alignment not only enhances the employee experience but also fosters a positive and dynamic company culture. ‘Slomading’ and ‘Tethered Nomading’ trends strengthen social connections. Four in ten (40%) of digital nomads plan to spend more time in the U.S. next year, both due to the increasing complexities of travel and because they may have some in-office requirements. In fact, 51% plan to travel exclusively within the U.S., up from 42% in 2022. Digital nomads visit fewer locations but spend more time at each stop, a trend known as “slomading.” This approach provides a more active social life, reduces travel stress, and improves work productivity and relational diversity. Hidden corporate digital nomads create risks. Digital nomads with traditional jobs can leave their employers vulnerable to regulatory, tax, compliance, and legal risks. Despite these risks, few organizations have formal digital nomad policies. Many digital nomads work under informal agreements or without their employer’s knowledge, increasing legal and cybersecurity risks. About one-third of digital nomads with traditional jobs are “hidden,” meaning their companies are unaware of their nomadic status. Millions aspire to be digital nomads. In 2024, 21 million workers expressed a desire to become digital nomads, with 45 million considering it. This shows a significant interest in the lifestyle, despite only 7% to 9% of these aspirants becoming digital nomads. This data highlights a ready pool of potential digital nomads to fuel the trend’s continued future growth. To obtain a copy of the 2024 MBO Partners Digital Nomad research brief, please visit https://www.mbopartners.com/state-of-independence/digital-nomads About MBO Partners®​ MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate at the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit​ ​mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire PR Karen Swim, APR +1 586-461-2103 pr@mbopartners.com MBO Partners Michelle (Mick) Lee, Chief Administrative Officer mlee@mbopartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

August 20, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Four FeganScott Attorneys Named Among 2025 Best Lawyers in America and “Ones to Watch”

FeganScott

FeganScott is proud to announce that Elizabeth Fegan and Timothy Scott, managing partners of the firm, have been named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America rating guide, and attorneys Jonathan Lindenfeld and Megan Shannon to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America list. The annual Best Lawyers guide is one of the most respected publications in the legal industry, and for the third consecutive year, Elizabeth Fegan has been recognized in the Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs category for her advocacy on behalf of consumers who’ve been wronged, physically and financially, by defective products. Timothy Scott joined her in the guide, marking his fourth consecutive year of being recognized for his expertise in personal injury litigation. “It’s fulfilling to see our attorneys ranked among the top legal talent in the nation,” said Fegan. “As we celebrate FeganScott’s fifth anniversary this year, a particular point of pride is the team we’ve built – a sentiment we’re proud to see is shared by our peers.” For the second consecutive year, Best Lawyers recognized FeganScott attorneys Jonathan Lindenfeld and Megan Shannon as Ones to Watch for their early-career success and continued excellence in their prioritized practice areas: product liability litigation for Jonathan and mass tort and class action litigation for Megan. “FeganScott is built on the notion that everyone deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard, and Jonathan and Megan do an exceptional job of carrying that forward for our clients,” added Fegan. “When it comes to taking on big industry players and holding them accountable for wrongdoing, Jonathan and Megan are passionate advocates you want on your side.” The Best Lawyers in America guide is based on rigorous peer-review surveys and client evaluations and recognizes only the top 5% of elite lawyers in the nation across 150 practice areas. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in America. About FeganScott FeganScott is a national class action law firm dedicated to helping victims of civil rights violations, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and consumer fraud. The firm is championed by acclaimed veteran, class action attorneys who have successfully recovered $1 billion for victims nationwide. FeganScott is committed to pursuing successful outcomes with integrity and excellence while holding the responsible parties accountable. Contact Details Mark Firmani feganscottpr@firmani.com Company Website https://feganscott.com

August 15, 2024 01:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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