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OPG issues $300 million in bonds under Sustainable Finance Framework

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Canada’s largest corporate green bond issuer has raised $1.5B in 2024

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2024 /CNW/ – Ontario Power Generation has issued $300 million of bonds under its Sustainable Finance Framework.

The company will use net proceeds of the September issuance to fund a range of low-carbon energy projects.

Since 2018, OPG has been Canada’s largest corporate issuer of green bonds, totalling approximately $4.6 billion, including offerings by its subsidiaries. To date in 2024, OPG and its subsidiaries have issued $1.5 billion in green bonds, including $1.3 billion under the recently released Sustainable Finance Framework.

OPG offered the bonds as part of its medium-term notes program in each Canadian province, through a syndicate of agents jointly led by RBC Capital Markets and TD Capital Markets as Lead Agents and Joint Bookrunners.

Key facts

Under the company’s new Sustainable Finance Framework, OPG may use proceeds to fund expenditures and program investments to enable opportunities for Indigenous communities and majority-owned Indigenous businesses and organizations. Examples could include OPG:Procuring products and services from Indigenous-owned businessesProviding programs that empower Indigenous-owned businesses through training, education on potential business opportunities, and mentoringProviding financing to Indigenous communities, Indigenous-owned corporations or partnerships to enable equity participation in projects of OPG or its subsidiariesOPG may also use proceeds to fund expenditures and program investments to provide specialized training, development, mentorship, and employment opportunities to Indigenous persons.Energy-related projects and programs included under the framework include:New nuclear projects, such as Small Modular Reactors, and large new nuclear, in addition to maintenance or refurbishment of existing facilitiesRenewable energy projects like hydro refurbishment, solar, wind, and hydrogen productionEnergy efficiency and management solutions such as energy storage and clean fuel storageClean transportation initiatives such as zero-emissions vehiclesInitiatives to increase climate adaptation and resilience capabilities for flood protection and extreme weather.This builds on OPG’s Green Bond Framework (2021), which for the first time, permitted funding of refurbishment and maintenance of existing nuclear facilities, in recognition of nuclear energy’s role in the global clean economy.OPG will update investors annually on the allocation of proceeds.

Quote

“Provincial forecasts show demand for low-carbon electricity potentially doubling by 2050,” said Aida Cipolla, OPG’s Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Officer. “This and future bond issuances will play a key role as we build out the low-carbon electricity system necessary to meet that demand, while also facilitating economic Reconciliation, another of OPG’s core commitments.”

Caution regarding forward-looking information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plans”, or “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this press release includes, among other things, statements regarding the intended use of net proceeds from the offering and the anticipated closing of the offering. This forward-looking information is based on a variety of assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Additional detailed information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is included in OPG’s securities regulatory filings, including its most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis, which can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About OPG

As one of North America’s largest, most diverse electricity generators, OPG invests in local economies and employs thousands of people across Ontario and the US. OPG and its family of companies are advancing the development of new low-carbon technologies, refurbishment projects, and electrification initiatives to power the growing demands of a clean economy. Learn more about how the company is delivering these initiatives while prioritizing people, partnerships, and strong communities by reading OPG’s Integrated ESG Annual Report.

Follow us on X (Twitter): @opg

SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.

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Trainocate Wins Cisco Learning Partner of the Year – APJC for Second Consecutive Year

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BANGALORE, India, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trainocate Holdings, a leading global provider of technology and business training solutions, today announced that it has been awarded the Cisco Learning Partner of the Year 2024 for Asia Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC) for the second year in a row.

This prestigious award recognizes Trainocate’s outstanding performance, commitment to customer success, and dedication to delivering high-quality Cisco training programs across the region.

“To be recognized once was an honour beyond words, but to be bestowed this distinction again is truly humbling and a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement of those who have walked this journey with us,” said Takashi Ozawa, President & CEO of Trainocate Holdings. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who has been a part of our success. This award reflects our core values of collaboration, excellence, and customer centricity, and it inspires us to continue upholding them in everything we do.”

“Receiving the Cisco Learning Partner of the Year award for a second consecutive year is a true reflection of our team’s dedication and our unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Khor Hee Soo, CTO of Trainocate Holdings, Managing Director for India, and Chairman for Sri Lanka and UAE. “This recognition not only celebrates the hard work of everyone at Trainocate but also reinforces our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations across the APJC region with transformative learning solutions. We are deeply grateful to Cisco for their partnership and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and impact in the learning and development space.”

During the award ceremony held on 23 October 2024, Cisco highlighted Trainocate’s impressive achievements within the past year, including:

32% of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) seats sold in the APJC region.45% of Cisco U subscriptions sold in the APJC region.Exceptional learner satisfaction on score of 94%.

These accomplishments demonstrate Trainocate’s strong track record of delivering impactful and engaging learning experiences that help professionals achieve their career goals and organizations drive digital transformation.

As a Cisco Platinum Learning Partner, Trainocate offers a comprehensive portfolio of authorized Cisco training courses, certifications, and learning solutions. With over 29 years of experience, Trainocate is a trusted partner for organizations seeking to upskill their workforce and stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

About Trainocate Holdings

Trainocate Holdings is a leading provider of IT and professional training, offering a comprehensive range of courses and certifications across various domains.

Boasting a global presence in 22 countries (and counting!) and a commitment to excellence, Trainocate empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential through continuous learning and development.

With 30+ authorized training partnerships and countless awards from leading technology vendors, you’re guaranteed learning from the industry’s elite when you #GetTrainocated.

For more information, visit Trainocate’s website www.trainocate.com.

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Can Independent Physicians Survive in 2025?

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Learn How at an Exclusive Webinar on Nov. 20th Hosted by Medical Economics and Specialdocs 

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In healthcare change is inevitable, but for independent physicians already facing an uncertain economic forecast in 2025, the prospect of a new administration is sparking even more concern. To help decipher the implications of an ever-evolving regulatory and reimbursement landscape, Medical Economics has teamed up with Terry Bauer, CEO of concierge medicine pioneer Specialdocs Consultants, and Max Reiboldt, Chairman of leading healthcare advisory, Coker, to present an exclusive, informational webinar for physicians on November 20th. Bauer and Reiboldt bring insights gained collectively over more than a century advising physicians on career strategies, to address the headwinds that threaten to topple private medical practices, and explain why concierge medicine offers one of today’s most viable pathways to retaining independence. 

Prominent healthcare industry experts share how physicians can thrive in 2025: join our complimentary webinar on Nov. 20th.

CLICK HERE to register for “2025 Forecast for Physicians: Financial Headwinds, Continued Burnout, and How Concierge Medicine May Be the Cure for What Ails You” at 7 pm CST/8 pm EST on Wednesday, November 20th.

“Now representing just 22% of all practices,1 the independent physician is in danger of disappearing altogether amid unrelenting financial, professional and personal pressures,” says Bauer. “Among other challenges, rising costs to operate a traditional practice and continual cuts to Medicare reimbursements have contributed to an overall 29% downward slide in Medicare compensation over the last two decades.”2

He continues: “Yet we know that a change to our membership medicine model can prove lifesaving, restoring practice sustainability and ushering in a new era of unparalleled career satisfaction. We’ve long championed this solution for physicians in private practice, who have been consistently unappreciated for the very real value they bring to their patients and the health system.” 

Adds Reiboldt: “Physicians in private practice are still a cornerstone of our healthcare system yet are facing challenges that threaten their existence. More and more physicians are affiliating with capital and/or strategic partners, which is not a bad thing but still threatens their independence and private structure.”

A number of crucial issues will be examined during the webinar. “We will approach these with sensitivity as all providers (physicians, health systems, private and public investors, et al) share in both the credit and the blame for our current state of affairs,” says Reiboldt.

Topics will include:

The new administration’s approach to lowering costs, reducing regulatory barriers to consolidation and expanding price transparency mandates for healthcare services.Future use of AI and other technologies to drive greater efficiencies, quality of care.The outlook for primary care providers and programs such as Medicare Advantage, risk-based reimbursement, quality incentives.How upcoming changes in reimbursement and regulations impact the financial viability of traditional practices.Strategies for maintaining or regaining independence as a practitioner; concierge medicine as a model offering sustainable financial security and work-life balance.

About Our Speakers

Terry Bauer is CEO of Specialdocs Consultants. With more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience, Terry has a reputation for bringing about positive change as a strategist, builder, and driver of successful, high-performance companies. Terry’s mission at Specialdocs: to elevate the profile and escalate the growth of this firm that has pioneered the transition from traditional to independent concierge medicine practices, with a focus on expanding the reach and portfolio of high-quality services provided to the company’s growing national network of exceptional physicians. Terry’s career includes a long tenure as co-founder, president, CEO, and director of Orion HealthCorp, a national physician services and management organization. He has served on the board of directors of Specialdocs since Shore Capital Partners invested in the firm in 2015, and became CEO of the company in 2016.

Max Reiboldt, CPA, is Chairman of Coker. His 45 years of work in business and industry, primarily involving healthcare providers, has given him invaluable experience. He handles strategic, tactical, financial, and management issues that health systems, physicians, and other healthcare entities and/or investors face in today’s evolving marketplace. Max understands the nuances of the healthcare industry in a dynamic age, and how healthcare organizations need to maintain viability in a highly competitive market. Whether a transitional provider or a more trailblazing healthcare entity, Max works to provide sound solutions to everyday and long-range challenges with a hands-on approach much valued by his clients. Max oversees Coker’s services as part of the Executive Committee, and maintains his passion for working with clients and organizations of all sizes.

Physician’s Advocacy Institute reportAMA 2024 Medicare Updates

Media Contact:
Mindy Kolof
mkolof@specialdocs.com 
8479213271

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SOURCE Specialdocs Consultants

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Rokid Glasses: Where AI Meets AR, Rivaling Meta’s Ray-Ban in an Exclusive Unveiling at Rokid Jungle 2024

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Rokid is poised to unveil its groundbreaking next-generation smart glasses, the Rokid Glasses, at the highly anticipated Rokid Jungle 2024 event, set to take place on 18 November in Hangzhou, China. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence with augmented reality, Rokid Glasses represent the pinnacle of innovation. As the most eagerly awaited event in the augmented reality calendar, Rokid Jungle 2024 is destined to be the largest and most consequential gathering of its kind on the global stage. With an impressive turnout expected of over 1,000 distinguished attendees, the event will serve as a landmark occasion, bringing together partners, visionaries, and industry leaders. The launch of the Rokid Glasses promises to elevate the smart daily experience to unprecedented heights, setting new standards in the realm of wearable technology.

Rokid Glasses: Transforming AI and AR into an Essential Daily Gadget for All
Rokid Glasses combine style, comfort, and lightweight design with intuitive, AI-powered features. Integrated with Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen AI, Rokid Glasses offer a range of capabilities, including object recognition, text translation, and even solving complex math problems. It can calculate the calorie content of food or provide real-time language translation, making it an indispensable tool for travelers.

Empowered by Zhi Xiaobao, Alibaba’s AI assistant, Rokid Glasses allow users to take full control of their world with simple voice commands, whether booking a ride or ordering a coffee. The advanced voiceprint recognition technology also facilitates secure payments via Alipay, ensuring a seamless and trusted connection to the user’s phone. Alipay’s cutting-edge AI audio detection technology guarantees top-tier security and fraud prevention during transactions.

A standout feature of Rokid Glasses is the ability to view message notifications directly through the glasses, effectively replacing the need for a phone screen. This functionality hints at a future where Rokid Glasses may evolve into a central hub of daily life, potentially replacing smartphones altogether as an essential tech gadget. “We’ve crafted our new glasses to redefine the user experience, bringing the world’s first AI+AR glasses to daily life,” says Misa Zhu, Founder and CEO of Rokid. “Our mission is to make high-quality AI+AR glasses accessible to everyone, and this launch marks a bold step in that direction.” True to Rokid’s ethos of Leave Nobody Behind, the Rokid Glasses bridge gaps in accessibility, usability, and comfort, ensuring that everyone can experience the transformative power of innovation.

Rokid’s Role to Impact Global Tech Arena and Its Commitments for leading AR Industry
Rokid is making significant strides in transforming the museum experience using augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance visitor engagement. By providing immersive, interactive experiences, Rokid brings historical artifacts and exhibitions to life in exciting new ways. With over 2.5 million users benefiting from its AR glasses and more than 300,000 of these users have made actual purchases and are actively engaged with the devices. Even more striking is the fact that Rokid users spend an average of 2 hours and 45 minutes daily with Rokid glasses—this not only underscores the strong appeal of Rokid’s products but also reflects the growing consumer interest in and adoption of augmented reality technology.

Rokid’s ecosystem continues to flourish, with over 6,200 registered developers, highlighting the company’s significant progress in cultivating an open and thriving ecosystem. As the race in augmented reality heats up, major players are competing for dominance in this rapidly evolving space. With AR technology expanding its global footprint, the question remains: who will emerge as the true leader in the AR industry? While the collaboration between Ray-Ban and Meta has brought new energy to the smart glasses market, Meta continues to face challenges. Despite a decade of investment in XR, VR, and AR, Meta has made strides with VR hardware like the Meta Quest but still struggles with slow user adoption and limited AR functionality.

Rokid Jungle 2024: A Decade of Breaking Boundaries in Augmented Reality
Rokid Jungle 2024 commemorates a significant milestone: Rokid’s 10th anniversary and the beginning of the next decade of AR innovation. From its founding in 2014, Rokid has maintained a relentless focus on human-computer interaction, driving the evolution of AR technology through unwavering dedication to innovation. From setting industry standards with the original Rokid Glass to the highly regarded consumer product Rokid Air, and now with the trendsetting AR Studio and AR Lite, Rokid has played a key role in propelling the AR industry forward.

With the launch of the latest Rokid Glasses, the company reaffirms its leadership in the new wave of AR technological innovation. To mark this remarkable milestone, Rokid is delighted to offer a $20 benefit on all purchases made via the official website, using the code ROKID10 at checkout. Looking ahead, Rokid is thrilled to showcase its innovations at CES 2025, where will continue to lead the charge in AR technology. Rokid looks forward to seeing you there and sharing the next chapter of this exciting journey.

Email: pr@rokid.com
Rokid Official Website https://global.rokid.com/

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SOURCE Rokid

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