Executive military leader specializing in organizational planning and operations brings decades of deep experience in managing roles, missions, and capabilities to the ThroughPut Advisory Board
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ThroughPut Inc., the Industrial Supply Chain AI pioneer, today announced the addition of retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Max J. Stitzer to its Board of Advisors. Brig. Gen. Stitzer, a well-respected and highly-decorated officer, who most recently served as Deputy to the Director of the Air Staff Headquarters of the United States Air Force; and Principal Deputy Director for Logistics, The Joint Staff at the Pentagon. As part of the role, he coordinated and integrated policy, strategy, resources, processes, and cross-functional issues for the Air Staff. Being the senior Air Force Reserve officer on the staff, General Stitzer represented Air Force Reserve equities in the Air Force’s Total Force Continuum effort, and has gathered invaluable expertise across all levels of the Reserve of the Air Force, as well as in the Air Force Reserve Command – a force of over 70,000 reserve airmen who serve in operational missions across the globe.
With ongoing supply chain disruptions and the ensuing shortages in several sectors continuing to present defense capacity challenges, U.S. Department of Defense organizations are evaluating supply chain technologies that accelerate equipment readiness. ThroughPut’s AI-driven approach bridges the gap between the base level and enterprise level of maintenance and procurement, in order to make existing materiel more accessible within the extended Department of Defense.
“General Stitzer was the first leader to advocate for our dual-use capabilities within the US Air Force and greater Department of Defense. Over the last two years, his Total Force network has broadened our own understanding of defense supply chains and operations, while we have reciprocated with sharing our know-how in leveraging existing supply chain data to improve Aircraft Availability and Mission Capability Rates. We are honored to be working with Gen. Stitzer towards enabling ThroughPut.ai access to the frontlines, now at an unprecedented scale,” stated Ali Raza, CEO of ThroughPut.ai
“I am humbled to have been chosen to be a Member of ThroughPut Inc.’s Board of Advisors,” added General Stitzer. “I am very excited to work with ThroughPut’s team of AI and supply chain experts in finding solutions to business, logistics, and military challenges as they look to transform bottlenecks into opportunities for increased margin, sustainment and growth. ThroughPut is not only leveraging Artificial Intelligence but also democratizing it across organizations to find solutions to relentless supply chain challenges both today and into the future.” he added.
Brigadier General Max Stitzer’s distinguished military career included decades of experience spanning across influential government projects, during which time he has won numerous awards, accolades, and decorations. Having graduated in Science and Logistics Management at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, General Stitzer followed up with a Master’s Degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, complementing his three decades of national service helping him earned promotions every few years. Brigadier General Stitzer has accumulated a vast majority of his experience in logistics and maintenance support, which will prove instrumental in supporting ThroughPut.AI and the next phase of his career growth.
ThroughPut.ai is a Silicon Valley-based Supply Chain AI leader that extends visibility into actionability by tapping into existing data to accelerate sustainable material flow, free-cash-flow, logistics distribution and higher OTIFs. ThroughPut puts operational improvements on autopilot to optimize costs, reduce CO2 emissions and grow efficiencies across end-to-end value chains. By way of ThroughPut’s Supply Chain AI Orchestration software that sits on top of existing data architectures, ThroughPut improves material flow and free-cash-flow across the entire end-to-end value chain more than 5-times faster than leading contemporary solutions. The founding team is led by seasoned serial entrepreneurs with real-world AI, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Transportation and Operational experience, from the shop-floor to the top-floor, at leading Fortune 500 Industrial Companies & pioneering Enterprise Technology companies.
WESTERLY, R.I., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust” or “the Bank”), the wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: WASH), today announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) that resolves alleged violations of fair lending laws in Rhode Island from 2016 to 2021. The settlement does not include any civil monetary penalties.
Washington Trust vehemently denies the allegations and entered into this agreement solely to avoid the expense and distraction of potential ligation, and to allow the Bank to focus fully on serving the needs of its customers and communities.
“We believe we have been fully compliant with the letter and spirit of fair lending laws, and the agreement will further strengthen our focus on an area that has always been important to us,” stated Edward O. “Ned” Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Rhode Island has been home to Washington Trust for 223 years and our neighbors count on us to provide affordable loan opportunities no matter where they live.”
“We care about all of our communities across Rhode Island, and we demonstrate our commitment through a number of proactive state-wide and corporate initiatives,” added Handy. “For example, our Washington Trust RI Community Lending Program offers a variety of creative affordable loan opportunities, and our financial literacy and educational programs help potential borrowers prepare for home ownership. In addition, our dedicated team includes multi-lingual and minority community outreach and loan officers. We believe it is as a result of our proactive community efforts that we have steadily increased our lending in Majority-Minority Census Tracts as we’ve expanded our branch network.”
Under the agreement, Washington Trust will provide $7 million in mortgage loan subsidies over a five-year period for mortgage, home improvement, or refinance loans, in specific census tracts in RI. Washington Trust will also commit $2 million for focused community outreach and marketing efforts. Over the past five years, Washington Trust has invested significantly in mortgage loan subsidies, community outreach, and marketing in Majority-Minority Census Tracts, and will continue these efforts to make positive impact in these communities.
“As the oldest community bank in the nation, we were founded to provide people with a trustworthy and local financial partner, and that mission continues to guide us today. We deliver a consistently superior banking experience to each and every member of the community, and that contributes directly to our solid financial foundation and the steady performance that we have achieved for more than two centuries. We look forward to serving our community long into the future,” concluded Handy.
ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (“the Corporation), NASDAQ: WASH, is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust”, “the Bank”), with $7.0 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information, visit the Corporation’s website at ir.washtrust.com, or the Bank’s website at www.washtrust.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This report contains statements that are “forward-looking statements.” We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the SEC, in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “outlook,” “will,” “should,” and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different than the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following:
changes in general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which we operate;
changes in customer behavior due to political, business, and economic conditions, including inflation and concerns about liquidity;
interest rate changes or volatility, as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits;
changes in loan demand and collectability;
the possibility that future credit losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions or adverse economic developments;
ongoing volatility in national and international financial markets;
reductions in the market value or outflows of wealth management AUA;
decreases in the value of securities and other assets;
increases in defaults and charge-off rates;
changes in the size and nature of our competition;
changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies, and guidelines;
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changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements.
In addition, the factors described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the SEC, may result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans, and estimates at the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events, or other changes.
Foundation to invest in organizations that serve veterans recovering from recent Natural disasters in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) has received a $5 million donation from longtime partner, the Embassy of the State of Qatar. Through December 2024, the Foundation will invest the funds in organizations that are helping Florida veterans rebuild from recent natural disasters, including those who were impacted when Hurricane Ian devastated many parts of the state one year ago this week.
In the final quarter of 2023, a total of $1.26 million will be invested in the following organizations supporting veterans in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida:
Boley Centers, Inc. will improve the stability of at least 80 veteran households in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian by providing financial assistance for transportation, utilities, food, employment, and housing.
Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program will provide peer-to-peer community outreach and evidence-based mental health care to improve the mental health and well-being of at least 60 veterans and families who were in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Homeless Empowerment Program will provide rental assistance and community-based case management to at least 75 veterans in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing. BWF-Qatar funding will also support a fixed-route shuttle service to the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for Veterans experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County, providing veterans with timely, reliable access to mental health, substance abuse, and physical health care.
Rutgers University Foundation’s Vets4Warriors will provide peer support and connection to services for at least 500 veterans and families in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian, improving their quality of life.
St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) CARES will provide emergency shelter for at least 18 veterans experiencing homelessness in Hillsborough County. This funding will also complement SVdP CARES’ federal funding, enabling them to provide transportation, utilities, food, employment, and housing assistance to a minimum of 46 veterans in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian, improving their household stability.
Volunteers of America of Florida will ensure that at least 100 veterans in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian receive assistance to improve their household stability. VOAFL will reach veterans in Charlotte, Manatee, Highlands, Hillsborough, and Brevard Counties.
In 2024, the Foundation will invest remaining funds from the Embassy of the State of Qatar for natural disaster relief funding in programs and services for veterans across more than 25 counties most heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding here: https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/grants/
“The Bob Woodruff Foundation has been on the forefront of disaster relief for veterans, mobilizing millions in relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey in Houston, the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian last year,” said Anne Marie Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “In partnership with the Embassy of the State of Qatar, we’re committed to continuing this work by supporting long-term hurricane recovery throughout the region and positively impacting those who have honorably served our nation.”
“The people of west Florida are resilient, particularly military veterans,” said Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the U.S. “The progress toward recovery that has already been made since Hurricane Ian is remarkable. But as those whose lives have been changed dramatically by the storm know all too well, full recovery from a disaster of that magnitude takes time and long-term resources. Qatar is always ready to come to the aid of our American friends in times of need. The Bob Woodruff Foundation, with which we have worked on a range of programs over the years, has extraordinary experience doing the difficult, important work necessary to achieve real, lasting recovery. We are honored to partner with them again, and to support our friends in Florida.”
Additionally, in September, the Foundation organized facility improvement activities at the Boley Centers in St. Petersburg and the Homeless Empowerment Program in Clearwater. Projects include painting and installing shelving, flooring, lighting, plumbing and furnishings.
As the nation’s leading nonprofit for veterans, BWF has been instrumental in addressing the most pressing issues facing veterans and military families across the country. The Foundation is committed to ensuring long-term support in Florida – home to the third largest veteran population – investing nearly $1 million in 15 partner organizations across the state since 2020. These partners range in the portfolio of services they provide to veterans, service members and their families including emergency financial assistance, legal services and housing support.
About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $146 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures. Visit. www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org for more information.
About the Qatar-US Partnership The United States established diplomatic relations with Qatar in 1972. The relationship has flourished in the subsequent 50 years, and today, the countries cooperate closely on a wide range of regional and global issues and enjoy deep commercial, educational, and cultural ties. In defense, Qatar and the US collaborate financially, politically, and militarily to work toward stability and prosperity for the region, with US President Joe Biden naming Qatar a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2022, one of just 18 countries globally with that designation. Qatar is home to Al-Udeid Air Base, where it has hosted US Central Command Forward Headquarters and a large US military contingent for decades. Qatar has also routinely come to the assistance of Americans in difficult times by donating to U.S. communities to support efforts to recover from natural disasters, including in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — WILBUR launches its boldly futuristic, advanced automotive-inspired approach to horology into orbit for its latest release: the world-class, avant-garde WILBUR LEO JW1. Combining a truly innovative, one-of-a-kind approach to the classic jumping hour complication with an intricate, sculptural design and visual touches lifted straight from the famous UFO wreckage in Roswell, New Mexico, the LEO collection elevates WILBUR’s bold horological vision to greater heights than ever before. The LEO is also the platform for the WILBUR Engine One – the brand’s first-ever movement, designed in-house at CEO and Chief Designer Jason Wilbur’s Southern California design studio and made in Switzerland. After seven years of development and countless hours of styling and engineering, the LEO is ready for blast off.
Combining elements from world-class custom car chassis and sci-fi mechanical structures, the LEO’s eight-part modular titanium housing goes far beyond the typical watch case. WILBUR’s modular approach gives every angle and facet of this design the utmost attention to detail. WILBUR’s intelligent approach to ergonomic design and lightweight construction ensures this watch also fits a wide range of wrists.
Alien hieroglyphs appear to dominate the LEO’s complex, multi-layered skeleton dial, spread across a pair of broad overlapping suspended disks Inspired by symbols found on “UFO wreckage” in Roswell, New Mexico, these two sets of angular, striking markings converge at the center of the dial underneath a wild, avant-garde suspended skeleton bridge. In the bridge’s central ring the “alien language” is deciphered, and the central jump hour display is revealed.
With a proprietary alloy never before used in a watch movement, The WILBUR Engine One movement appears to float inside the LEO’s exoskeleton thanks to WILBUR’s signature case suspension system that keeps the movement and dial secure while giving them a bold, almost weightless look inside the case. Each WILBUR LEO’s performance is every bit as cutting-edge as its styling. A dependable 50-hour power reserve and a smooth 4 HZ frequency means the LEO isn’t just a game-changing design – it’s ready for practical use as well.
“Welcome to the new Wild-West. The WILBUR brand exemplifies the spirit of pioneers by pushing the limits of what’s possible and never backing down from a challenge – just like our customers.” – Jason Wilbur
The WILBUR LEO JW1 ranges from $32,500 to $36,500. WilburWatchCo.com
EATONTOWN, N.J., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Crum & Forster’s (C&F) Accident & Health (A&H) Division announces the promotion of Rob Cody to Senior Vice President of Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance. He previously served as Vice President and Chief Counsel for the Division’s Medical Business Unit. In his new role, Rob will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Legal, Regulatory and Compliance teams in support of the Division’s growth goals, while mitigating risk and maintaining compliance for all A&H’s diverse portfolio of products and programs marketed both domestically and internationally.
Crum & Forster Accident & Health Promotes Rob Cody to Senior Vice President of Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance
“Rob has contributed significantly to the A&H Division’s success and profitable growth throughout his tenure at C&F,” said Sharon Mattingly, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Crum & Forster Accident & Health. “Legal, Regulatory and Compliance are critical to our business, and we are pleased to have someone as capable as Rob at the helm. We are thrilled for him and expect great things from him in his new role.”
“The Accident & Health Division within C&F has, in a little more than twenty years, grown to approximately $1.9 billion. Rob is an asset to our Division and has been part of that growth as new products and business units have been established and numerous acquisitions made,” shared Gary McGeddy, President of Accident & Health at C&F. “Rob’s depth of understanding of our diverse business and set of products as well as the legal and compliance landscape is a real benefit to the A&H Division and C&F overall.”
Rob has worked within the insurance industry since the 1990s, holding roles of progressive responsibility across various business segments and functions, with a focus on legal, regulatory and compliance.
Rob earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Wesleyan University (CT), and his J.D from Temple University’sJames E. Beasley School of Law.
About Crum & Forster Accident & Health Crum & Forster, rated “A” Excellent by A M Best (2023), is a national commercial property and casualty group of insurance companies. Since 2000, Crum & Forster’s Accident & Health Division has offered a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance products nationwide. We place a strong focus on product development and creative distribution methods, along with excellent client service and support. In addition, our ability to provide international Accident & Health solutions through innovative captive solutions as well as through various partnerships with our affiliated entities demonstrates our dedication to providing alternative strategies in an ever-changing insurance market. Follow us on LinkedIn,X and Instagram.
The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company.
Media Contact Amy Whilldin AVP, Public Relations & Communications [email protected]
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Black Box, a trusted global technology solutions provider, celebrates yet another landmark achievement of its Cybersecurity business, which is offered under the brand name – Cybalt. In September of 2023, this specialized Cybersecurity business unit onboarded 17 prominent clients in the United States from diverse industries, including a notable name from the Fortune 500 list. Black Box is one of Essar’s key investments in the technology and retail sector.
Black Box Cybersecurity Wins 17 Marquee US Customers
Black Box has cemented its reputation by offering next-generation security solutions to its global clientele over the past years. Placing client security at the forefront of its operations and leveraging state-of-the-art Security Operation Centers in the US and India, Black Box provides 24/7 monitoring and management services. Addition of the new customers expands Black Box’s share of wallet and solutions portfolio within its existing and new customer base with a significant expansion of clientele for the Cybersecurity business.
“The Cybersecurity Business Unit’s rapid success stems from our seasoned and experienced global team, with deep domain expertise in cybersecurity,” said Khiro Mishra, SVP of Black Box & Global Head of cybersecurity business. “Our strength lies in crafting tailor-made solutions to address client-specific needs, ensuring they remain secure around the clock,” he added.
As digital transformation shapes industries, Black Box remains committed to providing unrivaled services and experiences for its global clientele. Black Box Cybersecurity services play a pivotal role to comply with this vision, harmonizing Black Box’s diverse technology service offerings.
Mr. Sanjeev Verma, President and CEO of Black Box, emphasized the strategic significance of cybersecurity endeavors in the current global landscape. “In an age where cybersecurity is of paramount importance, Black Box recognizes the importance of fortifying and scaling its capabilities. Our dedication to invest in the technology landscape and enhance competency in the cybersecurity space showcases our commitment to keep our clients not only digitally enabled but also digitally secured,” Verma commented.
With its unwavering dedication to client security and constant endeavors for innovation, the cybersecurity division of Black Box firmly establishes its overarching vision for a secure digital future.
Black Box offers cutting-edge services in Digital Infrastructure, Enterprise Networking, and Digital Collaboration, aligning seamlessly with the ever-evolving business environment. The company is gearing up to fortify its presence in crucial domains, such as Data Center services, Networking solutions, and Cybersecurity offerings. With a strong focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and comprehensive solutions, Black Box is well-poised to redefine industry standards and emerge as a technology and communications leader.
About Black Box:
Black Box® is a trusted IT solutions provider delivering cutting-edge technology solutions and world-class consulting services to businesses around the globe. For more information, log on to www.blackbox.com
The Cybersecurity Business Unit offers full cybersecurity lifecycle services, including advisory, system integration, and end-to-end managed security.
About Essar:
Essar Global Fund Limited (EGFL) is a global investor which invests in building and nurturing world-class assets diversified across the core sectors of Energy (comprising of Energy Transition, Exploration & Production, Refining & Marketing and Power businesses), Infrastructure & Logistics (comprising Ports, Projects and Green Mobility businesses), Metals & Mining (Green Steel project and DRI pellets) and Technology & Retail (comprising Shipping, Oilfield services, Technology Solutions and FnV Retail). EGFL portfolio companies have aggregate revenues of US$15 billion and employ over 7,000 people. Its investments are managed by Essar Capital that monitors the entire portfolio of investments owned by EGFL. www.essar.com
