News from January 2024


OPINION: Union’s history reveals a pattern of self-dealing practices

Unite Here Local 11, a part of the larger Unite Here union, has come under scrutiny for its alleged history of self-dealing actions that seem to prioritize its political agenda over the well-being of its members. Analysis conducted by Globe Banner identified several incidents and practices that have raised concerns about the union's commitment to fair negotiations, worker representation, and responsible financial management. As a result of these actions, workers represented by Unite Here filed a decertification position with the National Labor Relations Board in August, asking for Unite Here to be removed as the official worker representative.


Columbia Pacific Business Finance announces $21 million secured term loan for purchase of Nevada HVAC firm Sunrise

Columbia Pacific Business Finance (CPBF) has extended a million-dollar loan to independent sponsor Ballard & Brown. This financial assistance was instrumental in the acquisition of Sunrise Mechanical and Sunrise Service, a prominent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company based in Henderson, Nevada. CPBF is recognized as a direct lender to privately-held and sponsor-backed companies, such as Ballard & Brown.


Ryan M. Gwillim named to Manitowoc Board of Directors

The lifting solutions company, Manitowoc, has announced the appointment of a new director and an expansion of its board of directors from nine to ten members. The election of Ryan Gwillim to the board will take effect immediately.


Sierra Space lands contract from Space Development Agency for missile warning and tracking satellites

The company, Sierra Space, has secured a contract to construct 18 satellites intended for missile warning and tracking. Under the agreement, Sierra Space will design, produce, and deliver 16 missile warning and tracking satellites along with two additional satellites specifically built for missile defense and fire control.


Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited announces appointments to senior management positions

Three individuals have been appointed to new positions at Butterfield. Michael Neff has been named Group Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Dallas will assume the role of Group Chief Experience Officer, and Jody Feldman has been promoted to Managing Director of Bermuda.


Dampier Salt agrees to sell Lake MacLeod salt and gypsum operation

The salt and gypsum operation in Carnarvon, Western Australia is set to be sold to Leichhardt Industrials Group. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized before the year's end.


As China’s economy slows, Africa stands at a critical juncture

As China's economic influence wanes, Africa finds itself at a pivotal moment where self-sufficiency is key. The reduction in Chinese lending to the continent has prompted a need for Africa to take charge of its own development. "With Chinese lending to Africa shrinking, the continent must find ways to support its own development," a critical observation made in light of the changing economic landscape.One potential avenue for Africa to bolster its development is by focusing on internal trade and diversifying its tradeable goods beyond commodities. By doing so, the...


Maropost hires Kristyn Wallace as Country Manager and Vice President of Revenue for Australia

Kristyn Wallace, previously the Regional Vice President of Revenue and Country Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan at Emarsys, has joined Maropost. In her new role, she will be responsible for assisting local retailers in launching and scaling their businesses.


Binance Labs leads SkyArk Chronicles funding round

Singapore-based Web3 gaming ecosystem, SkyArk Chronicles, has announced the successful completion of a $15 million funding round. The round was led by Binance Labs, the venture capital arm of Binance, which is globally recognized as the largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of trading volume.


State Department Federal Credit Union announces personnel changes

Rachel Rust has been appointed as the Chief Experience Officer at the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU), while Victor Rust assumes the role of Chief Retail Officer.


International Monetary Fund responds to debt treatment agreement by Ghana and its official creditors

Ghana has reached an agreement with its official creditors under the G20 Framework for Debt Treatment, as announced by the country’s Ministry of Finance. This arrangement is anticipated to channel additional resources towards public investments within the nation.


Matt Berman appointed Chief Executive Officer at Foresters Financial

Foresters Financial, a life insurance company with a history spanning nearly 150 years, has appointed Matt Berman as its new president and chief executive officer. Berman replaces Rene Zanin, who had been serving as the interim president and CEO. Since joining Foresters Financial in 2017, Berman has played a significant role in the company's growth and development.


Wiseband joins forces with Rivada Space Networks to expand in the Middle East

Satellite services firm Wiseband has formed a partnership with Rivada Space Networks to deliver secure internet connections across the Middle East. This strategic alliance is anticipated to broaden Wiseband’s connectivity initiatives from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, and Egypt, to emerging markets within the region.


Keystone Acquisition Partners expands platform partners with acquisition of LifeQuotes

Keystone Agency Partners (KAP), a life insurance brokerage platform, has announced its latest acquisition this week, increasing their total platform partners to 20. Established in 2020, KAP specializes in acquiring or partnering with independent insurance agencies.


Fullcast announces successful capital campaign, new leadership

Tech entrepreneur Ryan Westwood has taken the helm at Fullcast as CEO this year, with a vision to transform the company into the first integrated revenue operations platform for a customer’s entire journey.


Cvent expands trade show, conference capabilities with latest acquisitions

Cvent, a leading event marketing and management platform, has recently acquired Jifflenow and iCapture to enhance trade show experiences with improved lead capture and scheduling capabilities.


Advent Technologies Holdings introduces the company's new chief financial officer

Naiem Hussain has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. Prior to this role, he served as the company's chief investment officer. He takes over from Kevin Brackman.


US Food and Drug Administration approves Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ ZELSUVMI

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval to ZELSUVMI, a topical medication designed to treat molluscum contagiosum, a highly contagious skin infection that most frequently affects children. This condition is characterized by red lesions with a central viral core.


LBBS Canada announces appointment of Senior Vice President

The distributor of specialty ingredients and chemicals, LBB Specialties, has announced the appointment of Jake Jevric as the new Senior Vice President of LBBS Canada. In his new role, Jevric will be responsible for the development and execution of business and commercial strategy.


Fortera announces new Senior Vice President of Capital Project Execution

Greg DiCosola has been appointed as the Senior Vice President of Capital Projects Execution for Fortera, a green cement company. Prior to this role, DiCosola was associated with cleantech company Twelve, which specialized in power-to-liquids and SAF production.