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Forbes
9 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Getting To Know You Tuesday: Brad Garland
Brad Garland Raeley Stevenson Brad Garland is a Certified Public Accountant who understands the concept of giving back. He serves as a partner and founder at Honeycomb CPAs & Advisors—and he's a dad—all while staying busy in his community in Huntsville, Alabama. Brad is also a founding member of the Accelerate chapter of BNI. He serves the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Kinertia (the entity that curates TEDxHuntsville), and the Liberty Learning Foundation. He sits on the Auburn University's School of Accountancy Advisory Council and is also a co-founder of Rocket City Scholarship Granting Organization. Here's what else Brad had to say: Where are you now? I'm in a historic school turned multi-use space – above a brewery, below a tattoo studio, next to a ping pong facility. What's your job title, and what does it mean? Partner of a CPA firm, meaning curating and managing the team, the clients, and the culture of a practice in the community. Tax, law, and accounting are such broad topics. What's your area of special interest? The tax world has always been a fascinating one – a mix of understanding personal needs of the taxpayers while navigating the ever-changing tax code that's the result of political forces in the local and national economy. What's the first thing you typically do while at work? Make myself a cup of coffee! If you had an extra couple of hours open up in your day—outside of work—what would you do? Honing my Mario Kart skills so my kids don't taunt me. What's one tool or resource that you couldn't live without at work? I use a trackball instead of a mouse, and it makes navigating PDFs, websites, and emails much easier. If you weren't working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be? Paleontologist—but maybe indoors? What's the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you? Invest in Roth IRA early – especially before kids and the messy middle. What books or magazines are on your nightstand? Some X-Men graphic novels and 'Rise of the Creative Class.' What would I be surprised to know about you? I was an extra in the movie 'Big Fish.' If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow—an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever—what would it be and why? Raise the Form 1099-NEC threshold. Adjusted for inflation, it should be at least $10,000. ( Note to readers : The One Big Beautiful Bill Act raises the Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-MISC thresholds to $2,000 beginning in 2026.) What was the best tax conference, continuing education (CE), or continuing legal education (CLE) event that you ever attended? This year's RightNOW event with Rightworks was insightful and fun. What has been the biggest change that you've seen in the tax profession in the last five years? Staffing—with record numbers of CPAs leaving the profession, and not enough coming in to replace them, it's created a staffing challenge but also, an opportunity for new CPAs. What are you most concerned about or excited about with respect to the profession moving forward? Tax law complexity—for proper consulting, projections, and planning, the tax law needs to be established in a timely and reasonable manner. Last minute (or even, mid-year) changes make it difficult for taxpayers—and their CPAs. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it? Go on a long summer vacation! You can find Brad on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). This article is part of our Getting To Know You Tuesday series—a chance to get to know all kinds of tax professionals and understand that the field of tax is bigger than April 15. If you'd like to nominate tax professional to be featured, send your suggestion to kerb@ with the subject: Getting To Know You Tuesday. Forbes Getting To Know You Tuesday: Arielle Tucker By Kelly Phillips Erb Forbes Getting To Know You Tuesday: Nicole Davis, CPA By Kelly Phillips Erb Forbes Getting To Know You Tuesday: Dorothy K. Butler By Kelly Phillips Erb
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BlackNorth Initiative Marks 5 Years of Impact in Canada's Fight Against Systemic Anti-Black Racism
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks a milestone in Canada's journey toward racial equity. The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) celebrates five years since launching the country's largest corporate movement to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism. Since July 2020, more than 500 organizations have signed the BlackNorth Pledge—committing to bold, measurable actions that reimagine leadership, drive economic inclusion, and shift power across sectors. Five Years of Measurable Progress: 3.3% Black board representation among TSX-listed BNI signatories—up from under 1% in 2020 (DI-FSC State of Black Economics Report, 2025) Secured over $6 million in home value for 12 new homeowners—comprising 42 families members, including children—who have embarked on a journey toward generational wealth and long-term housing equity. Close to $2 million in scholarships and bursaries awarded to Black students 434 Black entrepreneurs supported through the BlackNorth B.E.G.I.N. entrepreneurship program Thousands of Black professionals and students connected to mentorships, scholarships, and job opportunities through BlackNorth Connect "This was never about optics. It has always been about transformation. About shifting power, dismantling the barriers that hold Black Canadians back, and rewriting the rules of who gets to lead and thrive. The last five years have shown that change is possible when courage meets commitment. Advancing equity is not just the right thing to do. It is smart, strategic business. Diverse companies outperform because they reflect the real world. With Pledge 2.0, we are raising the bar and calling on a new generation of leaders to match intention with action and turn promises into progress." Wes Hall, Founder and Chairman, BlackNorth Initiative "We did not start a moment. We built a movement. A movement anchored in truth, driven by community, and measured by real, lasting impact. From day one, our mission was clear: to confront systemic anti-Black racism not with platitudes, but with a new model of shared responsibility and bold action. Today, we honour the progress we have made, but we do so with clear eyes, knowing the road ahead still demands urgency, courage, and collective will. We owe it to the Black communities who entrusted us with their hopes, and to the Canada we believe is possible, to keep pushing forward with relentless resolve." Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, BlackNorth Initiative Looking Ahead: Pledge 2.0 Building on the foundation of the original pledge, Pledge 2.0 will serve as a refreshed roadmap for inclusive leadership across Canada. It introduces: Updated and measurable equity commitments Enhanced onboarding and progress reporting tools A stronger focus on accountability, with annual surveys and transparent impact tracking Designed with community consultation and stakeholder feedback, Pledge 2.0 ensures that organizations not only make commitments—but are equipped to meet them. For current signatories, this is the moment to reaffirm your role in this shared journey. For those not yet part of this movement, the time to step forward is now. The BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians. We envision a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism no longer exists. For more information, visit: and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Blood donor day observed
Ranchi: World Blood Donor Day was observed in the state capital on Saturday. The two-day blood donation drive by BNI, Ranchi, concluded with a collection of 501 units of blood with politicians and officials turning up since Friday to donate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among the donors, 70 were first-timers, 60 female, and 20 couples. SDO Utkarsh Kumar and IPS Sanjay Anand Rao Lathkar were among the donors. "The response from the public has been overwhelming," said Ankit Jain, the executive director of the BNI. A drive was also led by Marwari College's NCC Company and NSS Unit on Saturday, during which 13 cadets and associate NCC officer Lt Dr Avadh Bihari Mahto donated blood at the Sadar Hospital, Ranchi. A total of 47 units of blood were collected. Besides, free blood group and haemoglobin level tests were conducted across district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centres on Saturday.
Business Mayor
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Something is Brewing in Ireland: A Sound Punt Is Released, As Bitcoin Enters The National Conversation
For years, Bitcoin in Ireland has quietly simmered at the grassroots level—discussed in pubs and meetups, debated in Telegram groups, and occasionally splashed across headlines with predictable suspicion. But recently, the temperature is beginning to rise. With the release of 'A Sound Punt: The Case for Ireland's Interest in Bitcoin' by Bitcoin Network Ireland (BNI), and a weekend that sees both the Bitcoin Ireland Conference and Aontú's Ard Fheis, it's clear momentum is building on the Emerald Isle. The new paper, released today by Bitcoin Network Ireland, is a concise, accessible document crafted to cut through the noise and present the merits of Bitcoin to the general public and politicians alike. Its aim is straightforward: provide a rational, jargon-free entry point into why Bitcoin matters, especially in an era of euro debasement and rising living costs. The name itself is a clever pun—while it is a nod to both 'sound money' and Ireland's former currency, the punt, it also playfully suggests that although the majority of people view it as associated with risk, this may be worth reevaluating. It's a signal that this is about more than technology: it's about claiming monetary sovereignty and re-examining what makes money 'good' in the first place. What BNI is attempting to accomplish is bridging an important gap in understanding, helping citizens seeking change and government officials looking for solutions to recognize that sound, stateless money has value for everyone. As Parker Lewis famously noted, 'Like all successful monies, Bitcoin is money for enemies'—a neutral system that serves all participants regardless of their political stance. To appreciate the significance of this moment, it's worth noting that Ireland's relationship with money has always been distinct from its European neighbors. While the Romans introduced coinage to Britain over a thousand years before it was adopted in Ireland. The native Irish resisted state-issued money, relying instead on barter and bullion well into the second millennium. In ancient Ireland, the absence of coinage was a testament to a society that was stateless, highly decentralised, and it embraced a polycentric legal system varying between clans. The ideal of that society was that no man in society has rule over others, and even kings could be disposed of if they abused their power. So it's perhaps no coincidence that Ireland was the last European society to adopt coinage, as coinage gives power to rulers. Eventually, it was forced upon the land by the English crown in 1601, this period coincided with the final stages of the Nine Years' War (1594-1603) and the increasing English control over Ireland. To this day, Ireland has never had its own free-floating currency; it has always been tethered to external powers: first the pound sterling, then the European Monetary System, and now the euro under the ECB. So it should come as no coincidence that in recent years, the EU is growing unabated in power and influence over Ireland. ' Give me control over a nation's currency, and I care not who makes its laws. ' — Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1743–1812) Perhaps, given this historical context, Ireland is uniquely positioned to understand the value of sound, stateless money. Bitcoin represents a return to the monetary independence that preceded state-issued currencies, but with the technological advantages of the digital age. Where ancient Irish kingdoms used market goods that couldn't be manipulated by distant authorities, Bitcoin offers a modern equivalent: a system that can't be debased or controlled by any power, whether domestic or foreign. This historical skepticism toward centrally-controlled currency is resurfacing in the present, as the Irish state and its citizens face a new wave of economic uncertainty via euro debasement and tariffs. Geopolitical and economic tensions have rarely felt less stable. Tariff disputes, renewed questions over Ireland's foreign direct-investment model, and potential tech and pharma layoffs are sure to sharpen the focus on sovereignty and resilience. The release of 'A Sound Punt' is timely, inviting the nation to once again question the wisdom of tying its fortunes to distant monetary authorities. Coinciding with the release of 'A Sound Punt,' Dr. Niall Burke—a respected academic and BNI member—will be putting forward two motions at the Aontú Ard Fheis (party conference). Aontú, the party that saw the largest surge in votes in the last general election, has shown itself to be receptive to Bitcoin and is opening its doors to conversations that, until recently, were relegated to the margins. That Bitcoin motions are being presented and accepted at a major party conference is a marker of how the conversation is turning. Read More French Regulator Revises Crypto Rules to Align With EU's MiCA Law Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Ireland Conference is gathering the country's growing community of plebs, builders, and advocates. These circles, once on the periphery, are now finding doors opening in political circles. It's not just Bitcoiners who are seeking alternatives. Ireland is witnessing its largest public demonstrations since the post-GFC days of 2012. Recent marches have drawn in excess of 100,000 people to the streets of Dublin. These protests reflect deep frustration and a sense that the political establishment is no longer in alignment with its people. What's particularly striking is how Bitcoin could serve as common ground for seemingly opposing interests. For protesters, Bitcoin offers protection from inflation and defends against government overreach. For a government concerned about economic stability and growth, Bitcoin may be the very solution it needs, especially to protect pension funds and indeed the state's very own investment fund—ISIF, from inflation over the coming decades. This is the paradox and promise of sound, stateless money. It serves everyone's interests because it enforces property rights, and can't be captured or controlled by any single faction. Last, but not least, MMA star Conor McGregor's foray into both politics and Bitcoin is something few would have predicted a year ago, but for those with an ear to the ground, this has been a developing story for some time. His proposal for a national Bitcoin reserve is emblematic of a broader national shift: Bitcoin is finally entering the Zeitgeist and perhaps he, like BNI, has a part to play in keeping it there. Bitcoin is an open-source monetary protocol, and adoption comes from all quarters, irrespective of politics. Bitcoin is neutral, it supports no partisan cause. What's perhaps not recognized enough is how empowering Bitcoin can be and we should focus on its ability to unite rather than divide, giving every Irish citizen—regardless of their political views—tools for individual liberty, inflation protection, as well as practical solutions for businesses. The paper itself makes a compelling case for Ireland's interest in Bitcoin: Sound Money Principles : It evaluates Bitcoin against the six characteristics of 'good money'—durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity. : It evaluates Bitcoin against the six characteristics of 'good money'—durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity. Store of Value : The document highlights Bitcoin's fixed supply as protection against rising inflation and currency debasement. : The document highlights Bitcoin's fixed supply as protection against rising inflation and currency debasement. Practical Examples : It provides evidence of Bitcoin's monetization, comparing the costs of buying a home in Euros vs. Bitcoin over the span of a decade. : It provides evidence of Bitcoin's monetization, comparing the costs of buying a home in Euros vs. Bitcoin over the span of a decade. Common Concern Rebuttals : The paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin—energy usage, volatility, criminal activity, undermining traditional currencies, and speculation—offering balanced counterarguments to each. : The paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin—energy usage, volatility, criminal activity, undermining traditional currencies, and speculation—offering balanced counterarguments to each. Action Steps: Rather than just theoretical arguments, the paper outlines specific actions for individuals, businesses, and the government to consider, from education to strategic Bitcoin reserves. No one expects the Irish government to announce a Bitcoin treasury next week, and it's debatable whether it should establish one at all. But 'A Sound Punt' marks the beginning of a process that could, in time, help reshape Ireland's approach to money and economic sovereignty. This accessible primer is just the first step in Bitcoin Network Ireland's broader educational mission. BNI plans to publish a much more comprehensive policy paper for policymakers in the coming months, which is currently going through the editing phase. While 'A Sound Punt' introduces the concepts to the general public, the forthcoming document will provide the detailed analysis and policy recommendations that decision-makers need. As BNI works to elevate this conversation through both public education and policy analysis, the goal remains clear: helping all citizens recognize Bitcoin's universal value proposition. Holding a modest strategic allocation of bitcoin—at either the individual or institutional level—offers some protection against uncertainty and hope in a time of growing concerns.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
VinFast secures local funding for Indonesian BEV plant
Vietnamese automaker VinFast Auto has signed a long-term syndicated loan agreement with Indonesian state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia and Bank Maybank Indonesia to fund the construction of its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) assembly plant in Subang, in Indonesia's West Java province. The agreement follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VinFast and BNI on 'collaborative investment, development, and provision of financial solutions to strengthen VinFast's green ecosystem in Indonesia.' VinFast broke ground on the Subang BEV plant in July 2024, which is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2025 – to supply vehicles for the local market and for export. The automaker has also committed to establishing a local supply chain and developing a local BEV recharging network. The basic loan is valued at IDR 1.85 trillion (US$113 million) and comes with an additional US$80 million 'accordion facility.' The automaker confirmed the loan 'will provide critical long-term funding to support VinFast's global expansion strategy and expand its production capabilities,' adding that it also 'underscores VinFast's strong reputation and growth potential among major partners in Indonesia.' Under the agreement, BNI will handle the underwriting for the syndicated loan of IDR 1.85 trillion. It will directly provide IDR 1.51 trillion (US$92 million) of the funding, with Maybank providing the remainder. The two banks will also provide the additional US$80 million loan extension facility. The agreement stipulates that the loan is intended to finance the construction of PT VinFast Automobile Indonesia's electric vehicle manufacturing plant. BNI's Director of Wholesale and International Banking, Agung Prabowo, said in a statement: "This financing underscores BNI's firm commitment to fostering the green transportation transition in Indonesia. We hold a strong conviction in VinFast's pioneering vision, dedication to innovation, and the significant potential of VinFast and the broader electric vehicle industry. The proactive engagement of financial institutions in channeling investment capital towards the EV sector, particularly through strategic collaborations with promising BEV manufacturers such as VinFast, will be a crucial catalyst in driving Indonesia's progress towards achieving its objectives for a green and sustainable economy." VinFast Asia's CEO, Pham Sanh Chau, commented: "We are honoured to receive the robust support of Indonesia's leading financial institutions, BNI and Maybank. We firmly believe this will be a vital catalyst for VinFast's expansion in Indonesia, continuously enhancing our global production capabilities to meet the ever-increasing demand for the electric vehicle transition. VinFast's manufacturing facility in Indonesia will not only deliver smart, eco-friendly mobility solutions, but also create jobs and support the growth of Indonesia's electric vehicle industry."
