Latest news with #BRAC
West Australian
30-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre upgrades among wins in new shire budget
The Broome Shire Council adopted the 2025–26 budget at the ordinary council meeting on June 26 with a focus on balancing rising costs in a challenging economic climate. Shire President Chris Mitchell said the budget reflected the Shire's commitment to sustainable planning and the ongoing provision of essential services. 'This year's budget continues our commitment to delivering high-quality services and infrastructure for the Broome community, while carefully managing our finances in this economic climate,' he said. 'Our advocacy efforts at the State and Federal levels have paid off, unlocking significant grant funding. This allows us to reinvest more of your rates directly into the services that matter most—like maintaining roads, footpaths, street lighting, BRAC, the library, and our parks and open spaces.' 'In fact, 45 per cent of the Shire's total revenue in the previous financial year came from external grants, highlighting the success of our advocacy efforts and reducing the burden on local ratepayers.' Several community initiatives have been funded in the budget including upgrades to Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre parking to improve access and convenience for all visitors, improved roads, footpaths, street lighting and CCTV to boost safety and a vibrant calendar of community events. Mr Mitchell said the Shire's strong focus on grant advocacy continues to deliver major results for the Broome community. 'In recent months, we've secured significant funding across a number of areas—from major infrastructure projects to community events and local initiatives,' Cr Mitchell said. 'This includes a major Federal Government grant through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program for Stage 2 of the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment. Remarkably, it was the only project in Australia to receive funding in the program's first round—an outstanding endorsement of the importance and impact of our work.' 'These successes are a clear recognition of the quality and significance of our projects, which benefit not just Broome but the wider region and Western Australia as a whole.' 'They also reflect the strength of our ongoing advocacy efforts, which ensure we can deliver real, tangible outcomes for our community—whether that's better infrastructure, local events, or improved services—without placing extra financial pressure on local ratepayers.'
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BioStem Technologies Completes Enrollment in Clinical Trial Evaluating BioREtain® Amnion Chorion for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Head-to-head study comparing BioREtain®- processed Amnion Chorion (BR-AC) allograft to standard of care initiated in Q4 2024 to demonstrate healing superiority Topline results and full data analysis expected in Q4 2025 POMPANO BEACH, Fla., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioStem Technologies, Inc. ('BioStem' or the 'Company') (OTC: BSEM), a leading MedTech company focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of placental-derived products for advanced wound care, today announced that patient enrollment has been completed in the Company's clinical trial evaluating BioREtain® Amnion Chorion (BR-AC) versus standard of care for patients with non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The BR-AC-DFU-101 study is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial that was initiated in Q4 2024 at 11 sites across the U.S. to evaluate at least 60 patients with non-healing DFUs. The primary objective is to determine whether DFUs treated with standard care plus BR-AC achieve a higher probability of complete wound closure over a 12-week period when compared to standard care alone. BioStem recently completed enrollment of 71 patients in the study, with topline data expected to be reported during the fourth quarter of 2025. 'We are currently advancing three clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy and competitive advantage of BioREtain®-processed allografts,' said Jason Matuszewski, CEO and Chairman of the Board of BioStem Technologies. 'I'm pleased that this trial has completed patient enrollment and remains on schedule to report results later this year. We continue to enroll patients in two additional studies targeting venous leg ulcers using BR-AC and diabetic foot ulcers using BR-A. Both trials remain on schedule and reflect our commitment to building a strong body of clinical evidence. We believe the results of these studies will further validate the BioREtain® allograft platform and support expanded physician adoption and commercial expansion.' Trial Primary & Secondary Outcome Objectives:The primary outcome of the study is to determine whether DFUs treated with standard care plus BR-AC results in a higher probability of achieving complete wound closure compared to standard care alone over a 12-week period. Secondary outcome measures include: Comparing treatment group differences in proportions of wounds achieving complete wound closure based on time in days. Comparing treatment group differences in wound area and volume. Assessing total number of applications of BR-AC required to achieve complete wound closure. Clinical Trial Information:For more information about the BR-AC-DFU-101 study, please visit Clinical for a full overview: Title: A Prospective Trial of Non-healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated with Standard Care with or Without BR-AC Link: HERE Diabetic Foot Ulcer Market Statistics:Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious and chronic condition affecting millions of individuals within the diabetic population. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), a leading authority on foot and ankle health, approximately 15% of people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers. Alarmingly, 6% of these individuals may require hospitalization due to infections or other complications related to their ulcers. The risks for diabetic patients are substantial, as DFUs are the leading cause of lower extremity amputations in the U.S. Studies indicate that between 14% and 24% of individuals with diabetes who develop foot ulcers will ultimately need an amputation. Recent data analysis from GlobalData Plc., a prominent global data provider, revealed that 2.2 million patients received treatment for DFUs in 2023, with numbers projected to rise in the coming years. The economic burden of these ulcers on healthcare systems is significant, with annual treatment costs estimated between $9 billion and $13 billion in the United States alone. About BioREtain®:BioStem's allografts are processed utilizing the Company's proprietary BioREtain® method, which retains the tissue's native properties while maintaining the structure and matrix found in fresh perinatal tissue. The patented six-step BioREtain® process is gentle, minimally invasive, and preserves the natural integrity of the amniotic tissue components critical to wound treatment. For a full overview of BioREtain®, please visit: HERE. Join BioStem's Distribution List & Social Media:To stay informed on the latest developments, sign-up for the Company's email distribution list HERE, and follow us on X and LinkedIn. About BioStem Technologies, Inc. (OTC: BSEM):BioStem Technologies is a leading innovator focused on harnessing the natural properties of perinatal tissue in the development, manufacture, and commercialization of allografts for advanced wound care. The Company is focused on manufacturing products that change lives, leveraging its proprietary BioREtain® processing method. BioREtain® has been developed by applying the latest research in advanced wound care, focused on maintaining growth factors and preserving tissue structure. BioStem's quality management systems and standard operating procedures are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks ('AATB') and adhere to Good Tissue Practices (cGTP and Good Manufacturing Processes ('cGMP'). Our portfolio of quality brands includes AmnioWrap2™, VENDAJE®, VENDAJE AC®, VENDAJE OPTIC®, American Amnion and American Amnion AC. Each BioStem Technologies placental allograft is processed at the Company's FDA registered and AATB accredited site in Pompano Beach, Florida. For more information visit and follow us on X and LinkedIn. Contact BioStem Technologies, Inc.:Phone: 954-380-8342Website: info@ @BSEM_TechFacebook: BioStemTechnologies Investor Relations:Adam HoldsworthE-Mail: adam@ 917-497-9287 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Except for statements of historical fact, this press release also contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events, including with respect to the operations of the Company, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the business of the Company. Forward-looking statements may be identified using words such as 'forecast,' 'intend,' 'seek,' 'target,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'estimate', 'plan,' 'outlook,' and 'project' and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among other things, statements regarding the Company's: ability to clear all current SEC comments; expectations regarding filing an amended Form 10, including the timeframe therefor and the content therein; and expectations regarding the Company's plan and ability to satisfy Nasdaq listing requirements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Company may be unable to list its stock on Nasdaq or maintain compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing standards; the impact of any changes to the accounting treatment of the Company's revenue and expenses; the risk of receiving additional comments from the SEC; the competition that the Company faces, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition; the risk of rapid technological change, which could cause the Company's products to become obsolete or cause the Company to become unable to effectively compete; the risk that the Company is unable to successfully market its products to the end users of such products; the risk that the Company may be unable to raise funds to expand its business; changes in applicable laws or regulations; and the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no commitment to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Bangladeshi women break driving taboo on male-dominated roads
DHAKA: When Sharmin Akter Pinky sat behind the steering wheel for the first time, it was because of her aunt, who encouraged her to venture into a field which, in Bangladesh, had traditionally been dominated by men. 'She used to inspire me to be an independent woman and to do something with my own abilities,' Pinky told Arab News. Her aunt saw women learning to drive at a school in Dhaka and convinced the rest of the family that it would be the right path for her niece as well. 'She kept insisting that if the other girls could do it, I would also be able to do the same,' Pinky said. 'This is how I stepped into this driving career, with the support of my parents, uncle, and aunt.' Pinky was 20 at the time. Now, eight years later, she is a professional driver working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. The all-female driving school she enrolled in was opened by BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), Bangladesh's largest development organization, in 2012. Each year, more and more women have been taking the classes — making the wheel their tool for earning a livelihood and building a career. 'There was a time when people had a very negative mindset about girls entering the driving profession, but things have improved a lot since then. I would encourage more women to take it up. Girls should be independent and explore the world around them,' Pinky said. For her, it also comes with a personal mission to help empower others who may not have had as much support from their families as she did. In Pinky's village, it was not widely accepted that women could work. She said: 'In the early days, when I went back to the village during holidays, people would say things like 'This isn't a respectable job,' or 'You'll have trouble getting married,' or 'You might fall in with the wrong crowd.' 'But my father always stood by me. He told me not to listen to what people around us said. He encouraged me to focus on being a good human being, doing honest work, and helping others improve their lives. 'Later, I brought two other girls from my village, arranged driving training for them, and helped them find jobs. Now, people admit that driving can be a good job for women too. I feel proud I have started something.' For Sharmina Akter Banu, who now also works at FAO, driving offered a means of survival. When her father and husband passed away, she was left alone caring for her 18-month-old child, younger siblings, and mother. 'I received an offer from the BRAC Driving School to take driving training. I completed the training over a period of three months. After that, I got a job as a professional driver,' she said. 'At that time all of my siblings were still attending school. With the income from my driving job, I took on the responsibility of supporting my younger siblings. Thanks to that, all of them were able to complete their education.' Banu's younger brother is now pursuing his honors degree, and her son is completing high school. The job has become a source of pride for her. She has a stable profession, is financially independent, has been able to support her family, and feels like an equal member of society. 'I'm surrounded by many male drivers and, among them, I am the only female. It's a matter of pride for me, because as a woman I've been able to work in this challenging profession alongside men,' she said. 'Wherever I notice a female driver, it fills my heart with joy. More and more girls are coming into this profession. And they are doing well.' Banu and Pinky are among more than 3,500 professional women drivers trained by BRAC. They come from various parts of Bangladesh and different backgrounds. 'We have BRAC's network in the remotest parts of the country … We receive applications from minorities and underprivileged women,' Abdul Quddus, who is in charge of the organization's driving schools, told Arab News. 'After receiving training, the female drivers start working at different organizations, especially with international NGOs … To date, all the women who received professional driving training from us are doing well at their workplaces.' They are contributing not only to the workforce and efforts to change social norms, but also to improving road safety in a country where traffic accidents are common. 'The society has now mostly overcome the stereotype that driving is mostly a male job,' Quddus said. 'Women can play a significant role in ensuring road safety. They don't get involved in risky driving like men, and they are more respectful of the traffic rules.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Noem cuts FEMA grant; Record highs possible
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Today is Wednesday, May 7. Here's a look at this morning's top stories with KELOLAND On the Go. Nearly $10 million in FEMA grants will not be coming to South Dakota, because of a decision by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The grants were part of a program called Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRAC. Noem cuts FEMA grant program that benefited SD The National Weather Service is responsible for weather forecasting, and monitoring tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes. With a reduction in staff, the agency is cutting corners. Congressman Dusty Johnson is concerned. Safety concerns over cuts at National Weather Service in SD Jensen says the former record was 6,840 people in 2012. This year, running or walking, one-mile to a 10K, events will be held in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Yankton, and Marshall, Minnesota. Over 7K runners expected at Avera's Race Against Cancer The weather in KELOLAND is looking mainly dry once again, even though more clouds are moving across the region. Dry weather continues; Record highs possible on Mother's Day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NIMAC, Cooper get national recognition for Niagara Falls base advocacy
John Cooper has been an advocate for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station for the past 30 years and his tireless work has not gone unnoticed. The Niagara Military Affairs Council chairman is one of three national honorees the Association of Defense Communities is recognizing this year for their work in communities that host American military bases. He and the other honorees will be recognized at the Defense Communities National Summit today in Washington, D.C. This is the first such national recognition Cooper and NIMAC received for their efforts, which they were informed of this past November. He will not be in D.C. for the ceremony; his son will accept it on his behalf. 'To get the recognition of your peers is a great honor,' Cooper said. 'There are a lot of people who made this happen. It wasn't a one-person effort.' Currently, home to the Air Force's 914th Air Refueling Wing and New York Air National Guard 107th Attack Wing, the military has had a presence on the Niagara Falls airport grounds ever since Bell Aircraft opened its plane manufacturing facility there in 1941. The 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Commission proposed closing the air base. The former Niagara Falls area chamber of commerce tasked Cooper and Merrell Lane to lead the process, resulting in NIMAC's creation. That campaign preventing that included several trips to the Capitol and Pentagon and educating local communicates on the consequences of base closure, resulting in over 125,000 letters to the BRAC commission and keeping it open. It was listed on the BRAC 2005 list of possible base closures, the last time this process happened, with NIMAC again preventing it. 'What he's been able to do with that group is emblematic of how community leaders can go up and beyond,' said Mat Borron, the executive director of ADC. The base is one of the county's largest employers with around 3,000 military, civil service, and defense contract personnel there, with an estimated economic impact of around $200 million. Cooper still makes regular trips to Washington to promote the base and appeal for funding. Ongoing base improvements include a $30 million fuel delivery system, a new $20 million headquarters for the 107th, the $65 million runway rehabilitation, and a proposed $54 million operations facility NIMAC hopes is included in the next federal defense budget. Borron noted that base closures are a conventional topic of conversation, with the idea being floated around Washington. 'What John was able to do with NIMAC to influence decision-makers, you need champions like that at the local level,' Borron said. The ADC filmed a four-minute video about Cooper in Niagara Falls to play during the award ceremony. It features interviews with Cooper, State Sen. Rob Ortt, 914th Commander Col. Joseph Contino, NIMAC treasurer Robin Pfeil, and Lee Weitz, the director of aviation for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.
