Latest news with #Bleakley
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Farmers Must Be Told The Truth About GE Ryegrass Performance
AgResearch has issued the findings of the first animal feeding study results of genetically engineered High Metabolisable Energy (HME) ryegrass that contains two foreign genes, sesame and rice, show that GE ryegrass is not a viable technical fix. The GE rye grass for this study has not has Environmental Protection Authority approval.[1] The AgResearch $25 million GE rye grass trials conducted from 2017-2022, found that the field trials results did not meet the expected performance end points. The GE rye grass died back when under competition and if the temperature went over 26C, overall, there was a yield penalty. The planned feeding trials to be conducted in 2020 had to be postponed as the GE grass did not generate enough fodder to feed any animals. [2] Information, received under the OIA, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said they had not approved the grass trial and AgResearch reported that the GE rye grass for the lamb study, GE rye grass for the lamb study, was grown in separate pots in controlled laboratory conditions in the Palmerston North glass house and turned into non-viable dry matter (hay silage) taking 18 months to collect enough to carry out the experiment. [3] [4] The 24 lambs were divided into two groups 12 fed GE rye grass and 12 as controls. They were fed for 11days in special pens to record their emissions. Compared to the controls the methane levels were 7% for the GE rye grass vs 4.4% for the controls.[2] 'How often do farmers feed their lambs dried unviable 18 month hay grown in laboratory glasshouse conditions, never," said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ. This does not match the successful proven alternatives available today and farmers are being sold a GE failure. Linseed oil added to supplementary feeds have a higher methane reduction rate Multi-species forage is also delivering greater reduction (13%) in emissions than GE trials and research has shown the New Zealand based company growing red seaweed for supplements can reduce methane emissions by 90%. [5] [6] [7] The Gene Technology Bill will allow exempted, unregulated, unmonitored GE trials and release into the environment and the food chain with no safety, accountability or regulatory oversight. The drafting of the Bill did not even consider the poor results and failures of the New Zealand field trials. 'This unapproved study is a waste of money and a misleading farmer promotion for a failed GE experiment,' said Bleakley 'GE rye grass cross contamination will affect performance of the pure non-GE grass seed, once released it cannot be recalled". References: [2] Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, [3] [4] [5] [6]
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Global energy wobbles power-up electrification push
Australia's exposure to energy price shocks is back in the spotlight, with even the weekly grocery shop in the firing line if tensions in the Middle East escalate. A ceasefire agreement has global oil prices simmering back down from highs of $79 a barrel after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities but the threat of revived tensions remains. For clean energy and electrification advocates, the latest round of geopolitics-fuelled price volatility serves as an urgent reminder to hasten the transition. Daniel Bleakley, co-founder of a zero-emissions heavy road freight company New Energy Transport, argues Australia's food supply chains are particularly vulnerable to oil price shocks. Produce is carted over vast distances in heavy trucks, with diesel making up a sizeable chunk of total operating costs for these transport companies. Heavy trucking firms insulate themselves from oil shocks by inserting diesel surcharges into long-term contracts with supermarkets and other transport customers. "What that means is Australia's food distribution system is highly dependent on the price of diesel, and the price of diesel is obviously highly dependent on the global oil price," Mr Bleakley told AAP. Motorists are also vulnerable to oil spikes and federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has already written to the consumer watchdog to ask it to monitor price-gouging at the fuel pump during the latest round of turmoil. Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis analysts Amandine Denis-Ryan and Kevin Morrison said electric cars could protect motorists from oil price spikes but take-up had been slow. Electric vehicles accounted for a record high of 10 per cent of Australian sales in 2024, still falling well short of the 20 per cent of new purchases globally. Households could insulate themselves from gas price spikes by investing in efficient electric heaters and stoves. "Shifting to efficient electric alternatives would save households over $3.4 billion in unnecessary energy costs over the life of those appliances," the institute analysts wrote in a note. Victoria is moving away from gas appliances, phasing out hot water units and ensuring new builds are all-electric by 2027. Inner-city Sydney is going the same way, with the city council this week announcing a ban on indoor gas appliances in new developments. Hurrying along the broader shift to renewables would also leave wholesale electricity prices less exposed to gas and coal prices. "In these turbulent times, it is time for Australia to look more seriously at how it can improve its energy security and better insulate itself from global energy shocks," Ms Denis-Ryan and Mr Morrison said
West Australian
25-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Global energy wobbles power-up electrification push
Australia's exposure to energy price shocks is back in the spotlight, with even the weekly grocery shop in the firing line if tensions in the Middle East escalate. A ceasefire agreement has global oil prices simmering back down from highs of $79 a barrel after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities but the threat of revived tensions remains. For clean energy and electrification advocates, the latest round of geopolitics-fuelled price volatility serves as an urgent reminder to hasten the transition. Daniel Bleakley, co-founder of a zero-emissions heavy road freight company New Energy Transport, argues Australia's food supply chains are particularly vulnerable to oil price shocks. Produce is carted over vast distances in heavy trucks, with diesel making up a sizeable chunk of total operating costs for these transport companies. Heavy trucking firms insulate themselves from oil shocks by inserting diesel surcharges into long-term contracts with supermarkets and other transport customers. "What that means is Australia's food distribution system is highly dependent on the price of diesel, and the price of diesel is obviously highly dependent on the global oil price," Mr Bleakley told AAP. Motorists are also vulnerable to oil spikes and federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has already written to the consumer watchdog to ask it to monitor price-gouging at the fuel pump during the latest round of turmoil. Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis analysts Amandine Denis-Ryan and Kevin Morrison said electric cars could protect motorists from oil price spikes but take-up had been slow. Electric vehicles accounted for a record high of 10 per cent of Australian sales in 2024, still falling well short of the 20 per cent of new purchases globally. Households could insulate themselves from gas price spikes by investing in efficient electric heaters and stoves. "Shifting to efficient electric alternatives would save households over $3.4 billion in unnecessary energy costs over the life of those appliances," the institute analysts wrote in a note. Victoria is moving away from gas appliances, phasing out hot water units and ensuring new builds are all-electric by 2027. Inner-city Sydney is going the same way, with the city council this week announcing a ban on indoor gas appliances in new developments. Hurrying along the broader shift to renewables would also leave wholesale electricity prices less exposed to gas and coal prices. "In these turbulent times, it is time for Australia to look more seriously at how it can improve its energy security and better insulate itself from global energy shocks," Ms Denis-Ryan and Mr Morrison said
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bleakley Financial Group Appoints Ray Sclafani to Board of Directors
ClientWise founder and CEO brings close to four decades of industry expertise and coaching acumen to help shape Bleakley's next chapter of advisor growth PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bleakley Financial Group ("Bleakley"), a dynamic wealth advisory and financial planning firm, today announced the appointment of Ray Sclafani to its Board of Directors. A widely respected executive, speaker and coach, Sclafani is the founder and chief executive officer of ClientWise, a leading business and executive coaching firm serving elite financial advisors nationwide. With nearly four decades of experience, including 20 years as a managing director at AllianceBernstein, Sclafani brings a distinctive blend of strategic insight, leadership development expertise and industry perspective to Bleakley's board. His appointment reflects the firm's commitment to supporting advisor growth, deepening its national footprint and investing in the next generation of leadership within the independent wealth space. "Ray is a trailblazer whose contributions to the advisory profession are second to none," said Andy Schwartz, chief executive officer at Bleakley. "He's spent his entire career helping advisors reach their full potential, and his voice will be instrumental as we scale our platform and deliver on our promise to advisors and clients alike." Based in Irving, Texas, Sclafani is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University. As part of Bleakley's board, he will help guide strategic initiatives focused on advisor development, succession planning and long-term enterprise value creation. "I've long admired Bleakley's culture, values and commitment to empowering advisors to grow with intention," said Sclafani. "I'm honored to join the board and look forward to helping the firm continue its mission of delivering extraordinary outcomes for clients and advisors alike." Bleakley's board continues to reflect the diverse leadership and expertise needed to support the firm's evolution. The appointment comes as Bleakley celebrates 40 years in business, marks a decade of independence and prepares for a strategic rebrand to reflect its national scale and forward-looking vision. This momentum is further accelerated by its partnership with Rise Growth Partners, whose investment and operational support are helping to shape the firm's next chapter. To learn more about Bleakley, visit About Bleakley Financial Group Bleakley Financial Group is a premier financial planning and wealth management firm, dedicated to delivering tailored financial strategies to individuals, families, and businesses. Bleakley's seasoned advisors prioritize clients' goals and offer bespoke planning and investment strategies designed to realize clients' financial aspirations. Founded in 1985, Bleakley's advisors manage nearly $10 billion in advisory assets (as of 6/30/2024). Bleakley is unwavering in its commitment to the financial well-being and legacy of clients, and consistently delivers outcomes that have enabled continuous success and growth. About Rise Growth Partners Rise Growth Partners is a synergistic financial partner that provides growth-oriented RIAs with comprehensive operational, financial, and growth expertise and systems. By investing a non-controlling minority stake in partner firms, Rise offers a solution for growth-oriented RIAs whose funding options are otherwise limited to strategic acquirers and financial sponsors. Its elite team, with over 200 years of combined experience, has a proven track record of building and exiting platform companies, generating billions of dollars in value. Rise is dedicated to building the next generation of "lighthouse brands" in the industry. Follow Rise Growth Partners on LinkedIn for more information and updates. Advisors associated with Bleakley Financial Group, LLC may be either (1) registered representatives with, securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC; or (2) solely investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Investment advice offered through Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser and separate entity from LPL Financial. View source version on Contacts RISE MEDIA CONTACTS: Rise@ Hannah DixonHannah@ 317-590-0915 Jason LahitaJason@ 973-460-7837
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Bleakley Financial Group Appoints Ray Sclafani to Board of Directors
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bleakley Financial Group ('Bleakley'), a dynamic wealth advisory and financial planning firm, today announced the appointment of Ray Sclafani to its Board of Directors. A widely respected executive, speaker and coach, Sclafani is the founder and chief executive officer of ClientWise, a leading business and executive coaching firm serving elite financial advisors nationwide. With nearly four decades of experience, including 20 years as a managing director at AllianceBernstein, Sclafani brings a distinctive blend of strategic insight, leadership development expertise and industry perspective to Bleakley's board. His appointment reflects the firm's commitment to supporting advisor growth, deepening its national footprint and investing in the next generation of leadership within the independent wealth space. 'Ray is a trailblazer whose contributions to the advisory profession are second to none,' said Andy Schwartz, chief executive officer at Bleakley. 'He's spent his entire career helping advisors reach their full potential, and his voice will be instrumental as we scale our platform and deliver on our promise to advisors and clients alike.' Based in Irving, Texas, Sclafani is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University. As part of Bleakley's board, he will help guide strategic initiatives focused on advisor development, succession planning and long-term enterprise value creation. 'I've long admired Bleakley's culture, values and commitment to empowering advisors to grow with intention,' said Sclafani. 'I'm honored to join the board and look forward to helping the firm continue its mission of delivering extraordinary outcomes for clients and advisors alike.' Bleakley's board continues to reflect the diverse leadership and expertise needed to support the firm's evolution. The appointment comes as Bleakley celebrates 40 years in business, marks a decade of independence and prepares for a strategic rebrand to reflect its national scale and forward-looking vision. This momentum is further accelerated by its partnership with Rise Growth Partners, whose investment and operational support are helping to shape the firm's next chapter. To learn more about Bleakley, visit Bleakley Financial Group is a premier financial planning and wealth management firm, dedicated to delivering tailored financial strategies to individuals, families, and businesses. Bleakley's seasoned advisors prioritize clients' goals and offer bespoke planning and investment strategies designed to realize clients' financial aspirations. Founded in 1985, Bleakley's advisors manage nearly $10 billion in advisory assets (as of 6/30/2024). Bleakley is unwavering in its commitment to the financial well-being and legacy of clients, and consistently delivers outcomes that have enabled continuous success and growth. About Rise Growth Partners Rise Growth Partners is a synergistic financial partner that provides growth-oriented RIAs with comprehensive operational, financial, and growth expertise and systems. By investing a non-controlling minority stake in partner firms, Rise offers a solution for growth-oriented RIAs whose funding options are otherwise limited to strategic acquirers and financial sponsors. Its elite team, with over 200 years of combined experience, has a proven track record of building and exiting platform companies, generating billions of dollars in value. Rise is dedicated to building the next generation of 'lighthouse brands' in the industry. Follow Rise Growth Partners on LinkedIn for more information and updates. Advisors associated with Bleakley Financial Group, LLC may be either (1) registered representatives with, securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC, and investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC; or (2) solely investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Investment advice offered through Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser and separate entity from LPL Financial.
