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Adobe's New Acrobat AI Assistant

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

April 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Comtex Launches Omnia: A Cutting-Edge News API Platform leveraging NLP and AI

Comtex

Comtex News Network, Inc (Comtex), a leading provider of news aggregation and distribution services to top firms in financial services, news publishing, syndication, and analytics, proudly announces the launch of its innovative API platform, Omnia. Omnia is a state-of-the-art API platform designed to revolutionize the way businesses access and utilize news content. Omnia empowers users with instant access to real-time streaming news, AI-generated article summaries, enhanced tagging and categorization based on NLP, advanced filtering, and access to an extensive catalog of curated news sources. Key Features of Omnia Include: Real-time Streaming News: Omnia provides real-time streaming news via websockets push and REST API for seamless integration into existing systems. Enhanced Tagging and Categorization: Leveraging AI and proprietary NLP-based algorithms, Omnia offers enhanced tagging and categorization of content, including press releases, earnings releases, product categories, and more. AI-Generated Article Summaries: Omnia utilizes AI to generate concise and searchable article summaries, enabling users to quickly grasp an article before reading it. Advanced Filtering: Omnia's advanced filtering capabilities allow users to customize their news feeds based on specific criteria, ensuring they receive only the most relevant content. Access to an extensive collection of curated, high-quality sources used by top companies in financial services, analytics, research and a broad range of industries. Omnia is designed for rapid integration and serves a variety of use cases, including training of LLMs, financial platforms, asset management, trading, academic research, legal research, market research, and much more. Commenting on the launch, Comtex CEO Kan Devnani said, "We are pleased to bring a flexible, state-of-the-art news platform with access to curated, premium news sources to market. Omnia is an extendable platform, combining AI with our rich experience applying NLP to news content. This will allow clients to derive more intelligence and insights from the news content we offer and help clients curate and identify the content most relevant to them. Comtex will use Omnia to deliver evolving analytics and insight to its users." Access to Omnia can be trialed by visiting https://www.comtex.com/api. Comtex encourages users to explore its features and capabilities. To learn more about Omnia and request a demo, please contact sales@comtex.com or visit https://www.comtex.com/api. About Comtex News Network, Inc (Comtex): Comtex News Network Inc (Comtex) is a leading provider of news aggregation services to top firms in financial services, news publishing, syndication, and analytics. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Comtex delivers comprehensive news solutions that empower businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Comtex also offers syndication services to content providers and platforms to generate traffic to online content. Contact Details Comtex News Network Media Relations sales@comtex.com

April 12, 2024 02:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Select Sector SPDR ETFs: A Strategic Approach to Precision Investing and Customized Portfolios

Select Sector SPDR

In the dynamic world of investing, Exchange-Traded Funds ( ETFs ) have proved to be a powerful tool for investors seeking diversification, flexibility, and potentially a more sector-driven approach. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a focused approach to sector investing, enabling investors to specifically target sectors within the broader market. This method of investment strategy is designed to arm investors with greater control and flexibility over their portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs segment the S&P 500 into 11 investable sectors, covering all broad market segments. They provide access to various industries, allowing investors to craft a diversified portfolio that aligns with their unique investment goals. This approach presents an excellent opportunity for both individual and institutional investors to effectively navigate the financial markets. Each ETF comprises well-known, large-cap companies from the S&P 500, ensuring broad exposure and diversification. The transparent nature of ETFs allows for daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings, providing investors with visibility into their investments. The full lineup of Select Sector SPDR ETFs includes: Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) These ETFs provide flexible, transparent, and low-cost investment options to both retail and institutional investors. The flexibility offered by these ETFs empowers investors to make strategic adjustments in their portfolios as market conditions change. This flexibility, combined with the transparency of daily disclosure of portfolio holdings, allows investors to always be aware of where their money is invested. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a unique opportunity to invest in various sectors with precision and flexibility. They provide a simplified approach to sector investing, allowing investors to customize their portfolios to meet their specific investment objectives. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007439 EXP 5/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

April 12, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Alvarez & Marsal Spring 2024 Consumer Sentiment Report Highlights Impact of Ongoing Consumer Skepticism on Spring & Summer Spending Plans

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

Consumers, specifically those with higher household incomes, intend to reduce spending on essentials, experiences, gifts, and indulgences this spring The number of higher-income earners cutting back on spending to prioritize saving has increased in Spring ’24 compared to previous cycles Cost-conscious consumers are increasingly engaging in sales and second-hand shopping as a way to reduce spending Despite financial uncertainty, consumers are still eager to take vacations this year, showing resilience in their desire for leisure compared to last spring (2023) Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) released its latest consumer report, Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2024, which examines the influence of inflation and resulting changes in consumer spending over the last year, as well as spending outlook for the upcoming six-month timeframe. This is the sixth chapter of its bi-annual Consumer Sentiment Report, based on a survey of 1,800+ consumers matching the U.S. adult population according to gender, age, ethnicity, region and income. The report delves into shifting behaviors in response to personal finances and economic conditions. It includes insights into consumers' shopping priorities across categories, concerns about increasing prices, vacation plans, and other factors shaping purchase decisions for the upcoming spring season, among other relevant insights. “Our semi-annual survey aims to analyze the influence of ongoing economic concerns on consumer spending patterns, channel preferences, and their overall confidence in financial stability over time. Retailers can utilize the data and insights from our report to develop financial plans, efficiently manage inventory, enhance marketing campaigns, and establish pricing strategies at a category level,” stated Chad Lusk, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group. “This survey cycle reveals a growing consumer pessimism as we head into the spring season, with intentions to exercise greater caution in spending especially in higher income households.” The study found that: Consumer outlook for spring is weaker as consumers are anticipating spending less and having less money versus Fall ‘23 Consumers are planning to reduce spending across the board but show the smallest decline in spending intentions for experiences compared to Fall ‘23, with a rising number of respondents planning vacations this year In higher income brackets, there's a notable trend towards prioritizing saving over spending. In the $200K+ income bracket, the percentage of respondents prioritizing saving surged by 12% compared to Fall '23. Across various spending categories, we consistently observed the most significant decreases in desire to spend in the higher income households Higher income households are turning to second-hand shopping to save money. The number of respondents earning $100K+ who shop second-hand to save costs increased by 10% this spring. "Retailers must recognize the cautious consumer mindset and adjust strategic priorities accordingly to align with spending plans," Lusk advised. "Retailers, particularly ones servicing higher income consumers, should anticipate providing discounts and promotions across different categories as the season progresses, also while implementing flexible inventory strategies to minimize overall liabilities, given that those typically less affected by recession or inflation will be spending less.” To download a pdf of Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2024, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/consumer-sentiment-survey-spring-24/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities towards their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

April 10, 2024 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Benefits and Strategies for Maintaining Healthy, Sustainable Greenspaces

YourUpdateTV

Homeowners are once again embracing the outdoors and taking steps to make sure their lawns are in top shape for the summer season. Recently, an expert from ScottsMiracle-Gro, Dr. Lakshmy Gopinath, and Professor at Utah State University, Dr. Kelly Kopp, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to provide tips for establishing and maintaining a healthy lawn. A video accompanying this announcement is available HERE. There are several things homeowners can do when it comes to sustainably establishing and maintaining their lawns this year. First, it’s important to embrace turfgrass specific to your region, as grass types can vary widely depending on your particular climate. For example, cool season grasses like bluegrasses and fescues are suited best for the Northeast, while warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or buffalo grass are best for Southern regions. For another interesting option, you can opt for native turfgrass varieties that typically require less water and maintenance. Second, be proactive about lawn care. Spring is when your lawn is waking up from dormant winter conditions, and is an essential time to seed and feed your lawn to ensure lush conditions later in the season. Seed with Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed, then feed your lawn with Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food. When considering the first watering for your lawn, try to delay as long as possible. This will put stress on your turf and drive deeper roots, ultimately encouraging a stronger and more resilient lawn. Finally, mow at the right height. Grass mowed at the proper height develops a deeper root system to better find water and nutrients in the soil. Taller grass also shades the soil keeping it cooler - so try to set your mower to one of the highest settings to get a 3-4 inch cut. There are many benefits to having sustainable green space, including: ● Improved ecosystems: Natural turfgrass has many benefits for the environment. Turfgrass absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen, traps dust and dirt, reduces erosion by absorbing stormwater runoff, and can help protect nearby bodies of water. Greenspaces also have a cooling effect on the surrounding environment, which can offset urban heat. ● Improved quality of life: Natural green spaces provide immense health and wellness benefits for humans through physical and social activities, stress reduction, play, and reduced noise levels. ● Reduce water use with water-efficient turfgrasses: Choose turfgrass varieties specifically bred for water efficiency, such as fine fescues or buffalo grass, to save on your water bill. These grasses have evolved to thrive with minimal irrigation, helping conserve water resources while maintaining a lush, green lawn. ● Replenishing groundwater reserves: Natural turfgrass has the ability to absorb rainwater through a process called infiltration and help restore groundwater reserves, which is frequently tapped into by municipalities. For more information, visit Scotts.com Dr. Lakshmy Gopinath Hailing from southern India, Dr. Lakshmy Gopinath holds a Ph.D. in Crop Science from Oklahoma State University. Her research during her Ph.D. focused on turfgrass stress physiology and management. Currently serving as the Grass Seed Scientist at Scotts, she dedicates her expertise to developing innovative seeding products and options for sustainable and eco-friendly lawns. Outside of work, Lakshmy enjoys exploring nature trails with her beloved beagle, Newton. About Kelly Kopp Dr. Kelly Kopp is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate department at Utah State University (USU), where her research efforts are focused on plant water use efficiency, sustainable turfgrass management, landscape water conservation, and irrigation technologies. She is the Director of USU's Center for Water Efficient Landscaping and is board member and past president of the Utah Water Conservation Forum. From 2007-2016, she served on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), an international organization promoting all aspects of water efficiency, serving as Chair from 2014-2016. Her service with AWE gave her the opportunity to work with numerous members of the water and irrigation industries, USEPA’s WaterSense team, non-profit organizations in the water sector, and other governmental agencies. She continues to work with these groups in pursuit of water use efficiency in the state of Utah, the Intermountain West, and beyond. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 08, 2024 01:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Annette Clayton Joins Flash Board of Directors

Flash Parking

Flash, the leading digital ecosystem provider connecting drivers to parking and EV charging experiences, today announced Annette Clayton, chairwoman and former CEO of Schneider Electric, has joined the company’s board of directors. Ms. Clayton has decades of automotive, technology and energy industry experience and brings an extensive track record guiding corporate strategy and operations for growth companies and pioneering startups. “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Annette to our board of directors,” said Dan Sharplin, Flash’s CEO and Chairman. “She is an accomplished leader who has dedicated her career to companies that are transforming their respective industries, and her talents and expertise will be invaluable to our next chapter of growth, particularly when it comes to meeting the needs of modern drivers through the next wave of EV adoption.” Ms. Clayton joins Flash’s board of directors after recently concluding her tenure as CEO of Schneider Electric North America. During that time, Ms. Clayton led business strategy for the region, representing 30,000 employees and sales of more than $11 billion in fiscal year 2022. “Working with innovators like Flash that reimagine an industry is the work I love,” said Ms. Clayton regarding her appointment. “I have followed Flash’s evolution from its startup days and think the current moment is among its most exciting – Flash has done the heavy lifting and is poised to bring all the players together to set the new standard for a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem.” Ms. Clayton currently serves on the public boards of Duke Energy, NXP Semiconductors, Oshkosh Corporation and Nordson Corporation. Ms. Clayton’s prior board service includes National Electrical Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers and many of Schneider Electric’s Energy-as-a-Service joint ventures. She was also a member of Rewiring America’s CEO’s for Electrification coalition for business leaders. Prior to Schneider Electric, she served in senior management roles for Dell, where she led the transformation of its global supply chain and fulfillment model, and General Motors Corporation, including president of Saturn Corporation, where she oversaw strategic direction, financial accountability, and profitability. Ms. Clayton holds a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from Wright State University, a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Dayton and has completed the London Business School executive development program. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations — connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress from driving. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more. Contact Details Flash Parking Ray Young +1 512-694-6097 ray@razorsharppr.com Company Website https://www.flashparking.com/

April 04, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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ARway.ai announces multiple new SaaS developer contracts in both the United States and Chile

ARway.ai

ARway.ai Chief Executive Officer Evan Gappelberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce multiple new SaaS developer sign-ups for its augmented reality experience platform, focusing on AR indoor navigation. These partnerships represent significant milestones in ARway’s mission to revolutionize human interaction with physical spaces through augmented reality. Gappelberg explained that La Casa de Juana, a pioneering real estate platform based in Chile, has signed up for ARway's developer plan. La Casa de Juana specializes in offering comprehensive online services for evaluating and booking rental property tours. By leveraging ARway’s cutting-edge technology, they aim to prototype and introduce augmented reality real estate tours, enhancing their services and user experience. In addition, Navigine, a global provider of hardware-based indoor navigation and wayfinding software, headquartered in New York and Berlin, has joined forces with ARway. Navigine’s expertise in utilizing WiFi and Bluetooth technologies, along with its blue dot technology, offers indoor navigation experiences. With Navigine's specialization in indoor navigation through hardware and beacons, covering over 3,000 unique facilities, their collaboration with ARway signifies a significant advancement in providing innovative indoor navigation solutions to users worldwide. These partnerships underscore ARway’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and global reach, enabling augmented reality integration into everyday applications and revolutionizing the way people interact with physical spaces. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

April 02, 2024 12:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Springtime Home Renovation: Bathroom Edition

YourUpdateTV

As we gear up for spring, it's time to give our bathrooms a much-needed makeover. HGTV star and renovation expert Scott McGillivray teamed up with Bath Fitter on a satellite media tour to share tips on how bath fitter can help you achieve a beautiful, mess-free renovation in no time. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1nbWq_lewI4 Bath Fitter provides a fast, simple way to achieve a beautiful, mess-free bathroom renovation in as little as 24 hours. Offering a variety of designs that suit every style, Bath Fitter provides a long-lasting, cost-effective alternative to traditional bathroom remodels without ever sacrificing quality, durability, or functionality. Bath Fitter custom-made, high-gloss acrylic tubs and showers are made from the same premium acrylic found in high-end spas. This superior material requires minimal maintenance and wipes clean with ease. The seamless no-grout wall system from Bath Fitter provides a watertight seal built to last a lifetime. Unlike traditional bathroom remodels, which often involve lengthy delays, messy demolition, stress, and unexpected fees, Bath Fitter eliminates renovation pain points. High-gloss acrylic tubs and showers from Bath Fitter are custom made to fit precisely over existing units, creating a sleek, permanent solution for an instant bathroom upgrade. Tub-over-tub solutions from Bath Fitter offer a sleek, cost-effective alternative to a demolition renovation, while maintaining exceptional quality and eliminating unforeseen pain points that can often come with remodeling. Whether you’re embracing Scandinavian minimalism or want to bring some contemporary English Country to your bathroom, Bath Fitter offers a range of timeless custom designs for homeowners and renters to seamlessly complement their style and aesthetic. Committed to bathrooms that will stand the test of time, Bath Fitter backs its products with a lifetime transferable warranty. Your perfect bath is out there, and Bath Fitter is here to help you every step of the way. Visit www.bathfitter.com to learn more, schedule a one-on-one consultation, and find a showroom near you. About Scott McGillivray For more than a decade, homeowners and aspiring investors have enjoyed the warmth and humor of Scott’s easygoing approach to real estate investing. As the host and executive producer of HGTV’s award-winning series Income Property, Scott made making money in real estate a reality for hundreds of hardworking homeowners across North America. Since then, through endeavors in education, public speaking and linear and digital television production, Scott has empowered countless others to take control of their finances by making smart renovation and real estate choices. Scott’s interest in diversifying his brand experience has led him to expand into a number of areas, including business. He’s CEO of McGillivray Group and McGillivray Entertainment, co-founder of real estate investing education company, Keyspire, and an accomplished real estate investor with hundreds of properties across North America. Recently, he has expanded his business real estate reach into the areas of multi-use and multi-residential development projects. Scott is also a respected influencer who engages daily with his 1M+ followers. People from across the globe have been drawn to his approachable personality, and they trust him to provide useful and financially sensible advice. He is a proud ambassador for Habitat for Humanity Canada, and enjoys teaching people from all walks of life about how they can become homeowners and use real estate to improve their lives. When he’s not on a build site, speaking in front of a sold-out audience or filming one of his many shows, you can find Scott at home in Toronto, ON spending time with his wife Sabrina and daughters, Myah and Layla. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 01, 2024 10:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAVEX 2024 Global Incident Management Benchmark Study Reveals Significant Third-Party Reporting to Companies

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, has released its 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report. The annual benchmark report offers valuable insights into workplace culture, analyzing trends from 1.86 million global reports spanning thousands of organizations that together employ more than 50 million employees. Amid a record number of tips to the SEC and a burgeoning DOJ whistleblowing program, NAVEX’s comprehensive analysis sheds a critical light on the state of workplace environments worldwide, guiding organizations toward program improvement. "NAVEX remains the gold standard in risk and compliance data analytics, continually innovating our benchmarks to enhance corporate compliance programs and offer business leaders insights into the trending risk areas for their organizations," says NAVEX Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Carrie Penman. "This year's report introduces crucial third-party reporting insights, highlighting an organization’s need to adopt internal and external reporting avenues to bolster integrity, foster accountability and equip the organization to tackle emerging challenges effectively.” This year’s analysis of the data revealed several key themes and notable findings, including: Report volume and case substantiation reach milestones. Internal reporting programs saw a record level of use as measured by NAVEX’s Reports per 100 Employees metric. In addition, the Substantiation Rate metric reached an all-time high, meaning more reports were received and more were found to be true. Report volume, and the substantiation rates of the reports received, are two of the most highly watched metrics in the annual NAVEX publication. To see both reach the highest levels ever is good news. For those with trusted and effective internal reporting programs, this added up to greater visibility into the trends of risk, ethics and culture playing out in their organizations’ operations – real-time intelligence to inform business decision-making. In 2023, organizations received a median 1.57 Reports per 100 Employees across their internal reporting systems, exceeding the previous record of 1.47 set in 2022. More organizations (23%) received five or more Reports per 100 Employees, making this population the largest in the NAVEX data set. And while year-over-year values fluctuated, every size of organization – from the smallest companies to enterprises with over 100,000 employees – has seen report volumes rise comparing 2021 and 2023. At 45%, the overall median share of substantiated or founded reports in 2023 reached an 11-year high. Third parties more likely to report business integrity and financial misconduct issues. In a first for this report, NAVEX analyzed its database by both employees and third-party reporters. Its analysis shows these two groups are distinct across several metrics, highlighting the insight organizations see by promoting their reporting programs internally and externally. Third parties as a group delivered a far greater median share of reports related to Business Integrity matters than employees in 2023 (50% versus 17%). Encompassing topics like conflicts of interest, vendor issues, fraud, global trade and human rights, this category of issues can manifest in various elements of a supply chain. Third-party reporters also showed twice the median share of Accounting, Auditing & Financial Reporting reports as employees in 2023 (10% versus 4.5%). Story emerging on accounting-related reporting – internally and externally. Accounting-related reports -- while lower in overall percentage of reports received internally by organizations at a median of 4.3.% in 2023 -- often receive an outsized share of attention due to potential for regulatory action and the well-publicized bounty program offered by the SEC and its Office of the Whistleblower. The SEC's program is witnessing unprecedented growth in tips and generously rewarding valuable information. Now, the U.S. Department of Justice is launching a similar initiative. Specifically, reports related to Accounting, Auditing, and Financial reporting: Showed the longest time between when an incident was observed and when it was reported to the organization By a large margin, were least likely to be reported anonymously Comprised an outsized share of cases for organizations that receive very few Reports per 100 Employees – meaning while these organizations received well below the benchmark number of reports, they had a much more significant percentage of accounting-related reports Experienced the longest time to investigate and close the case Had among the highest median Substantiation Rates, at 50% Were most likely to cause an employment separation event as a result of a substantiated case Accounted for twice as many of the reports submitted by third parties than those submitted by employees Small increase in report volume shows big payoff in healthy report mix. A diverse array of topics, inquiries, and allegations in internal reporting indicates a robust program. NAVEX’s findings reveal that even minor efforts to promote internal reporting significantly improve the mix of report types received. For instance, in organizations with the lowest report volume, only 8.7% of reports pertain to HR, Diversity, and Workplace Respect. However, in the next tier, this proportion jumps to 36.3%. This trend persists across different report volumes, emphasizing the importance of fostering a reporting culture. A varied mix of report types signifies trust in internal reporting to address a broad spectrum of issues. Even a slight increase from minimal reporting yields a more comprehensive and insightful flow of reports. "With NAVEX's integrated data platform, companies gain unparalleled risk signal data that empowers them to foster healthier workplace cultures, helping them achieve outcomes that matter most,” explains NAVEX Chief Product Officer A.G. Lambert. "Data isn't just numbers; it's the compass guiding organizations toward success and ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of risk and compliance." Additional notable findings include: Workplace behaviors and discord were clearly visible in the data as more organizations return to office environments. As is always the case in these reports, workplace behaviors and other human resources related matters are by far the highest percentage of reports received by organizations. Workplace Civility matters continued to increase in prominence in 2023, representing a median of 18% of reports and the highest median reporting rate in 2023. This was followed by Discrimination, at a median 12%, Harassment, at a median 7.1%, then Retaliation at a median of 2.0%. The HR, Diversity and Workplace Respect category overall has seen a multi-year increase in its median share of all reports (from 50% in 2021 to 55% in 2023). These figures underscore the growing importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. Highlighting the seriousness with which organizations are taking reports received, more substantiated reports (18%) resulted in separation from employment in 2023, up significantly from 14% in 2022 and 12% in 2021. The share of reports resulting in no action – effectively the opposite end of the outcome spectrum – fell from 17% in 2022 to 14% in 2023. Nearly nine out of 10 reports of Imminent Threat to a Person, Animals or Property were substantiated in 2023 highlighting the importance that reporters possess the training, knowledge, tools and trust that promote rapid reporting of dangerous issues. This need is made even greater by a new California workplace violence prevention law expected to take effect this year that includes requirements for reporting, incident management and training around this issue. For more insights on the 2024 Whistleblowing & Incident Management Benchmark Report, join Jane Norberg, Arnold & Porter partner and former chief of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower, Keith Thomas, FedEx corporate integrity & compliance lead counsel, Carrie Penman, NAVEX chief risk & compliance officer, and Anders Olsen, NAVEX senior data scientist, for an informative webinar where they will discuss the results of this year’s analysis in detail. Watch the webinar here. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

March 26, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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