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Senior Market Sales® Announces Call-Recording Solution to Help Insurance Agents Comply With New Medicare Regulation

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Agents Can Record, Retrieve and Retain Calls While on Desktop or Mobile Device

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Market Sales® (SMS) has unveiled a full-featured business phone solution to help insurance agents comply with a new Medicare regulation requiring the recording of phone calls that are part of the chain of a beneficiary’s enrollment into a Medicare Advantage or Part D Plan.

 

SMS’ call-recording solution gives agents flexibility to sell compliantly from virtually anywhere.

The solution from SMS, one of the industry’s premier insurance marketing organizations (IMOs), goes beyond just satisfying the call-recording compliance requirement – it also provides additional capabilities that many independent agents don’t have today, including video conferencing, text messaging and voicemail transcription. Most notably, the mobile application gives agents flexibility to sell compliantly from virtually anywhere. SMS will provide the phone solution at no cost to SMS-contracted agents this Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP).

“This is the most full-featured solution we’ve seen in the industry,” said Bob Harding, SMS Chief Technology Officer and First Vice President. “Agents will be able to record calls whether working from a desktop or a mobile device, and they can set it up to ring on their desktop, landline and mobile phone all at once. With the SMS solution, agents should never miss a call or be tethered to a desk.”

Dwane McFerrin, SMS’ Senior Vice President, Med Solutions, said that SMS immediately jumped on finding a solution when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the regulations on May 9, 2022, so that agents could comply by the Oct. 1 deadline and for their busiest season, AEP, which is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. SMS partnered with Phone.com, a unified communications service provider known for being HIPAA compliant and having easy-to-use APIs – features that allowed for quick integration with SMS’ Lead Advantage Pro® lead-to-enrolment tool.

“It was important to us to provide a solution that would allow agents to continue doing business the way they prefer. The solution could not be cumbersome and slow them down,” McFerrin said. “Through our partnership with Phone.com, we’re able to deliver a solution that not only empowers the agent to continue their daily process, but also possibly allows them to work even more efficiently because of the additional functionalities it offers.”

The phone solution will be integrated with SMS’ proprietary Lead Advantage Pro tool in mid-September. Lead Advantage Pro’s other integrations – such as with Medicare.gov’s Blue Button – and other features help agents work more easily, efficiently and accurately, by eliminating manual tasks, allowing for online quoting and applications and corralling the entire sales process into one platform.

“Lead Advantage Pro’s integration with Phone.com gives agents even more power, more flexibility and more efficiencies, wherever they’re working,” McFerrin said. “Agents using Lead Advantage Pro can call and record within the tool with a single click.”

Calls on SMS’ call-recording solution can be retained for 10 years, fulfilling CMS requirements.

SMS also is providing call recording through its Medicare Insurance Direct® solution, along with an exciting new feature that will allow agents to execute telephonic enrollments with voice signature. Voice signature will be a game changer for agents who sell over the phone, McFerrin said, because it will eliminate the need to email or log into websites. Call recording and voice signature will both be available in Medicare Insurance Direct this AEP.

“We’ve been able to provide solutions that will help agents do more than just comply with a regulation,” McFerrin said. “These solutions will help agents work more efficiently and present a more professional presence to clients and prospects. We look forward to helping agents make this AEP their best yet.”

Agents can learn more about the call-recording solution at www.SeniorMarketSales.com/CallRecording.

About Senior Market Sales

Senior Market Sales® (SMS) represents top Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, annuity, life, long-term care, and travel insurance carriers in all 50 states. More than 70,000 independent insurance agents rely on SMS for proprietary technology, competitive insurance products, and expert training and service to help them leverage their time, make more money, and put their business in a position of distinction. Founded in 1982, SMS is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2020, SMS joined the Alliant Insurance Services family of companies. Visit www.SeniorMarketSales.com or call 1.800.786.5566 for more information.

Agents should note that none of the information provided by SMS in regard to these technology solutions should be taken as legal advice, or as a guarantee that use of any particular technology will fulfill their regulatory or contractual requirements. Agents are responsible for understanding all call-recording obligations that are applicable to them, and for ensuring that they are using SMS technology solutions in a manner that will allow them to meet those obligations. The solution provided by SMS is not the only option available for management of call recording obligations.

Contact: Dan Trumblee
Assistant Vice President, Divisional Director, Communications & Creative Services
Senior Market Sales®
402.343.3689
Dtrumblee@SeniorMarketSales.com

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SOURCE Senior Market Sales

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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