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Two Belgian hospitals live with Sectra’s public cloud service for medical imaging based on Microsoft Azure

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LINKÖPING, Sweden, July 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Two hospitals in Belgium are successfully live with the public cloud service from international medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STOCKHOLM: SECT-B). As the first to use Sectra One Cloud in the Benelux countries, the two hospitals have begun experiencing the benefits of a cloud service such as improved ability to share resources between the sites and more streamlined workflows.

In the city of Bruges in Belgium, the hospitals AZ Sint Lucas and AZ Sint Jan began their journey to the cloud following a contract with Sectra signed in 2023. As the first in the Benelux countries to adopt Sectra’s enterprise imaging as a fully managed service in the public cloud, these hospitals have now gone live with the service.

One of the main reasons for this shift was the need to streamline operations and enhance collaboration between the two sites. Since 2021, the 23 radiologists and nine trainees of both hospitals have worked together in one single association. Previously, they were unable to work in one environment as they were using two different PACS providers. This made it much harder to collaborate. This need originates from the challenge many hospitals face today of dealing with heavy workloads. 

“With an aging population come increasing needs. We are already experiencing a lack of resources and heavier workload. With more and more exams to report on and a shortage of staff, our radiologists are having a hard time coping with the everyday workload. A state-of-the art communal PACS system could help streamline workflow and improve efficiency,” says Dr. Jesse Marrannes, radiologist at AZ Sint-Jan and main medical responsible for this PACS project.

Bart Thielen, Managing Director, Sectra Benelux, adds: “Healthcare today needs to be able to cope with the increasing need for diagnostics and specialized care. Transitioning to the cloud is the first step for hospitals wanting to use new technology to cope with these challenges, as the service offers the needed scalability and security. Many hospitals also deal with staff shortages when it comes to qualified IT staff. I am very happy to offer a solution that will take away some of the stress and resources usually needed to manage the system.”

He continues: “AZ Sint Jan and AZ Sint Lucas pave the way for the transition to public cloud for medical imaging in the Benelux and I’m excited to follow their journey.”

The service is based on Microsoft Azure and fully managed by Sectra. The hospitals saw the potential of the service helping to relieve burden on their IT staff and resources. “The fact that it is a fully managed service and deployed in the cloud gives us more time to focus on the care of our patients rather than on the maintenance of the IT-system and the storage and accessibility of data,” said Annelies Meyns, Head of ICT Applications at AZ Sint Jan, when the project was initiated.

The implementation process began shortly after the contract was signed, with Sectra closely collaborating with hospital teams to ensure a seamless transition. “Moving everything to the cloud is a monumental task, but Sectra’s commitment made it manageable and efficient,” says Jurryt Laleeuwe, Head of ICT Applications at AZ Sint Lucas.

The cloud service is now fully operational, bringing notable enhancements. “The new system has already enhanced our ability to share resources and collaborate on patient cases. The ability to tailor our workflows has also greatly benefited our radiologists, especially for overarching multidisciplinary team meetings” says Dr. Pieter Vandaele, Head of the Department of Radiology at AZ Sint Lucas.

He continues: “The implementation and experience so far have been very positive, and I look forward to seeing the ongoing benefits of this cloud service.”

Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution provides a unified strategy for all imaging needs while lowering operational costs. The scalable and modular solution, with a VNA at its core, allows healthcare providers to grow from ology to ology and from enterprise to enterprise. Visit Sectra’s website to read more about Sectra and why it’s top-ranked in “Best in KLAS.”

About Sectra
Sectra contributes to a healthier and safer society by assisting health systems throughout the world to enhance the efficiency of care, and authorities and defense forces in Europe to protect society’s most sensitive information. The company, founded in 1978, is headquartered in Linköping, Sweden, with direct sales in 19 countries, and distribution partners worldwide. Sales in the 2023/2024 fiscal year totaled SEK 2,964 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange. For more information, visit Sectra’s website.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President Sectra  AB, 46 (0) 705 23 52 27
Marie Ekström Trägårdh, Executive Vice President Sectra AB and President Sectra Imaging IT Solutions, 46 (0)708 23 56 10

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sectra/r/two-belgian-hospitals-live-with-sectra-s-public-cloud-service-for-medical-imaging-based-on-microsoft,c4007517

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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1 hour ago

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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