Riche confirmed Christoph Franz as Chairman Dividend increased to 9.3 Swiss francs

 Roche Annual General Meeting 2022

 

• All proposals of the Board of Directors approved
• Christoph Franz as Chairman of the Roche Board of Directors and all other Board members standing for re-election approved;
  Jemilah Mahmood elected as a new member of the Board of Directors
• 35th Consecutive dividend increase to CHF 9.30 per share
  
  

Basel, 15 March 2022 – Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that its shareholders approved all proposals of the Board of Directors at its ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM). Owing to the ongoing high infection rates, the AGM was held with only representatives of Roche Holding Ltd and those persons required by the Articles of Incorporation in attendance and with no shareholders physically present. The AGM was broadcast live on the Internet. Roche shareholders were able to exercise their rights via written or electronically submitted instructions to the independent proxy, Testaris AG. The independent proxy represented 77.25% of the total of 106,691,000 shares. The Management Report, the Financial Statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2021 were approved.

Christoph Franz was confirmed as Chairman of the Board of Directors with 98.91% of the votes. He addressed shareholders in a speech published online today:

"In 2021, in which we celebrated our 125th anniversary, we have once again been able to develop and manufacture innovative diagnostics and therapies against serious illnesses and, in particular, against COVID-19, and make them accessible to the world. Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, 2021 was a good year for Roche. This enables us to raise the dividend for the 35th consecutive time to 9.30 Swiss francs per share. We are proud of the contributions that our Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals Divisions have made to combating the pandemic. At the same time, we have been able to make great progress in our product pipeline across several areas, including oncology, vision loss and neurological diseases."

Shareholders endorsed the total amount of bonuses paid to the Corporate Executive Committee for 2021 with 98.53% of the votes, as well as the total amount of bonuses paid to the Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2021, which was approved by 98.54% of the votes. Furthermore, shareholders authorised the ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions.

Shareholders approved the proposed appropriation of available earnings with 99.93% of the votes. They also approved an increase in the dividend for the past financial year from 9.10 to 9.30 Swiss francs (gross) per share and non-voting equity security. This is the 35th consecutive dividend increase.

In addition to Dr Christoph Franz, all other Board members who stood for re-election were confirmed for a term of one year:

●        André Hoffmann
●        Julie Brown
●        Dr Jörg Duschmalé
●        Dr Patrick Frost
●        Anita Hauser
●        Professor Dr Richard P. Lifton
●        Bernard Poussot
●        Dr Severin Schwan
●        Dr Claudia Süssmuth Dyckerhoff

Professor Dr Jemilah Mahmood was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors for a term of one year.

The following Board members were re-elected to the Remuneration Committee for a term of one year:

●        Dr Christoph Franz
●        André Hoffmann
●        Professor Dr Richard P. Lifton
●        Bernard Poussot

Dr Patrick Frost was elected as a new member of the Remuneration Committee for a term of one year.

Shareholders also approved the maximum total amount of future remuneration of the Board of Directors, which was confirmed by 98.59% of the votes, and the maximum total amount of future remuneration for the Corporate Executive Committee until the 2023 ordinary Annual General Meeting by 98.50% of the votes.

The Meeting elected Testaris AG as independent proxy for the 2022 financial year until the conclusion of the 2023 ordinary Annual General Meeting and KPMG AG as external auditor for the financial year 2022.

To create the greatest possible transparency, this year's AGM was broadcast live on the Internet. The speech by Chairman of the Board Christoph Franz to shareholders can be found at https://www.roche.com/de/about/governance/annual_general_meetings.htm.

BOSTON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE GABRIELA COLETTA RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CLIMATE CHANGE PLATFORM

BOSTON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE GABRIELA COLETTA RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CLIMATE CHANGE PLATFORM

BOSTON – Gabriela Coletta, Boston City Council candidate and East Boston resident, released a comprehensive environmental justice and climate change platform with recommendations for a community-led municipal harbor planning process for the waterfront, expanding the tree canopy, better air quality, clean energy, and public utility oversight.

Excerpted:

District One faces unique challenges as each neighborhood is a coastal community bearing a significant burden of intentional and generational environmental injustices. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, you should have the opportunity to participate in decisions about the things that affect your health and environment.

Due to compounding social determinants of health, our communities were uniquely vulnerable to an insidious respiratory illness that spreads at close contact. We have breathed in jet fuel’s ultrafine particulates for generations and have harmed our respiratory and cardiovascular systems ... As City Councilor, I will always approach everything I do with an environmental justice lens to protect the collective health and wellness of my community and my neighbors.

The City of Boston should work to ensure new construction has elevated utilities and partner with public and private entities to build clean energy “microgrids” for backup power. Delivering power over a central grid is inefficient as up to almost 15% is lost during transit. A microgrid allows for the generation of power closer to those it will be dispersed.  Community organizations are already doing incredible work to create these self-sufficient energy systems that produce power through various kinds of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, combined heat and power, and generations. They are also able to contain energy through battery storage systems that can be stored and utilized when customers need it the most.

We should implement solar, wind, hydropower renewable energies wherever possible. Let’s explore expanding community-based solarized programs by allowing renters to buy into and earn those credits despite not owning property. Boston should also look to utilize city-owned land for more solar farms and use our collective buying power to get discounted rates.

Gabriela’s recommendations include a community-led holistic approach for waterfront planning, utilizing contemporary resilience strategies seen around the world, ensuring inclusivity for all residents, increasing tree canopies, expanding the City’s youth green jobs program, ensuring local organizations have a seat at the table and holding Massport accountable as a good neighbor to district one.

In addition to environmental justice and resiliency, Gabriela’s top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, ensuring residents have excellent constituent services, and innovative transportation solutions to mitigate traffic and parking issues.

To see Gabriela’s full environmental justice and climate change platform and other issue stances, please visit: www.gabrielacoletta.com/vision.

Greenway Conservancy Announces Season of Open-Air Beer and Wine Gardens on The Greenway

Greenway Conservancy Announces Season of 

Open-Air Beer and Wine Gardens on The Greenway 

Trillium pop-ups in March and April will kick off another season of 

sipping locally on The Greenway!  

March 14, 2022 – Boston, MA – The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy today announced the opening dates for our 2022 open-air beer and wine gardens. 

“It’s a true sign of spring when our beer and wine gardens open back up on The Greenway,” said Keelin Caldwell, Director of Programs and Community Outreach at the Greenway Conservancy. “We invite everyone to celebrate warmer weather and the lifting pandemic restrictions by enjoying a drink on the beautiful Greenway.”

Trillium Garden on The Greenway 

We are delighted to announce that Trillium Brewing Company will be hosting two weekend pop-ups ahead of their regular season on The Greenway. Mark your calendars for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend where Trillium Garden will be open 12p to 7p from Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20, and for Boston Marathon Weekend from 12p to 7p from Saturday, April 16, to Monday, April 18! 

Trillium Garden on The Greenway will fully open for a sixth season on Thursday, April 21, operating at the corner of High Street and Atlantic Avenue, across from Rowes Wharf. Regular operating hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 12p to 7p. As hours are updated throughout the season, you can find the latest details on our website calendar or the Trillium Brewing Company website. 

Trillium’s drink offerings will be paired with some of our incredible partners from our 2022 Food Truck Program. At Trillium Garden on The Greenway, you’ll find Burgundian on Thursdays, Revelry on Fridays, Dining Car on Saturdays, and Pennypackers on Sundays throughout the season! 

"Every year, we re-open Trillium Garden on The Greenway excited to invite our guests and friends to one of the most beautiful spots in the city to enjoy a beer," said Ryan Shocklee, Vice President of Operations for Trillium Brewing Company. "The Greenway has become a destination spot for locals and visitors to enjoy and we couldn't be more proud to be a part of it.”

City Winery on The Greenway

City Winery on The Greenway will fully open for the season on Wednesday, May 4, located on Dewey Square across from South Station. The regular hours of operation are Wednesday 4p to 9p, Friday 4p to 10p, Saturday 1p to 9p, and Sunday 11a to 7p. City Winery will also be open on Thursdays from 4p to 9p in May and September.

City Winery will be serving their locally crafted wine on tap, including a variety of reds, whites, and rosé, as well as a selection of local craft beers and cider. There will also be a menu of fresh wraps, cheese boards, and snacks to complement the wine garden experience. 

“City Winery can’t wait to welcome Bostonians and visitors back to our beautiful, open-air wine garden on The Greenway,” said Michael Dorf, Founder and CEO for City Winery. “Come raise a glass of our award-winning wine in this amazing park setting.”

Boston Calling Block Parties

The Greenway Conservancy will again host the Boston Calling Block Party Series, returning to Dewey Square on The Greenway every Thursday evening from 5p to 8p, beginning Thursday, June 9, and running through August 11. These free outdoor weekly parties take place in the heart of the city, giving Bostonians the chance to get outside and enjoy live music paired with several beer selections.

 

In addition to great local music artists, attendees will be able to play various lawn games such as bean bag toss and kick back to enjoy a beverage in an Adirondack chair. Boston Calling’s Block Party Series is presented by Miller Lite. Each party will have refreshments available for purchase; fans must be 21+ to enter.

 

Bring your department, company, or party to the beautiful Greenway and leave the workday behind by reserving the Dewey Garden Room, our private party space for groups at the Boston Calling Block Parties. If you are interested in reserving the space for an event or company outing, please fill out this form. 

About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy (www.rosekennedygreenway.org)  

The Greenway is the contemporary public park in the heart of Boston. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually to gather, play, unwind, and explore. The Greenway Conservancy is the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Greenway. The majority of the public park’s annual budget is generously provided by private sources. 

About Trillium Brewing Company (www.trilliumbrewingcompany.com)

Trillium Brewing was founded in March of 2013 by JC and Esther Tetreault with the desire to create a New England Farmhouse-inspired experience through the lens of craft beer. Launched with three employees and the support of family, friends, and community, our little brewery located at 369 Congress Street in Boston’s then-sleepy Fort Point neighborhood has grown to a team of nearly 300. Every member of our organization has incredible drive and purpose, working passionately each day to elevate the quality of the Trillium experience.

New England is our home. With two year-round locations in the Fort Point and Fenway neighborhoods, as well as a seasonal beer garden on The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston is the heart of our operations. Journeying outside of the city, you will find our production brewery and our brand new restaurant and taproom in Canton. Our farm in North Stonington, Connecticut rounds out our six current locations.

About City Winery (www.citywinery.com/boston)

City Winery, founded in New York in 2008 by Michael Dorf, strives to deliver the highest-end combined culinary and cultural experiences to urban food, wine, and music enthusiasts. Opened in 2017, City Winery Boston is a fully functioning winery, restaurant/bar, music venue, and private event space located in the heart of Downtown Boston at 80 Beverly Street, steps from TD Garden. City Winery is a contemporary 30,000 square foot haven for those who are passionate about wine, music and culinary arts. The decor evokes the romance of being in wine country, from the exposed stainless-steel fermenting tanks and French oak barrels, to the aroma of fermenting grapes. The winery has produced dozens of in-house wines sourced from vineyards in California, Oregon, Washington, & Argentina. The globally-inspired, locally-sourced, wine- focused food menu is conceived for pairing and sharing. The concert venue hosts an eclectic mix of performances, with complete beverage and dining service, ensuring a comfortable and intimate “listening room” experience.

About the Boston Calling Block Parties (facebook.com/bostoncallingblockparties/)

The Boston Calling Block Parties are returning to Dewey Square for a ninth season in 2022. This weekly pop up beer garden with live performances is produced by Crashline Productions and is presented by Miller Lite. 

聯邦環保署指定下Neponset 河為超級基金地點

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 聯邦環境保護署 (EPA)今 (14) 早和麻州聯邦及州市政要聯袂宣佈，跨越波士頓市、米爾頓鎮（Milton）的3.7英里＂下Neponset河＂獲選列入所謂＂超級經費地點 (Superfund Site)” ，將有機會藉聯邦政府的無黨派基礎建設法35億元經費，清理河流，消滅汙染。

             聯邦環境保護署新英格蘭辦公室新任主管David Cash表示，麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)政府在2015年向該署提出，把＂下Neponset河＂列入＂超級經費＂優先處理名單，經各方努力多年後，該署現已通過這一申請。

             David Cash今日和聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren，聯邦眾議員Steven Lynch，Ayana Pressley，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），米爾頓鎮議會主席Kathleen Conlon等人，一起到位於麥特潘（Mattapan）的雷恩遊樂場（Ryan Playground）宣佈這喜訊。

             Neponset河分水嶺協會主任 Ian Cooke，Edgewater鄰里協會主席Vivian Morris等人都說，非常期待Neponset河的能夠早日清除各種廢棄垃圾，水質汙染，恢復早年河水清澈可游，河魚可釣可食的美好日子。

             根據聯邦環保署網站上資訊，麻州共有41個地點曾被列為＂超級經費地點＂，＂下Neponset河＂是唯一座落在波士頓市和米爾頓鎮的地點。從美國國會於1980年代通過人們暱稱為＂超級經費＂的＂綜合環境因應、補償及責任法 (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act，簡稱 CERCLA) 通過以來，全美迄今共有1883個地點被選為＂超級經費地點＂。

             CERCLA

法允許聯邦環保署清理被汙染了的地方，同時強迫造成汙染者清理污染，或付費給政府，由環保署來率領清理工作，期以保護人類的健康，以及地方環境的安全。

             由於清理環境汙染，耗時費力，迄今環保署仍有49個已列入＂超級經費地點＂的項目，未能獲得足夠經費，完成清理任務，今日出席的所有聯邦及州市政要興奮指出，基礎建設法的35億元，將可為必要的污染清理提供經費。聯邦環保署同意把＂下Neponset河＂列入＂超級經費地點＂，意味著包括經費，科學專業，法律力量等數以百萬、千萬元計的大量聯邦資源將跟著湧來。

             下Neponset河一帶在1930年代有許多磨坊，工廠，藉水力發電，在生產製造過程中產生致癌副產品的廢棄物，讓河魚毒不可食，河底沉澱多氯聯苯（polychlorinated biphenyls）。

           根據美國地質局調查，在3.7英里Neponset河中有多氯聯苯，但美國從1929年起，在生產製造電子設備，液壓油，潤滑劑等商品時，大量應用多氯聯苯，直到1979年才明令禁止使用

                  

波士頓環球報指出，大約15年前，Thomas & Betts公司經麻州政府檢舉，在Neponset和造成有毒沉澱物，其後麻州政府發現這些沉澱物蔓延很廣，Thomas & Betts公司後來控告其他公司也是汙染源，聯邦上訴法庭也裁定其他公司必須分擔約1300萬元的清理污染費用。

　　　麻州政府發現Neponset河一帶汙染問題複雜，責任難釐清後，決定轉請聯邦政府協。

                   聯邦環保署的通過Neponset河列入＂超級經費地點＂優先處理名單，意味著聯邦政府將動用資源協助麻州及地方市鎮調查汙染來源，先確認那些公司有責任清理，再研擬清理計畫及經費來源。聯邦眾議員Steven Lynch在回答提問時說明，聯邦及州市政府將按特定比例，支付公司罰款以外所需的清理費用。

MAYOR WU JOINS EPA, ELECTED OFFICIALS TO ANNOUNCE LOWER NEPONSET RIVER AS A SUPERFUND SITE Federal funds will support the remediation of a historically neglected and polluted natural space

BOSTON - Monday, March 14, 2022- Today, Mayor Michelle Wu joined EPA Regional Administrator David Cash and members of the Massachusetts Delegation to declare the Lower Neponset River as a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The Lower Neponset River site is identified as the 3.7-mile stretch of the Neponset River from the point where it merges with Mother Brook in Hyde Park, extending downstream to the Walter Baker Dam in Dorchester and into the town of Milton, Mass. This declaration will support the City of Boston in transforming the river into an ecologically sound, healthy, and sustainable natural space while supporting a thriving local community.  “Having been part of neighborhood meetings about this area and Neponset River cleanup efforts over the years, I know how much this natural treasure means to our communities. This designation will open up full federal partnership to invest the resources in restoring a healthy ecosystem that is especially needed in our work to become a Green New Deal city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “For far too long, environmental justice communities like Mattapan have been bearing the brunt of climate change and environmental hazards, and I look forward to working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency on improving this beautiful resource in Boston.” “Listing the Lower Neponset River Site on the Superfund NPL is a big step for the Boston and Milton neighborhoods. We now have a mechanism to clean up the river and protect the health of the communities around it, as well as increasing the overall use and enjoyment of this important resource” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “We have to thank our local partners in the communities and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for their support and hard work to get the site listed, and we look forward to continued partnership as we embark on the next phase of the project. This is a win for families who value recreating on the river, a win for great blue herons, a win for fish, and a win for Massachusetts.” Historically, numerous mills were established along this portion of the Neponset River in the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and the town of Milton, MA. The mills initially utilized dams to generate power to turn mill grinding wheels and later to operate large industrial mills. These mills and other industrial facilities in the area are suspected to have contaminated this portion of the Neponset. Based on preliminary studies, this portion of the river contains sediment contaminated with elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can be detrimental for public and environmental health.  For more than a decade, community members throughout Hyde Park, Dorchester and Mattapan have expressed concern about the potential contamination. In referring the site to EPA, the City and Commonwealth agreed that listing the river on the NPL presents the most significant opportunity to remediate the river and surrounding land. The City, in conjunction with the EPA and the Commonwealth, has a shared goal of protecting the people who have been directly impacted by the industrial contamination in the river. "With the addition of the Lower Neponset River to the US EPA Superfund National Priorities list, our community is very excited to have the wonderful river alongside our neighborhood become a safer community resource," said Vivien Morris of the Edgewater Neighborhood Association.  The NPL includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. EPA determined that the Lower Neponset River site qualified for the NPL because this portion of the river contains sediment contaminated with elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that may pose a risk to human health and or the environment. NPL designation is the first step in a series of actions to transform and remediate the Lower Neponset River. The EPA’s Superfund Process will now move to remedial investigation, which will determine the extent of the contamination and assess its risks to the local community and the ecosystem. A feasibility study must then be conducted to determine possible cleanup alternatives. A plan must then be developed and a formal public comment period will begin. A cleanup decision will then be made and remedial action will be conducted. This process will be led by the EPA. Open spaces with healthy ecosystems function as a method to achieve our climate mitigation and adaptation goals while supporting our path to become a Green New Deal city. Mayor Wu’s Administration is committed to environmental protection and is laying the foundation to become a carbon neutral city. Within her first one hundred days in office, Mayor Wu signed an ordinance to divest City-funds from the fossil fuel, tobacco, and private prison industries. Mayor Wu also announced new, lower community choice electricity rates and outlined steps to reduce vehicle emissions and electrify the City fleet. Mayor Wu additionally announced the launch of the two-year fare-free program on MBTA bus Routes 23, 28, and 29 on March 1, 2022.

北美海產展今年恢復實體展覽 13至15日在波士頓會展中心展出 (圖片)

台灣今年只有來自高雄的誠宏冷凍一家廠商參展。

威海飛揚體育用品公司經理魯陸向客戶說明該公司的漁具產品。

今年只有3家參展廠商來自中國大陸。

越南是今年參展廠商最多的國家之一。

祕魯貿易局紐約主任Bernardo Munoz Angosto透露，今年有歷年來最多的20家廠商來參展。

挪威的攤位設計以漁船為模型。

印度宣稱是美國排名第一的蝦供應商。

會場擺飾之一。

SGS 北美公司的Kevin S. Edwards 展示食品安全服務。

麻州Holbroak的YT Logistics公司也來擺攤參展。

參展商擺出來吸引人流的道具之一。

今年有很多廠商訂了攤位，卻未能出席。會場內有不少空攤位。

 

紐英崙客家鄉親會種菜心得討論會 (圖片)

 

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Joins Effort to Safeguard Critical Worker Protections in Massachusetts

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Joins Effort to Safeguard Critical Worker Protections in Massachusetts

Boston, March 11 - Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today announced her support of Massachusetts Is Not For Sale, an “alliance of workers, consumers, civil rights, immigrant, faith, labor, community organizing, racial and environmental justice groups,” organized to oppose efforts by major corporations like Uber and Lyft to undermine the rights of gig economy workers in Massachusetts. 

“Every worker in Massachusetts - and across the country - deserves a job that provides good wages, strong benefits, and safe working conditions,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “The fight for workers’ rights is deeply tied to the fight for racial and economic justice. We cannot accept the false choice between flexibility and critical workplace protections, and we cannot allow major corporations to strip away the rights of thousands of workers – disproportionately Black, brown, and immigrant workers – in order to improve their bottom line. This is an issue I’ve led on during my time in Congress, and I’ll continue to work alongside workers, advocates, and the members of Massachusetts Is Not For Sale to safeguard the rights of every worker in our communities.” 

During both her time on the Boston City Council and in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Pressley has fought for the rights of workers. She has led efforts to expand paid leave policies for every worker, introduced legislation to protect part-time workers, advocated for the right of every worker to join a union, and introduced the historic Federal Job Guarantee Resolution, which could ensure access to a good job with dignified wages, safe working conditions, health care and other benefits for every person who wants one.

Congresswoman Pressley will join workers, other elected officials, and members of Massachusetts Is Not For Sale at a press conference on Saturday, March 12 at 11:00 AM at Zumix in East Boston.  

According to Massachusetts Is Not For Sale, “the Uber/Lyft-backed [effort] would exclude hundreds of thousands of workers in the Commonwealth from the employment rights and protections set forth in Massachusetts law. Principally, it would significantly narrow who is an “employee” under Massachusetts law. Current Massachusetts law includes the critical presumption that any individual “performing any service” on behalf of an employer and (1) is working under that employer’s control, (2) doing work that is performed in the usual course of the employer’s business, or (3) is not holding oneself out as a business independent from an employer is an “employee.” 

Under Massachusetts law “employees” working in the private sector are entitled to rights and protections including minimum wage, paid sick time, and paid family leave, unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation, and protections against sexual harassment and racial discrimination at work. … Rather than complying, Big Tech has proposed rewriting our longstanding law to exclude their workers entirely, filing language that, for “all purposes,” “an app-based driver is an independent contractor and not an employee.”