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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Anthony Anthony, who has served as Connecticut’s chief marketing officer since March 2023, will depart state service effective February 6, 2026, to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Under Anthony, statewide brand perception shifted dramatically – from “boring, small, expensive” in 2021, to a modern identity anchored in cultural identity, history, and an unexpected rallying cry: pizza. Anthony spearheaded the strategic rebrand of the state launched in October 2023, better positioning Connecticut within national economic conversations while supporting recent population growth, business recruitment, and visitor spending.
By aligning tourism, business recruitment, resident pride, and innovation messaging, the state saw massive growth in public engagement and global visibility. Since 2022, Connecticut’s earned media impressions increased 841% – from 3.4 billion to more than 32 billion. State pride reached its highest mark since research began in 2012 at 61%, and Net Promoter Scores across Live, Work, and Play categories rose 144%, 107%, and 177%, respectively. Connecticut’s approach became a national case study in place branding and economic storytelling.
“Early in our administration, I said what I believed then and now – no more bad mouthing Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I wanted our state to stop apologizing for who we are and start celebrating it. From his first day in my office in 2021, Anthony took that message to heart and turned it into a strategy that people feel every day — through creativity, vision, and pride. He helped show the world the Connecticut we know – innovative, fun, open for business, and yes, home of the Pizza Capital of the United States. I appreciate his service and the positive impact he’s made on our state.”
“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Lamont and First Lady Annie Lamont for offering me the opportunity to serve in Connecticut, a place I now proudly call home,” Anthony said. “This state made room for me, believed in new ideas, and empowered strategic creativity in a way that allowed me to belong and contribute.”
“Anthony has a rare talent – he takes complex topics — innovation, industry growth, workforce, quality of life — and turns them into stories people want to hear,” Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “He does it visually, emotionally, and authentically. He brought imagination to economic development and helped make our strategy something people could understand, celebrate, and share. His work strengthened how we market Connecticut across business, tourism, talent, and community.”
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s information and communication technology (ICT) export remittances increased by 18.5 percent year-on-year to 1.799 billion U.S. dollars during the first five months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The ministry said ICT services exports amounted to 356 million dollars in November 2025, while the sector recorded a trade surplus of 1.583 billion dollars during the July-November period.
It added that the growth reflects the increasing importance of the ICT sector in Pakistan’s economy. ■
As video advertising expands across screens and platforms, so does the regulatory pressure shaping how brands can collect data, personalize experiences, and use AI-driven tools. With new state privacy laws emerging, proposed federal rules targeting subscription practices, and heightened scrutiny of AI and youth protections, marketers face an increasingly fragmented environment that demands clarity and action.
The latest IAB Video Compliance Brief breaks down the most important developments affecting video advertising today—helping industry professionals understand what’s changing, what it means for targeting and measurement, and how to stay compliant across states and platforms.
This edition covers:
Whether you manage media, product, legal, or data operations, this guide offers the context and clarity needed to protect your campaigns and maintain consumer trust.
Download the IAB Video Compliance Brief: Q4 2025 Edition
More in the Q3 2025 IAB Video Compliance Brief
Read the Q2 2025 IAB Video Compliance Brief
Catch up on the Q1 2025 IAB Video Compliance Brief
Download
17 December 2025
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today proposed to extend the term of office of ECB Executive Board member Frank Elderson as Vice-Chair of the ECB’s Supervisory Board. In accordance with the ECB Rules of Procedure, the Vice-Chair’s term may be extended, but not beyond the end of the eight-year mandate as a member of the Executive Board.
The ECB has informed the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), Aurore Lalucq, as well as the President of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Stephanie Lose, the Danish Minister of Finance. Mr Elderson will appear at a hearing before the ECON Committee on a date to be confirmed.
In accordance with Article 26(3) of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) Regulation, the extension needs the approval of the European Parliament. Following this approval, the Council will adopt an implementing decision to extend the term of the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board. Under the SSM Regulation, the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board must be a member of the ECB’s Executive Board.
Mr Elderson joined the Executive Board in December 2020 and was appointed Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board in February 2021.
For media queries, please contact Carlijn Straathof, tel. +49 170 348 7585.
CED contribution enables Québec manufacturing business to develop its solar panel structure solution and deploy its international marketing strategy.
Québec, Quebec, December 17, 2025 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Today, Steeve Lavoie, Member of Parliament for Beauport–Limoilou, is announcing, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, a repayable contribution of $400,000 for Opsun Systems Inc. Thanks to CED’s investment, the manufacturing business will be able to design new products and optimize its marketing on foreign markets, thereby strengthening its presence outside Canada. Opsun Systems is a Quebec SME specializing in the design and manufacture of solar structures for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with flat or inclined roofs, designed to maximize energy production in Canadian climate conditions.
This investment is part of the plan to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, in addition to supporting the growth of homegrown businesses so they can better integrate into Canadian value chains.
Across Quebec, manufacturers play a key role in regional economic vitality. They innovate, produce, export and help build a stronger, more unified Canadian economy. By leveraging manufacturing businesses in our regions, the Government of Canada is investing in the country’s pride, sustainability and economic sovereignty. Products made here at home, by Canadian entrepreneurs, are finding their place in our supply chains and in the daily lives of Canadian consumers.
“Homegrown businesses are at the heart of our economy. By supporting Opsun Systems, we are investing in productivity, innovation and competitiveness in Quebec’s manufacturing sector. This is also a concrete way to leverage our very own talent and know‑how, key strengths to build a stronger, more resilient and proudly Canadian economy.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED
“SMEs play a central role in community development and are part of our government’s economic growth plan. By working with them, we are taking concrete steps to help strengthen their operations and their contribution to the regional economy. That is why I am delighted with CED’s support for Opsun Systems, whose contribution to the Québec region’s economic vitality is undeniable. Without a doubt, the success of this promising project will generate positive spin‑offs for the entire region, Quebec and Canada.”
Steeve Lavoie, Member of Parliament for Beauport–Limoilou
“CED has always been a trusted partner to Opsun, supporting us over the years in different innovation and growth projects in Canada and internationally. This new funding enables us to pursue our mission: To design sustainable solar structures manufactured right here in Canada.”
François Gilles-Gagnon, President, Opsun Systems Inc.
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
media@dec-ced.gc.ca
Gabrielle Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
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Jan was until recently General Counsel and Secretary of the National Trust. Prior to that he served as Deputy Head of Legal at the Bank of England after spending his early career working in private practice at two international law firms.
The Charity Commission’s Director of Legal and Accountancy Services is responsible for leading and managing its legal and accountancy services and assuring the legal integrity of the Commission’s regulatory work and policies. As a member of the Commission Executive Leadership Team, they also contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Commission, and advise the Board.
Jan will have oversight of the legal teams responsible for advising on registration, compliance, enforcement and regulatory authority as well as litigation strategy. His role will include steering legal input into delivery of the Commission’s strategy for 2024-29, which set commitments to “support charities to get it right but take robust action where we see wrongdoing and harm” and to “embrace technological innovation and strengthen how we use our data.”
Jan will also be responsible for overseeing the Commission’s accountancy team, led by an accountancy profession expert. Along with regulatory work, the team works alongside other UK regulators to ensure the UK charity reporting accounting framework is developed and maintained.
We were fortunate to attract an impressive pool of candidates in which Jan stood out. He brings a strong understanding of charity and wider law at a challenging time for the sector, and his experience, including working for an independent statutory regulator from his time at the Bank of England, will be of benefit as the Commission expands its casework staffing and explores the potential for technology solutions to meet increasing demand.
Charities are vital to our society, as is a strong and independent regulator. I look forward to joining the Commission, playing my part in ensuring that the law is upheld, wrongdoers are held to account, and that talent and innovation across the entire charity sector can flourish.
Jan will take up his new role in January 2026.
2025: LifeArc
2018 to 2025: National Trust
2013 to 2018: Bank of England
2011 to 2013: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
2006 to 2010: Allen & Overy LLP (now A&O Shearman)
Two partners from the EIC Pathfinder-funded projects were among the winners of the Innovation Rader Prize:
Background information
The 2025 Innovation Radar Prize was the 11th edition of this annual celebration of EU innovative excellence. Organised by the European Commission and the Innovation Radar Bridge initiative, it took place in the Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Portugal. Twelve EU-funded start-ups from across Europe competed in three prize categories.
At the event each of the 12 finalists – all SMEs, start-ups or spin-offs who had previously received research and innovation funding from the European Commission – delivered a pitch to investors and entrepreneurs outlining their ground-breaking innovations and plans to scale them in the marketplace.
More information
Innovation Radar Prize winners
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure an additional swing vessel to provide relief on provincial ferry routes serving Fogo Island-Change Islands and Bell Island.
Swing vessels play a critical role in maintaining service when regularly assigned ferries are out of operation for maintenance, repairs or refits. They can also be deployed to supplement service during periods of high demand. Adding a new swing vessel will improve the reliability of ferry service and offer residents greater stability and consistency.
The RFP seeks a vessel with capacity for 100–250 passengers and a vehicle deck of 250–400 lane metres, similar to the MV Legionnaire and MV Veteran. The vessel must be capable of year-round operation in typical ice conditions for Bell Island and Fogo Island, be less than 25 years old at delivery, and be compatible with existing dock infrastructure.
This initiative fulfills a commitment made during the fall election campaign to procure four new vessels: three to be built in the province to replace aging ferries and one new swing vessel. Today’s announcement marks the first step in delivering on that promise.
Currently, the province operates two swing vessels: the MV Beaumont Hamel and the MV Sound of Islay. An additional swing vessel, the MV Astron W, is under contract until March 31, 2026.
Information on public calls for bids issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
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“During the fall election campaign, we committed to improving ferry services. By adding a new swing vessel, comparable to the MV Legionnaire and MV Veteran, we can provide more consistent and dependable service on the Bell Island and Fogo Island–Change Islands routes. This vessel will also help ensure swing ships remain available for other routes across the province. Today marks an important first step toward delivering better, more reliable ferry services for all residents who depend on them.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
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2025 12 17
10:30 am