Latest news with #DeanWilliams
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$1,537 tax warning as Aussies get ready to submit returns: 'Never been more important'
Millions of Australians are getting ready for tax time, and some could soon get a nice little refund in their accounts. However, experts have warned this is one of the most popular times of the year for scammers to prey on unsuspecting people. Cybersecurity juggernaut Norton has discovered nearly one in three Aussies have already been targeted by a scam this year, and 22 per cent of them fell victim to the swindle. The average amount for those who incurred a financial loss was $1,537, with some individuals losing up to $15,000. 'Scammers know Australians are already on edge during tax time and are often expecting official communications, whether it's from the ATO, a tax agent, or a service provider," Dean Williams, Norton senior systems engineer, said. ATO warning over 'deluge' coming for taxpayers in coming weeks Aussies reject tipping as restaurants and bars warned over cashless trend Gen Z worker reveals $4,732 cost-of-living problem facing millions "That's what makes it so easy to get caught off guard. 'Phishing and invoice scams thrive during tax season as scammers know Australians are juggling financial admin and more likely to click quickly. "With AI making scam messages increasingly convincing and these tactics surging, it's never been more important to pause and verify before you click.'The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has previously warned of a 300 per cent increase in impersonation scams since this time last year. You might have received a text message or email from someone claiming to be from the ATO or even an accountant chasing up an invoice. It will usually contain a link that will ask you to input your personal information or pay for something. The message might also have a sense of urgency around it, insisting that you need to pay off a debt or download a file before you file your return. Norton said you should never click on a message or link that you don't recognise. Norton provided one example that showed a website that looked identical to myGov, however when you look at the URL, you can clearly see it's fake. While the ATO is on social media sites like Facebook and X, they also won't use these to personally reach out to taxpayers about important updates. If you're worried about outstanding debts, you can call or message the ATO to double-check. One of the most valuable parts of your personal information is your Tax File Number (TFN), and Aussies will likely have this at the ready for tax time. If scammers get this number from you, they can access your account, impersonate you, and fraudulently lodge tax returns or claim refunds on your behalf. "This can lead to significant financial and identity risks, as the criminals may continue to misuse your stolen data beyond the initial scam," Norton said. The cybersecurity company said it's worth shredding any documents that have your personal information attached to it. You should also have strong, unique passwords and have two-factor authentication turned on for your myGov account. If you think your TFN has fallen into the wrong hands, report it immediately to the ATO. Williams said Aussies usually get caught up in these scams because they react too quickly. While it can be panic-inducing to get a text message that says you need to cough up some cash immediately, it can only take a few minutes to work out if it's legitimate. 'Tax time is already a stressful period for many Australians, and scammers exploit that urgency to catch people off guard," he said. "Our advice is simple: slow down, verify every message, and never rush into sharing personal or financial information. "Staying vigilant and using trusted tools can make all the difference in keeping your data and money safe this tax season.'Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
CBS News
10-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Hastings man turns to chainsaw art after being laid off
Recent statistics show nearly one in ten people over the age of 50 lost their job last year and had to figure out the next step. A new survey by resume advice provider "My Perfect Resume" shows a majority of workers are worried about losing their jobs this year. A Hastings Minnesota man who found a way to make the most of his recent lay off. Dean Williams is now a chainsaw artist, but that wasn't his first career. He worked as a carpenter until he became the victim of downsizing. That's when Williams decided to follow his passion. The chainsaw was his creative outlet. "Every job that everybody has is art," said Williams. He eventually opened a log furniture and chainsaw business, taking orders and selling sculptures out of his home. Williams's wife Teresa joined him after she too was laid off from her job as an accountant. She runs this CNC machine making custom signs. "My favorite step is doing the painting. The only regret is I wish it had come together years ago," said Teresa. Williams message to others facing a similar fate, find your passion and turn it into opportunity. "Everything I do , I want to last as long as possible," said Williams. It is a nice way to make a living, it's a lot of work. Seeing his customers reactions make it well worth all the effort. "You just keep on striving for what you do and in time, you'll fall in place to be where you want to be in life," said Williams. William's company, DSW Log Designs, does custom work. You can find him on Facebook by searching his company's name.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TopGum Closes Acquisition of Island Abbey Nutritionals
New acquisition marks a strategic leap for TopGum in its expansion into the North American gummy supplement landscape TEL-AVIV, Israel, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gummy supplement specialist TopGum Industries, Ltd. (TASE: TPGM), announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Island Abbey Nutritionals™, a leading CDMO specializing in supplement gummies and lozenges, located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The transaction significantly expands TopGum's manufacturing and technological capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of functional gummies in North America and internationally. The acquisition represents a major milestone in TopGum's journey to revolutionize the dietary supplement industry. Together with Island Abbey, TopGum's annual revenue run-rate is expected to exceed USD100 million, further strengthening its position as the partner of choice to Tier-1 brands and customers around the world. Founded in 2004, Island Abbey has emerged as a leader in gummy and lozenge delivery formats for dietary supplements. Under the leadership of CEO Dean Williams, the company has achieved impressive growth in recent years, fuelled by a commitment to R&D and operational excellence. Island Abbey operates a state-of-the-art, 65,000 ft² facility in Prince Edward Island. The facility features advanced manufacturing technologies—including starchless depositing, center-fill capabilities, and fully automated bottling and packaging lines—and adheres to the highest quality standards, including FDA, NSF, GMP, SQF, and Health Canada certifications. The acquisition enhances TopGum's ability to serve North American customers with increased agility and responsiveness, while creating an integrated supply chain spanning two continents. The combined expertise and expanded capacity will support the company's ongoing mission to deliver high-quality, differentiated gummy supplements with exceptional taste, texture, and reliability. "I want to extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who contributed to bringing this important transaction to a successful close," said Eyal Shohat, CEO of TopGum. "This marks a significant step forward for TopGum as we expand our global footprint and capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the Island Abbey team to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth." "On behalf of the entire Island Abbey team, I'm thrilled to officially join forces with TopGum," said Dean Williams, CEO of Island Abbey. "We're excited to bring our expertise, capabilities, and passion for product innovation into this new partnership. Together, we're well-positioned to accelerate the next chapter of growth for our customers and employees alike." About TopGumTopGum Industries, Ltd. is a global leader in the gummy supplement industry. The company creates and delivers a comprehensive range of supplements, including its proprietary Gummiceuticals™ line. TopGum's high-quality functional gummy portfolio reflects years of intensive R&D and investment in a state-of-the-art GMP- and UL-qualified facility. The company provides bespoke gummies to some of the world's largest brands in the dietary supplement and food industries in more than 20 countries across the world. TopGum complies with the strictest standards of safety and quality. All products are nut-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, kosher and halal-certified. For more information, contact: Company contact: Press Contact: TopGum Industries, Ltd. NutriPR Inbal Nahmias Head of Marketing Liat Simha Tel: +972-9-9742893 InbalN@ liat@ Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TopGum, Ltd. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TopGum Takes Strategic Leap into North America with the Acquisition of Island Abbey Nutritionals
New acquisition poised to strengthen TopGum's position as one of the leading CDMOs in the gummy supplement industry with annual revenue rate in excess of USD 100 million TEL-AVIV, Israel, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TopGum Industries, Ltd. (TASE: TPGM), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of gummy supplements, announces it has acquired Island Abbey Nutritionals™, a leading CDMO specializing in supplement gummies and lozenges, located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. This strategic acquisition significantly expands TopGum's manufacturing and technological capabilities, strengthening its position as a leading global provider of innovative gummy supplements. The transformative acquisition marks a major milestone in TopGum's journey to revolutionize the dietary supplement industry. It serves as a cornerstone in TopGum's strategy to drive the growth of the "Enjoyables" supplement segment through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The transaction is expected to propel TopGum's annual revenue run-rate beyond USD100 million, further solidifying its position as the partner of choice to Tier-1 brands and customers worldwide. Island Abbey's Pioneering Innovation Founded in 2004, Island Abbey has established itself as a leader in gummy and lozenge delivery formats for dietary supplements. Under the leadership of CEO Dean Williams, it recorded remarkable growth in recent years, driven by its R&D and operational excellence. Island Abbey operates a state-of-the-art facility spanning 65,000 ft², in which tens of millions of dollars were invested in the last couple of years. Equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies, including starchless depositing, center-fill capabilities, and automated bottling and packaging lines, the facility adheres to stringent quality standards such as FDA, NSF, GMP, SQF, and Health Canada certifications. Strategic Synergies The acquisition bolsters TopGum's strategic focus to deepen its foothold in the US market. By integrating Island Abbey's advanced capabilities, TopGum will establish an integrated supply chain with production, bottling and warehousing capabilities across two continents. The combined expertise and expanded capacity will enable TopGum to meet increasing global demand for high-quality, differentiated gummy supplements — delivering exceptional taste and reliability to its partners. Opening New Horizons "Island Abbey brings a unique combination of strategic customers, advanced technologies, and a professional, experienced team," says Eyal Shohat, CEO of TopGum. "Together with TopGum's longstanding expertise, this partnership opens new horizons for innovation and growth. Our combined teams will continue to develop advanced solutions that deliver a wellness experience that is fun, easy, and tasty. We are reinforcing our commitment to our business partners and customers worldwide as we embark on this exciting new chapter in TopGum's global growth story." As part of the transaction, Island Abbey will maintain its operational independence while leveraging TopGum's global reach and resources. Island Abbey's 95 employees will remain in place, led by CEO Dean Williams, a veteran of the consumer goods and nutritional supplement industries. Williams will be joining TopGum's Executive Leadership team. "I'm honored to be part of this pivotal moment for Island Abbey," notes Dean Williams, CEO of Island Abbey. "This acquisition reflects our success in advancing supplement solutions across Canada and the US. The combination of these two entities is poised to redefine the gummy supplement market." A Vision for Growth and Innovation "We are deeply impressed by Island Abbey's journey, particularly under Dean's leadership", expresses Hagai Stadler, Chairman of TopGum. "We are proud to welcome Island Abbey to the TopGum family. Together, we will build on Island Abbey's legacy and create a vital component of TopGum's mission to become a dominant global player in the supplement industry." Stadler adds: "This acquisition is a steppingstone to realizing our vision of leading the gummy supplement revolution. I extend my gratitude to the shareholders of Island Abbey for their trust, and to everyone involved in executing this transaction." Transaction Details TopGum will pay USD20 million plus an earn out payment based on Island Abbey's 2025 results. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, pending all required regulatory and third-party business approvals. About TopGum TopGum Industries, Ltd. is a disruptive, industry-leading company specializing in the development and manufacturing of functional gummy supplements. Founded in 2004, the company has earned global recognition for integrating science, technology, and exceptional organoleptic profiles to produce gummies that deliver health benefits while offering superior taste and texture. With advanced R&D capabilities and cutting-edge manufacturing, TopGum excels in creating innovative solutions that set industry standards – including its fiber based Gummiceuticals™, TopCaps™ micro-encapsulation technology, and high dosage of active ingredients. TopGum's high-quality functional gummy portfolio reflects years of intensive R&D and investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The company provides bespoke gummies to some of the world's largest brands in the dietary supplement industry in more than 20 countries. Committed to clean-label formulations, TopGum specializes in plant-based, non-GMO, and allergen-free gummies, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and natural products. Headquartered in Israel, TopGum employs over 250 professionals, including leading food technologists, pharmaceutical engineers, and chemists. The company is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) and is jointly owned by AP Partners, Discount Capital, Arkin Investments, Chai Hayon, and Roi Lusternik. For more information, contact: Company contact:TopGum Industries, NahmiasHead of Marketing Email: InbalN@ Press Contact:NutriPRLiat SimhaTel: +972-9-9742893E-mail: liat@ Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TopGum, Ltd. Sign in to access your portfolio
