Kazakhstan has improved its position in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, rising to 34th place out of 69 countries. This marks the country’s highest position in the past five years and reflects steady progress in strengthening economic competitiveness.
Kazakhstan’s rankings in recent years have been:
2021 – 35th
2022 – 43rd
2023 – 37th
2024 – 35th
2025 – 34th
In 2025, Kazakhstan’s performance by component is as follows:
Domestic Economy – 35th
International Trade – 60th
International Investment – 47th
Employment – 28th
Prices – 54th
Kazakhstan’s GDP stands at $288.4 billion, placing it 43rd globally, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $41,675, ranked 45th. The country’s real GDP growth rate of 4.8% places it in 8th position globally, underlining robust economic momentum.
In the 2025 edition, Switzerland, Singapore, and Hong Kong lead the global ranking. Kazakhstan is placed just behind Estonia (33rd) and ahead of Japan (35th), joining a peer group that includes the United Kingdom (29th), France (32nd), and New Zealand (31st).
The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is compiled annually by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland and assesses the ability of countries to create and sustain a competitive business environment.
In July 2025, three gold pours were made at Madsen, producing a total of 3,800 ounces of gold. Of that, 3,595 ounces were sold at an average price of US$3,320 per oz, which generated CND $16.4 million in revenue.
Vancouver, BC, August 7, 2025 – Global Stocks News – Sponsored content disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold. On August 6, 2025, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) provided an update on ramp-up activities at the Madsen Mine in Red Lake, Ontario.
In July 2025, three gold pours were made at Madsen, producing a total of 3,800 ounces of gold. Of that, 3,595 ounces were sold at an average price of US$3,320 per oz, which generated CND $16.4 million in revenue.
The company currently has a dual focus: 1. Achieving targeted ramp-up gold ounce production, 2. Instituting new operational efficiencies.
“July was a good month for Madsen and our mine operations team,” stated Shane Williams, WRLG President and CEO. “Mine ramp-up is about adding equipment, developing access to high-priority mining areas, and increasing operational efficiency until the mine consistently produces the targeted daily tonnage at the targeted grade.”
In July the Madsen mine operations team completed sill development and mining in eight (8) areas spread across McVeigh, South Austin, and Austin. Mined material carried an average grade of 8.9 grams per tonne gold.
Figure 1. Long section of the Madsen Mine showing the eight areas of active mining, sill development, and access development through the month of July 2025.
“Our continued operational success through bulk sample and now ramp-up demonstrates that we understand the geology and how to mine the orebody,” Maurice Mostert, WRLG VP of Technical Services told Guy Bennett, CEO of Global Stocks News (GSN). “As a company, we are conservative by nature. With our density of drilling, we’ve mitigated risk significantly.”
“In numerous cases, where we’ve expected to find the edge of a zone, further drilling has grown that zone,” continued Mostert. “That means we don’t have to urgently develop to a new area to reach our ounce-production goals. The mineralisation is right in our existing backyard.”
“We are not in full commercial production yet,” added Mostert. “The mill is permitted for 800 tonnes per day, but we are still ramping up to that target. On the days of lower production, we are doing maintenance on the mill. In full commercial production, we anticipate steady mill performance.”
Stope areas at Madsen are drill tested to 7-metre spacing. Sills, which are the access levels developed above and below stopes to create access to the mine, are not always drilled to 7-metre spacing because of stope and drill bay geometry.
“In July we saw the short-term resource model doing its job: stope grades reconciled closely to predicted model grades, and in fact exceeded planned grades in many cases,” said Jill Christmann, Madsen Mine Chief Geologist.
In addition, chip sampling along sills adds data to the model before stopes are mined. As a result of these two factors, sills are expected to return higher grade variability versus the model than stopes.
Such variability is shown in the figure below, which shows the number of sill development rounds that were expected to generate high grade (red), low grade (green), and waste (blue) material and the actual grades achieved for each kind of material.
WRLG is working on two projects to support further mine ramp-up and operational stability for the balance of the year.
Shaft Renovation
To prepare the Madsen Shaft to return to skipping material, West Red Lake Gold developed a 3-stage plan, with stage 1 to be implemented by year-end.
“The ‘skipped material’ is brought up the shaft in a big bucket called ‘the skip’,” Mostert told GSN. “Transporting material this way reduces costs and saves time, because you don’t have to drive the material up through the network of underground tunnels, from level 12 to surface.”
To achieve stage 1 skipping the company purchased a new hoist rope, a 5-tonne skip, and scrolls. Once phase 1 is complete with this new equipment, the shaft will be able to move approximately 300-400 tonnes of material to surface a day. These tonnes will be additive to the current material moving capacity.
Cemented Rock Fill (CRF) Project
Ore and waste must both be moved in a mine. The less waste that must be brought to surface, the better for a mine’s costs and efficiency.
Most historic stopes at Madsen are backfilled, but there are also a number of large empty stopes. These voids are ideal repositories for waste rock. To utilize such voids effectively, waste rock must be turned into Cemented Rock Fill (CRF).
“To restore the geotechnical strength of excavated stopes, we take broken rock and put it back to solidify the structures,” Mostert told GSN. “With CRF, you cure the loose rock with a cement binder content. The intended result is that you can eventually mine very close to the filled stope.”
Moving waste rock from where it is generated underground to these voids, rather than to surface, will free up significant haulage capacity.
Figure 5. A long section of the Madsen Mine showing historic mining. Remnant open stopes that West Red Lake Gold has identified as potentially suited for CRF waste rock storage are highlighted in yellow.
“Mine ramp ups are always balancing two competing needs: producing planned ounces in a given month and developing to ensure the ability to continue producing planned ounces in the months ahead,” said Williams. “Positive surprises, like the high-grade sills we encountered several times in July, make it easier to achieve that balance. July therefore helped set us up for success in the coming months.
The mine plan in the Madsen Mine Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) [1] used a gold price of US$1,680 per oz – about 50% of the current gold price. This led to a mine plan with 60% of the mining being small, high-grade stopes requiring the use of cut-and-fill mining, which is selective and relatively high cost. [2]
For its current mine design, West Red Lake Gold is using the “consensus long-term price” of US$2,350 per ounce – a conservative number about $1,000 per ounce below the current gold price.
The technical information presented in this release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, and by Maurice Mostert, P.Eng., Vice President of Technical Services Maurice for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for technical services at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Disclaimer: West Red Lake Gold paid Global Stocks News (GSN) $1,750 for the research, writing and dissemination of this content.
References:
1. Please refer to the technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada”, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Company’s website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
UPDF has integrated GPT-5 into its built-in AI Assistant, enabling smarter document comprehension, creation, and translation for a faster and more intelligent document experience.
UPDF, the all-in-one PDF editor and document management solution, has officially integrated GPT-5 into UPDF AI, its built-in AI assistant. This powerful enhancement brings smarter editing, summarizing, translation, and document understanding capabilities directly into the UPDF platform. By leveraging GPT-5’s unmatched accuracy, contextual understanding, and real-time processing power, users can now handle complex document-related tasks instantly.
UPDF AI is fully accessible in two ways: directly inside the UPDF desktop and mobile applications, and also via the standalone web portal at https://ai.updf.com/. This ensures that users can benefit from its advanced AI capabilities whether they are working within the full-featured UPDF app or quickly accessing the AI assistant through a browser.
With GPT-5 at its core, the UPDF AI assistant introduces a range of advanced features, including:
Smarter Summarization: Condenses long and complex PDFs into clear, well-structured summaries without losing key points.
Advanced Multilingual Translation: Supports more than 20 languages with improved contextual accuracy, delivering natural and culturally aware translations.
Context-Aware Content Generation: Drafts proposals, academic papers, and marketing copy directly within documents.
Intelligent Q&A: Provides instant, precise answers to questions based on full document contents, no matter the complexity.
Compared with GPT-4, GPT-5 delivers significant improvements in reasoning, accuracy, writing style adaptability, and contextual memory. These advancements are now seamlessly available both inside the UPDFDF application and through the UPDF AI web platform — allowing users to choose whichever access method fits their workflow.
The benefits extend across multiple user groups. For business professionals, the AI assistant makes it easy to draft and translate contracts, summarize reports, and prepare presentations within a single ecosystem. For students and researchers, it helps generate concise study notes, explain difficult concepts, and extract references from academic literature. For global teams, it removes language barriers, enabling smooth cross-border collaboration.
Industry experts emphasize that embedding advanced AI tools directly within everyday productivity software is the most efficient way to boost productivity. By combining GPT-5’s power with its own robust PDF editing and document management features, UPDF enables users to unlock the full potential of AI — anytime, anywhere — through both its app and its dedicated AI web portal.
“The integration of GPT-5 into UPDF AI is more than an upgrade — it’s a leap forward in how people can interact with their documents,” said Steven, AI Product Director at UPDF. “Our AI assistant is right where users already work, whether in the UPDF app or on our AI web platform, so they can focus on their tasks without switching tools or breaking concentration.”
The GPT-5-powered UPDF AI assistant is available now to all UPDF users via the UPDF application and at https://ai.updf.com/. To explore its new capabilities, update to the latest version of the UPDF app or visit the web platform directly.
UPDF is a comprehensive document productivity platform designed for individuals and teams to read, annotate, edit, organize, convert, and sign PDF documents with ease. UPDF AI, the platform’s built-in AI assistant, empowers users to summarize, translate, rewrite, and analyze documents instantly using the latest natural language processing technology. With the integration of GPT-5, UPDF places the most advanced AI model directly inside everyday document workflows across both its desktop/mobile applications and its dedicated AI web portal.
TheCTShirts.com is redefining how we express personal style—starting with the most iconic wardrobe staple: the T-Shirt. In a world overflowing with mass-produced fashion, TheCTShirts.com takes a refreshingly focused approach: every T-Shirt we offer is custom-made, designed to reflect your unique personality and story.
TheCTShirts.com is redefining how we express personal style—starting with the most iconic wardrobe staple: the T-Shirt. In a world overflowing with mass-produced fashion, TheCTShirts.com takes a refreshingly focused approach: every T-Shirt we offer is custom-made, designed to reflect your unique personality and story.
Our Story: A Passion for Individual Expression
Founded on the belief that style starts with what feels most authentically you, TheCTShirts.com was born from a desire to elevate the humble T-shirt into a canvas for creativity, identity, and bold self-expression.
We noticed the lack of truly original T-shirt options—pieces that stand out, resonate emotionally, and carry meaning. So, we built a brand around intention, not inventory.
Our Vision
To become the go-to destination for custom T-Shirts that speak louder than trends, empowering individuals to wear their beliefs, humor, identity, and creativity—on their chest.
Our Mission
To deliver premium, made-to-order T-Shirts that are never mass-produced, always personal, and crafted to match your vision, not someone else’s.
Why Print-on-Demand (POD)? Because Your T-Shirt Should Be Yours Alone
We proudly operate on a Print-on-Demand (POD) model, which means:
No overstock, no waste – your T-shirt is only produced once you order it.
Every shirt is custom-printed and inspected by our trusted production partners.
You receive a one-of-a-kind item—crafted with care, purpose, and precision.
This approach allows us to offer limitless creativity and sustainable production, while always keeping your voice front and center.
Our Commitment to You
Though our production and logistics are powered by third-party POD experts, TheCTShirts.com remains 100% accountable for your order.
From design to doorstep, we guarantee:
Transparent communication
Secure checkout
Reliable customer service
Delivery of a shirt you’ll love to wear
Shipping & Fulfillment
All T-Shirts are made-to-order and ship from our trusted fulfillment network. You’ll receive tracking updates every step of the way. Orders typically arrive within 7–12 business days.
The Future of T-Shirts is Personal
At TheCTShirts.com, we believe the future of fashion is intentional—not industrial. Your T-shirt isn’t just fabric and print; it’s meaning, humor, identity, and memory. Whether you’re starting your brand, showing support for a cause, or designing for fun—we’re here to help you create something truly yours.
Trustco Group Holdings Ltd (“Trustco”) announced that the founding family shareholder of Trustco, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Quinton van Rooyen, have received a private acquisition offer from VeldBridge Holdings Ltd, a Cayman Islands-incorporated investment company.
The offer encompasses Dr van Rooyen’s entire shareholding in Trustco. Additionally, VeldBridge seeks to acquire debt assets, that include both interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing components, subordinated and first-ranked obligations, as well as secured and unsecured claims totaling NAD 5,053,073,500 (USD 281 million). This is held by the family against various Trustco entities, with the family currently holding 71% of long-term debt across the group.
In terms of the offer, VeldBridge or any of its subsidiaries would provide Trustco with access up to USD 250 million (NAD 4.5 billion) in debt financing at interest rates not exceeding 6.5% per annum. The transaction would also require Trustco to withdraw its current application for a NASDAQ listing under the “TRCO” ticker, enabling VeldBridge to pursue its own international listing strategy.
From Left: Quinton Z van Rooyen, Deputy CEO of Trustco Group Holdings, Advocate Raymond Heathcote SC, Chairman of the Board of Trustco Group Holdings, and Dr Quinton van Rooyen, Group MD of Trustco Group Holdings Limited.
“This offer represents an exciting opportunity for Trustco to accelerate plans for listing on a senior US stock exchange,” said Quinton Z van Rooyen, Deputy CEO of Trustco Group Holdings. “The proposed capital investment of up to USD 250 million (NAD 4.5 billion) would allow the group to pursue growth opportunities and represents another vote of confidence in Trustco’s ability to generate superior returns for its investors.”
“The family has taken note of the offer. We will now engage with like-minded shareholders and debtholders, while pursuing the required regulatory clearances. Namibia recently attracted high-value, long-term growth investment capital, and this is no different. Namibia and its people deserve the confidence that investors place in its prospects, because they earned it over a long time”, said Dr Quinton van Rooyen, Group MD of Trustco Group Holdings Limited.
“This transaction aligns with the long-term interests of Trustco, and we believe has the potential to unlock significant shareholder value. This approach better reflects the intrinsic underlying value of our business and will enable us to capitalize on the tremendous growth prospects that attracted me 15 years ago as Chairman of this Group. The Board and I are always challenged to think dynamically, and we remain committed to doing what is best for our shareholders,” said Advocate Raymond Heathcote SC, Chairman of the Board.
VeldBridge structured the offer through an equity exchange mechanism, offering Dr Quinton van Rooyen or his Nominee over 7.3 billion common shares and 5,000 Series B preferred shares in the acquiring company. The Series B preferred shares would provide Dr van Rooyen with majority voting control in VeldBridge, which intends to pursue a public listing on either NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange by the first quarter of 2026.
In addition, Dr van Rooyen would be appointed to VeldBridge’s board of directors. The offer includes a 12-month lock-up period on VeldBridge shares held by Dr van Rooyen following the anticipated public listing.
VeldBridge has also committed to establishing a non-profit foundation in Namibia, providing seed capital of up to USD 5 million (NAD 90 million) for social upliftment projects and community development initiatives. This foundation would operate independently to benefit Namibian communities and support local development programs.
The offer remains valid for acceptance until 21 working days after VeldBridge formally notifies Dr van Rooyen of its application to either NASDAQ or NYSE for listing approval or the withdrawal of Trustco’s NASDAQ application, whichever date is last. Regulatory and foreign exchange approvals will be required where applicable. The transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals and definitive agreements being concluded on acceptance of the offer, of which the terms may vary from the offer.
The Board notes that VeldBridge is entitled to privately negotiate with any other Trustco shareholders to acquire some or all of their shares, while Trustco remains entitled to repurchase any of its issued shares. The Board of Trustco acknowledges that this is a private offer made directly to Dr van Rooyen in his capacity as a shareholder and creditor and has not been asked to provide a recommendation on the offer at this time.
Shareholders and investors are advised that the Company will issue further announcements regarding any material developments related to this offer as appropriate.
About Trustco:
Trustco Group Holdings Limited is a holding company headquartered in Windhoek, Namibia, that owns subsidiaries engaged in diverse business activities spanning the real estate, mining, insurance, micro-finance, and education sectors.
About Namibia:
Namibia is a Southern African country with a population of approximately three million and a GDP per capita of USD 4 266 in 2024. The country is endowed with rich natural resources, with recent major discoveries of oil and gas reserves, lithium deposits and rare earth minerals that are vital for technology demand globally, with developments also underway in its green hydrogen projects. The Namibian government has heralded these discoveries as a transformative period, holding the potential to double the nation’s GDP by 2040.
The country’s economy expanded by 3.7% in 2024 and is projected to expand by 3.8% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026. With its wealth of natural resources, pro-business environment, political stability and increasingly skilled workforce, Namibia offers attractive investment prospects across all sectors.
Forward-Looking Statements:
All statements made in this media release with respect to Trustco’s current plans, estimates, strategies beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Advantage Plumbing, founded by Jason Fontenot with 25+ years experience, provides comprehensive plumbing services throughout Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish with 24/7 emergency response, trenchless technology, personalized service, and 100% satisfaction guarantee for residential and commercial clients.
Lake Charles, United States – July 15, 2025 – Advantage Plumbing has established itself as a leading plumbing service provider in Lake Charles, Louisiana, delivering comprehensive solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Calcasieu Parish and surrounding areas. Under the expert leadership of founder Jason Fontenot, this locally-owned company brings over 25 years of field experience to every project, setting new standards for professional Drain Cleaning in Lake Charles, LA and complete plumbing services with strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Quarter-Century of Professional Excellence
Advantage Plumbing represents the culmination of Jason Fontenot’s extensive 25-year journey through the plumbing industry, providing the Lake Charles community with experienced expertise and professional service. This wealth of experience enables the company to handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to complex emergency repairs and sophisticated installations with exceptional skill and attention to detail.
The company’s foundation rests on decades of hands-on experience, deep understanding of regional plumbing challenges, and commitment to delivering solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term system performance. This extensive background ensures customers receive knowledgeable service backed by proven expertise.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio for Every Need
Advantage Plumbing offers a complete range of plumbing services designed to meet the diverse needs of Lake Charles residents and businesses. Their comprehensive approach ensures customers can rely on a single trusted provider for all their plumbing requirements, from simple repairs to complex system installations.
Trenchless Technology Solutions: Advanced trenchless pipe lining and repair services that restore damaged sewer lines without extensive excavation, preserving property landscaping while providing long-lasting infrastructure solutions.
Professional Drain Cleaning Services: Comprehensive drain cleaning solutions utilizing modern equipment and techniques to eliminate blockages, prevent future clogs, and maintain optimal drainage system performance.
Water Heater Services: Complete tankless water heater installation, repair, and maintenance services designed to provide reliable hot water while optimizing energy efficiency and operational costs.
Advanced Diagnostic Services: State-of-the-art camera inspections, smoke testing, and line locating technologies that identify hidden issues before they develop into major problems, preventing costly damage and system failures.
24/7 Emergency Response and Reliability
Understanding that plumbing emergencies occur without warning and often at the most inconvenient times, Advantage Plumbing maintains round-the-clock emergency service availability throughout Lake Charles and surrounding communities. Their experienced team responds rapidly to urgent situations, providing immediate assistance that prevents further damage and restores normal operations quickly.
Emergency services include burst pipe repairs, water heater failures, severe drain blockages, sewer line emergencies, and backflow prevention issues. The company’s emergency protocols prioritize rapid response, effective damage control, and comprehensive problem resolution to minimize disruption to customers’ daily routines.
Personalized Service Philosophy
Advantage Plumbing differentiates itself from larger, impersonal plumbing companies through their commitment to personalized service that treats every customer as a valued member of their extended family. This approach emphasizes understanding each client’s specific challenges, property characteristics, and budget considerations to deliver tailored solutions.
The company’s personalized service model includes thorough consultation to understand unique needs, customized solutions that address specific property requirements, clear communication throughout the service process, and ongoing support that extends beyond initial problem resolution.
Local Knowledge and Community Focus
As a locally-owned and operated business, Advantage Plumbing brings deep understanding of Lake Charles’ specific plumbing challenges, environmental conditions, and community needs. Their local expertise enables them to provide more effective solutions and better service than distant companies unfamiliar with regional requirements.
This community focus extends to their hiring practices, supplier relationships, and customer service approach, ensuring local residents and businesses receive personalized attention and solutions tailored to regional conditions and preferences.
Quality Assurance and Satisfaction Commitment
Central to Advantage Plumbing’s business philosophy is their comprehensive satisfaction commitment that demonstrates confidence in their workmanship and commitment to customer happiness. This commitment ensures customers feel secure in their service choice and confident in the quality of work performed.
Quality assurance includes thorough inspection of completed work, comprehensive testing of repairs and installations, detailed explanation of services performed, and ongoing support to ensure lasting satisfaction with all plumbing solutions provided.
Advanced Technology and Modern Equipment
Advantage Plumbing invests in cutting-edge technology and modern equipment that enables more accurate diagnosis, more effective repairs, and superior results compared to traditional plumbing methods. Their technological advantage translates directly into better service quality and longer-lasting solutions for customers.
Advanced equipment includes high-definition camera inspection systems, sophisticated leak detection technology, modern hydro jetting equipment, and specialized trenchless repair tools that minimize property disruption while maximizing repair effectiveness.
Transparent Pricing and Honest Communication
Advantage Plumbing operates with complete transparency in pricing and communication, ensuring customers understand all aspects of their plumbing services before work begins. This honest approach builds trust and eliminates surprises that often accompany plumbing services.
Transparent practices include detailed estimates before work begins, clear explanation of all charges and fees, honest assessment of repair versus replacement options, and straightforward communication about project timelines and expectations.
Industrial and Commercial Expertise
Beyond residential services, Advantage Plumbing provides specialized solutions for industrial and commercial properties throughout Lake Charles. Their expertise in large-scale plumbing systems and complex installations makes them an ideal choice for businesses requiring professional plumbing support.
Commercial services include large-scale system maintenance, specialized equipment installation, compliance with commercial building codes, and coordination with other contractors for complex projects requiring integrated solutions.
Environmental Responsibility and Sustainable Practices
Advantage Plumbing incorporates environmentally responsible practices into their service delivery, including water conservation recommendations, energy-efficient system upgrades, and sustainable repair methods that minimize environmental impact while providing effective solutions.
Sustainable practices include proper disposal of old equipment, recommendation of water-saving fixtures and appliances, energy-efficient water heater options, and repair techniques that minimize resource waste while maximizing system efficiency.
Comprehensive Service Area Coverage
Advantage Plumbing provides reliable service throughout Calcasieu Parish and surrounding areas, ensuring residents and businesses across the region have access to professional plumbing expertise when needed. Their strategic location enables efficient service delivery and rapid response times for both routine and emergency situations.
Service area coverage includes Lake Charles proper and extends throughout Calcasieu Parish, with particular expertise in addressing the unique challenges presented by the region’s climate, water conditions, and infrastructure characteristics.
Building Long-Term Customer Relationships
Rather than focusing solely on individual service calls, Advantage Plumbing emphasizes building long-term relationships with customers through consistent quality service, reliable maintenance programs, and ongoing support that creates lasting value for property owners.
Relationship-building includes preventive maintenance recommendations, seasonal system checks, priority scheduling for established customers, and educational support that helps customers understand and maintain their plumbing systems more effectively.
Professional Standards and Continuous Improvement
Advantage Plumbing maintains strict professional standards through ongoing training, current licensing, comprehensive insurance coverage, and adherence to industry best practices. Their commitment to continuous improvement ensures customers always receive service that meets or exceeds professional standards.
Professional standards include compliance with local building codes, adherence to safety protocols, maintenance of current licensing and certifications, and ongoing education about new technologies and techniques that benefit customers.
Customer Education and Preventive Care
Beyond providing immediate plumbing solutions, Advantage Plumbing is committed to educating customers about proper system maintenance, early problem identification, and preventive care practices that extend system life and prevent costly emergency repairs.
Educational services include guidance on recognizing early warning signs, implementation of maintenance routines that preserve system performance, understanding of when professional intervention is necessary, and recommendations for system upgrades that improve efficiency and reliability.
Schedule Your Service Today
Lake Charles residents and business owners seeking reliable plumbing services are encouraged to contact Advantage Plumbing for professional assistance. Their experienced team is ready to provide comprehensive solutions backed by 25 years of expertise, advanced technology, and strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
The company’s knowledgeable staff is available around the clock to discuss plumbing needs, provide professional recommendations, and schedule appointments that accommodate customer schedules while addressing urgent plumbing challenges promptly and effectively.
Advantage Plumbing continues to serve Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish with the professional Drain Cleaning in Lake Charles, LA services and comprehensive plumbing expertise that local residents and businesses have trusted for superior results and reliable solutions.
Service Areas: Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, and surrounding Louisiana communities
Specialties: 24/7 Emergency Plumbing, Trenchless Pipe Repair, Professional Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Services, Camera Inspections, Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Media Contact: For additional information about this press release or to schedule interviews, please contact Advantage Plumbing through their website.
GILI TRAWANGAN, Indonesia — Positioned as one of the most sought-after locations for professional scuba diving education, the IDC Gili Trawangan has emerged as a pivotal training destination for divers aiming to elevate their careers to the PADI Instructor level. The program’s exceptional reputation is built upon its comprehensive curriculum, practical focus, and longstanding commitment to professional excellence.
The course is conducted at Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan, the island’s original and longest-operating PADI 5-Star IDC Center. With over three decades of experience, the center provides a vibrant and authentic environment for developing scuba professionals. Surrounded by the biodiverse reefs of the Gili Islands, IDC Gili Trawangan offers direct access to ideal training conditions year-round.
Leading the program is Platinum PADI Course Director Holly Macleod, a recognized figure in global dive education with over 23 years of international field experience. Having trained more than 3,500 instructors, Course Director Macleod brings real-world insight, instructional precision, and mentorship that extends beyond certification. Her consistent recognition with the prestigious PADI Platinum status for 13 consecutive years reflects both dedication and results.
The IDC Gili Trawangan program is more than a certification process; it is an industry-oriented preparation course that enables candidates to seamlessly transition into professional dive careers. Training includes classroom instruction, confined water sessions, open water evaluations, and a strong emphasis on communication, problem-solving, and in-depth knowledge of dive theory.
Unlike standard programs, the IDC in Gili Trawangan integrates realistic simulations, equipment management, and teaching practice with student-level divers, enabling candidates to refine their skills in live, operational environments. The structured format also includes guidance on industry ethics, safety protocols, and environmental awareness, preparing candidates to meet the responsibilities of the modern dive professional.
Scheduled IDC programs for the remainder of 2025 are as follows:
August 6 – August 27
September 10 – October 1
October 15 – November 5
November 19 – December 10
Each intake maintains limited enrollment to ensure personalized attention and direct mentorship. Candidates complete the program fully prepared for the PADI Instructor Examination (IE) and often receive job offers from international dive operations shortly thereafter.
Graduates of theIDC Gili Trawangan program have gone on to work in world-renowned diving destinations across Southeast Asia, Central America, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. The program’s reputation for producing confident, capable, and safety-conscious instructors continues to attract aspiring professionals from around the world.
With global interest in marine conservation and recreational diving on the rise, the need for qualified and responsible scuba educators has never been more urgent. IDC Gili Trawangan is playing a vital role in addressing this demand, shaping the future of dive instruction through rigorous training and a deep commitment to quality.
INDONESIA — The Instructor Development Course (IDC) Indonesia has emerged as a regional leader in professional scuba diving education, offering a refined, immersive pathway for aspiring PADI Instructors. Centered in the world-renowned Gili Islands, the program is rapidly becoming synonymous with quality, consistency, and international recognition in the professional dive community.
Conducted at Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan, the original PADI 5-Star IDC Centre in the Gili Islands, the program represents a cornerstone in Indonesia’s dive training infrastructure. With over 30 years of continuous operation, the center provides access to premier training environments, allowing candidates to develop their instructional capabilities within active, real-world dive settings.
Heading the IDC Indonesia program is Platinum PADI Course Director Holly Macleod, a distinguished leader in global dive training with more than two decades of industry experience. Having certified over 3,500 PADI Instructors, Course Director Macleod’s impact extends throughout the diving industry. She has consistently received the Platinum PADI status for 13 consecutive years—an accolade that confirms both dedication and instructional excellence.
The IDC Indonesia structure incorporates the full spectrum of instructor-level training components. From knowledge development and confined water practice to open water application and rescue evaluations, each segment of the program is designed to exceed minimum certification requirements. The course integrates scenario-based teaching exercises, in-depth risk management, and leadership development modules tailored for today’s dive industry demands.
A distinguishing feature of the program is its emphasis on real-life, experience-based education. Candidates work directly with student-level divers and engage in logistical and operational tasks reflective of actual dive center responsibilities. This approach fosters deep professional readiness and ensures that graduates are well-prepared to manage instructional roles in diverse marine environments across the globe.
Upcoming training dates for the remainder of 2025 include:
August 6 – August 27
September 10 – October 1
October 15 – November 5
November 19 – December 10
Enrollment is designed to be intentionally limited, ensuring focused mentorship and optimal candidate development. Following the completion of IDC Indonesia, most graduates enter the workforce with a solid foundation in dive education and a strong advantage in job placement due to the program’s established industry reputation.
As marine tourism expands and international travel continues to recover, the demand for certified, safety-conscious dive instructors is rising rapidly across regions such as Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. IDC Indonesia plays a pivotal role in supplying the global diving industry with knowledgeable, capable, and environmentally responsible professionals.
With its location in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, the IDC Indonesia program provides a unique combination of advanced instruction and ecological context. Graduates are equipped not only with professional teaching credentials but also with the awareness required to contribute to marine preservation through responsible dive education.
Further details are available through the official channels:
GILI TRAWANGAN, INDONESIA — In a strategic move to encourage early career planning among aspiring scuba diving professionals, the PADI Instructor Development Course (PADI IDC) in Gili Trawangan is now offering a 10% early bird discount on both the IDC and Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) course for all bookings made in advance for any remaining dates through the end of 2025.
Positioned at the heart of the Gili Islands, the program is led by Platinum PADI Course Director Holly Macleod, a veteran educator with over 20 years of global diving experience. Her instructor-level courses, conducted at the prestigious Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan, blend academic precision with real-world application, empowering candidates to enter the professional dive industry with confidence and competence.
As the first-ever PADI 5-Star IDC Centre in the region, Blue Marlin Dive offers unmatched access to vibrant training sites, live student diver interaction, and a mentoring culture that prioritizes real-life teaching readiness. Each IDC cycle integrates the full range of instructional development—from theory and confined water to open water performance evaluations—crafted to align with modern dive industry demands.
With over 3,500 instructors certified, Course Director Holly Macleod has maintained 13 consecutive years of Platinum PADI recognition, reflecting her ongoing contributions to excellence in instructor training. This early bird offer not only eases the financial commitment for future instructors but also provides access to one of the most respected and comprehensive programs in the Asia-Pacific.
Scheduled PADI IDC dates for the remainder of 2025 include:
August 6 – August 27
September 10 – October 1
October 15 – November 5
November 19 – December 10
Early bookings will allow candidates to lock in discounted pricing while securing a spot in the limited-enrollment sessions. Graduates of the IDC program are recognized globally for their preparedness, leadership, and environmental awareness—qualities that align with the evolving standards of international dive tourism.
Those aiming to establish a long-term career in scuba education are encouraged to plan ahead, take advantage of the 10% discount, and train in one of the most ecologically and professionally enriching environments available.
Further details and application forms are available via official channels:
GILI TRAWANGAN, INDONESIA — Aspiring scuba instructors seeking high-quality training and certification have an opportunity to benefit from a limited-time 10% discount on the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) in Gili Trawangan. This offer is valid for the remainder of the year, provided bookings are made in advance.
As the global dive industry rebounds and demand for certified instructors continues to rise, this initiative serves as both a financial incentive and a career advancement opportunity. The PADI IDC program in Gili Trawangan is conducted by PADI Platinum Course Director Holly Macleod, a globally respected educator known for producing world-class instructors. With over 3,500 certified instructors trained under her guidance and 13 consecutive years of Platinum-level recognition from PADI, her course consistently meets the highest professional standards.
The training takes place at Blue Marlin Dive, a top-tier PADI 5-Star IDC Centre with a longstanding reputation for excellence. Situated in one of Indonesia’s premier dive locations, the facility provides a complete instructor development experience—including full academic and practical training, hands-on student diver interaction, and environmentally responsible dive practices.
Candidates enrolling in the IDC gain access to the EFR Instructor course, free workshops, real-world teaching scenarios, and support throughout their professional diving journey. The program’s structure equips participants not only to pass the Instructor Examination (IE) but to thrive in global teaching environments immediately after certification.
Scheduled IDC Dates for the Rest of the Year:
August 6 – August 27
September 10 – October 1
October 15 – November 5
November 19 – December 10
Gili Trawangan offers ideal training conditions year-round, with warm waters, clear visibility, and diverse marine life—creating an exceptional learning environment. Early bookings are recommended as space is limited and demand remains high due to the program’s international reputation.
Full course details, application information, and contact forms are available at:
