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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
June 20, 2016--Wisconsin consumers widely agree that "local" food means food grown in Wisconsin, according to a new statewide survey conducted by faculty affiliated with UW-Extension, UW-Madison, and UW-River Falls. Food from Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, meanwhile, is not considered "local" by most Wisconsin shoppers.
Researchers aimed to provide farmers and communities with strategies informed by Wisconsin-specific data to support local food marketing efforts throughout the state. A random sample of Wisconsin households was surveyed in 2015, and findings and recommendations are available in a new report, "Wisconsin Consumers and Local Food: Public Opinion, Trends & Marketing Recommendations."
"Because there is not a universal definition of local, it's important to understand what consumers in Wisconsin believe," explained Bret Shaw, environmental communication specialist for UW-Extension and associate professor at UW-Madison in the Department of Life Sciences Communication, who co-authored the report. "Many people here also accept 50 miles from them as a definition for local, but there is less agreement when the definition is food from 100 miles away. Feelings about local food might be less about a specific distance, and more about loyalty to our state."
The researchers also examined if opinions about the definition of local varied by region in the state, and found that most consumers reject the idea that food from neighboring states is local, regardless of their location in Wisconsin. "The one exception was that respondents in Northwest Wisconsin were more likely to accept Minnesota as a definition for local," said David Trechter, a report co-author. Trechter is the director of the UW-River Falls Survey Research Center and professor of agricultural economics at UW-River Falls.
Researchers also found that consumers agree local produce is fresh and tasty and helps support local farmers. They suggest marketing local food with words and images related to those concepts for the widest reach. There is less agreement about other potential benefits of local produce suggesting that messages related to health and the environment, that are more popular specifically with liberal consumers, would be less effective.
"Overall, conservative, moderate and liberal shoppers said they bought local produce and local non-produce items equally," said Shaw. "These groups also visit farmers' markets with the same frequency. It's their attitudes about particular benefits of local food that differed."
The data also revealed that signs at grocery stores are a popular way for consumers to get information about food but that many consumers have difficulty identifying local food in stores. Consequently, making sure that local food signage is prominent and highlights a Wisconsin connection is important. "Because consumers here agree that local food means Wisconsin, identifying Wisconsin food as from Wisconsin on signs, rather than simply as local, might be even more appealing to consumers," added Laura Witzling, a graduate student in the UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication, who co-authored the report.
Surveys were administered through the UW-River Falls Survey Research Center. The surveys were sent by mail to a random sample of 3,000 Wisconsin households in the summer of 2015, with 691 surveys returned. Analysis focused on surveys from respondents that were their household's primary food shopper (642 respondents). The research was funded by a grant through the UW-Consortium for Extension and Research in Agriculture and Natural Resources.
For more information or a copy of the report, contact Shaw at 608-448-9958 or firstname.lastname@example.org or Trechter at 715-425-3129 or email@example.com.


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The Ministry of Health Announces the Destruction of Meat at the “A.B. Poultry Marketing” Butchery at 16 Zerubavel St., Ness-ziona
On 29-May-2013, the District Veterinarian of the Central Health Bureau, in cooperation with the Municipal Veterinarian of Ness-ziona, conducted an inspection of the “A.B. Poultry Marketing” Butchery at 16 Zerubavel St., Ness-ziona.
During the inspection, meat products stored in poor sanitary conditions were found that were manufactured without a manufacturer’s license, that lacked appropriate documentation and that were unlabeled. The processing, storage and marketing of meat products without the legally mandated proper conditions may be harmful to public health. By order of the veterinary surgeon of the Central Health Bureau, 8 kg of meat and poultry were destroyed during the inspection. The Ministry of Health will continue to take the necessary enforcement measures, including legal proceedings, against this food business.

domain: news


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What do you do when you're a retailer and you're faced with a customer more interested in making political points than buying products? If you're Starbucks, you try to find a middle ground, which quickly gets turned against you by zealots from both sides who equate compromise with failure.
While waiting for a plane on Thursday, I witnessed a couple of men get loud over a Fox News report that seemed to suggest — despite a statement to the contrary by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz — that the chain had banned individuals carrying guns from bringing their firearms into its stores.
In reality, Starbucks has not banned weapons. It simply asked those who typically carried firearms to please refrain from doing so in its stores because the practices made other customers feel uneasy.
In an open letter to customers, Starbucks' CEO wrote that the company has always respected "open carry" laws, but the debate has "become increasingly uncivil and, in some cases, even threatening."
He added, "Pro-gun activists have used our stores as a political stage for media events misleadingly called 'Starbucks Appreciation Days' that disingenuously portray Starbucks as a champion of open carry. To be clear: we do not want these events in our stores. Some anti-gun activists have also played a role in ratcheting up the rhetoric and friction, including soliciting and confronting our customers and partners."
What grade would you give Starbucks for its handling of the "open carry" debate?


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Industry leaders have called for logisitcs to be given dispensation after Brexit due to its reliance on EU workers. MT examines the issue. Road transport should be given special dispensation post-Brexit to avoid a skills crunch because of its reliance on EU workers, according to industry leaders. The call comes following home secretary Amber Rudd’s request last month for a study into EU migration and the UK labour market. One way to ensure logistics gets the workers it needs, agreed […]
Fears that a Kent village could become the country’s first post-Brexit lorry park after a four-acre site in Romney Marsh was put up for auction have been allayed after it failed to reach the asking price.
Aztek Logistics has opened a fifth warehouse in Letchworth Garden City after seeing a surge in demand including a double-digit increase in service enquiries over the past three months.
ELB Partners, based in London’s Wimbledon, will be looking to recruit at least 12 HGV drivers this year as its partnership with EP Training Services continues to bear fruit.


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A collection of new celebrity chefs are taking the licensing world by storm with their dynamic personalities and unique product extensions.
Sports apparel brand Under Armour has acquired two more digital fitness platforms, "Endomondo" and "MyFitnessPal," evolving the company into fitness resource.
EB Sport Group has signed on to create a line of fitness equipment featuring Beachbody's home exercise brand P90X.
Mixed martial arts organization UFC has partnered with EB Sport Group to develop a line of branded in-home fitness equipment and accessories.
The Little Gym International and LEGO Systems have expanded their ongoing partnership to integrate the LEGO Juniors construction line at locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Connected fitness company Fitbit announced plans to expand its collaboration with fashion designer Tory Burch, as well as new partnerships with Kellogg's and Microsoft.
Sakar International has launched its a new collection of fitness tracking devices featuring FAM Brands' Bally Total Fitness brand at CES.
Swarovski has joined forces with the technology company Misfit to develop a new line of health and fitness wearables that will debut at CES this week.
Game developer Atari is planning a mobile fitness app that incorporates its classic video games such as "Pong" and "Centipede" into exercise routines.
The University of California, Davis has partnered with alumni-owned business City Bicycle Company to create a branded bicycle.
FAM Brands is teaming up with Sakar International to develop fitness trackers and other electronic accessories under the Bally Total Fitness brand.
Commercial fitness equipment manufacturer Life Fitness has signed a deal that will bring the brand to a new line of activewear.
Weight Watchers launched a line of branded ready-to-eat cereals in partnership with Mom Brands, the largest family-owned cereal company in the U.S.
Talent agency N.S. Bienstock has been appointed as the licensing agent for Veria Living, a media brand devoted to health and wellness.
Manchester United has entered a multi-year partnership with IVC to create a line of branded wellness products in China.
Zumba Fitness is teaming up with Viacom to promote its lifestyle brand in Poland via the TV series “Miłość na Bogata” (“Rich Love”).
Quiksilver has tapped The Faction Collective to design and manufacture a new range of freeride and freestyle skis under its Roxy brand.
Men’s Health U.K. magazine is expanding its licensing efforts in the U.K. and Europe with new deals for fitness equipment and beef jerky.
Winter sports brand Burton has unveiled a new limited edition holiday line of snowboards adorned with iconic starlet Marilyn Monroe.
Fam Brands is expanding its range of products under the Bally Total Fitness brand with the launch of fitness accessories.
©2015 ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS INC. All rights reserved.


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Valheim coming to Xbox in 2023 as a ‘console launch exclusive’
Viking survival game Valheim is coming to Xbox Game Pass, publisher Coffee Stain and developer Iron Gate announced Tuesday during Microsoft’s extended Xbox Games Showcase. Valheim will be playable via PC Game Pass (and on the Microsoft Store) in fall 2022, and will come to Xbox One and Xbox Series X via Game Pass in early spring 2023.
When they’re released, both versions will have full cross-play support at launch, “allowing Vikings to build, fight and survive together,” regardless of where they’re playing — Steam, Microsoft Store, or on console. Microsoft introduced Valheim as a console launch exclusive, meaning it’s not coming to Sony’s PlayStation platforms, at least not yet.
Valheim was originally released in early access on Windows PC in 2021. The increasingly popular game lets a group of players — up to 10 — explore the Viking world together. Developer Iron Gate said Valheim has surpassed 10 million copies in just over a year since its launch.


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RIRRC lists 'do's, don'ts' of recycling holiday wrappings
It’s that time of year again – a time of festive cheer, celebration and overall jubilee – yes, the holidays have officially arrived. As Rhode Islanders prepare for the height of the holiday season, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) is urging residents to recycle right this season, by following the “Do’s and Don’ts” of holiday recycling.
“Americans consume more during the holiday season than any other time of the year,” said Sarah Kite, director of recycling services for RIRRC. “From gift packaging to wrapping paper to trees and wreaths, it’s important that we remember to properly prepare these materials for recycling. By doing so, we give these materials a second life once the holidays have passed.”
With this in mind, RIRRC presents the “Do’s and Don’ts” to recycle right this holiday and in the New Year. If residents still use small green and blue bins for recycling curbside in their city or town, they can place extra recycling in any container clearly marked “extra recycling.”
Paper & Cardboard:
DO: Recycle gift boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, holiday cards, envelopes and wrapping paper tubes.
DON’T: Recycle foil-based (Mylar) wrapping material, picture cards, bows and ribbons.
DO: Recycle “blister packaging” – the often hard-to-open, firm plastic packaging that items such as small toys and consumer electronics come in. Also remember to bring any clear or lightly colored plastic bags and films that stretch back to the grocery, pharmacy, or big-box store with your plastic shopping bags.
DON’T: Recycle any Styrofoam packaging. Clean, dry Styrofoam can be dropped off for recycling at KWD, Inc., 582 Great Rd., North Smithfield.
Christmas Trees and Wreaths:
DO: Completely remove all decorations and trimmings from Christmas trees and wreaths. Remove lights, ornaments, metal wiring on wreaths and the tree stand before placing out for curbside collection. Most trees and wreaths are collected by your local municipal Department of Public Works during the week following the Christmas holiday. Check with your local Department of Public Works for more information about collection times.
DON’T: Recycle artificial Christmas trees. If you are looking to dispose of your artificial Christmas tree, first consider donating it. If not donated, the tree can be put out for the trash according to your local municipality’s rules for oversize/bulky items. Before doing so, completely remove the lights and any other decorations from the tree.
DO: Consider recycling your lights through www.HolidayLEDS.com.
DON’T: Recycle Christmas lights in your bin. They wrap around equipment and cause shut downs in the Materials Recycling Facility. If you are not mailing them in for recycling, place them in the trash.
RIRRC will be closed on Dec. 25, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013. For more information about recycling during the holidays and the new Recycle Together RI program, visit www.RecycleTogetherRI.org or call 942-1430.


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A Blog About FTC regulations and happenings
Yesterday, California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris filed the state’s first suit under California’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The lawsuit, against Delta Air Lines, followed the Attorney General’s warning letters to Delta and many other companies in October to post privacy policies with their mobile apps to inform users of what personally identifiable information is being collected and how the information is used by the company (previously covered by FTC Beat here).
Delta’s app collects substantial amounts of personal information, including full names, telephone numbers, email addresses, photographs, and geo-locations. According to the complaint, “Users of the Fly Delta application do not know what personally identifiable information Delta collects about them, how Delta uses that information, or to whom that information is shared, disclosed, or sold.” The AG asserts that Delta’s conduct violates the Online Privacy Protection Act and California’s Unfair Competition Law.


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With the on-going COVID-19 crisis, as online orders have picked up pace, retailers are trying to find the best and safest options to ensure a smooth last mile. Chinese e-commerce company JD.com has been using robots to deliver anything from medicines to groceries in Wuhan, in order to minimise human contact.
Actually, even before the outbreak of COVID-19, Amazon trialled its Scout robots as an additional delivery option. US-based Kiwibot is going beyond food delivery; through a touch of a button on the Kiwibot App, orders can be placed for food and grocery along with sanitisers and face masks to be delivered safely by their fleet of robots.
While in the UAE, with the intention to do doorstep delivery of groceries through a fleet of robotic couriers, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) partnered with FedEx in 2019.
We spoke to Manoj Ganapathy, division manager for Visitors Management & Robotics Solutions Division at Jacky’s Business Solutions LLC about the acceptance of robots in the Middle East retail landscape.
How can robots complement humans in a retail environment?
Ganapathy: Humanoid robots – like Pepper and NAO – can easily create an empathetic link with shoppers by their eye-catching appearances, moderate sizes and human-like behaviour. Being proactive, expressive, attractive and mobile, these humanoid robots stand out from other digital proposals, increasing interactions, optimising utilisations and reducing unnecessary cost. They are connected, effective, accurate and multi-functional. They can take on repetitive tasks, which enable staff to focus on more added-value ones. Moreover, Pepper and NAO are powerful touchpoints for supporting omnichannel, providing a single but comprehensive view of each individual customer. Pepper is a highly efficient robot, which can revamp reception service and promote targeted offers while generating new sales opportunities. It can optimise administrative processes, resource allocation as well as stakeholder relationship management. Apart from gathering comprehensive data and generating client insight, it can adjust product positioning and improve service effectiveness.
What is the level of acceptance of robots within the Middle East retail environment?
Ganapathy: Traditionally retail has always been personal in the Middle East. Consumers prefer interacting with people instead of robots. While we have not yet seen a wider acceptance of robots in traditional retail, we have seen other sectors like retail banking and clinics, among others make use of humanoid robot. Where there has been a customer service element, with the right systems in place, humanoid robots Pepper and NAO have made a great difference in operations. We are starting to see this change slowly as some of the larger retailers embracing new technology and robots are part of this incentive. Another reason for the slow adoption, the legacy systems including things like CRM need to be updated to interface with our humanoid robots like Pepper to get better personalised interaction with the customer.
Is Pepper being used by retail brands in the Middle East?
Ganapathy: There are a few retail outlets that are using Pepper for now mostly as a meet and greet and an initial interface with customers. Oasis Mall, for example, use Pepper during special events in Dubai and Oman. Other examples include American Rag in The Dubai Mall, DHA’s recent Smart Salem clinic in City Walk and Al Taham Watches in Saudi Arabia, among others. What’s more, Pepper will be present at Expo 2020 Dubai.
J Lindeberg was started by Johan Lindeberg in 1990s with the aimSeptember 2, 2022 | By RetailME Bureau
Majid Al Futtaim has made significant strides toward environmental, social, and corporateJuly 5, 2022 | By RetailME Bureau
Abu Dhabi based grocery retail chain Lulu Group has partnered with Amazon
UAE-government-led initiative Food Tech Valley – announced in 2021 by His Highness
Abu Dhabi-based supermarket chain Lulu Hypermarket is all set to open in
Plant-based meat brand Beyond Meat’s financial results for the third quarter of
UAE’s fresh produce brand Barakat has launched bio-degradable packaging across its entire
UAE-based agritech start-up Pure Harvest Smart Farms has signed a Memorandum of
Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim – Retail in the
Grandiose Supermarket, part of Ghassan Aboud Group, has announced expansion plan in
The Valrhona journey began 100 years ago with a cocoa bean. Since
Deliveroo UAE has announced the expansion of its rapid grocery delivery service
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) revealed that the UAE
Using technology in warehouses is the prime way to define inventory optimisation.
A boiling hot summer across Europe provided the needed incentive to get
Newland EMEA and 42Gears have announced a strategic partnership aimed at simplifying
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has unveiled an exciting line-up
According to a global survey published in July 2022, 37% of “deskless”
Enhanced customer experiences that entice, amaze and urge shoppers to engage –
Business and technology hub Dubai Internet City will house Intel’s newest artificial
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has announced a partnership with award-winning Italian restaurant
UAE-based retail group Brands For Less Group (BFL) launched its first shopping
The UAE e-commerce market is expected to reach $9.2 billion in 2026,
As part of its expansion plan home-grown brand PINZA! opens two dine-in
Alison Rehill-Erguven the new CEO of Arabian Centres Company (ACC), owner, developer


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The first secretary for economic affairs at the Ukrainian Embassy in Canada, Oleh Khavroniuk, stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"The interest of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Canada has grown very rapidly over the last six months. In January this year alone, the number of applications from Ukrainian producers to the embassy exceeded their total number for the whole previous year," Khavroniuk said.
However, most queries are of a general nature, as Ukrainian businesses are only beginning to develop the Canadian market. "Most of the queries are of a general nature. [They want to know] how to find partners, what the Canadian market is, and so on. The first Ukrainian migrants arrived in Canada 125 years ago, and now Ukrainian entrepreneurs are opening this country to themselves in a new way," the diplomat said.
The free trade agreement between Ukraine and Canada officially came into force on August 1, 2017. According to the document, 98% of tariffs for Ukrainian goods sold to Canada were immediately canceled. For Canadian goods 72% of tariffs are immediately canceled, and duty-free exports will grow to 98% in the next seven years. The agreement also mutually opens the markets for public procurement. Certain sections of the document protect e-commerce and intellectual property.


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Fitness guru Billy Blanks entered American homes across the country when he introduced his Tae Bo workout. The creator of the martial art known as Tae Bo, Blanks sought to teach people how they could get more physically fit, be more confident, and do so from the comfort of their own home. The Tae Bo workout has revolutionized the way people get their exercise and provided millions of people access to an easy and effective martial art that they can learn through instructional videos.
Although the company did raise the minimum wage for all of its employees earlier this month, it’s plowing ahead on warehouse robotics and automation in a way that could fundamentally reshape how its lowest-paid employees perform work — and how many of those employees it needs to retain. Amazon now uses more than 100,000 robots in warehouses around the world to help move and organize products, according to The New York Times, and it also sponsors an annual robotics competition to help spur innovation in AI that could result in more dexterous and intelligent robots capable of performing complex physical tasks.
Twitch started in 2007 as a 24-hour live stream of co-founder Justin Kan’s life (he coined the term “lifecasting”) called Justin.tv, but it became very clear very quickly that live gaming content was more popular than pretty much anything else. In 2011, Twitch spun off gaming-centric channels as Twitch.tv, and it grew exponentially as online games and the technology to broadcast them live on the internet became more widespread and popular.
The company has also invested in a number of growing firms, both in the United States and Internationally. In 2014, Amazon purchased top level domain .buy in auction for over $4 million. The company has invested in brands that offer a wide range of services and products, including Engine Yard, a Ruby-on-Rails platform as a service company, and Living Social, a local deal site.
Although As Seen On TV was founded in the 1980’s by Shark Tank panel member Kevin Harrington, the public domain label is often used to refer to all infomercials that have aired to date – ranging from the familiar Ron Popeil and his line of popular “o-matic” products, to Sir James Dyson and everyone in between. The infomercials all use direct marketing which allows customers to immediately understand the benefits of a product, and provides the seller with an easy way to track results and understand if a campaign will be profitable.


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Splott Warehouse will swap market stalls for live music as it welcomes electronic duo Chase and Status to the venue this October.
The show is the first in a new series of events to be hosted at the warehouse, following the roaring success of the Color Festival earlier this year.
You’ll need to wear your best Tarzan and Jane gear if you fancy going, though as there’s a strict jungle dress code.
The support act and special guests for the show will be announced in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the event, organiser Tudor Barber added: “Welcome to the Warehouse combines a huge line up with all the fun of the jungle.”
Welcome to the Warehouse takes place on Saturday, October 4 from 2pm. Tickets are on sale now and range between £15 and £25 – book yours online.


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TOP TEN: This week's most popular articles
Round-up includes articles on new facilities for UK rental firm Arc Sound and Leeds-based post house Bark & Bite.
Our Top Ten news round-up this week includes articles on new facilities for UK rental firm Arc Sound and Leeds-based post-production specialist Bark & Bite.
The top story of the past few days focused on London Mayor Boris Johnson's decision to introduce a new "Task Force" to help the city's music venues stay in business.
Check out our weekly summary here...
Mayor has announced the creation of a new "Task Force" with the aim of preventing the closure of more popular places like the 12 Bar Club in London (pictured).
System features in a new cinema space built during the refurbishment of the company's Wardour Street offices.
Yorkshire firm "to give Soho a run for its money" with the launch of a new post-production studio in Manchester.
Rental company acquires new warehousing and distribution premises in the London Gateway region.
Latest edition offers a Feature on Touring Sound and an interview with Whiplash sound man Ben Wilkins.
Manufacturers agree patent licence and announce development of new 64-bit CEDAR for Pyramix suite.
BBC Studios and Post Production upgraded to a Vista X console for the final episode of the series this week.
Company's vice president and product manager discuss the development and response to the new compact console range.
Position was recently vacated by Chris Fearn, who has moved to Adam Hall as key account manager for the UK and Ireland.
Wide range of Italian manufacturer's products chosen for new Bar Le Treize cocktail lounge in Colmar, France.
Picture credit: fourthandfifteen


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C&F agents will observe a full-day strike on 28 and 29 June at all customs stations in the country, including Chittagong Custom House, initiated by the Federation of Bangladesh Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association to realize various demands, including amendment of Licensing Rules-2020 by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Earlier on 7 June, C&F agents went on a day-long strike at all customs stations across the country with the same demands. Some 250 C&F agents in Chattogram went on strike from 9am to 4pm on 18 May too, as their licenses were not renewed.
Association sources said the strike was declared at a meeting of the federation on 25 June. The agents' association has also sent letters to C&F agents deployed at all customs stations in the country to carry out the programme.
According to the letter, a letter was sent to the NBR on 13 June demanding amendment of some sections of the licensing and other rules, but no effective action has been taken.
The two-day strike at the end of the current financial year will hurt revenue collection at the country's largest customs station, Chittagong Custom House, said experts concerned.
The average daily revenue collection at this customs station is around Tk164 crore. Till 25 June, Chittagong House collected Tk57,787 crore in fiscal year 2021-22.
Chittagong Custom C&F Agents Association General Secretary, Kazi Mahmud Imam Bilu, told TBS, "We have conducted movements more than once to change the customs licensing rules and our proposal has also been sent to the NBR. Unfortunately, the NBR does not even bother to know what our demands are."
There are 10,000 C&F agents in 42 small and large customs stations across the country. Of these, 3,000 C&F agents work at Chittagong Custom House. Every day 7,000 bills of entry and bills of export are submitted here. Of these, 2,000 are for bills of entry and 5,000 are for bills of export.


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Is this the year of the staycation? – Kate Boats
Following on a slow start to the 2019 booking season in November and December 2018, Kate Boats is pleased to report a 16 per cent increase in bookings this January.
Cheryl Howes, owner of Kate Boats, says: “We are delighted to announce a 16 per cent increase on bookings this January, compared to January 2018. Despite all the uncertainty that surrounds British businesses, it’s extremely positive to see that boating holidays are still being booked.
“This increase comes from both domestic and overseas bookings, so perhaps with a weaker pound, staycations are on the up and more people from overseas are looking to holiday in the UK.”
Kate Boats has been providing self drive narrowboat holidays on its fleet of 29 boats, based on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire at Stockton and Warwick, for nearly 40 years.
Last year the company took 800 holiday bookings for trips ranging from short breaks (three or four nights) to month-long bookings.
Cheryl adds: “This year its 90 years since the Grand Union Canal came into being and we look forward to celebrating with hundreds more holidays setting off along this historic canal this season. With a good start to bookings in January, hopefully we can match the success of 2017, which was a bumper year for canal boat holidays in the UK.”
Fore more information, visit: www.kateboats.co.uk
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CES 2014 Las Vegas — Monster is moving into the TV business.
The audio company kicked off its 35th anniversary celebration during International CES with its usual cadre of celebrity appearances, bolstered by the announcement of new partnerships, new power products and, of course, new headphones.
With a nod to its legacy, head monster Noel Lee said the company also plans to bring back its old cables and old logo.
Actor Nick Cannon took the stage in support of his NCredible headphones line as well as a new line of DJ headphones known as SKAM.
“Kids don’t want guitars anymore,” Cannon quipped. “They want DJ equipment and professional headphones.”
Monster and NCredible will be teaming for two DJ-themed reality TV shows, and they will feature “more than just product placement,” Cannon said. “We’ve been there, done that … Now it’s about creating content [and] offering something more tangible.”
In other partnerships news, Monster announced it will team with Adidas for two headphones, known as Adidas Originals, that will launch in the spring. It reinforced its partnership with UFC with a line of Octagon headphones that will ship later this year, and it has teamed with the World Poker Tour to become its official headphone provider. Card players will wear will wear Monster headphones during tournaments, and Monster is readying its own celebrity-studded tournament that will be televised on Fox Sports in 2015.
In the headphones realm, Monster is strengthening its concentration on fashion-focused headphones for female consumers with the addition of its Diamondz limited-edition headphones ($329 suggested retail) and Inspiration Lite and Inspiration in-ear models ($270 and $169 suggested retail, respectively). These will ship in the second quarter.
Capping off the conference was an appearance by Shaquille O’Neal in support of Monster’s “Size Does Matter” campaign. O’Neal, who kissed Lee on the head and called him a “wonderful, sexy human being,” introduced the flat SuperStar micro-speaker ($129, Q2 shipping), said to be only 2 inches high, and the PowerCard Turbo ($69.95), a portable battery with three times capacity as the initial PowerCard.
Monster will unveil on Tuesday a limited-edition Lamborghini — only nine are being built — for which it has provided the audio technology.
- 2019 TWICE Top 100: Hottest Products - May 28, 2019
- Walmart To Offer Free Next-Day Delivery On Orders Over $35 - May 14, 2019
- Amazon Bringing Two-Day Prime Delivery Down To Just One Day - April 26, 2019


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Okanagan Valley is breaking its way into the American market, and it may see a sudden influx of New England travellers looking for rooms at the Walnut Beach Resort in coming months. The Boston Globe recently highlighted the region as the "next wine frontier," which has been no surprise to British Columbia residents for years. Anyone who's taken one look at the scenic landscape and experienced the temperate climate knows that this destination is not only a prime winemaking spot, but a spectacular summer vacation locale as well.
To further instill the fact that the American market is embracing this region, Target launched its soft opening of a store in Okanagan's town of Vernon today.
"Target is thrilled to be opening stores in Western Canada, providing a one-stop shopping destination that meets the wants and needs of our guests," Tony Fisher, Target Canada's president, told Global News.
Whether you're in the Okanagan region for a wine tour, a weekend relaxing by the Okanagan Lake or just a luxurious stay at the lavish Osoyoos hotel, the region is quickly climbing as a go-to spot for many travellers across North America, so be sure to make reservations as soon as possible.


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Good morning, Broadsheet readers. Angela Merkel is getting tough on corporate board quotas, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will have an exciting new float. Keep reading to hear why Nasty Gal’s founder isn’t worried that millennials are “entitled.” Have a great Thursday!
• Goldiblox hits Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The engineering toy company for girls will have its own float in this year's nationally-televised parade. "I hope every girl that watches the parade this year gets that excitement about not just wanting to be the princess on the float, but really engineering her own. She can build anything," says Goldiblox founder and CEO Debbie Sterling, who is one of Fortune’s 2014 Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs. Time
ALSO IN THE HEADLINES
• AMD's new CEO paid less than her predecessor. Lisa Su will receive an annual salary of $850,000, which is less than the $1 million paycheck the chipmaker's previous male CEO took home. Su became the 26th female CEO in the Fortune 500 on October 8th when she took over for Rory Read after he stepped down. Bloomberg
• Merkel holds firm on board quotas. A member of the German Chancellor's party said gender quotas will hurt Germany's economic outlook, but Merkel is going ahead with her plan anyway. “Executive positions are desirable because they mean power and power is, after all, a good thing,” she said. Time
• This woman rowed across three oceans by herself. When consultant Roz Savage had a mid-life crisis, she decided to row across the Atlantic Ocean... alone. "It was a crash course in personal development," she said Wednesday at a breakfast sponsored by Gannett. When asked why she would pursue something so unusual, she laughed and said she wanted to get out of her comfort zone. Fortune
• Debora Spar on asking for a raise: Don't make it personal. The Barnard College president and Wonder Women author says never make a negotiation about yourself: "After all, your boss doesn’t have to love you — they just need to love your work." Fortune
• Why corporate sponsors stuck with the NFL. Turns out some corporate sponsors like CoverGirl benefited from the backlash the league got from the sexual assault scandal. "Brand consumption", measured by its number of mentions on the web, increased tenfold and a large portion of the mentions were positive. Fortune
• Gannett CMO: We're not in the publishing business anymore. "It’s not really that we’re in the publishing business anymore; we’re in the business of providing relevant, engaging content," says Maryam Banikarim, chief marketing officer of America's largest newspaper company. Adobe
Nasty Gal founder: 'A sense of entitlement is a healthy thing'
Sophia Amoruso’s path to the executive suite was anything but traditional. That’s exactly why the next generation of leaders is so eager to hear from her.
After years of working odd jobs in record stores and shoe shops, Amoruso realized she was terrible at working for other people. So she became her own boss, first by selling vintage clothing on eBay. To her surprise, Amoruso generated $70,000 in sales that first year and saved most of it to start her own fashion retail site, Nasty Gal. Today, the fashion entrepreneur has grown her aversion to authority into a business that does $100 million in annual revenue.
Amoruso, 30, realizes that there aren’t many leaders who followed the same path she did. Yet she does share one characteristic with many in her generation: Entitlement. Moreover, she says she wouldn’t be where she is today without it.
“A sense of entitlement is a healthy thing and it is something I have like the rest of my generation,” says Amoruso, who is No. 30 on Fortune's 40 Under 40 list. “But my entitlement came about with an understanding that it was me that was going to put me where I wanted to be.”
The pages of Amoruso’s New York Times best-selling memoir, #GirlBoss, are filled with unconventional tips for success. A college dropout who stole the first thing she ever sold online, she has no problem being candid about her past life hitchhiking, shoplifting and dumpster diving. The California native believes it’s important to share a narrative that isn’t filled with the same cookie-cutter accomplishments and awards.
While she values education and would like to go back to school eventually, Amoruso is catering to an entire group of young women who want someone other than Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg to look up to.
“The businesswomen who are speaking to other women do have that pedigreed background for the most part and they make assumptions about young woman,” says Amoruso. “But there is another set of girls and women who don’t completely relate to that quite yet.”
Click over to Fortune.com to read my full story.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
• Wonder Woman is getting her own movie. Warner Bros. announced Wednesday that actress Gal Gadot will star in the superhero film, which is slated for release in 2017. The announcement comes after complaints that there isn't enough strong female representation in superhero movies. EW
• The dark side of egg freezing? After Facebook and Apple announced they would cover up to $20,000 in egg-freezing expenses for female employees, critics are saying the policy isn't 100% pro-women. By providing this perk, some other employers could avoid pricey policies like paid family leave and child care that would greatly solve the gender gap in many workplaces. NYTimes
• Women studies deserve a grain of salt. For every study telling women to do X in her career, there is another one telling her to do Y. Vox lists tips from negotiating for a raise to getting a sponsor to being tough in the workplace, and then shows two studies that give opposing advice. Vox
ON MY RADAR
Most powerful woman in banking: Women have an obligation to help each other American Banker
What is Ulta Beauty? Meet the CEO Fortune
Y Combinator + Being a mom Medium
First transgender woman named Working Mother of the Year Biz Women
Is Gwen Stefani 'pro girl' or 'anti-feminist'? EW
Don’t dwell on the dark side of things, but look for the light and build around it. If one door closes, look for another one to open. Never, ever, blame others for what befalls you, no matter how horrible it might be. Trust you, and only you, to be responsible for your own life.Diane von Furstenberg.


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Oracle Red Bull Racing today launched the Team’s 2023 campaign in New York City, via a live show broadcast to over 30 countries across the globe and streamed by thousands of fans worldwide.
Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said: “At Oracle Red Bull Racing we always strive to do things first and do things differently. This is the first time we have launched our season outside of the UK and the first time any F1 Team has launched in the USA. The growth of our sport in America cannot be ignored, there are over 50 million F1 fans in the USA, of which 72% follow us, and the way the fans have embraced our Team here has been very special to see. Oracle Red Bull Racing will be Stateside more than ever in 2023, not just racing but also running Red Bull Showruns and the first F1 Team led road trip in America, the USA Grand Tauro, later this year. We also wanted to celebrate with, and welcome, Ford in their home country, as they become Red Bull Powertrains new partner from 2026. This will be a true strategic technical partnership; Ford will assist with battery and hybrid technology and much more to keep the Team ahead of the competition. I am already very excited about the possibilities that this partnership will offer both of us globally.”
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Thanks to Blakely, 1,000 women-owned small businesses will get a cash infusion of $5,000 each.
“My hope is that this gift will help alleviate some of the pressures caused by this horrible pandemic,” Blakely said in an Instagram post. “I know first hand what it’s like to be a small business owner. As a woman it can be lonely and scary, especially during a time like this. Small business is the backbone of our culture and I want to help.”
She has teamed up with charitable arm GlobalGiving and dubbed the donation the “Red Backpack Fund” in homage to her “lucky” red backpack she had since college and wore when she started Spanx, which is located in Atlanta. It is one of the few “unicorn” companies started by a woman that is valued at $1 billion.
Along with the funds, each recipient will receive her own red backpack as well as an all-access annual pass to MasterClass, an online education platform based in San Francisco for which Blakely teaches a class on entrepreneurship.
Applications will be open for the next five months. In order to qualify, businesses have to be at least 51% majority-women owned, with annual revenues not exceeding $5 million in any of the last three years. Owners must have withheld payroll taxes for one additional employee besides themselves, be registered as a legal entity and have a valid EIN number, and employ fewer than 50 people.
Blakely joins other efforts to help women-owned businesses.
SheaMoisture also launched its own relief fund to support women of color entrepreneurs who are struggling during the Covid-19 crisis. The hair-care brand announced it would select 10 businesses to receive $10,000 each.
Digital platform Hello Alice has been awarding emergency grants of $10,000 each to a limited number of small businesses, and its founders hope to grow the initiative. The ventures must have fewer than 50 employees and be registered in the U.S. to qualify for the funds.


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Agartala, Aug 19: In an endeavor to promote growth of the bamboo sector, a three days National Conference on Bamboo Cultivation and Value Addition was recently held in Tripura.
Organised by the Tripura Bamboo Mission, the conference aimed to promote growth of the bamboo sector with efforts focused on augmenting economic opportunity, income and employment.
During the conference artisans were provided information about new technologies and new industrial initiatives.
“China is not only the biggest country with bamboo resources, but also has art-of-the-state technology, sustainable management, and rich experience in bamboo resources utilization and thus producing bamboo products, which has better finishing than India. We need to compete with them,” said R N Barathi, a Bamboo scientist.
Bamboo is widely produced in Tripura. Nineteen species are found in the state. (ANI)


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Though its new Accord may be winning favorable reviews, Honda has admittedly missed the mark with a number of recent niche vehicles – especially hybrids like the Insight and CR-Z. The latter was a particular disappointment coming as the long-awaited replacement for the Japanese maker’s old CR-X sport compact.
So, there were some anticipatory celebrations when Honda revealed plans to unveil an updated version of the CR-Z in Paris designed to punch out a bit more performance than the hybrid-powered model that debuted in 2009.
Honda came through with a royal purple update that gets a number of welcome modifications – including 13 more horsepower and a new lithium-ion battery pack that allows the 2013 Honda CR-Z to operate in S+ mode – a hybrid alternative to turbocharging – for up to 10 seconds.
Visually, the 2013 model will be recognizable by its new grille, fascia and LED accent lights surrounding new headlamps. Inside, there are revised fabrics and other generally minimal changes.
Surprisingly, at a time when even Porsches and Bentleys are promoting better fuel economy, Honda says the 2013 will maintain its old mileage rating – at least in Europe, at the equivalent of 55 mpg. We’ll have to wait for word from the EPA on its official U.S. numbers.
But at the current rating of 39 mpg City, 35 Highway and 37 Combined, few were complaining about mileage. It was the original CR-Z’s performance that fell into the lackluster category. And that’s what Honda appears to have focused on.
The sport compact’s 1.5-liter gasoline engine benefits from an updated variable valve-timing system and modified computer software to now generate 121 hp, up from 114. The electric motor, meanwhile, gets another 20 hp. Combined, the output jumps to 137 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, the latter up 16.
The switch to lithium power also plays into the equation. That replaces the old nickel-metal hydride technology Honda had clung to since its very first Insight hybrid debuted a dozen years ago. But despite some original reluctance by the maker, lithium is proving to be more robust than feared – and it can store significantly more power in a given mass and space.
Notably, Honda now provides a Sport-Plus button on the steering wheel. If the battery has at least a 50% charge it can be harnessed for electric turbocharger duty with a punch of the S+ button. At maximum power, the 2013 Honda CR-Z will launch from 0 to 100 kmh (62.5 mph) in 9.0 seconds, a 0.7 second improvement over the old model. Top speed, meanwhile, is now 124 mph.
Look for the 2013 Honda CR-Z to roll into European showrooms in January. We’re likely to hear more about the American version at the upcoming LA Auto Show.
Tags: 2012 paris motor show, 2013 honda cr-z, auto news, auto shows, car news, honda crz, honda news, honda paris, hot hatch, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, performance hybrids, sport compacts, thedetroitbureau


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Esports broadcaster and company Let’sPlay.Live is teaming up with Uber Eats this week for a special promotion. This is taking place during two special LPL steams on Twitch this week. Not only is it encouraging people to try McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish burger, but it will also showcase Uber Eats’ own promotional game Shark Bait, available on mobile devices. It is fitting that this takes place in New Zealand since the fish used in the burger, Hoki, is native to the country.
Check it out on Twitch
Two “Night Squad” Twitch streams will happen during the lunch hour instead of at night. They will be giving away Uber Eats codes to viewers from New Zealand who tune in during the steam. Over $1,000 USD in Uber Eats codes are expected to be given away. Viewers will get the chance to try out Uber Eats by ordering a Filet-O-Fish through the platform, and the Shark Bait game also offers more chance at extra Uber Eats vouchers.
— LetsPlay.Live (@LetsPlayLiveHQ) February 20, 2019
New talent will be showcased during these live stream events that LPL has recently brought on. This is to add more variety to its programming lineup. CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege regional tournaments are also hosted by LPL. They even hosted a local ANZ Dota 2 tournament at a high school.
LPL made the acquisition of an ANZ esports organization, Cybergamer, back in December and has ongoing endorsement deals with Logitech and Samsung as well. They seem to know what they are doing.
It will be interesting to see what numbers these special streams attract and if Uber Eats sees a rise in its numbers too. We have reported on more and more unique companies latching onto the world of esports, and it seems to be the trend and almost becoming the norm. Esports has proven to be good for business in the past, so its fitting that companies would want to take advantage of that on an ongoing basis.


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Covestro had an outstanding fiscal year 2017. Driven by a high demand for high-performance plastics and significantly higher margins, Covestro increased Group sales by 18.8% to EUR 14.1 billion over the past fiscal year. This was accompanied by an increase in EBITDA at Group level for the year as a whole of 70.6% to EUR 3.4 billion over the prior-year period. Net income more than doubled from EUR 795 million to EUR 2.0 billion. As a result of these excellent results, Covestro intends to pay its shareholders a dividend of EUR 2.20 per share (previous year: EUR 1.35).
“We have achieved an impressive result in 2017 and significantly exceeded our overall targets,” said CEO Patrick Thomas. “Compared with our first year as an independent company, we have once again clearly improved and demonstrated that our success is sustainable. There is one simple reason for that: We have managed to successfully unlock Covestro’s potential even further. We are now in a strong position from which we will accelerate further value creation.”
In fiscal year 2017, Covestro also achieved very strong results in other key figures: The Group’s core volumes rose by 3.4% over the prior-year period amidst continually high capacity utilization. Covestro’s free operating cash flow (FOCF) reached a new record high increasing to EUR 1.8 billion, equivalent to a rise of 34.8% compared with 2016. Return on capital employed (ROCE) stood at 33.4% and was thus also much higher than in the previous year (14.2%).
Given the strong development, Covestro now expects to deliver a cumulative free operating cash flow of EUR 5 billion within three years. The estimation announced in 2017 was five years. Due to high cash inflows, Covestro’s Board of Management decided in October 2017 to buy back their own shares up to EUR 1.5 billion, or up to 10% of the capital stock. The buy-back began in November 2017 as planned. In addition, net financial debt decreased by EUR 1,216 million to EUR 283 million in 2017 (previous year: EUR 1,499 million).
Sustainability as a driver of growth
For 2018, Covestro expects solid growth in the main customer industries including the automotive, furniture, construction, and electrical and electronics industries. Within these industries, Covestro considers in particular the social trend toward greater sustainability as a driver of growth. “In more and more industries, customers are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions and that is exactly what we offer. We are extremely well positioned to take advantage of the exceptional growth potential in these future-oriented segments,” said Patrick Thomas. He further mentioned areas of growth such as e-mobility, energy-efficient construction and energy-saving LED lamps.
In the coming years, Covestro intends to significantly increase its investments to continue to take exceptional advantage of the expected growth in the main customer industries. These investments include all segments and regions, and are expected to be in excess of the depreciation level. Furthermore, Covestro remains prepared to use opportunities for acquisitions that strengthen the portfolio and create value.
Digitalization and sustainability key elements of strategy
True to Covestro’s purpose to make the world a brighter place, sustainability has always been firmly anchored in its strategy. In addition to this commitment, Covestro has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in its strategy. “Sustainability is and remains a key driver of innovation,” explained Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chief Commercial Officer and future CEO of Covestro. “By 2025, we want to spend 80 percent of our research and development expenditure in areas that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Steilemann considers digitalization as a further driver of innovation: “With our comprehensive program, we are taking advantage of the opportunities that digitalization provides, making it a key focus in our company. As part of this focus, we will set new standards of collaboration with our customers.” An example of this is a soon-to-be-launched digital marketplace that will simplify access to basic products and connect customers with Covestro and other providers. By the end of 2019, new digital business models such as the digital marketplace are expected to generate cumulative sales of up to one billion euros.
Ongoing positive development expected for 2018
On the basis of anticipated stable growth in the main customer industries and current economic forecasts, Covestro expects ongoing positive development for 2018. The company expects a low- to mid-single-digit percentage increase in core volume growth. Covestro anticipates free operating cash flow significantly above the average of the last three years. In 2018, ROCE is expected to approach the previous year’s level. EBITDA is estimated to be around the level of 2017. For the first quarter of 2018, Covestro anticipates EBITDA significantly above the level of the first quarter of 2017.
Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates increase profitability
In the Polyurethanes segment, Covestro increased its core volumes over the previous year in all three regions – an overall increase of 3.4%. Meanwhile, EBITDA rose by 151.1% to EUR 2,212 million. This growth was primarily the result of significant improvements in margins in the MDI and TDI product groups. Moreover, the increased sales volume, gains from the sale of a systems house in North America (EUR 39 million), and an insurance reimbursement (EUR 35 million) all had a positive effect. Furthermore, the decision to continue production in Tarragona (Spain) led to a reversal of provisions (EUR 72 million).
Core volumes in the Polycarbonates segment rose by 5.0%. Here, too, all three regions contributed to growth. This segment’s EBITDA rose 21.2% to EUR 853 million. Higher core volumes and increased selling prices had a positive effect on earnings, while sales were mainly driven by increased demand in the automotive, and electrical and electronics industries.
In 2017 as a whole, core volumes in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment saw virtually no change (–0.3%) amidst a challenging competitive environment. EBITDA was down 9.4% from the previous year’s figure, dropping to EUR 453 million. Increased selling prices on average were not able to fully offset the higher cost of goods sold.
Meanwhile, expanded production of polyurethane dispersions commenced in Dormagen (Germany) and Barcelona (Spain) to meet the increasing demand from the coatings and adhesive industry. Covestro also began operations at a new production facility in Dormagen for high-quality, multi-layer flat films used in security cards or automotive interiors.
Fourth quarter 2017 with new record results
In the fourth quarter 2017, Covestro reported its most successful quarter in the Company’s history and continued the outstanding performance achieved over the fiscal year. Group sales increased by 16.7% to EUR 3.5 billion in the final quarter compared with the fourth quarter 2016, driven by higher selling prices and increased sales volumes. EBITDA increased even more sharply from EUR 390 million to EUR 879 million, more than doubling over the previous year. Net income at EUR 566 million rose several times over the figure in the fourth quarter of 2016 (EUR 124 million). Free operating cash flow increased 45.9% to EUR 890 million.


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French Fab Virtual Meet
18 Jun 2021
New Delhi, India
The French Fab Virtual Meet 2021 is a virtual event that will allow you to meet several experts in various sectors of the industry to better comprehend the current situation in India as well as to identify business opportunities in the Indian market.
The theme of the webinar will be: “How did the Indian industry resist the second wave of COVID-19 and how can it bounce back with more collaboration with France?”
Participate in The French Fab Virtual Meet 2021 and take advantage of privileged B2B meetings with French and Indian companies.


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Chinese telecom giant Huawei insisted on Wednesday its products feature no security “backdoors” for the government, as the normally secretive company gave foreign media a peek inside its state-of-the-art facilities.
Huawei has kicked off the year with an aggressive PR campaign to counter US warnings that it could be used by Beijing for espionage and sabotage, with reclusive founder Ren Zhengfei denying the fears in a series of foreign media interviews.
The charm offensive went into another gear Wednesday as Huawei welcomed news organisations to its facilities in southern Guangdong province.
That included a stop at Huawei’s Independent Cyber Security Laboratory, whose director Wang Jin waved off the US fears.
“Our most basic red line is that our products cannot have any backdoors,” Wang said.
Journalists also toured a huge factory floor with 35 highly automated assembly lines in the city of Dongguan, where an array of robotic arms put together a Huawei P20 smartphone every 28.5 seconds.
Foreign journalist visits are hardly routine at Huawei’s facilities in Guangdong, where high-tech labs and manufacturing facilities employ more than 60,000 people, but these are unusual times for the company.
The United States says Huawei equipment could be manipulated by China’s Communist government to spy on other countries and disrupt critical communications.
Washington is urging governments to shun the company just as the world readies for the advent of ultra-fast 5G telecommunications, an advancement that Huawei was expected to lead and which will allow wide adoption of next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence.
Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, Ren’s daughter, also faces a court hearing on Wednesday in Vancouver on a US extradition request. Two Canadians have been detained in China in suspected retaliation over her arrest.
During the tour, journalists were served coffee in cups featuring an image of a lighthouse and the words: “Lighting a beacon for Wanzhou’s early return.”
The US Justice Department accuses Huawei and Meng of circumventing US sanctions against Iran. Two affiliates also have been charged with stealing trade secrets from telecommunications group T-Mobile.
Christopher Balding, a China expert at Fulbright University in Ho Chi Minh City, said Huawei’s sudden PR outreach shows its concern over the US stance, but that the company shouldn’t suffer too much damage.
“They should be able to ride this out,” Balding told AFP.
“It’s not realistic to expect the entire world to shun Huawei and that probably wouldn’t be good anyway.”
Founded by Ren in 1987, Huawei has espoused a relentless “wolf” ethos that executives say fuelled its rise to become the world leader in telecom network hardware.
It remains to be seen how the new charm offensive will play out, but the wolf may already smell blood.
After intense recent lobbying by Huawei, reports have suggested Britain and New Zealand may walk back earlier indications that the company would be frozen out of their telecom plans.
At the world’s top mobile industry fair in Spain last week, Huawei bagged 5G commercial contracts or partnership agreements with 10 telecom operators — including Switzerland’s Sunrise, Iceland’s Nova, Saudi Arabia’s STC and Turkey’s Turkcell.
On Thursday, Huawei Chairman Guo Ping will hold a news conference at the Shenzhen headquarters that may be the real reason for the media tour’s timing.
The New York Times on Monday cited anonymous sources saying Huawei this week will announce plans to sue the US government for barring American federal agencies from using the company’s products.
The topic of the news conference has not been disclosed, but a big announcement would allow Huawei to seize back the narrative from Meng’s extradition hearing.
Huawei declined to comment publicly on the Times report.
Opening its sprawling grounds also is a chance for Huawei to show that it is a global player not to be trifled with.
Its Shenzhen headquarters — near Dongguan — has cutting-edge laboratories, hotels, swimming pools and fitness centres, a dozen cafeterias, and a Huawei University where it trains staff as well as foreign customers and partners.
Huawei strenuously denies any connections to China’s government.
Sceptics, however, say it is highly unlikely that Ren, a former Chinese army engineer, could have steered his company to such heights in such a strategic sector without the support of Beijing, which has clearly stated its goal of becoming the world’s high-tech leader.
Source: NANFollow us on social media


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[Interview] Interview with Christophe viry: all hands on the innovation deck
Published on 9 February 2017
We recently interviewed Christophe Viry, Product Marketing Manager of our multi-enterprise collaboration portfolio, to learn his take on innovation in 2016 as well as the challenges he is looking forward to taking on in 2017 with Generix Group.
Let’s start off by looking at everything that has taken place over the past year. What do you see as the most stand-out opportunity in terms of innovation for Generix Group in 2016?
I think our acquisition of Sologlobe was one of the main highlights of 2016. Sologlobe brought along their own innovative solution that was created specifically to deal with supply chain challenges, and this move helped us accomplish our company target for international expansion. In terms of innovation, it isn’t really the technological advantage that I see as the highlight here, but the fact that this acquisition was a major turning point for Generix Group, as it enabled us to penetrate the North American market.
In your sector, what do you see as the innovative highlight of 2016?
We have been concentrating all of our efforts on the highly innovative Supply Chain Collaborative Network that is progressing well both in terms of functional and technical use. This is definitely a success and a major talking point when it comes to Generix Group and innovation in 2016.
In general, what do you see as the most promising technical advances of 2016?
I would have to say Technicolor’s EDI migration and advances in dematerialization over the past year.
What do you see as a key moment for your sector in 2016?
I would definitely have to say the launch of our Supply Chain Collaborative Network with its fantastic marketing campaign. It has been a very proud moment for us here at Generix Group!
In your opinion, what did not work so well for Generix Group in 2016, or at least, what could have been better?
We made some impressive deals in 2016, and started some promising partnerships, but we can do a better job on creating more sales in France as well as through our subsidiaries.
Can you tell us about a product that you would have loved to see come to fruition in 2016?
A collaborative Order-to-Cash portal.
Let’s move on to the future, and how you would love to see 2017 shape up. What is your global vision for your sector in 2017?
The market will continue to grow and evolve, and the fusion of B2B/B2C challenges and problems is becoming all the more evident. Clients are now looking for one solution and one unique provider who can ensure seamless operation of their B2B/EDI flows, embrace new e-invoicing challenges as well as provide collaborative and accessible client/supplier portals. We are looking to stay ahead of the market in terms of innovation in order to provide our clients with the most optimal solutions for their changing demands.
What do you think will be important to invest in this year in terms of R&D?
Our main projects this year are to finalize certain components of the Supply Chain Collaborative Network, such as the network and the Purchase-to-Pay for example, to start working on Order-to-Cash and electronic catalogue solutions, and to relaunch the e-invoicing market.
And what do you think will be important to invest in this year in terms of commercial efforts?
We are kicking off the year with a focus on e-invoicing. Our solution is mature and with the market pushing hard with the introduction of Chorus Portail Pro in France, new regulatory obligations, and the end of business processing services, now is the time to grab the future by the horns.


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A round-up from Radio New Zealand's business reporters - including NZOG's Cue Energy takeover bid gains acceptance and ikeGPS experiences significant growth.
NZOG gains more acceptances for takeover bid
New Zealand Oil & Gas is continuing to gain more acceptances in its takeover bid for Cue Energy.
The oil explorer, which is offering 10 Australian cents a share, has 45.5 percent of Cue, which is listed on Australia's stock exchange.
Cue's board had recommended shareholders reject the offer as too low.
The offer closes today.
ikeGPS experiences growth
The technology firm, ikeGPS said it is experiencing significant growth within the $US15 billion sign and banner industry in the United States.
The company said signage professionals are using its laser Smartphone measurement tool, Spike, to get measurements for the placement of a new sign, or to replace an existing one.
It said international airports, shopping malls and convention centres are also adopting its Spike product.
Kidicorp ownership transfer 'on the cards'
Kidicorp co-founder Wayne Wright said transferring the multi-million-dollar early childhood education company to the ownership of a charity has been on the cards for some time.
Mr Wright and his wife and fellow co-owner, Chloe, announced the change this week.
He said Kidicorp has changed from a for-profit company owned by a family trust, to a not-for-profit, owned by registered charity - the Wright Family Foundation.
It has also changed its name to Best Start.


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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – On Saturday, November 16th Troopster Donations is holding its 4th Annual Community Holiday Pack Event at Beach Side Social in Virginia Beach, to pack and send more than 1,000 care packages to Sailors...Read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESunday, October 6, 2019 Local Restaurant Holds Fundraisers to Support Deployed Troops NORFOLK, VIRGINIA - On Sunday, October 6th Southern Eats Restaurant is opening their doors to host a community fundraiser...Read more
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Imagine being thousands of miles away from home during the holidays; It’s something many of our military members experience.
A Navy veteran started a nonprofit to make sure those men and women know people at home care about them.
Chelsea Mandello started Troopster back in 2015. Her mission: help as many service members as possible
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Norfolk nonprofit Troopster and volunteers gathered in Virginia Beach on Saturday to pack care packages for sailors deployed during Christmas.
The 4th Annual Holiday Pack Event took place at Beachside Social, where volunteers packed more than 1,000 care packages.
The care packages will be sent to sailors deployed onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for Christmas.
On Thursday, Richmond-based Lighthouse Labs partnered with Amazon AWS to host a Virginia Demo Day in Northern Virginia.
Philip Luca from Amazon Web Services’s Venture Capital & Startups team, alongside Todd Nuckols and Dan Myers from Lighthouse Labs and Evan McMillion from 757 Accelerate, spoke on the powerful impact of companies deepening their engagement with Virginia-based startups and entrepreneurs.
Five days before Veterans Day, students at the University of Miami had the opportunity to give back to the men and women who serve in the South Florida area and overseas. Lined up outside the University Center pool, several tables were filled with everyday items, from baby wipes to rice krispie treats, all waiting to be packed by nearly 200 UM students participating in Homecoming’s Hurricanes Help the Hometown, an annual service day.
We are grateful for all of our entrepreneurs that participated in the pitch competition today! First place was @DanielLunz with Capsulomics, Second place was Chelsea Mandello with @Troopster, and Third place was @jamesrolin2 with @CowboyCrickets! #pbcutah
Troopster has boosted its production of military care packages with some help from SVT Robotics.
The two local companies, which were in the first group of startup businesses selected for the 757 Accelerate program last summer, are now working together.
The sixth annual Virginia Women Veterans Summit drew more than 1,000 people to Hampton Thursday, including a few budding entrepreneurs.
Final presenter and Troopster CEO Chelsea Mandello decided to open an online platform to deliver custom care packages to military personnel overseas. She decided to transform Troopster into a nonprofit with the help of 757 Accelerate and is now aiming to send out thousands of care packages next year.
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Italian wine meets Italian food in the new partnership between leading Italian food company Colavita and wine industry veteran Nunzio Castaldo for joint ownership of Italian wine importer Panebianco LLC.
Photo Credit: Jason Isolini/Via National Italian American Foundation
NIAF’s annual spring gala was held at Cipriani 42nd Street this year celebrating the success of Italians and Italian Americans alike. Honorees include: Giovanni Colavita, Vincent Tizzio, Joseph Fichera, and Ron Lo Russo.
On March 9th at Hudson Studios, the Community of Unity nonprofit organization held their 15th Annual Song Celebration and Fundraiser which honored Marisa and Giovanni Colavita for their incredible support.
Prize trip to America for the employees of the Italian company that was established in 1938 by the Colavita family in the small region of Molise. Forty years later Colavita found in the US a commercial partner and together they affirmed their presence all over the world. As a big family. We visited them at the Colavita plant in Linden, NJ.
A trip into the secret the American Business Administration Schools haven’t yet discovered
Three generations of the Colavita family celebrated the company's 75th anniversary at Caterina de' Medici restaurant, located in the Colavita Center For Italian Food and Wine on campus at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). They were the first to bring Italian extra virgin olive oil on the American tables and now they are launching a wine line.
STAY TUNED FOR OUR SPECIAL VIDEO ON I-ITALY|TV
Colavita, a world renown Italian food brand promotes healthy lifestyle not just by providing nutritious food to the world. With the creation and quick growth of a cycling team called “Team Colavita” they aim to spread the concept of healthy living. "Team Colavita" started as a small initiative and in 12 years expanded quickly all over the US in a very successful sport and marketing project for amateur and professional men and women cycling teams.
It’s a party. Colavita opens a new branch in New Jersey. From a town of 250, a family firm with its own brand now reaches 70 countries worldwide. In the U.S., the CEO is the young Giovanni Colavita who proudly led us through the new facility. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by the mayor of Edison along with representatives of the consular institutions of New York and New Jersey.


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The need of hour sale of Mahindra majority stake in Ssangyong will jeopardise loans’ refinancing and buyer will have first to clear all outstanding, say foreign banks. "BYD’s appearance for the first time in Finland follows soon after breaking into the German market with 22 eBuses for two leading PTOs in North Rhine-Westphalia, and also BYD’s first fleet delivery in Hungary at the end of July – ten low-floor 12-metre models to the city of Pécs. Deliveries in both cities are scheduled for 2021. BYD Plug-In Electric Car Sales In China Exceeded 14,000 In August 2020 The new Han model was responsible for 4,000 units (2,400 all-electric and 1,600 plug-in hybrid). "After five years operating the pure-electric BYD brand, Nobina has racked-up over seven million ‘electric kilometres’, equal to reducing its CO2 emissions by approximately 7,500-tonnes. Get the latest Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD) stock news and headlines to help you in your trading and investing decisions. The order is a major milestone for BYD as it continues its […] In the entire EV segment (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) + Battery-operated EV), Tesla sold 1,79,050 models.
The sales remained highest in the United States at 69,000 units followed by Europe (38,000 units) and China (12,000 units). Dies beinhaltet die Agentur-Feeds auf finanzen.net, aber auch BYD News auf einer Vielzahl externer Seiten. Currency in USD, Trade prices are not sourced from all markets, Make the World Smarter, Safer & Healthier. Find the latest BYD COMPANY LIMITED (BYDDY) stock quote, history, news and other vital information to help you with your stock trading and investing.
The electric vehicle maker will sell electric-car batteries, powertrains and lights under the brand name FinDreams. According to BYD, the company sold in 20 cities in Scandinavia over 400 electric buses (either delivered or on order).
Boyd (BYD) possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report.
Know more. WEB
Tesla turns away from media, Punjab industry had to face Rs 40,000 crore loss during lockdown, Nifty, Sensex edge lower as banks, consumer stocks slip, From CNG to hydrogen, Delhi’s journey towards becoming city with clean air, Toyota bets on start-up Tugende's small loans to boost Africa business, Maruti launches special edition of Swift in festive season, Ahead of festive season, auto sales head north; fuel consumption ride pillion, Uncertain pace of recovery in global auto demand may continue to weigh on Tata Motors, JLR: Moody's, JLR to launch electric Jaguar I-PACE in India in early 2021, Recent jump in auto sales may be due to pent-up demand, not sustainable: MG Motor India, Maruti Suzuki September 2020 total domestic sales grow 32% at 152,608 units, Motown Diaries: Sep wholesale volume likely to grow; retail auto sales to be sluggish, Volkswagen raises Navistar bid to $44.50/share to clinch trucks deal, Volksfest 2020: VW Polo and Vento ‘Red and White’ edition launched, Audi meets Mexican officials after plant dispute, says it is open to audit, LG Chem says Q2 operating profit likely jumped 159%, Audi chief sees 2020 sales down despite strong Q3: Automobilwoche.
Indian automotive industry sales volume pushed back to 10 years: ICRA, ETAuto Simulation & Testing Virtual Summit, ETAuto Commercial Vehicle & Logistics Conclave, ETAuto Digital Dealer & After Market Conclave, Tesla, VW, Nissan-Renault lead EV, plug-in charge in H1 2020. BYD reported 1.61 billion yuan ($227 million) net profit in 2019, down from 2.78 billion yuan in 2018. BYD pivoted to masks early this year as the coronavirus outbreak intensified. The BYD Tang electric SUV gets a permanent AWD and it can run up to 520 km on a single charge. Click "Continue" to accept and continue with ET Auto. The automaker also claims that this will be the largest electric bus fleet not only in Latin America but across the world as well. Real time BYD (BYDDY) stock price quote, stock graph, news & analysis. Renault-Nissan alliance was at third position 84,501 units sold.
Copyright © 2020 ETAuto.com. Volkswagen group grabbed the second position with as many as 124,018 units sold.
Hit by the coronavirus epidemic, China's overall car sales fell 42% in the first three months compared with a year earlier.


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The digital medium is not one that can be used or leveraged in isolation, but one that supplements ongoing marketing efforts, shared industry experts.
“There is no such thing as a digital CMO; a CMO is a marketer first,” said Vinay Bhatia, Customer Care Associate and Senior Vice President – Marketing and Loyalty, Shopper Stop.
Bhatia took the audience through the digital journey of Shopper Stop, which started with the monologue phase and slowly graduated to having a dialogue with consumers. This awarded the brand increased footfall at its stores.
The retail brand is an interesting example of converting engagement on social media to a direct increase in business. Bhatia shared interesting case studies including the brand’s one million Facebook fan celebration wherein the brand gave Rs 200 discount to fans on Facebook. This activity earned the brand Rs 2 crore business from 10, 000 customers, establishing a direct relation between increase in business and social media engagement – a concept that most marketers across industries are grappling with. Bhatia also urged marketers to have uniform brand communication across all mediums to build brand equity in the long run.
A panel consisting of Vivek Bhargava, CEO, Communicate 2; Nishad Ramchandran, Vice President, Hansa Cequity; Vikas Tandon, Managing Director, Indigo Consulting; and Carlton D’Silva, Chief Creative Officer, Hungama debated over the finer nuances of the role played by agencies in leading digital growth in India . The panel stressed on the importance of involving senior management and getting their ‘buy-in’ for digital investment of brand not only in terms of money but also time and human resources.
It was also stressed upon that it is imperative to develop content especially for the digital platform as opposed to using same content across all mediums. This is necessary to move up the digital medium from the bottom of the pecking order.
P Krishna Kumar, Executive Director, Dell shared some interesting insights and cited a case study of Dell’s backlit laptops wherein the brand had used feedback received on social media to modify its products. The brand engages in 25,000 conversations with consumers on a daily basis. ‘Listen, Learn, Engage and Act’ was Kumar’s advice to fellow marketers.
There is no question of traditional media versus new media. What is the order of the day is integration of both. This will help marketers and agencies earn an adequate return on their investment and truly nurture growth of this promising medium.
The above discussion took place at Digital CMO Summit held by WATblog.
The newly appointed CEO of ZEE5 on how he aims to have the widest appeal in the OTT space amongst Indian consumers
The VP, Marketing and Communications (South Asia), talks about the company's growth strategy, its focus areas, impact of demonetisation on consumer behaviour and much more
Siju Prabhakaran, South Cluster Head, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, talks about channel's rebranding, extending fiction shows to weekends and much more
Stuart Bowden talks about purchase journey, the revised version of Cannes Lions, Wavemaker Indiaâ€™s performance and a lot more
On his recent visit to India, Richard Glasson spoke about the critical elements that define modern marketing communication and the companyâ€™s vision for the Indian market
It's apparent that Maggi is changing the way it speaks to its customers especially with the recent ad to make kitchen space gender-neutral
The new TVC portrays repressive gender roles and tells us that there is no place for gender-based power games


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Microsoft’s Latest Azure Cloud Partner Push vs. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will bolster the company’s Azure cloud push vs Amazon Web Services (AWS) at the Inspire 2017 partner conference.
Microsoft Renames Worldwide Partner Conference (Um, Why?)
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is now called Microsoft Inspire. But frankly, the name isn’t WPC’s challenge…


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OSLO, Norway -- Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm") (OSE: THIN.OL) announced that its award-winning Addressable Memory was chosen by a FlexTech Alliance-funded consortium as a key component in a printed sensor platform to monitor temperature and blood oxygen content. Thinfilm will deliver its Addressable Memory to the new program led by PARC, a Xerox Company, and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). The project will also use technology from Thinfilm and PARC, integrating printed memory and sensors.
"Emerging technologies in printed, flexible, and organic electronics are poised to impact the $300 billion global medical device market as governments, insurers and patients seek to bring down healthcare costs," states Lux Research in their recent report Keeping the Doctor Away: The Opportunities for Emerging Electronics in Healthcare.
"The disruptive potential of printed electronics is enormous, especially for markets such as health care where printed sensor systems will be a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions," said Davor Sutija, CEO, Thinfilm. "Selection by the FlexTech program is a strong validation of the technical merits of Thinfilm's integrated printed electronics platform and demonstrates the applicability of our core technology to areas as broad as medical devices."
In applications requiring single-use, disposable sensors, traditional silicon-based electronic devices are too expensive. Printed sensor systems, as thin as a piece of paper, are uniquely appropriate for such high-volume medical applications.
Projects funded by the FlexTech Alliance are vetted by the FlexTech Technical Council, consisting of distinguished technologists from companies including Lockheed Martin, Qualcomm, E Ink, Applied Materials, Dupont Teijin Films and the US Army Research Lab.
Today's announcement follows Thinfilm's selection by Bemis, a Fortune 500 packaging company, to develop an intelligent packaging platform based on Thinfilm's integrated printed electronics platform.
About the FlexTech Alliance
The FlexTech Alliance is the only organization headquartered in North America exclusively devoted to fostering the growth, profitability and success of the electronic display and the flexible, printed electronics supply chain. FlexTech Alliance offers expanded collaboration between and among industry, academia, government, and research organizations for advancing displays and flexible, printed electronics from R&D to commercialization. To this end, the FlexTech Alliance, based in San Jose, Calif., will help foster development of the supply chain required to support a world-class, manufacturing capability for displays and flexible, printed electronics.
Thin Film Electronics ASA (Ticker: THIN.OL) is a leader in the development of printed electronics. The first to commercialize printed rewritable memory, Thinfilm is creating printed system products that will include memory, sensing, display and wireless communication—at a cost-per-functionality unmatched by any other electronic technology. Thinfilm's roadmap of system products integrates technology from a strong and growing ecosystem of partners to enable the Internet of Things by bringing intelligence to disposable goods. Company headquarters are in Oslo, Norway, with product development in Linköping, Sweden, sales offices in San Francisco, USA, and Tokyo, Japan, and manufacturing in Pyongtaek, South Korea.


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Celebrated Danish design company, Bolia have announced they will be opening their 66th store at the beginning of March in Copenhagen, the vibrant capital city of Denmark.
The new store is part of the brand’s expansion strategy across Europe and is the 8th store to open in Denmark. Enveloped in the buzzing neighbourhood of Østerbro, the new store is inhabiting an exceptional – and rather iconic – building located in Trianglen, Østerbrogade 78.
The new 400 m sq store proffers a new, carefully curated, two-levelled design experience for customers, all structured around Bolia’s Design Atelier concept. Attendees will be taken on an inspirational design journey, travelling through different moods and design environments, endlessly inspired by the fresh, enticing colour palettes, patterns, elements and seasons of Scandinavian nature.
In the same month, the brand will also open a new store in the Danish city of Aalborg, not to mention a new headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark. Having not expanded across their home country for nearly seven years, the openings in Denmark make for quite the event. The new headquarters promise to effortlessly reflect Bolia’s key design spirit, offering comfortable lounging areas, greeneries, unique fluid workstations, clever multifunctional spaces and, what the brand refers to as, a “home away from home notion”.
Discover more about Bolia via their website.


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Axon uneasy over Gen-i’s place in Telecom split-up
- 30 September, 2007 22:00
Telecom’s IT services business, Gen-i, will be designated a “retail” unit under the plans to split Telecom into three operationally separate divisions.
However, competitor Axon — the only organisation to make a submission to the Government’s separation consultation that directly addressed Gen-i — remains concerned about the long lead-time to separation and about new forms of anti-competitive behaviour.
“Gen-i will have to buy regulated services off the wholesale units,” says Mark Ratcliffe, Telecom chief operating officer for technology and enterprises.
“Other wholesale customers will be able to buy similar services.”
Telecom will have two wholesale businesses: Access Network Services, which will own the copper in the ground; and an unbundled bitstream unit, he says.
Axon chief executive Scott Green says there are still perceived risks because of the common ownership of the separate Telecom divisions.
“That’s always been at the heart of operational separation versus structural separation,” he says.
One of his concerns is the duration of the separational process.
“It starts in March next year but will take four years to complete,” he says. “You’ll be familiar with the saying ‘make hay while the sun shines’; it’s still very unclear what this is going to mean for the industry.”
Green says it’s also unclear whether there will be any volume-based price advantages that could benefit Gen-i.
“They have many customers through their heritage, and that could make it difficult to compete,” he says.
“The intention of the separation is quite robust in terms of stopping anti-competitive behaviour around pricing but there is a risk of non-pricing-based anti-competitive behaviour. By that I mean that where the wholesaler and retailer have the same ownership, they can do other things to make a competitor less successful.”
Those reservations aside, Green says Axon will explore the opportunity to become a customer of Telecom wholesale.
In its submission to the Ministry of Economic Development, Axon noted that Gen-i should be considered a retail unit of Telecom, but went further to argue for structural separation. The company also supported a “three box model” under which each unit would have its own chief executive.
Axon argued that cultural change within Telecom would be hard to achieve under the MED’s proposal that unit heads still report to Telecom’s chief executive.
Under the Government’s separation determination, unveiled by Communications Minister David Cunliffe last week, Telecom’s chief executive can direct the three units subject to requirements for transparency.
The separation will also be overseen by an internal watchdog committee comprised of three independent member and two Telecom members. The committee is able to report directly to the Commerce Commission.
There has been some recent speculation that Telecom might look to sell Gen-i.
That seems to have been based on the fact that the new chief executive of Telecom, Paul Reynolds, has a wholesale background.
However, a senior Gen-i executive, who did not want to be named, says it would be too difficult to distentangle the company from Telecom.
“They’re so intertwined,” he says.
Gen-i posted revenue of $380 million in the year to June 30.


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The lamb prime market might have developed the wobbles over the past week, but store prices remain solid with crossbred ewes scanned in lamb selling up to $280 at Barellan, NSW, while unjoined ewes made to $300.
Processors and agents thought there was a price correction looming, with the backlog of direct to work lambs still waiting for kill space.
In spite of reduced numbers at some centres, Bendigo and Ballarat last week led the price falls of $10-$20 and more with most classes affected.
At Wagga Wagga lamb sale prices were hammered over all weights and grades.
The market for heavy export lambs was unpredictable with prices bouncing around for most of the sale. The best results were achieved for lambs weighing 38kg cwt topping at $212, while there was a greater price variation for lambs 26-30kg.
Heavy lambs dipped to a low $158 before recovering for the heavier pens to reach a top of $198.
Despite the quality offering of grain fed heavy lambs, values were $21 lower to average 584c/kg cwt.
Trade lambs took a hit falling $12, with several companies not operating. Feedlot buyers however, took over the reins, purchasing the bulk of the trade lambs for forward contracts in April, paying from $127-$158.
Lamb numbers decreased across early sales this week. At Bendigo on Monday numbers dropped by more than 3700 to 14,280, as last week’s cheaper trends discouraged some from selling.
At Dubbo on Monday numbers dropped by 3000 to 17,015. The NLRS said the yarding was plainer while at Bendigo the yarding was mixed, with plenty of lighter weight lambs.
Despite the mixed quality, prices were firm to a few dollars dearer at Bendigo for the top drafts of trade lambs. Strong competition from Swan Hill, Lake Carjellico and Wycheproof store buyers helped create a floor in lighter trade lamb rates.
Prices ranged from $126-$164 to average 630c-650c/kg cwt. Store buyers wanting lambs with weight and frame paid $119-$137, averaging 597c/kg cwt.
Heavy export lambs gained $6-$12, while extra heavy lambs fetched $150-$200 to average 642c/kg cwt.
In Corowa numbers declined, with quality export and trade lambs unchanged to $3 better on the back of last week’s cheaper trend. All sheep were $5-$7 cheaper. Heavy Merino ewes $103-$140, trade sheep $66-105, light grades $25-$55.
Ballarat reported a slump in numbers on Tuesday, with 9000 fewer lambs. Medium and heavy trade lambs sold to stronger demand, lifting $10, while heavy lambs gained $25 topping at $237 to average 637c/kg cwt.


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Friday August 30,2013 : PERFORM GROUP REVENUES ON THE RISE
Digital sports media firm posts a 37 percent rise in revenues
The Perform Group, a digital sports media company in Britain, lived up to its name this week, posting revenues for the half-year up 37 percent and adjusted after tax profit of GBP 11 million – up 28 percent.
Year-on-year sales rose to GBP 92.4 million (H1-2012 GBP 67.4 million) and EBITDA soared 27 percent to GBP 15.6 million.
The company reported that it was making good progress with renewal deals with its licensees for the Watch&Bet live streaming product. Licensees increased by four to 44 from 40 during the same period last year as the service upped it content by 14 percent.
Management reported that 20 prospective new licensees were in discussions with the company.
CEO Oliver Slipper said that upgrades had been demonstrated to both existing and prospective licensees, and that the changes would strengthen Watch&Bet's position as a key product for the online sport betting industry.


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As prices continue to rise of the adidas Yeezy 750 Boost, we can now add another store that will release them for retail. Which is good news if you live in Europe.
Foot Locker EU will be the store releasing the adidas Yeezy Boost. As you imagined, the Yeezy Boost online and in-store release has been hectic and you can expect something similar to occur again. To help with all the hype and to calm things down, before they release the 750 Boost which is March 26th, Foot Locker EU is requiring that you pre-register in stores on March 25th. For more information on the adidas Yeezy 750 Boost release, click here.


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There’s a lot of excitement about the way LED lighting can have an effect on the way you travel, especially if you’re on a long haul flight. Up until very recently, airplane cabin lights had two settings, on and off. This is the reason for the startling “lights on” moment during a long haul, overnight flight before attendants serve the in-flight breakfast. According to attendants who work on these flights, the cabin going from relaxed, quiet darkness to fully lit and bustling activity within 3 seconds is very jarring for customers. Often drawing complaints from travellers who were quietly snoozing just moments ago.
Some optional extras on the new Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes are set to change that. The addition of colour changing RGB LED lights to airplane cabins open the air hosting industry to a whole new cabin palette that’s never been available before. Instead of jarring awake a cabin full of snoozing passengers, Finnish designer Vertti Kivi has developed a better system for Finnair.
Kivi says “People have jet leg and designers can start to think both how to behave to prevent jet lag as much as possible.” The Finnair A350 has 24 different light settings featuring warmer ambient colours. Using this for overnight flights an artificial sunset of slowly dimming amber coloured lights helps travellers relax and a slowly brightening light in a cool white light over a 20 minute period helps ease travellers into a more energised state less likely to complain at being rudely woken up.
Meanwhile Virgin Atlantic have developed a colour scheme using five primary colours. Rose Champagne for boarding, purple/pink for drinking, a warm white or amber light for dining and another for the pre-sleep period they call the “work-rest-play” to relax their customers. Virgin have banned green and blue coloured lights, they’re not Virgin Atlantic colours and they don’t help make food or drink look particularly appealing.
Nik Lusardi, design manager at Virgin Atlantic Airways said “We’ve always wanted to create a different kind of atmosphere aboard our aircraft and light plays exactly into our hands, you can get people energized or you can relax people very, very quickly.”
American Airlines has also adopted the technology, experimenting with LED lights in their cabin lighting since 2011. They’ve also ruled green light colour out of the scheme but, like Virgin Atlantic have opted for a warm amber light during dinner service and a deep blue colour for sleeping periods. They originally considered a warm red colour but, as Alice Liu, managing director of on-board products for AA said “Red is sometimes associated with fire” which is never a good thing on an airplane.
With LED lighting schemes on air planes creating a relaxing or energising mood as required it’s easy to see why a lot of airlines are going that extra mile to ensure their customers arrive at their destination rested, energised and ready to get on with their day.