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McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Lawsuit 2021 – Violating Illinois Laws By Illegally Using Customers’ Biometrics…
By Consider The Consumer on 06/15/2021
Judge: Arguments In McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Should Be Handled Separately In State And Federal Courts
The BIPA class action filed against fast-food giant McDonald’s alleging that it used technology to illegally gather its drive-thru clients’ voices while they place their orders is going to be divided and will be heard in federal and state courts.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru Customers Voices BIPA Class Action Case Split Into Two
Per the latest news reports, an Illinois court has released an announcement stating the decision that a number of claims forwarded in the McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Lawsuit will have to be entertained in state courts while others will move forward under federal jurisdiction.
Shannon Carpenter v. McDonald’s Corporation
Filed by lead plaintiff Shannon Carpenter, the McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Lawsuit argues that McDonald’s violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act or BIPA with regards to its alleged misdeeds.
The aforementioned law covers rules and regulations on how companies, businesses, and organizations have to enforce different types of data collection protocols such as informed consent and many more to uphold consumer biometric data privacy.
She details that the multinational fast-food corporation enforced a nationwide policy on its store locations that warranted the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistants on its drive-thru booths.
It is said that the mentioned technology was used to gather the voice information of drive-thru clients in which McDonald’s reportedly wanted to use to make its ordering system more efficient and technology-driven.
Nevertheless, drive-thru customers were purportedly not informed beforehand that their voices are being recorded and stored for McDonald’s use, Carpenter contends.
In fact, it is believed that the company collected not only drive-thru customers’ voiceprints but also their vehicles’ license plates without asking for prior permission from the rightful owners.
The McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Lawsuit aims to form and represent a Class consisting of McDonald’s drive-thru customers from Illinois whose voice information has been reportedly unlawfully collected from them when they placed an order to any McDonald’s location.
McDonald’s has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
As of writing, Carpenter’s BIPA violations claims will be heard in state court. On the other hand, the remaining accusations, including illegal biometric data collection and sharing will continue to be handled in a federal court.
Consider The Consumer will carry on reporting on the ongoing developments of this case.
McDonald’s or the McDonald’s Corporation is a fast-food restaurant chain founded more than eight decades ago in California.
According to online sources, the company is one of the most easily recognizable brands globally, with over 30,000 locations worldwide.
In fact, the company has a truly multinational reach as it has a location in all of the six inhabited continents on Earth. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company is currently headed by its CEO Chris Kempczinski.
Editor’s Note on McDonald’s BIPA Class Action Lawsuit 2021:
This article features the latest news regarding the class-action lawsuit filed against McDonald’s for allegedly violating Illinois’ BIPA law.
Case Name(s) & No.(s): Shannon Carpenter v. McDonald’s Corp.; Case No.: 1:21-cv-02906
Jurisdiction: United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Products/Services Involved: Consumers Privacy In Biometrics
Allegation(s): McDonald’s reportedly captured customers’ voice clips and car plates using their AI technology – which is equivalent to an infraction towards the Illinois BIPA.
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Chef-owner Noe Garnica, a Mexico native, and his wife, Anna, have carved out a niche in Portland's food scene as purveyors of bright, fresh Mexican food with a vegetable-centric, health-oriented twist. At their two Verde Cocina restaurants, as well as their cart at the Portland Farmers Market, traditionally heavy staples like refried beans and Spanish rice are eschewed in favor of ancient grains and loads of crisp-tender market-fresh vegetables. And now the duo has added a third location to their burgeoning chainlet.
They've recently taken over the Sylvan Zoo House, a sportsbar off Highway 26 on SW Canyon Road that used to be Sylvan Steakhouse and Big Red's. The space is three to four times bigger than both Verde Cocina in the Pearl and the original cafe in Hillsdale, and includes ample parking, a big outdoor patio, a bar, and space for private parties. They also take reservations.
"Right now, it's a work in progress to remove the Zoo theme and make the space look like Verde Cocina," says Anna. "But while we do, the little-known secret is that we are already running the place, open every day, and serving our menu."
The lunch, dinner and drink menus are similar to the other locations, but she says the larger kitchen will afford them the chance to experiment with new items in the near future. They're considering adding tortas, tamales and even hamburgers to the menu.
For now, though, they're working on getting the new paint and decor in place and getting ready for a grand opening party some time in mid-May. But if you're craving ceviche, margaritas, and agua frescas in the sun this weekend, their patio awaits.

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New York (Knewz) — Celebrating just got a whole lot better for Christina Aguilera fans, who can now receive birthday wishes from the five-time Grammy award winner.
Singing a new rendition of her Platinum hit "Candyman” with birthday-themed lyrics, Aguilera will be serenading fans all over the world with her new “SmashUp” personalized and upbeat birthday video messages.
On Oct. 5, American Greetings announced their new digital greeting card featuring the 40-year-old as part of their partnership with Roc Nation.
"Christina Aguilera is such an extremely talented artist and working with her was so exciting," said Rob Matousek, Executive Director-Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings. "Her voice is incredibly powerful, and you can instantly feel her positive attitude and energy throughout the entertaining video. We are confident it will bring a smile to anyone who receives it."
The ecard company is a global leader in the celebrations marketplace that helps people effortlessly celebrate all kinds of holidays and special moments with customizable videos.
American Greetings’ “SmashUp” offers more than 1,000 recipient names, so Aguilera’s videos will feel personal and sincere. In the birthday video, Aguilera sings in front of a 4-tiered cake-like tufted red velvet couch as she wears a sparkly, red dress.
"The combination of 'Candyman,' plus the stunning set, delivered the old Hollywood glamour vibe I wanted for my SmashUp and makes this a really fun way to say, 'Happy Birthday!,’” said the songstress. "Sending the 'Candyman' SmashUp is an easy way to let friends and family know how special they are to us by giving them this upbeat personalized video to help celebrate their birthday."
News of Aguilera’s partnership comes on the heels of the 15-year anniversary of her album “Back to Basics.”


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Takata recalls could shake trust in Japan auto industry, minister warns
TOKYO -- Airbag maker Takata Corp.'s safety crisis linked to five fatal auto accidents threatens to shake confidence in Japanese manufacturing and the country's auto industry, the nation's transport minister said Friday.
Japan will order Takata customers Honda Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. to call back about 200,000 more vehicles in the country if recalls in the U.S. are expanded nationwide, Transport Minister Akihiro Ohta said in Tokyo.
The U.S. has demanded that Takata and automakers extend safety campaigns across the country by Dec. 2, after months of allowing companies to limit recalls to high-humidity regions.
Japan's regulator is stepping up scrutiny of Takata after mounting pressure in the U.S., where four people have died from airbags that deployed with too much force and spewed metal shrapnel at vehicle passengers.
The transport ministry said this week it would form a task force to oversee the 2.6 million cars recalled in Japan to replace Takata airbags, which haven't been linked to any injuries or deaths in the country.
Japan formed a special task force this month to deal with the growing recall crisis.
Toyota Motor Corp and its small-car subsidiary, Daihatsu Motor Co., announced new recalls on Thursday, citing excessive moisture during a manufacturing process at Takata's now-shuttered plant in LaGrange, Georgia.
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Facebook users in India are getting voice posts, stories archive, and cloud storage features
Facebook recently had one of the largest executive reshuffles the company has ever had. Mark Zuckerberg is still leading the company but WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger have all received new leaders in an attempt to evolve the platforms. The first update since that announcement happens to be for the core Facebook application as it is set to receive three big features that the team has worked on. The three features are set to roll out in India first but will make their way to the rest of the globe shortly afterward.
Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular as these companies want you to keep as much of your data on their servers as possible. With something like Google Photos, that is more than worth it thanks to the features the service brings when it comes to organizing them and finding specific photos with a simple search. For Facebook’s new cloud storage feature, users will find the option directly in the camera section of the application. The user will be greeted with a new option that will tell the application to store the image on Facebook’s servers and not fill up your local storage.
Another one of these new features is also making its way to the application. Within the camera, the user will be given the option to create and share a voice message with their friends with what the team is calling a Voice Post. This new feature is a way for those who want to convey a quick message without needing to fumble around with the small keyboards of a smartphone. The last of these new features that are coming to the Facebook application is a new archiving system that will enable people to save the Facebook Stories they like the most. Once saved, the Facebook Story will be stored with other archived pieces and organized by the date in which it was created.
Via: The Verge


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There’s a lot happening in the City of Buffalo these days. There is a renewed sense of confidence in the air as the city is going through a rebirth of sorts. All of a sudden there is an influx of people and businesses that want to be downtown. The Medical Center will soon employ close to 20,000 people. Those numbers are similar to Bethlehem Steel’s employment in its hey day. IBM is moving into Key Bank Center on Main St bringing 500 tech jobs to the downtown central business district. Is it actually possible that Buffalo, with the considerable assistance of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, has lucked into a game-changing economic development project that stands to directly create 1,000 new jobs in a 21st century industry – and possibly many more jobs in its ripple effects? If it all works out – and there is no reason thus far to think it won’t – Buffalo could be home to one of the largest solar panel factories in the world!
Opening Main St to vehicular traffic has led to a flurry of redevelopment of many buildings along this street. Giammusso Development, LLC is excited to throw their hat in the ring and revitalize 505-509 Main Street. Cars Sharing Main Street Project’s primary objective is to reopen Main Street to two-way vehicular traffic from Scott Street to Goodell Street through the implementation of the Share the Track-bed Alternative. Project design was developed with extensive community involvement, providing for vehicular traffic, Metro Rail, generous sidewalks for Main Street’s dense pedestrian traffic, bicycle lanes where possible, and short term parking for downtown visitors – a street for all users, as prescribed by the City’s Complete Streets Policy. As part of this project, significant resources are committed toward rebuilding Main Street transit infrastructure. The project goals are to stimulate economic development in downtown Buffalo, increase multi-modal access options and transit ridership, and improve the quality of life in downtown Buffalo. This will be achieved through higher visibility for retail shops, loading zones for shops and residential areas, and parking availability to allow easier access to buildings on Main Street cheap Generic nolvadex.
There are also several new entertainment and Hotel projects in the downtown core. The largest being Terry Pegula’s HARBORCENTER project which will feature two ice rinks and a full service Marriott Hotel. The project sits across from the First Niagara Center and adjacent to the up and coming waterfront. The six new projects include 576 rooms — a 33 percent increase in downtown’s inventory — though the 200 rooms included for the Webster block project are an estimate. The new hotels commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars to the projects is only the latest sign that people want to visit and stay over in downtown.
Does downtown Buffalo need all of these hotel rooms?
“It’s not the local investors, it’s the national brands, the national flags, that are saying there’s demand,” said Brendan R. Mehaffy, executive director of the city’s Office of Strategic Planning.
Build It And They Will Come
The push is on for a larger and newer convention center. Now is the time. The momentum is evident. A new or expanded convention center could result in increased bed tax dollars, some of which could potentially be funneled to Visit Buffalo Niagara’s marketing efforts to attract even more visitors. Conventions in Buffalo would be a popular destination with the city’s rich architectural treasures, our proximity to one of the wonders of the world in Niagara Falls, our sports teams and traditions, our food and our close neighbors to the north Canada being so close.
The County wants a center with at least 180,000-square-feet, which would be about 80 percent larger than current building. Currently, because of its size and age, there about 740 conventions or meetings that Visit Buffalo Niagara can pursue that may consider the downtown Buffalo facility. A larger center could inflate that pitch list to more than 1,200 possible conventions, meetings or special events that would bring in at least 3,000 more visitors and use an additional 1,500 hotel room nights.
The economic impact of that larger pool could mean $3.1 million in new bed taxes and other dollars.
“The center we have now is showing its age and we know that from all the feedback we are getting,” Whyte said.
The Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont., which opened two years ago, is being credited with bringing in 514,000 new visitors to that city last year while creating $22.6 million in new hotel revenues and $93.6 million in spin-off spending at restaurants and attractions.


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Oregon Could Be Next GMO Labeling Battleground
Washington voters decide Tuesday whether food containing genetically modified organisms should be labeled. Activists in Oregon are planning their own initiative.
It could be on the ballot in 2014.
The Oregon petition is similar to Washington's Initiative 522. It would require most food sold in Oregon to indicate whether it contains genetically modified organisms.
Scott Bates from GMO Free Oregon, the group that’s trying to get the petition on the ballot, says their efforts will continue regardless of the outcome in Washington this week.
"There's a growing segment of the population that is concerned about the possible health effects of GMOs and would like to be able to choose not to eat GMOs."
An agricultural industry organization plans to fight the petition if it makes the ballot. Scott Dahlman, the director of the group Oregonians for Food and Shelter says consumers can already avoid GMO's by purchasing organic items.
He says a state-by-state patchwork of labeling regulations would be a logistical nightmare for food producers.


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The OpenTable app is doing something to help shorten your time in lines at stores according to USA Today.
As stores nationwide begin the move to control how many people are allowed in their storm at one time, the restaurant reservation site just launched a new service that seeks to prevent overcrowding in supermarkets and other retailers. The site’s software will now let shoppers choose available shopping time slots in order to minimize the amount of people in an establishment at one time and decrease lines at checkout. The hope is that with less people coming in contact with each other it will slow the spread of the coronavirus.
While many restaurants are closed for dining across the country, they are allowed to do take out orders and delivery, and the new service will help decrease the lines for those waiting to pick up their meals. According to OpenTable, just last week take out and delivery orders increased 400% across the U.S.
As for the new service, OpenTable says shopping windows and party sizes will depend on the store, but folks who reserve slots will be able receive text alerts when it’s their shopping time.


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MG Motor has launched its mid-size SUV Astor at a starting price of Rs 9.78 lakh. Its top model will be available for Rs 16.78 lakh. The Astor will take on the Seltos, Skoda Kushak and Hyundai Creta. Booking for this will start from October 21.
Booking can be done at the company’s dealership and online. However, customers can pre-reserve it from Monday.
This five-seater model will be available in four variants – Style, Super, Smart and Sharp.
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It has a personal AI assistant and a segment-first autonomous (Level 2) technology.
It is being offered with a three-year unlimited kilometer guarantee and three-year roadside assistance.
The Astor is based on the company’s successful global platform ZS and will get two engine options. The Brit Dynamic 220 Turbo Petrol engine is mated to a six-speed AT (automatic). It gives power of 140 ps. The VTi Tech petrol engine is mated to a manual transmission and an eight-speed CVT. It gives power of 110 ps.
It gets features like six airbags, sky roof, power adjustable driver’s seat and electric parking brake.
The company said that the prices of Astor are initial and they will be applicable for delivery this year only.
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India MSME Development Forum 2022 - New Delhi India
26th January, 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Navin Pathak, COO at Entry India, participated in over 25 B2B meetings. Talking with these companies, it is evident that the coming years belong to India.
US Delegation from Suffolk County during their visit to India to discuss the business possibilities between US and India.
800+ MSMEs participated with an interest in expanding their market in the US.


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The wave of energy costs affecting households and businesses in the Member States of the European Union is causing deep concern. Faced with a great rise in gas and electricity prices, European countries are hoping for mild temperatures in order to deal with the high cost of heating next winter.
Gas prices in Europe have tripled this year as Russia 's top supplier cuts on extra supplies the continent needs, to replenish its reserves after last year' s cold winter.
The rising cost is caused also due to low gas reserves, at a time when energy demand is rising around the world as economies recovering, resume and exit lockdowns following the shock of the coronavirus pandemic. It should be noted that gas reserves are already at their lowest levels in more than ten years.
The reference prices of European natural gas in the futures market of the Netherlands have exceeded 60 euros per megawatt hour, having increased by 4.6%, while a similar picture is observed in the corresponding market of Britain. Rising gas prices are pushing electricity prices in the same direction. Indicatively, in Germany, the 2022 electricity futures contracts, which are reference prices for Europe, increased to 99.25 euros per megawatt hour and to 102.75 euros, respectively in France, setting a new record.
Faced with this situation, Europe is making great efforts to boost its supplies. Governments are also concerned about the impact on households as they already face higher costs for all goods and services, from food to transportation. European countries, including Spain, Italy, Greece and France, are already taking steps to mitigate the effects of the upcoming price hikes and protect consumers from inflation.


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Today's Small-Cap Winners and Losers
Crown Media Holdings (CRWN) dropped more than 6% after the Greenwood Village, Colo., company was downgraded by Jefferies & Co. to hold from buy.
Earlier this week, Crown Media, the owner and operator of the Hallmark Channel, made news after saying it planned to restate its cash flow financial statement for the third quarter of 2005. Shares fell 45 cents to $7.01.
Shoe Carnival (SCVL) gained 9% after the Evansville, Ind., shoe seller beat Wall Street's fourth-quarter earnings expectations. The company reported a profit of $3 million, or 22 cents a share, up from $1.2 million, or 9 cents a share, a year ago. Sales rose 14% to $163.6 million. Same-store sales grew 11.7%.
Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting, on average, for the company to post earnings of 21 cents a share on sales of $163 million. The company said it expects earnings for the first quarter to be in the range of 52 cents to 54 cents a share. For fiscal 2006, Shoe Carnival is projecting earnings of $1.65 to $1.75 a share. Shoe Carnival was rising $2.07 to $24.70.Outdoor Channel Holdings (OUTD) fell 5.5% after the Temecula, Calif., television network was downgraded by AG Edwards to hold from buy. The company is scheduled to host an investor conference call at 5 p.m. EST. Shares fell 61 cents to $10.43. Covad Communications Group (DVW) gained after the San Jose, Calif., company, which provides voice and data communications products and services, said EarthLink (ELNK) will provide $50 million in financing that will be used for more network-building. EarthLink will receive $10 million in common stock and $40 million in convertible debt due in 2011. Shares of Covad rose 12 cents, or 7.3%, to $1.77. CT Communications (CTCI) gained after the Concord, N.C., telecommunications-services company said it would receive $97 million from the sale of 10 of Palmetto MobileNet's wireless partnerships to Alltel (AT).
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Netflix may be shaking off its summer slump.
Disney has taken the streaming wars by storm after debuting its Disney+ service among a pool of other competitors, but Mark Newton of Newton Advisors thinks Netflix can regain the crown after a sluggish few months.
"The stock is down about 26% from where it peaked last June, so it has been a pretty substantial laggard," Newton said on CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Wednesday. "Recently, you've seen some real signs of this starting to bottom out and turn higher, and really that's what gets me excited, at least in the short run."
Netflix has surged nearly 8% in the past week, while Disney has reversed course and fallen over 1%. Newton thinks this is just the beginning of Netflix's climb back to the top.
"You've actually broken a minor downtrend [Netflix] has formed over the last few months. That's very encouraging. Netflix has started to bottom out and turn higher, so near term you've seen some evidence of bottoming out," Newton said.
Newton says the charts show an even more convincing story when you pull out to a longer-term view.
"You've formed what we call a triangle pattern since last year. The stock pulled back, really bottomed exactly where it needed to even after a $100 decline, so we bottomed out and we appear to be moving back higher in this," he said.
"I think Netflix is actually a much better risk/reward than Disney, which has [become] way overbought. If anything, it's important to be really selective in this kind of environment so I like this in my risk/reward. I think this goes probably to $335, which is my first target, and then right up near $360," said Newton.
Netflix closed Wednesday's trading at $305.16 and was up nearly 1% in Thursday's premarket.
Disney+ has had some mixed news coming out of its Nov. 12 launch. The streaming service reported widespread technical malfunctions that prevented some customers from accessing content. Even with those issues, the company said that over 10 million customers had signed up for Disney+ in just one day.
Nancy Tengler, chief equity strategist at Tengler Wealth Management, prefers Disney over Netflix for the long haul.
Netflix "is near historical highs from a valuation standpoint. You have a 60x multiple vs. Disney's 30x, and you've got negative free cash flow of almost $3 billion. I don't know what to do with that for the long term," Tengler said on the same segment.
Tengler says in her firm's analysts work on Netflix's relative price-to-sales ratio, they prefer when it drops below the bottom orange line on the chart below:
Tengler added that it may be too soon to tell if Disney will eat into Netflix's subscriber growth, but given the cost of producing content for the former king of streaming, she thinks Disney will be a formidable competitor.


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It’s 10:00 a.m. on a Thursday morning in late July, and 15 families are lined up outside SnowCap Community Charities in the Rockwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Many have been waiting for over an hour in hopes that they’ll get first dibs at this food pantry, which is the largest in the state, serving over 9,000 people a month. The old model was that food pantries gave clients a pre-packed box of food. But SnowCap, like an increasing number of food pantries across the U.S., allows clients to “shop” or choose for themselves what they want to eat. There are limitations on some items, and generally speaking, the earlier they arrive, the better the pickings.
Another reason clients arrive early is SnowCap’s impressive assortment of seasonal produce from local farms. Amongst the offerings on display today are enormous green zucchinis, pattypan squash, purple turnips, greenbeans, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, and cherries from a farm in the Columbia River Gorge. There are also huge bags of frozen diced carrots, with or without corn.
A willowy 33-year-old woman named Erin takes a five-pound clamshell container of luscious-looking cherries and tells me she has been a regular at SnowCap for a year. “I cook a lot,” she says. “I make an ‘end of the week soup’ using up whatever is left in the fridge.” She especially loves the squash, radishes, and tomatoes, when they’re available. What will she do with the cherries? “Eat them immediately!”
Mona, a thirty-something woman from Egypt, has loaded her cart with apples, cherries, and purple turnips. She spurns the zucchini and the summer squash—“I don’t like these!” she says, wrinkling her nose—but loads up on purple turnips, which she likes to pickle. “My children love them!” she says. Claw, a Burmese woman wearing dangly silver earrings and a sequined T-shirt, says she likes to fry up vegetables with onions and chiles and make a Pad Thai.
The bulk of the fresh produce at SnowCap comes from Farmers Ending Hunger, a group of 100-plus farmers across the state who donate a portion of their crops. “Growers get the idea of feeding hungry people,” says executive director John Burt. “They get that and they step up.”
Like other organizations that have been popping up around the country—from Farm to Food Pantry in Washington state to Michigan Agricultural Surplus Program—Farmers Ending Hunger aims to recover the imperfect or “ugly” produce for which farmers can’t get top dollar. However, instead of purchasing produce, Farmers Ending Hunger asks farmers to make a donation. The organization was founded in 2006 by agricultural engineer and president of IRZ Consulting, Fred Ziari, when he learned that Oregon was one of the hungriest states in America. (Ten years later, it still clocks in at Number 10 in the USDA’s ranking of least food-secure states.)
At the time, Ziari, who lives in the farm belt on the eastern side of Oregon, began having conversations with nearby farmers and ranchers, asking them if they’d donate some of their crops to the hungry. What started with 173,000 pounds of frozen peas from a handful of growers has blossomed into an organization that donated 4.2 million pounds of farm-fresh food to the Oregon Food Bank last year. Two million pounds were potatoes and 1 million was onions, but the remainder was comprised of a huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, local wheat, and even hamburger meat from an eastern Oregon ranch.
Growers range in size from a philanthropist in Hood River who has a two-acre pear orchard to Orchard View Cherries (the source of the cherries at SnowCap, and a 4th generation family-owned orchard), which grows fruit on 2,400 acres in and around The Dalles.
In many states, farmers find it cheaper to leave fruit in the field rather than pay for labor and transport costs. In Oregon, according to Burt, the vast majority of farms giving to Farmers Ending Hunger give produce that would otherwise be sold for good money.
“We try to generate stuff right out of harvest,” says Burt. “It comes right out of the line—no different than what you buy in the store.” So farms are, in effect, donating product as well as labor. But Farmers Ending Hunger makes it easy for farmers to say “yes,” because they often provide transport (via the Oregon Food Bank or OFB), packaging, and sometimes even volunteer labor.
During harvest, an OFB truck arrives at Orchard View Cherry once a week, delivering the cherries to the central warehouse in NE Portland within two hours. There, OFB volunteers pack the cherries into plastic clamshells (purchased by Farmers Ending Hunger), stack them into cardboard totes which are then sent out to a network of 21 regional food banks throughout the state. (From there, they may be delivered to smaller school or church pantries in each community.)
“Without these materials, it would have been very difficult to deliver the product to the RFBs and agencies in a client-friendly pack size, without damaging the cherries,” explains Katie Pearmine, the Strategic Sourcing Manager at the Oregon Food Bank. “Food banks don’t typically have budget for this type of material, so this is actually what made it work.” The whole delivery process takes about 24 hours, from farm to food bank. The same routine happens with other perishable crops across the state.
All-told, Orchard View Cherry donated 85,000 pounds of hand-picked fruit to Farmers Ending Hunger this summer. But Bailey wouldn’t have done it without the urging of executive director John Burt. “We get so wrapped up in our harvest and activities,” says Bailey. In addition to buying the plastic clamshell containers, Farmers Ending Hunger makes it easy for farmers by filling out the paperwork and (via its relationship with the OFB) handling distribution. The farm also gets an Oregon state tax credit of 15 percent of the value of the fruit donated. (Labor costs are not factored into tax credit.) Farmers who donate can also get a federal deduction on their taxes.
Pearmine at Oregon Food Bank, who is also a former Farmers Ending Hunger board member, emphasizes that getting fresh produce to food insecure Oregonians—while not easy or cheap—has everything to do with the strategic partnership between farmers and processors, Farmers Ending Hunger, and the Oregon Food Bank.
“You ask a farmer to donate and they are like, ‘I don’t have access to cash.’ And then you say, ‘Where do you have excess in your food stream?’ or ‘What can you do that can help people in poverty the most?’ Those are the questions that Jon Burt asks farmers.”
Photos of SnowCap Community Charities food bank clients by Lindsay Trapnell/The Oregon Food Bank.


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Five Star Foodservice, which eight months ago said it became the first independent vending operator in the country to surpass the 300 micro-market threshold, recently celebrated the opening of its 400th at a B&I site (Jostens) in Clarksville, Tenn. It was the 133rd such concept opened by the company in the past 12 months, a line that could eventually comprise more than half the business for the traditional vending firm, senior Five Star executives say.
The company attributes its growth and success in the micro-market area primarily to a dedicated organizational structure that extends from the corporate office to the branch level, including area managers and route drivers who specialize in merchandising the concept.
“In order to sustain scalability, we made the decision to invest in the infrastructure on the front end,” says President and CEO, Alan Recher. "We recruited the best people, top to bottom, to manage micro-markets and involved all levels of management from the beginning to ensure buy-in and adoption."
Five Star has a team of more than 50 employees solely dedicated to the success of its micro-market business.
The learning curve involved a certain amount of trial and error.
“From the onset, we knew this was a retail concept and learned over time from errors made in the planograms”, comments Recher.
A key step was a partnership 18 months ago with micro-market technology vendor 365 Retail Markets to power its micro-market kiosks and backend reporting.
“Partnering with 365 was a major switch in the kiosk technology we use," Recher says. "It has proved to be advantageous to our growth and negated many technical issues we encountered early on.”
While Five Star’s core business continues to be traditional vending, its senior leadership foresees a future where micro-markets comprise 50% or more of the total business.
“We see continued growth in the micro-market space," Recher predicts. "I believe improved technology will play a key role in the future expansion of the industry.”
Privately held Five Star, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., is a major Canteen Vending franchisee that operates across the Southeast through a network of 14 branches. It also manages about three dozen onsite cafeterias for clients.


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Take Twitter, add its concepts as a platform to banking and you get BankSimple, the unlaunched startup that you will definitely want to keep your eye on. BankSimple is a new take on online banking created by Twitter's former API guy, Alex Payne. BankSimple is aiming to create a banking platform, much as Twitter became a messaging platform.
Developers are definitely worth their weight in gold. The Royal Canadian Mint has introduced a digital currency called MintChip and has thrown open a Developer Challenge. The challenge wants developers to create digital payment solutions using the MintChip API and the best applications stand to win gold. Yes, you read that right, actual physical gold.


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EV Green Charger Initiative to establish the infrastructure and build electric vehicle charging stations:
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Green Charger Initiative was launched in line with the visionary goals of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The aim is to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world, and be a leading global example of intelligent urban development while promoting eco-friendly transportation. This initiative led to the creation of the region’s first public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In 2015, DEWA installed 100 EV Green Charges at strategic locations in the city to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Since then, the network has expanded to over 380 charging stations across Dubai, collectively capable of serving more than 700 electric vehicles simultaneously.
DEWA remains resolute in its commitment to adopting sustainable mobility solutions and exploring innovative technologies to enhance the electric vehicle sector. The EV Green Chargers are intelligently connected units through a Charge Point Management System (CPMS). Charger status and locations are accessible through the DEWA website and smart app and via 14 other digital platforms. Customers can start and end their charging system using their mobile devices by scanning a QR code at the station.
DEWA is also actively researching and testing advanced mobility technologies like ultra-fast charging, mobile charging, and inductive charging to stay at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry.


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Home Remodeling Provides Good News During COVID-19
Without question, the coronavirus pandemic has created tremendous uncertainty in just about every aspect of life, including causing a financial strain on the construction industry as we navigate the unknown. The home renovation/remodeling sector is one of the few that has actually seen an uptick in revenue, however, providing a much-needed bright spot. The obvious reasons are both monetary and psychological: more people are investing in their homes as travel and entertainment spending takes a hiatus and, let’s face it, “home” has taken on greater importance. Many people are living and working at home practically 24/7, confronted daily with all the things they’d like to change or have previously put on hold—whether for their own comfort or for resale value.
By the Numbers
According to a survey by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 77 percent of homeowners say their home renovation budget for 2020 is the same or greater than last year. The top three home renovations that homeowners hoped to complete within their budgets in 2020 are:
1. A new bathroom (28 percent)
2. A new kitchen (23 percent)
3. Fencing in their yards (21 percent)
The survey concludes that there’s been a bit of shift in prospective buyers’ preferences due to the pandemic, which in turn is affecting the type of renovations topping homeowner lists. While kitchen and bath upgrades remain high priorities, the third most popular project for 2020—a fenced-in yard—didn’t even make the top 10 REALTOR® -recommended projects in NAR’s 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, which explored the appeal, value and potential ROI of different types of remodeling projects. Other home remodeling projects that are seeing newfound popularity this year (not surprisingly) are home offices and gyms.
As further proof of the interest in remodeling, home improvement retailer Home Depot reports that its third quarter sales surged as Americans are spending more on home improvement, experiencing a 23.2 percent increase in sales, amounting to $6.3 billion, in the three months ending on Nov. 1, when compared to the same period in 2019. Similarly, Lowe’s reports its sales for the third quarter were $22.3 billion compared to $17.4 billion in the third quarter of 2019, and comparable sales increased 30.1 percent.
Confidence among remodelers is up, too—another indication that more Americans are investing in home remodeling projects as they adapt to the impacts of COVID-19. The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 82 in the third quarter with all components and subcomponents of the RMI at 77 or above, indicating remodelers’ strong confidence in their markets, across all projects sizes. To break it down, the Current Conditions Index averaged to 86, with large remodeling projects ($50,000 or more) yielding a reading of 80, moderately sized remodeling projects (at least $20,000 but less than $50,000) at 86 and small remodeling projects (under $20,000) at 90.
What to Expect
With strong demand comes a few caveats. Remodelers do face some supply-side challenges related to a rise in some material pricing and a decrease in availability, as well as delivery delays (e.g., lumber and appliances), which are affecting project completion times, so remodelers and homeowners alike would do well to take that into consideration when putting together budgets and schedules.
That said, with some forethought, planning and patience, targeted remodeling projects can transform a house into a dream home and an investment into a windfall.


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(For faster updates on individual market-movers, Eikon users please use search string "STXBZ US"; for the Day Ahead newsletter, link.reuters.com/mex49s; for the Morning News Call newsletter, link.reuters.com/nex49s)
U.S. stocks were lower on Thursday on weak earnings from bellwethers such as 3M and Caterpillar. The Dow Jones industrial average was down 0.55 percent at 17,752.86, the S&P 500 was down 0.46 percent at 2,104.35 and the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.20 percent at 5,161.388.
** INOTEK PHARMACEUTICALS CORP, $12.1718, +132.73 pct
The drug developer’s lead drug, trabodenoson, ready to enter late-stage trial for testing in glaucoma patients, following feedback from the U.S. FDA.
** FLOTEK INDUSTRIES INC, $17.46, +36.51 pct
Stephens raises price target on the specialty chemicals and drilling equipment distributor after Flotek reports surprise Q2 profit and higher-than-expected revenue on Wednesday.
** NEOS THERAPEUTICS INC, $19.51, +30.07 pct
The company which develops extended-release oral medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) offered 4.8 million shares (upsized from 4 million) at $15, midpoint of $14-$16 range, raises $72 million.
** CARA THERAPEUTICS INC, $20.93, +32.13 pct
The biotech said its experimental drug was successful in mid-stage study in patients with uremic pruritus, a chronic systemic itch seen in patients with renal failure, often receiving hemodialysis.
** SANDISK CORP, $63.22, +16.69 pct
Data storage products maker reported a quarterly profit that was double what analysts had expected, helped by higher retail sales and new products.
** LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL SA, $14.7, +10.69 pct
The Swiss-American gadget maker posted better-than-expected quarterly revenue and earnings per share.
** 3M CO, $150.26, -3.31 pct
The Diversified manufacturer reported tepid second-quarter sales on Thursday and lowered its full-year forecasts for revenue and earnings due to slower-than-expected global growth.
** CATERPILLAR INC, $76.99, -3.47 pct
The World’s largest construction and mining equipment maker’s reported a lower quarterly net profit and sales on Thursday due to weakness in mining, slower construction in Brazil and China, and declining orders for oil-related applications.
** GENERAL MOTORS CO, $31.75, +4.79 pct
The automaker reported adjusted net income that more than doubled in the second quarter, driven by North American truck sales and continued strength in China.
** ADEPTUS HEALTH INC, $95.91, +9.99 pct
The healthcare operator Raises full year systemwide revenue forecast to $400 million -$405 million from $388 million -$393 million, citing strong second quarter.
** MERGE HEALTHCARE INC, $5.485, +8.83 pct
The medical technology services provider reported higher-than-expected revenue and profit for the second quarter, helped by strong sales of health information systems.
** NEURALSTEM INC, $1.79, +6.55 pct
The drug developer U.S. district court ruled in company’s favour, dismissing StemCells Inc’s STEM.O claims in a patent infringement case.
** UNDER ARMOUR INC, $96.1, +7.53 pct
The Sports apparel and footwear maker raised its full-year revenue and profit forecast for the second time in three months as strong demand for its celebrity-endorsed products helped the sportswear maker beat quarterly sales estimates.
** UNITED RENTALS INC, $72.27, -6.90 pct
The world’s largest equipment rental company reported lower-than-expected revenue for the second quarter hurt by a drop in oil and gas activity.
** UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS INC, $58.16, +1.91 pct
The company on Thursday forecast a drop in unit revenue and trimmed plans for capacity growth as the U.S. dollar weighs on demand abroad, but it announced new share buybacks because its profit continues to rise.
** VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS INTERNATIONAL INC, $251.14, +5.11 pct
Canadian drugmaker reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by strength in its dermatology business in the United States.
** CIGNA INC, $154.39, +2.20 pct
** ANTHEM INC, $154.23, -0.56 pct
The U.S. health insurer Anthem is close to finalizing negotiations to acquire peer Cigna and could announce a roughly $48 billion deal as early as this week, two people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
** SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO, $37.04, +5.47 pct
The Dallas-based airline reported second-quarter earnings per share slightly above analysts’ expectations but forecast that unit revenue will inch down in the third quarter as its capacity grows.
** DOW CHEMICAL CO, $48.07, -3.86 pct
The company reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit as the company’s operating margins rose for the eleventh quarter in a row, helped largely by low raw material costs at its plastics-making business.
** FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC, $13.6, -9.69 pct
The Diversified U.S. miner and energy company reported a sizeable second-quarter net loss on Thursday, reflecting a big write-down for the value of its oil and gas properties and slumping prices for the copper, gold and oil that it produces.
** CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC, $57.35, +4.05 pct
The Restaurant and bakery operator reported better-than-expected profit for the second quarter, helped by lower costs and higher sales at company-owned restaurants.
** QUALCOMM INC, $61.47, -4.24 pct
The chipmaker said it may break itself up as it delivered its third profit warning this year and announced plans to slash jobs and spending in the face of rising competition.
** AMERICAN EXPRESS CO, $76.14, -3.61 pct
The Credit card issuer reported a 5 pct fall in profit for the second quarter on Wednesday as stronger dollar reduced revenue from markets outside the United States
** GULFMARK OFFSHORE INC, $8.65, +1.29 pct
The offshore rig contractor posted smaller-than-expected loss for the second quarter, helped by lower expenses.
** DUNKIN’ BRANDS GROUP INC, $53.99, -4.49 pct
The company reported a 11 percent rise in quarterly revenue, helped by more traffic at its Dunkin’ Donuts outlets and licensing fees from sales of its K-Cups coffee pods.
** TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC, $50.17, +1.76 pct
The company forecast third-quarter revenue below analysts’ expectations due to weak demand for its chips used in PCs and industrial and communications equipment.
** ABB LTD, $20.63, +1.18 pct
The company said on Thursday its net profit fell 8 percent in the second quarter due to a drop in demand for the Swiss company’s oil and gas products, slower-than-expected business in the United States, soft demand from China and a strong dollar. (Compiled by Rosmi Shaji in Bengaluru; Edited by Don Sebastian)


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Nordic Capital has applied to list its portfolio company FinnvedenBulten, a Swedish auto parts maker, on the Stockholm stock exchange, Reuters reported. The value of the offering would be between 614 million and 695 million crowns ($92.6 million-$105 million), Reuters wrote. Nordic Capital acquired the company in 2005.
(Reuters) – Swedish auto parts maker FinnvedenBulten said on Sunday its private equity owner had applied to list the firm on the Stockholm stock exchange.
FinnvedenBulten said in a statement Nordic Capital would offer up to 54 percent of existing shares, or up to 62 percent including an over-allotment option, at an indicative price range of 46 to 56 crowns per share to retail and institutional investors.
It said the value of the offering would be between 614 million and 695 million crowns ($92.6 million-$105 million) if the over-allotment was fully exercised.
Nordic Capital, which bought the firm in 2005, said early April it had put listing plans on hold due to market uncertainty after the Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster in March.
FinnvedenBulten was hard hit by the global financial crisis which sparked a plunge in demand from vehicles makers across the globe.
But over the past year demand has come back strongly, improving conditions for a listing of the group. In 2010 FinnvedenBulten swung to an operating profit of 114 million crowns from a 147 million loss in 2009, with revenue rising 28 percent to 2.6 billion.
A listing would “further improve the conditions for the company’s continued expansion and development in existing as well as in growth markets,” FinnvedenBulten said.
The shares were expected to start trading on the Stockholm bourse on May 20, and Swedish banks Handelsbanken and Carnegie were acting as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners in the process, it said. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Jon Boyle)


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Verizon Outbids AT&T for Straight Path
Verizon Communications has won a bidding war for Straight Path Communications. AT&T announced plans to acquire Straight path for $1.6 billion last month. Straight Path has significant spectrum holdings in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz millimeter wave bands, which will be put to use by some 5G technologies down the road. Once the AT&T deal was announced, Verizon entered its own offer for the spectrum company. Verizon and AT&T have traded bids over the last few weeks. Straight Path this week said it has received an offer of $3.1 billion from a large communications company. While it didn't name Verizon specifically, Straight Path said it will terminate the agreement it had with AT&T. Verizon will pay AT&T a $38 million cancellation fee on behalf of Straight Path. Straight Path didn't indicate when it expects the new agreement to close.
Here's What U.S. Carriers are Charging for the Samsung Galaxy Note9
Aug 10, 2018
All the major carriers in the U.S. plan to sell the Samsung Galaxy Note9 when it becomes available August 24.
Red Hydrogen One Delayed to the Fall
Aug 8, 2018
Red says its Hydrogen One phone will not be available this summer as planned. The company recently had to retool a part for the phone and this has delayed the certification process.
Amazon Adds LG Stylo 4 to List of Prime Exclusive Phones
Jul 31, 2018
Amazon has made the LG Stylo 4, a rebadged variant of the LG Q Stylus, available via its web site as a Prime Exclusive. Prime Exclusives are offered at slightly lower prices than retail and include a variety of Amazon apps and services preinstalled.
All Major U.S. Carriers to Sell Galaxy Note9
Aug 9, 2018
Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy Note9 kick off on August 10. The 128 GB capacity variant will be available in blue and lavender from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, U.S Cellular, and Xfinity for $999.99.
AT&T to Acquire Straight Path for 5G Spectrum
Apr 10, 2017
AT&T has agreed to acquire Straight Path in an all-stock deal worth about $1.6 billion. Straight Path has significant spectrum holdings in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz millimeter wave bands, which will be put to use by some 5G technologies down the road.


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PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update is almost here, and can be rolled out anytime soon. The upcoming patch is set to bring a host of unique features to the game, including a new mode- Zombie Survive Till Dawn, Miramar map, Mirado vehicle, and much more.
The developers of PUBG Mobile Lite are currently hosting the beta testing phase for the forthcoming 0.19.0 update, and till date, the game has received three beta versions. As soon as the beta phase draws to a close, the 0.19.0 update of PUBG Mobile Lite will go live.
Here are the complete details of the PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update.
PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update release date
Several data miners and leakers have revealed that PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update is expected to release between the 25th and 30th of September. However, an official announcement regarding the same is yet to come from the developers.
Some reports have also claimed that the beta version is currently running on the 0.19.3 update, and the company might release one more update shortly, 0.19.4.
Whenever a new update of PUBG Mobile Lite arrives, all the players must download the latest game files. The update will weigh around 350 MB for existing players, whereas the new players will have to download a total of 650 MB.
Before downloading the update, make sure that your Android device has enough storage space to accommodate the latest game files.
PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update features and leaks
As mentioned earlier, the beta testing for 0.19.0 began a few weeks ago. Here are the latest features that have been introduced to the game.
#1 Miramar map
The much-awaited Miramar map is expected to roll out with the PUBG Mobile Lite 0.19.0 update. Tencent is now expanding the list of maps available in the game and finally introducing the Miramar map along with the upcoming update.
#2 Training ground
The training or practice section is an essential part of any shooting game. It not only enhances your aiming skills but also improves gun handling skills.
You might have noticed that PUBG Mobile Lite doesn't have any training mode as of now. However, it's being reported that it will be added to the game with this update.
#3 Zombie Lobby theme
With every new update, the game witnesses a new lobby theme, which enhances its visual quality. Previously, the developers had introduced the Anniversary lobby theme, and this time a lobby based on the Zombie theme is expected to come with the forthcoming update.


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DENVER (CBS4)– A group of Colorado moms are part of a nationwide campaign to support a Texas woman who claims she was harassed for nursing her baby inside a Target store.
The woman was asked to move to a dressing room which sparked outrage among mothers across the country.
Breastfeeding mothers gathered outside a target store in Denver Wednesday to nurse their children in plain view of customers and employees entering the store. They believe babies should not have to hide when they eat.
“I would ask them if they would like to eat their hamburger under a blanket. It’s unreasonable to ask a baby to eat under a blanket or in the bathroom,” said breastfeeding supporter Manige Osowski.
Breastfeeding in public is supported by laws in most states but the practice remains controversial.
Target issued a statement claiming nursing inside their stores is okay and employees have been reminded of the store policy.


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Huawei has started rolling out the second update for its recently launched Huawei P30 Pro smartphone. This new update will allow users to capture videos in dual mode along with new AR measure update to make the device into a veritable measuring tool.
The new Huawei Dual-View Video feature uses multiple cameras at once to capture videos. This feature allows users to shoot videos from different angles at once.
One of the cameras in this mode will shoot in wide-angle mode, whereas, the other one will capture a close up displaying the output on the device’s display. In this mode, the lower-most camera module will capture a wide field of view, while at the same time the top-most camera module will capture a close up.
The company states users can manually adjust the level of magnification to get the perfect shot. It further states that this mode will come handy while capturing large scale events like sporting matches and concerts.
The new AR Measure update will utilise the device’s Time of Flight (ToF) camera module paired with the company’s own Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This will help transform the device into a measurement tool, which can measure the length of lines, area of surfaces, the volume of objects and a person’s height.
The company claims that the margin of error with its new AR measure update is around one per cent only. It also states that the device can measure multiple things at once without any issue.


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Meal kit companies have now expanded their clean-eating offerings. Blue Apron, for instance, just launched a menu that focuses on wellness, including carb-conscious options. Companies like Green Chef, Sun Basket and Purple Carrot offer vegetarian-friendly kits geared specifically toward healthy eating.
Leftovers 2.0: Banana brittle and more from snack brands making more from less
Rising awareness about the tremendous amount of unnecessary food waste in the U.S. led a handful of grocery-delivery and snack brands, including the Ugly Company, Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods, to champion food that may not be aesthetically pleasing but is beautiful on the inside.
Now, manufacturers are taking it one step further by “upcycling”: using parts of foods that would normally be tossed in the trash, from overripe bananas to soybean pulp, to make tasty new products. The Ugly Company will debut a line of Pulp Pantry Pulp Chips this year. Some others to have on your radar: Spudsy Sweet Potato Puffs; Barnana, which makes tortilla chips, chewy fruit bites and crispy banana brittle; and Regrained snacks and bars, made from the by-product of beer brewing.
Garbanzos: The “in” bean pops up in cereal, desserts
The most poppin’ plant-based protein is the one you already know and love: the humble but versatile chickpea. Mediterranean and vegan diets coupled with a renewed interest in shelf-stable foods propelled this humble legume into the spotlight — and more than one kind of packaged food. Pasta, flour and even cereal have all gotten the chickpea treatment, with bonus protein and fiber. There are even frozen desserts made from aquafaba, the starchy liquid in canned chickpeas. “As more consumers adopt a flexitarian or plant-based lifestyle, chickpeas provide more plant-based choices that don’t compromise on flavor or texture,” says Rachel Bukowski, senior team leader of product development at Whole Foods Market, which included chickpeas on its annual food trends prediction report for 2021. They’re good for the environment, good for your wallet and a good source of the protein you need more of as you age.
Mango and Mushroom Jerky: Better than processed meat sticks
As the demand for healthy, shelf-stable snacks continues to grow, manufacturers have responded with a new twist on an old favorite: meat-free jerky. Dehydrated fruits, veggies and even mushrooms tend to be lower in sodium and higher in vitamins, minerals and fiber compared to traditional beef and meat-based jerkies, while being packed with flavor. “We are seeing all kinds of produce from mushrooms to jackfruit being served jerky-style, providing a new, shelf-stable way to enjoy fruits and veggies,” says Bukowski, who notes that fruit and veggie jerkies also tend to be lower in sodium and higher in vitamins, minerals and fiber than traditional beef and meat-based snack sticks. Options to look for: Pan’s Zesty Thai Mushroom Jerky, Solely Organic Mango with Chili & Salt Fruit Jerky and Wild Joy Banana Jerky.


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There has been a FIRE at the store.
Please be aware that the store will be closed today Saturday March 10, 2018 and will reopen, regular store hours, on Monday March 12, 2018. We are in the process of cleaning up and assessing damage control. Watch for a jump in our clearance items coming next week. There has been some water damage to the front entrance, main floor and 2nd floor. Also, smoke damage throughout the store. Please be patient with us and sorry for the mess.


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Savvy Android users who are not in love with the idea of the NSA collecting their phone records will soon be able to use their devices to browse the Internet beyond the reach of the government's spying eyes.
CyanogenMod founder Steve Kondik recently announced that he's developing a new feature that will block access to personal data on an Android device. The feature, called “Run in Incognito Mode,” will serve as a control center for users to manage which apps are allowed to access their personal information.
When enabled, incognito mode will cause your contacts, calendar, browser history and messages to appear empty in the event that an app, person or government agency attempts to access your personal data. In addition, incognito mode causes users' GPS to appear disabled if an app attempts to access your location. Users can easily switch back to “normal” mode to use location services or any other function that requires an app to access personal information.
Kondik notes that the feature will not include ad blocking or device info (IMEI) spoofing as it's simply intended to help users protect their personal data. Currently, there is no release data for this feature. Those interested should keep up with Kondik on Google + for updates.


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To celebrate Independence Day and summer, American consumers’ drink options continue to abound. According to New York-based Nielsen’s consumer insight titled “A Flavorful Fourth of July,” broadly appealing flavor profiles are dominating the beverage alcohol market.
With a hand in many of the trends impacting consumer packaged goods, millennials have played a role in the growth of natural, organic and non-GMO products. In conjunction with the demand for better-for-you products, consumers are looking for flavors that are perceived to be healthier.
Beverage brands make up Top 3 for food and beverage category
April 4, 2017
Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) announced last year’s most successful consumer packaged goods (CPG) launches in its 2016 New Product Pacesetters report, an industry-recognized benchmark analysis of exceptional first-year CPG sales success for newly launched products.
Although it has been available in the U.S. beverage market for about 15 years, kombucha has gained broad consumer appeal within the past several years, according to New York-based Beverage Marketing Corporation’s (BMC) September 2016 report titled “U.S. Ready-To-Drink Tea through 2020.” As health and wellness has progressed from a niche interest to mass consumer appeal, this beverage segment has reaped the benefits.
CNBC’s “Mad Money with Jim Cramer” rarely is short on advice when it comes to the next hot stock. For the beer market, the release and sales of numerous hard sodas and seltzers helped contribute to the “hot” performance of the flavored malt beverage (FMB)/progressive adult beverage (PAB) segment in 2016.
The NFL playoffs are in full swing, but for a majority of football fans, they are left waiting for next year. From now until the draft takes place at the end of April in Philadelphia, super fans will be keeping a watchful eye on mock draft predictions. Although these football analysts invest a lot of time and research into these mock drafts, prognosticating the outcomes for 32 different teams is no easy feat.


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The Quality & Quantity Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Kingdom Exim Ltd in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly has commissioned a new weighbridge facility in Tema, which is aimed at facilitating the measurement of cargo carted on trucks to meet the approved weight and standard in the country.
The entire truck parking facility which is situated very near the Tema Port terminals in addition to the in-house weigh bridge would also include an administrative area, round the clock security, CC Camera, Drivers Sitting Area, Hygienic Washrooms and Free Drinking Water to drivers.
At a colourful ceremony to commission the weighbridge, the General Executive Manager of Kingdom Exim Group of Companies, which is the parent company of Q&Q Services, Iftin Arthur-Afari, said the Kingdom Group is committed to expanding its portfolio to bring about development, in not only the agricultural and manufacturing industry but also the Import-Export & logistics industry of Ghana.
“We are here to commission the Q&Q weighbridge service which is into weighbridge services, laboratory, cargo inspection, inspection fumigation, among others,” she listed.
The Director of the Port of Tema, Sandra Opoku, said with the Port of Tema recording about 17million metric tonnes of cargo throughput in 2019, such an infrastructure would only go a long way to complement the efforts of the Port for safe transportation of cargo across the nation.
“We are happy to support any logistics platform, any infrastructure, anything that would aid in trade facilitation, from the ship side right into the hinterlands. This weigh bridge by Kingdom Exim Group of Companies, is one of such facilities and it is to complement what we already have in the port,” she articulated.
The CEO of the Meridian Port Services, Mohammed Samara, added that the weighbridge facility is a laudable initiative as Ghana seeks to champion the safe transportation of goods across the African Continent especially with the advent of African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We are looking to not only create an administrative headquarters for this massive trade agenda, but also to create an industrial city here in Tema, that will support the whole continent, and such an initiative will support that,” he said.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tema, Felix Nii Anang-La, said the collaboration between the Kingdom Exim Group and his outfit is a demonstration of the government’s vision of leveraging the private sector for national development and added that this infrastructure would benefit the Tema Metropolis immensely.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, who doubles as thee Member of Parliament for Tema East, said the facility has come at an opportune time to help the Transport Ministry’s efforts to ensure safe movements of people and goods.
He further called for efficient collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that the weighbridge facility is put to good use.
“17 million tons of cargo, whether bulk cargo, containerized cargo, or general cargo will have to definitely go through the roads. It means that with TMA’s partnership with Q&Q Services, you have a duty to make sure you have to project how you are going to direct traffic on this stretch to make this facility functional,” he urged.
The Guest speaker, and Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea praised the holistic efforts of the Kingdom Exim Group of Companies, towards the socio-economic development of Ghana, and expressed faith that the 10 million Ghana Cedis investment in this project will bring about many benefits to the logistics industry of the country.


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South Lincs food face closes ready-meals site
1 March 2019, 16:58 | Updated: 1 March 2019, 17:00
Around 160 employees at ready-meals maker Freshcook in south Lincs are facing redundancy.
It's after the company have announced it's site near Holbeach is to close.
The company's parent Bakkavor has told Heart the site near Holbeach St Marks is 'no longer commercially viable' to run.
Around 500 employees will be offered roles in different Lincolnshire sites.


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Ford Motor Co posted a higher-than-expected first-quarter profit on Wednesday as its North American unit posted its best quarter in more than a decade on the strength of new models.
Revenue in North America, the company's largest market, shot up by one-fifth during the quarter and Ford added that its European restructuring was on track.
The second-largest U.S. automaker reported a pretax profit of $2.1 billion, or 41 cents per share for the quarter, down from about $2.3 billion a year earlier. But the results exceeded the analysts' average estimate of 37 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The strong performance in North America was the result of "recovering vehicle demand in the U.S., lower wage costs, and factories that are running close to capacity," Edward Jones analyst Christian Mayes said in an email.
"A recovering housing market is also helping to spur demand for F-Series trucks, which carry higher profit margins than some of the smaller cars Ford sells," Mayes added.
Ford still expects to lose $2 billion in Europe this year. Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks told reporters that recent economic data in the region painted a cloudy picture of when Europe would eventually rebound.
He added that automakers "seem to be running along the bottom now" in Europe. The industry may see some stabilization toward year-end or early 2014, he added.
Net income was $1.6 billion, or 40 cents per share, up from $1.4 billion a year earlier. Revenue rose to $35.8 billion from $32.4 billion.
Ford's pretax profit in North America reached its highest level since at least 2000, when it began reporting the region as a separate unit. The company posted a $2.4 billion profit there, with sales volume up 17 percent.
Ford posted a $462 million loss in Europe, reflecting higher costs and the economic downturn's impact on consumer demand for new cars and trucks. In South America, Ford lost $218 million due to unfavorable exchange rates, particularly in Venezuela.
In Asia Pacific/Africa, Ford earned $6 million. In China, Ford's market share was 3.6 percent in the first quarter.
Ford's shares were up 0.5 percent at $13.43 in trading before the market opened.
(Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman and Paul Lienert; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Maureen Bavdek)


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Nioh is about to throw down a serious challenge, with 10 high difficulty missions to be added as free DLC in late-March.
Koei Tecmo has detailed its post-launch support plans, via Gematsu, which includes player-versus-player implementation in April.
The paid DLC packs will also begin in late-April, starting with the “Dragon of Tohoku” pack. It adds new scenarios, weapons, characters, stages, yokai, and guardian spirits. It will be followed by two more DLC packs, “Japan’s Best Warrior” and “Peaceful and Tranquil”.
Nioh is out now for PlayStation 4 — we really like it.


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The "extended hot hatch" looks a stunner. We can't wait to see more.
As is reported in Car Magazine, Kia have released an outrageous looking "extended hot hatch" concept that is set to take the world by storm - that is, of course, if it looks like the coming concept in picture. According to Kia, this is an indication of how the new C'eed may look. Fancy a C'eed then?
Like the small SUV, the "extended hot hatch" shape or Shooting Brake is a hot space to be in at the moment and you need not look further than Aston's Zagato famiglia to understand how gorgeous this shape can actually get - and Kia, of all brands, is not far off with this one. This extended hot hatch is a very good look and we cannot wait to see the full version at the Frankfurt motor show.
In an accompanying statement, Kia comments that this concept is “reworked and reimagined for a new generation of driver; it puts forward a bold vision for a potential member of the next-generation cee’d family.”
South Korea coming in hot!


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This week, Brian Wieser of Pivotal Research was the first analyst to downgrade Google because of the dustup.
It began last week when marketing giant Havas pulled all of its ads from Google’s YouTube UK site following a report from the Times of London that British government ads had been placed alongside videos from white supremacist David Duke and anti-Semitic pastor Steve Anderson.
Wieser told The Post on Wednesday that the impact will be felt by Google, which instead of discussing how to take away TV ad dollars in upcoming ad negotiations will now be mired in “brand safety issues.”
“The marginal increase [in ad dollars] is less likely to occur,” Wieser said.
He said the impact on Google was likely to be around 1 percent of its revenue base, or $1 billion.
“Google’s stated solution was late and woeful,” Wieser said. “Given numerous opportunities to nip it in the bud, they’ve seemingly made it worse.”


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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Health officials say a salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melon has sickened 60 people in five Midwestern states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Caito Foods LLC on Friday recalled pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and fruit medleys containing at least one of those melons that were produced at its facility in Indianapolis.
It says the five states where people were sickened are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio.
The CDC says the products have been distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers under several different brands or labels and distributed to Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods/Amazon. Other retail locations may be added to the list.
According to the FDA website, here is the list of Wisconsin locations that could be affected by the outbreak. They are all at Costco stores:
Officials say people should throw away or return recalled products.
The CDC says 31 of the people sickened have been hospitalized, but there have been no deaths reported. Those sickened often develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. The illness often lasts 4 to 7 days.
For more information on this outbreak and on the details of salmonella, click here.


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TechCrunch Sessions are back!
We are taking on the fiercely competitive field of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and we are thrilled to announce our packed agenda. It features some of the most prominent names and the most innovative startups in the sector. You are in luck! $75 Early-bird tickets remain on sale so make sure to book yours now and enjoy the entire agenda.
You can expect to hear industry experts throughout the day and participate in discussions about new data, open-source, security threats, investing early-stage startups, and much more.
You will be joined by some the most prominent names in the industry and the smartest and prescient people, such as Javier Soltero from Google, Kathy Baxter, at Salesforce, Jared Spataro, at Microsoft, Jay Kreps, at Confluent and Sarah Guo, at Greylock, and Daniel Dines, at UiPath.
For $75 or less, you can connect with people all over the globe through our world-class virtual networking platform. There are also discounts available for students, nonprofits, government agencies, and new founders.
The agenda highlights some of the most powerful players in the space as well as smaller teams that are developing and disproving fundamental technologies in this industry. We have some tricks left and will be adding new names to our agenda in the coming month.
These agenda highlights are available in the interim:
Survival of the Fittest: Investing Today's SaaS Market
With Casey Aylward, Kobie Fuller (Upfront), and Sarah Guo(Greylock).
Venture capital is more competitive and faster than ever. Investors looking to invest in the most exciting SaaS deals are now even more challenged. Venture capitalists have to rethink their expectations and operations in light of the increasing non-traditional money flowing into the sector. Remote dealmaking is now the norm and there is a growing market for software startups. TechCrunch speaks with three of the most prominent investors about how they fight for allocation in hot deals and what they have done to improve their processes. It also discusses what today's top founders want.
Data, Data everywhere
Ali Ghodsi, Databricks
Databricks' primary product, a data lake (which is what companies are struggling to manage and share), was valued at $28 billion in its latest funding round. We will be speaking with Ali Ghodsi, CEO of Databricks, about the reasons his startup is so successful and what next.
SaaS Security: Today and Tomorrow
With Edna Conway, Olivia Rose (Amplitude), and Olivia Rose (Microsoft).
The constant threat to enterprises comes from cybercriminals, nation states and corporate insiders. Both startups and corporations can't afford to ignore security after a year in which billions of people worked remotely and the cloud ruled. Learn what SaaS startups should know about security today and in the future.
Automation is the Moment
With Daniel Dines, Laela Strurdy (CapitalG), Dave Wright (ServiceNow).
We learned one thing during the pandemic: the importance of automation. This will only get more apparent as we progress. We will be speaking with UiPath CEO Daniel Dines and Laela Strurdy, CapitalG investors, and Dave Wright, ServiceNow, about why automation is the moment.
Did the Pandemic Cloud Productivitys Spark?
Javier Soltero (Google).
SaaS includes productivity apps such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. We spoke with Javier Soltero, executive at Google about the role that Google Workspace plays within the Google cloud strategy.
Future is Wide Open
With Abby Kearns, Aghi Marietti (Kong), Jason Warner (Redpoint).
Today, many startups have an open-source component. This helps to build an audience and drive sales. Talk to Abby Kearns, Augusto Aghi Maretti from Kong, and Jason Warner, an investor at Redpoint about how open source can be a great way to start a business.
Microsoft Moved from the Prem to Cloud
Jared Spataro (Microsoft).
Jared Spataro is an employee of Microsoft for more than 15 years. He was part of the transition from purely prem software to a cloud-based business model. He is today the CEO of one of the most popular SaaS products. We talk with him about how Microsoft made this shift and what it has meant for the company.
How startups are turning data into software gold
Jenn Knight (Agentsync), Barr Moses, and Dan Wright (DataRobot).
We are now in the era of big data. Today's top SaaS startups are using data to do more than just helping customers gather information. Three leaders from three data-focused startups have been gathered to share their insights on how SaaS companies today are using data to create new businesses, solve new problems and scale like mad.
What happens after your startup is acquired?
With Jyoti Bainsal (Harness), Nick Mehta(GainSight).
We spoke to three founders about their emotional reactions after being acquired, and what happens once the check clears. Jyoti Bangsal, Jewel Burkes Solomon, and Nick Mehta, both from GainSight, are part of our panel.
How Confluent rode the Open Source Wave to IPO
Jay Kreps (Confluent).
Confluent, a streaming platform built on Apache Kafka, was created out of a LinkedIn project. It went from startup to IPO. Jay Kreps, the CEO and co-founder of Confluent, will tell you about his journey.
We will soon have more sessions and names, so keep checking back. We are excited to share our excitement with you.
Pro tip: Stay on the pulse of TC Session: SaaS. Receive updates whenever we add speakers or offer tickets discounts.
Why would you make the effort to take a day off your busy schedule to attend TC Session: SaaS? Although this may be our first year focusing on SaaS, it's not our first. These are the comments of other attendees about their TC Sessions experience.
TC Sessions: Mobility has many big benefits. There are many benefits to mobility, including the possibility of networking that leads to concrete partnerships. Second, the chance to learn the latest trends and how mhttps://techcrunch.com/2021/06/24/databricks-co-founder-and-ceo-ali-ghodsi-is-coming-to-tc-sessions-saas/obility will evolve. Third, FlashParking offers unknown startups the chance to network with other mobility companies, and increase brand awareness.
People want to learn about the latest trends and be surrounded by people who are interested in them. Large companies such as Ford and GM were there because they are starting to see mobility becoming a trend. They want to learn from experts and TC Sessions Mobility has all of them. Melika Jahangiri is vice president at Wunder Mobility.
On October 27, TC Sessions: SaaS2021 will take place. Grab your team and join your community to create opportunities. Get your tickets now for the early bird price!


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The goal is to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure in major European cities, Hyundai said in a statement on April 12. Uber drivers will be given discounted access to electric vehicle models in European countries including Britain, France, and the Netherlands.
"Through this exciting partnership, we will utilize our leadership in electro-mobility to help Uber’s partner drivers make the switch to BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and help electrify their customers' journeys in Europe," Hyundai Motor Europe CEO Michael Cole said.
Uber has disclosed its plan to go completely zero-carbon by 2030. The mobility service operator said that 50 percent of the distances covered by Uber rides in Europe will be driven by electric vehicles by 2025. Customers can select the option of riding a zero-emission vehicle when hailing a ride.
"We are advancing the electrification of our platform across Europe through a new strategic partnership with Hyundai, making it easier and more affordable for drivers to switch to one of Hyundai’s leading electric models," said Anabel Diaz, regional director for Uber's Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
To establish electric vehicle infrastructure at home, Hyundai revealed an ultra-fast charging service platform "E-pit" in March. The platform inspired by a pit stop of Formula 1 race circuit will be installed in some 20 expressways service areas.
© Aju Business Daily & www.ajunews.com Copyright: All materials on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the authorization from the Aju News Corporation.


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Citrix quietly downsizes as it struggles to get legacy customers to adopt cloud services
The Register is reporting that Citrix is quietly laying off staff in California, North Carolina, and Florida as it grapples with revenue gaps associated with sluggish cloud sales. The report indicates that Citrix is struggling to get customers to transition from its legacy software licensing to new cloud-based subscription plans.
The Lowdown: The exact nature of the layoffs is unclear as Citrix is not formally commenting and no downsizing notices are on file in California, as required by state law. Channelnomics sources confirm the layoffs, but could not specify the number of pink slips or the nature of the downsizing.
The Details: According to the Register, Manoj Raisinghani, vice president of product marketing for networking, analytics, and security, as well as two of his team members, was let go last week. Additionally, the Register indicated that Christine Harkin, senior director of business strategy, and her team of eight were also laid off.
The Impact: The precise impact of the layoffs is difficult to quantify given the scope and nature are unclear. Like other vendors transitioning to the cloud, revenue gaps incurred in the transition often cause fiscal disruptions. If this is the case at Citrix, the layoffs are a speed bump in the road to the cloud.
Background: Struggles in cloud sales are inconsistent with Citrix’s previous assertion that partners are embracing the company’s cloud vision and strategy. At the Citrix Partner Summit in January, channel chief Craig Stilwell said 850 new partners are transacting Citrix products and sales have increased 14 percent. While he was not speaking directly to cloud products, the emphasis is on those offerings.


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New Ideas, New Markets, New Insights
All around the country, Americans are dreaming big. Their boldest ideas are changing their communities–and having a ripple effect throughout the world.
Rick Orr got the idea for TabbedOut back in 2002 when he was stuck waiting for a check for almost an hour during a business lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Austin. Frustrated and late to an afternoon meeting, Orr vowed to do something about it. “I was walking out to the parking lot and knew there had to be a better way,” he says.
At the time, the mobile payment and apps landscape was still pretty barren. iPhones and Androids weren’t ubiquitous yet. So it took another seven years and (several developments in mobile tech), before Orr and his long-time colleague David Lemley were able to launch TabbedOut, a mobile platform that allows customers to make quick, secure, plastic-free payments at select bars and restaurants. “That’s when the adoption curve tipped we decided to leave our jobs and set our savings ablaze,” Orr says, with a Texas-sized chuckle. (Previously, Orr was part of the founding
team at WholeSecurity, a software firm that Symantec bought in 2005, and VP of product management to
Austin-based global card processing provider, MPOWER Labs / Rev
Orr and Lemley were in the right city. Austin’s plethora of independently owned restaurants were just as instrumental to TabbedOut’s beta tests as the advancements in technology. More than 100 downtown eateries (not counting food trucks) that serve everything from comfort food to haute cuisine enabled Orr and Lemley to conduct real-time experiments. “That’s the thing that separates Austin from Silicon Valley for me. We were going to serve small businesses and seven of 10 businesses here are independently owned,” he says.
In Austin’s spirit of trust (“No one is afraid you are going to steal their idea over a cup of coffee here,” Orr asserts) and loyal support of locally owned businesses, the two partners were given full access behind the bar at a variety of establishments. “They were accommodating our learning because we were building something for them,” says Orr.
TabbedOut has grown steadily since its 2009 launch and has seen 315% year-over-year growth in its consumer channel. It also just announced a national partnership with T.G.I. Friday’s. Now that they have about 1,000 bars and restaurants using TabbedOut across the country and casting an eye to cities such as Seattle and Portland, Orr maintains TabbedOut’s Austin backyard “is still our test market” and points out that the company’s offices are located above one of their participating restaurants.
When it came time to seek funding, the community helped there, too. Though TabbedOut attracted just one Austin-based venture capital firm, Orr says there were plenty of angel investors and entrepreneurs who were willing to review TabbedOut’s business plan and help them carve out the right path. The company raised a $6.5 million round last year led by New Enterprise Associates (with offices in DC and Menlo Park, California).
“An entrepreneur’s biggest fear is time,” Orr says, “If it takes three weeks to get connected that is three very valuable bootstrapped weeks.” That’s why he’s a big fan of a recent initiative by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to bring together entrepreneurs, elected officials, and business and academic leaders. The resulting Technology Partnership is made up of seven special interest groups (SIGs) formed to allow for Austin companies, ranging from early-stage to global, to get together regularly and establish a network that serves as a catalyst for both individual and regional success, says Bryan Jones who serves as chair of the Greater Austin Technology Partnership and is CEO of Collider Media.
“Working with, and on behalf of the companies in the tech sector, the Chamber has been able to foster collaboration and develop new and powerful ideas, all of which further benefit our technology ecosystem,” he says.
Orr is currently chair of the mobile sector and touts the group’s “open kimono” sharing (not with intellectual property, of course) as fostering “a collective set of wins.”
That’s just the kind of community spirit that’s lacking in some cities that try to replicate the success of Silicon Valley according to Victor Hwang, managing director of T2 Venture Capital in Silicon Valley and coauthor of The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley.
Austin has its fair share of skilled labor and established tech businesses (to the tune of 3,900 tech companies that employ a little more than 100,000 people) not to mention an outstanding university and the energy generated by scads of hyperactive hipster entrepreneurs attending SXSW’s annual interactive conference. But Hwang writes, “It’s far harder to create communities of people driven by values like trust, fairness, dreaming big, and willingness to risk and fail.” If that’s what it takes to flourish, Orr’s experience shows that Austin’s future is sealed.
[Image: Flickr user StuckInCustoms]


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Driving relevance means driving growth. Join global brands and industry thought leaders at Brandweek, Sept. 11–14 in Miami, for actionable takeaways to better your marketing. 50% off passes ends April 10.
Personal data collection is so deeply tied to the consumer’s digital experience that we can hardly imagine one without the other. But this is changing. Apple recently updated how the company handles consumer data, giving each user greater control over who tracks their data, how it can be shared and where that information is used. Similarly, consumer data privacy legislation is changing across the world.
In 2018, leaders in Europe launched the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which required more transparency in how consumer information is collected, used and stored. Also in 2018, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CPA) was created to give consumers more control over their data. Since then, legislators across the United States have worked toward greater regulation of data and greater protection for consumers.
The move toward greater data privacy has only snowballed from these initial efforts. Earlier this year, Virginia passed a new data protection law and became the second state to do so. Now, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals, there are as many as 21 other states that are actively working toward privacy legislation of their own.
With data collection tied so closely to the consumer experience and the way brands interact with their customers, these regulations are ushering in a new age of digital marketing strategy. Further protection of consumer data will make it more difficult for companies to understand the desires of their customer base, at least in comparison to the third-party data collection practices that are so common today. With these strategies outlawed, or at least made more difficult, digital marketers will need new ways to find customers.
But as privacy concerns increase and create significant challenges for marketers in 2021, there are some silver linings for the industry as a whole.
We’re focusing on the consumer again
Because of these rapidly changing regulations, marketers cannot rely on the data they purchase from third-party sources any longer. Instead, companies must take a more active approach and get to know their customers on a deeper level. This strategy is essential for marketing efforts to stay relevant and effective in today’s changing digital landscape.
While the changes made to data privacy regulation are all done in the name of protecting the consumer’s interests, particularly their privacy, consumers are, at the end of the day, still consumers. They will still be in search of products, services and resources even if their data is not collected through a third party. What’s changing is how and when that data should be collected.
Data privacy regulations such as these neglect one key quality in modern consumers: they still want personalization. According to Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that offer them some degree of personalization, whether those offerings are product recommendations or unique experiences. With increasing legislation and governance over consumer data, it will be more difficult for brands to personalize their offerings, but consumers will still expect targeted deals and recommendations.
Ultimately, this is good for the marketing world because innovation is required for success—old ways will not win anymore. Marketers should expect to explore alternative means for determining customers’ individual preferences, like first- or zero-party data collection that are declared explicitly from the consumer and not inferred or deduced from practices such as tracking web behavior.
These privacy changes will put control of data back into the hands of the consumer, but also give some power to the individual brands. No longer able to derive their core data sets for ad targeting, or achieve personalization based on third-party data that they purchase, brands need to reach out to consumers directly and collect new zero-party data at an individual level. This is a win because companies will own that data instead of renting it from media brands like Facebook, Google, Amazon or having to buy it from data brokers who make the same data available to any brands’ competitors as well.
Every marketing initiative will be reinvented
The writing has been on the wall for some time now: marketing needs to change. In an overwhelmingly digital age, brands have become complacent in their marketing efforts. When shopping first went digital, most brands adopted email, SMS and other virtual strategies, but many of these sat stagnant, especially as ad tech made targeting generic consumer segments based on web behavior and other third party data easy to execute. Digital marketing, coupled with the overwhelming demand from consumers for personalized journeys, will need to get personal once again and channels such as email, SMS and even brands’ apps and websites, will become increasingly important channels to deliver on consumers’ expectations.
The writing has been on the wall for some time now: marketing needs to change.
We will find personalization at the core of all of these changes. The only way marketing efforts will succeed in an increasingly regulated world of data privacy is if those efforts focus on building a one-to-one relationship with individual consumers, one at a time. Segmentation will be set aside in favor of direct communication, whether through AI or through dynamic content and offers matched to each individual’s wants and needs. It will be essential for companies to develop the tools and resources needed to communicate with their customers directly so that they can offer these hyper-personalized experiences. We will see personalization as the underlying theme in everything from mobile and direct-to-consumer revenue strategies to brand identity development.
In the end, personalization is what drives action. Consumers demand an individualized experience from each brand they work with, even though they are more cautious about sharing their data. It’s essential that brands are transparent about their data practices and build trust—something lacking in the social media world right now.
Data privacy may be one of marketing’s biggest challenges, but the change and innovation it is forcing marketers to adopt is absolutely beneficial for the industry as a whole. It will force them to start taking a more human approach to driving desired outcomes.


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Outdoor Advertising Awards (OAA) contest is open
By M4G Bureau - April 10, 2019
The Contest is open for entries pertaining to OOH works executed in the period April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019. All entries are to be submitted online, latest by May 18, 2019
The 15th edition of the annual Outdoor Advertising Awards (OAA) Contest -- the Big League where all battle-hardened top Indian OOH industry players compete fiercely to emerge Winners -- is open now.
The Contest is open for entries pertaining to OOH works executed in the period April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019. All entries are to be submitted online, latest by May 18, 2019.
In the awards categories, under the ‘Brand Categories’ a separate sub-category for ‘E-commerce’ brands has been added keeping in view the active presence of a growing number of e-commerce brands on the OOH canvas. Whereas, under the ‘Media Owners’ Special Categories’, the sub-categories ‘Media Owner of the Year – National’,‘ Media Owner of the Year – Local’ and ‘Printer of the Year’ have been discontinued owing to only a limited number of entries featuring in these sub-categories in the OAA 2018 Contest.
Like every year, the entries to the Contest will be adjudicated by an Eminent Jury comprising top brand marketers with deep knowledge of the OOH business.
For the terms and conditions governing the OAA 2019 and to submit entries, visit: http://www.oacasia.org/awards/
The metals to the winners of OAA 2019 contest will be given away at a glittering function on July 27 evening at the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, Mumbai, after the conclusion of the Outdoor Advertising Convention (OAC) 2019 at the same venue.


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Football fan engagement makes waves in crypto token prices and NFT collections.
As Messi becomes the latest investor and global ambassador for the platform.
Launching the “Masters of Movement” campaign in partnership with Crypto.com, as a pre-event NFT auction.
Launching FIFA+ Collect, despite the ongoing bear market.
After chaos broke out in May during Paris’s UEFA Champions League final game, which resulted in tear-gassing, injuries, and robberies for the playing team’s supporters.