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The Petersen Automotive Museum will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Chevy Corvette with a number of special events and exhibits beginning next February and running throughout 2013.
The weekend of March 1-2, the museum will host seminars, a panel discussion, a car show and a gala in honor of the Corvette’s 60th anniversary.
The museum will also present a Corvette exhibit Feb. 27-March 31, featuring 20 historic Corvettes from all generations and Corvette concept cars.
“The Corvette’s status transcends automotive culture, said Buddy Pepp former executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, in a statement released by the museum. “It is instantly recognizable worldwide as an American icon.”
A dinner and cocktail hour will start the celebration on March 1. Included in the evening’s festivities will be a memorabilia auction and a panel discussion with special guests from the Corvette’s past.
On March 2, the Petersen will fill its 500-car parking structure with Corvettes of all eras for the Corvette Day car show.
Proceeds from activities will support the Petersen Automotive Museum’s educational programming.
For more information, visit www.petersen.org.


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New court documents allege Google has deliberately throttled ad loading times to promote its AMP (Accelerated Mobile) pages. The antitrust action, originally brought by several US States against Google in December 2020, centres on anti-competitive practices in digital advertising. The fresh allegations have come as publisher scepticism at Google leadership grows.
- Google introduced AMP in 2015 to speed the loading times of mobile web pages. It is presented as a web component framework that publishers can use to create ‘user-first’ websites, stories and ads. Though seen as effective in speeding content loading there have been complaints about the relatively slower speed of ad loading times.
- The ongoing lawsuit alleges an inherent conflict of interest, with Google representing and charging fees to both advertisers and publishers, and also controls the exchange where ad-sales transactions are taking place. This conflict is compounded by Google’s role in setting web standards through the dominance of Chrome in the browser market.
- The fresh claims emerged from papers filed early in November 2021 and allege that AMP has been boosted by actively slowing ad loading times for other formats. A recent report in The Register concluded:
That Google would devise a standard from which it benefited is not surprising, but the allegation of deliberately delaying ads on other formats in order to promote it is disturbing.
At the Chrome Dev Summit 2021 a host of initiatives from Google’s Privacy Sandbox to improvements to Core Web Vitals and performance tools were discussed. Paul Kinlan, Lead for Chrome Developer Relations, highlighted Google’s “vision for the web’s future” on the last day of the conference.
But during an live Q&A session with Chrome Leadership, the skepticism of many developers and publishers surfaced. The ex-AMP advisory board member Jeremy Keith asked:
Given the court proceedings against AMP, why should anyone trust FLOC or any other Google initiatives ostensibly focused on privacy?
Google management swerved the direct question, saying they couldn’t comment on the court case and choosing instead to focus on the work they are doing with the Privacy Sandbox. They said they were not asking for ‘blind trust’ with the Sandbox effort, but working in the open with the project and sharing developments as early as possible.
Writing ‘AMP has irreparably damaged publishers’ trust in Google-led initiatives’, Sarah Gooding said the response did little to change the minds of the developer community. She believes Google continues to advocate for a number of controversial initiatives, even after some have landed the company in court and.
She says the fresh allegations around AMP compound the lack of trust and require ‘truly transparent’ answers. She describes how Google forced publishers to adopt AMP or lose mobile traffic and a spot in the Top Stories carousel.
The DOJ’s detailed description of how AMP was used as a vehicle for anticompetitive practices simply rubs salt in the wound after what publishers have been through in expending resources to support AMP versions of their websites.
Esther Kezia-Thorpe says that publishers she has spoken with have had a largely positive experience with AMP, both in terms of revenue and traffic. But without trust in Google’s ongoing transparency and belief in its underlying motivations, publisher support for future projects like FLOCs could be threatened.

domain: news


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United's news distribution business, PR Newswire, has expanded its product offering and added additional services, growing the business in line with expectations. Outside the US, PR Newswire is on track to exceed its 10% margin.
United said its CMP Information group, which runs exhibitions and business magazines including Music Week, Property Week and Building, is showing strong results in exhibitions but its print business is weak in certain areas, with recruitment advertising suffering the most.
The media group said it had made gains from selling its automotive titles, including Exchange & Mart, to regional newspaper firm Newsquest for £50.25m in September.
United also sold off its stake in Five this year for £247m to RTL and market research arm NOP for £383m to Gfk.
The sale enabled the group to acquire the Publican titles and events for £51.7m from Quantum, which are continuing to achieve targeted returns.
United's US operation CMP Media is performing in line with expectations overall. Events are growing and online is strong, offsetting continuing declines in print.
Elsewhere, United's healthcare and education business, CMP Medica, is performing well with good progress in France. However, United said it was facing a "more challenging" situation in Asia.
In the coming year, United said it is looking to increase its presence in online and exhibitions with the money from disposals.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.
This article was first published on brandrepublic.com


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Behind Ikea’s purchase of TaskRabbit, Amazon looms
Furniture giant Ikea’s decision to buy the popular on-demand service TaskRabbit may seem like a natural move: Ikea sells furniture that needs to be built, and TaskRabbit offers the people to do it.
But analysts say this deal, which was confirmed by the companies Thursday, tells a deeper story about what retailers need to do to survive as more people shop online.
“Ikea’s reasons for purchasing TaskRabbit may go well beyond the gains of having that company in-house for purposes of delivery and assembly,” said Ryan Calo, an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Law, who has written about the sharing economy.
“You never know what these new marriages with tech companies are going to yield,” he added.
San Francisco’s TaskRabbit, which allows users to pay for other people to do tasks like building furniture or standing in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, is one of the best-known startups in the “gig” economy, in which companies connect independent workers to jobs.
It already had a partnership with Ikea, which is Swedish, to offer furniture assembly to its customers in Britain. But this deal, which is expected to close next month, will give Ikea total ownership. In a statement, Ikea CEO Jesper Brodin said it will help make customers’ lives “a little bit easier.”
“We will be able to learn from TaskRabbit’s digital expertise, while also providing Ikea customers additional ways to access flexible and affordable service solutions to meet the needs of today’s customer,” Brodin said.
The specifics of the deal — including the price — were not immediately available. But Ikea said TaskRabbit will become an independent subsidiary, and that CEO Stacy Brown-Philpot and other employees would remain in San Francisco.
Competition has been mounting for Ikea from rivals such as Amazon, which has also ramped up its offerings in home goods and installations.
The acquisitions marks the latest alliance between brick-and-mortar companies and those that offer on-demand services. Countless brick-and-mortar retailers have partnered with delivery startups, such as Postmates and Instacart, to ease online shopping and home deliveries. Restaurants and fast-food chains have partnered with delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub and Doordash to offer home and office deliveries. In June, Amazon upended the grocery world by announcing it would buy Whole Foods; that deal was finalized in August.
“I see the acquisition of TaskRabbit by Ikea as part of a broader trend, where firms enhance the value to their customers by offering additional services, with these services provided by a third party,” said Saif Benjaafar, director of the University of Minnesota’s Initiative on the Sharing Economy.
With this acquisition, Ikea may now have access to TaskRabbit’s trove of data and information on user behavior. “It’s like buying a thousand anthropologists, who can say things like, ‘It looks like this population of urban, women Millennials are always asking for this task — could we sell a product that meets that need?’” Calo said.
Bob Hetu, a research director for Gartner focused on the retail industry, said deals between retailers and tech startups will likely become increasingly common.
“The idea here is that retailers need to offer more services for consumers, and there are logical extensions to that service environment,” Hetu said. “It’s a good illustration of where we’re going.”


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Blog: Sexing up sustainability
Petah Marian | 16 November 2012
The power of the fashion industry to induce consumers to become more sustainable was a key theme of today's Sustainable Fashion Symposium at the Sri Lanka Design Festival.
Jonas Eder Hansen, development director of the Danish Fashion Institute, said currently "sustainability is not sexy," but that the industry's ability to make things desirable means it also has the capacity to change shopper behaviour.
He called on the industry to engage consumers, and have a dialogue with then on what sustainability is. The choices we make as consumers have great impact, said Eder Hansen, adding the apparel industry should look to influence consumers' broader decisions, for instance eating organic food or washing their clothing in cold water.
Meanwhile Mohan Munsainghe, Nobel Peace Prize winner and vice chair of UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and artist Anoma Wijewardene also called on the industry to try seek ways of creating an "emotional" link to climate change.
Munsainghe described his Sustainomusica initiative, which is looking to appeal to the "heart and not the brain" by incorporating sustainability themes into music - something he hopes the fashion world will look to integrate too.
It seems we need to pay more attention to what we pull on in the mornings after a number of health incidents related to clothing has placed the spotlight firmly on the safety of garments and how we we...
Myanmar is set to become a more attractive garment sourcing and investment destination after plans were agreed on labour law reforms in the country – with Gap and H&M coming out in support of the prop...
Congratulations to Textured Jersey Lanka Plc, which has won top prize in the inaugural World Textile Awards sponsored by The Textile Institute. ...
- Nike reaffirms US production commitment
- M&S to launch supply chain human rights policy
- Levi Strauss raises the bar on sustainability
- VF pushes ahead on chemicals management
- Gap and H&M back Myanmar path to labour reform
- Myanmar minimum wage set at US$3.2 per day
- China cotton stockpile auction may shake up market
- Far Eastern to invest $323m in Vietnam textile hub
- US retail landscape "mediocre" over next 5 years
- C&A to add "accurate fit" label to garments


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Entrepreneur Ranks FASTSIGNS International No. 1 Franchise Opportunity in Its Category
CARROLLTON, Texas - January 11, 2019 - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, a sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been ranked the No. 1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the third consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks FASTSIGNS as No. 95 - the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 - for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
“We’re honored to once again be recognized as the leader in our category for the third year in a row. This accomplishment is a testament to the strength of the brand, our franchisees, support team, and the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity,” says Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “FASTSIGNS achieved exceptional results in 2018, another record year for the company, including the signing of 52 franchise agreements as well as a Master Franchise Agreements to expand the brand to Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Gibraltar and a master franchise agreement for Chile. We’re positioned to continue our aggressive worldwide growth this year.”
For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.
“As we celebrate 40 years of producing the Franchise 500, it’s a good opportunity to step back and look at how much has changed since that first ranking in 1980,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology.”
In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $23,750. As part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program, FASTSIGNS also offers veterans this special incentive. FASTSIGNS is proud to be the only franchisor in its segment to offer a development incentive specifically to first responders and veterans.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.


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January 16, 2008
Eagle Ventures to Enter U.S. VoIP Market
By Anil Sharma, TMCnet Contributing Editor
TelExtreme, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Ventures International, will be offering its first VoIP
services in the United States by the end of the month. The move to enter the U.S. market is part of a growth initiative aimed at increasing the company’s revenues to more than $60 million for 2008.
Analysts estimate the VoIP industry in the United States generated about $3 billion in sales in 2007. By 2010, it is expected the industry could be driving anywhere from $4 to $10 billion in annual sales.
In addition to its projected U.S. expansion, the company anticipates growth opportunities stemming from the organic increase of consumer interest in VoIP-based telephone services.
The company plans to reproduce in the U.S. the very sales and marketing model that has generated great success in overseas markets, where sales rose from $30.1 million in 2006 to a projected $40+ million in 2007, with the increase being primarily attributable to penetration into Latin American markets.
“There are expected to be between 21 million and 24 million VoIP users by the end of 2008 in the United States alone,” said TelExtreme President, Timothy Langston. “By the end of 2010, that number could be 30 million or more. Now is the right time to start positioning TelExtreme to capture that growth.”
“We expect our sales process, which is through individuals to individuals — rather than through a corporate phone number or corporate Web site — will appeal to U.S. consumers. Too many current and potential VoIP subscribers in the U.S. have had less than a great experience with their choice of providers. We are firmly convinced the TelExtreme option offers many things customers want, but aren’t currently getting. As such, we look forward to substantial revenue growth from our U.S. operations.”
Mark your calendars! Internet Telephony Conference & EXPO — the first major IP communications event of the year — is just days away. It’s not too late to register for the event, which takes place in Miami Beach, FL, January 23–25, 2008. The EXPO will feature three valuable days of exhibits, conferences and networking that you won’t want to miss. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now!


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Two years after its introduction, Facebook Marketplace is now artificial intelligence (AI) enabled with auto-categorization and price-range suggestions. Aiming to boost user experience, capabilities, and security.
Facebook Marketplace is a place for people to buy and sell items within their local communities. Today in the U.S., more than one in three people on Facebook use Marketplace, buying and selling products in categories ranging from cars to electronics, clothes to furniture.
Facebook Marketplace’s AI-Powered Suggestions
It’s now easier and faster than before to shop on Marketplace; for instance, if a seller wants to sell an item, Marketplace could use AI to help him sell it faster by suggesting prices based on what similar items recently sold for. It will also automatically categorize the item based on the photo and description.
See more: Appeal Facebook Marketplace ban.
The auto-suggest feature should help boost listings on Marketplace. Before the feature was enabled, 7 to 9 percent of sellers abandoned the process without completing their listings, the company said in a blog post.
Facebook is also testing camera features that would enable users to take pictures of items and find them using Marketplace’s AI-Powered suggestions.
The company is also using AI to support Marketplace’s security by detecting and removing listing that violates Facebook policies.
Buyer and Seller can now rate each other to signal whether they had a good or bad experience and leave feedback on improving response time, friendliness, and reliability. The feature is available only for the Facebook app on iOS and Android.
“Vehicles is one of the most popular categories for Marketplace globally, alongside furniture and electronics,” said Deborah Liu, VP, Marketplace.
Besides adding new AI features, Facebook has added various content from businesses, including cars, home rentals, home services, and shopping and deals from e-commerce merchants.


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RECEIVABLES SOLD: Federated Department Stores Inc. reported Tuesday that it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to sell about $1.2 billion of Fingerhut receivables to CompuCredit Corp., an Atlanta-based credit card company. The transaction,...
RECEIVABLES SOLD: Federated Department Stores Inc. reported Tuesday that it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to sell about $1.2 billion of Fingerhut receivables to CompuCredit Corp., an Atlanta-based credit card company. The transaction, which could save up to 800 jobs, also includes the assumption of $450 million in receivables-backed debt issued by Fingerhut Master Trust. CompuCredit intends to retain Fingerhut employees currently servicing the receivables portfolios at its St. Cloud and Monticello, Minn., facilities. Federated has been informed by the Federal Trade Commission that the standard 30-day Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period has been waived. The company also said it expects the disposition and monetization of Fingerhut’s assets to generate approximately $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion of aftertax cash proceeds, net of one-time costs.
TOM’S HONOR: On the agenda for the Gucci shareholders meeting July 15 in Amsterdam is the approval of Group creative director Tom Ford as vice chairman of the company’s management board, giving him a key role in Gucci’s strategic as well as creative decision making. Domenico De Sole is chairman of the management board. Gucci also has a supervisory board comprising eight non-executive directors.
LEVI’S ON REVIEW: Moody’s Investors Service on Tuesday placed Levi Strauss & Co.’s $1.7 billion in debt on review for a possible downgrade. The agency cited the San Francisco-based jeans maker’s five-year sales slump and its low current level of cash generation as concerns, noting that $1.1 billion of its notes are coming to term next year. Levi’s current senior implied debt rating is "B1." Its senior unsecured rating is "B2."
A grooming moment between @tanfrance and @antoni last night at the The LGBT Community Center Trailblazer Awards honoring Anna Wintour, Ricky Martin and more. See more photos at WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @lexieblacklock)
“It was a very surreal feeling. It wasn’t like we were in the studio together coming up with it — it’s more like he discovered it and loved it. I didn’t let myself get my hopes up, but then it happened it was very exciting,” said singer-songwriter @nombe on discovering that @pharrell would be using his song, “Cant Catch Me” on his HBO documentary series “Outpost.” The German-born singer — named Noah MacBeth — talked to WWD about feminism, using art as a platform for political expression and personal style. Read more on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
This season, denim is going west – in influence. Brands like @fathersdaughterla (pictured here), @tommyhilfiger Jeans, @levis and more are opting for raw, top-stitching styles. (Styled by @thealexbadia; 📷: @ryanplett)
20-year-old British singer @jorjasmith_ made her debut at Coachella last weekend. We caught up with her and talked about her love for Amy Winehouse, working with Kendrick Lamar on the “Black Panther” album and her fashion philosophy. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @katiedaisyla)
Supermodel @helenachristensen teamed up with longtime friend and designer @camillastaerk on a joint @paredeyewear collaboration. The lineup features three styles and 11 offerings, all of which embody a vintage feel. Get all the details on how they celebrated the collab on WWD.com. #wwdaccessories #wwdeye (📷: @slovekinpics)
“It’s a hard industry to keep motivated, as well, so finding different subjects and people is what makes it worth it – when you’re like, oh, I’ve met great people, I feel like I’ve done something good, and I feel proud of having done this,” said French actress Stacy Martin on being grateful for the variety of roles she’s take on. Read @ktauer’s full interview with Martin on her her latest film “Godard Mon Amour.” #wwdeye (📷: @danieldorsa)


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NZ: NZFSA confident in aspartame safety
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has confirmed its confidence in the safety of the low-energy sweetener aspartame. The authority said that recent media reports over the safety of the sweetener aspartame may have raised "unnecessary concerns".
The agency has become the latest national food safety authority to declare aspartame - used as a sweetener in soft drinks among other products - as safe. The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and the EU's European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have all recently reaffirmed their confidence in the safety of aspartame.
"NZFSA has a role to provide accurate information on the safety of food sold in New Zealand, so people are able to make informed choices about what they eat. Misleading or unsubstantiated claims about a particular food can create fear and quite unnecessary concerns for consumers," says Sandra Daly, NZFSA's deputy chief executive. "Aspartame is probably one of the most studied products on sale today, and there is an extensive body of evidence that tells us it is a safe product that offers consumers a sweet low-calorie option in their diet."
Recent reports had linked aspartame with cancer, but the NZFSA said that these findings are not consistent with the findings of a large number of studies over many years which have been evaluated by leading food safety agencies around the world.
"NZFSA continually assesses the weight of sound, scientific evidence that surrounds the use of all products, including aspartame," Daly said. "We can find no scientific basis for claims that the product is not safe to consume in sensible quantities."
The NZFSA further stated that extensive studies had shown that, even if taken in high doses, the metabolites in aspartame do not accumulate in toxic amounts. An adult would have to consume 14 cans of a sugar-free drink every day before reaching the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame, the authority said, and they would need to do that every day of their lives before possibly showing any ill-effects.
Sectors: Soft drinks
- Can craft breweries compete in lager arena?
- Remy Cointreau's Q1 performance by brand, region
- SABMiller's Q1 2017 results - Preview
- A Wild Geese, Pernod Ricard conspiracy theory?
- A snapshot of the UK spirits market - Focus
- New Hendrick's Gin would have to be "unusual"
- AB InBev faces US$7bn price rise for SABMiller
- Brown-Forman takes distribution in Spain in-house
- AB InBev halts VAIP incentive plan
- Diageo starts formal talks over UK pension cuts
- Adultifying Soft Drinks; Capitalizing on rising adult demand for non-alcoholic beverages
- Global RTD insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends
- Global travel retail insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends
- Global non-Scotch whiskies insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends
- Global Scotch whisky insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends


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Huawei sub-brand Honor will launch a new mid-range smartphone in the market next week – the Honor 7A. The company has reportedly sent out invites for an event to be held on April 2 where it will officially announce the handset. Ahead of the launch, some of its specifications and features have surfaced online and they suggest minor upgrades over the Honor 6A smartphone that was launched in May last year. However, there appears to be a few tweaks in the Honor 7A in terms of design.
As per a Playfuldroid report, Honor will launch the new smartphone on Monday, April 2, citing a media invite. The invite comes with an image, which suggests that the Honor 7A will come with a dual camera setup and face recognition technology. Additionally, there appears to be two speakers embedded in the handset as well. Meanwhile, some previous reports have also leaked more information about the upcoming smartphone, suggesting that the Honor 7A will be a mid-range handset.
According to a leak on Slashleaks, the Honor 7A will sport a 5.7-inch HD+ (720×1440) display and come with 3GB of RAM. Interestingly, the smartphone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 430 processor, similar to the Huawei Y7 Prime 2018 that the company just launched. The two smartphones also match in terms of inbuilt storage – 32GB. The similarities continue even when it comes to other features. The Honor 7A is also said to come with a dual camera setup with 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel sensors and a front camera with an 8-megapixel sensor.
As per the report, the Honor 7A will be powered by a 3000mAh battery. It measures 152.4x73x7.8mm and weighs 150 grams. Additionally, it will come with Android 8.0 out-of-the-box. In terms of pricing, the Honor 7A is expected to be priced at CNY 1,499 (roughly Rs. 15,500).


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16 countries and counting; how one family is pursuing their dream
For many people, travelling the world remains a pipe dream especially after they have kids and start a family.
But for one American family, that dream is now a reality.
Meet the Griggs: Jermaine, his wife Sarah and their three children, Jadyn, Layla, and Brendan.
For the past six months, the Griggs have been ticking off their bucket list, one country at a time.
The family has visited 16 countries to date and have been documenting every moment on Instagram and YouTube.
Founder of Hear and Play, a music website used by over two million aspiring musicians to download online lessons every year which he founded at the age of 17, Jermaine said growing up in humble beginnings, travelling the world was not a likely prospect.
But with two successful businesses (he also owns another online company AutomationClinic), the couple decided to pursue their dream
So how did they do it?
“At 17, we started an online instructional music company, HearAndPlay.com, in the year 2000 even before social media was invented. It would go on to help millions of musicians. Later, we started an online marketing consultancy, AutomationClinic.com, teaching small businesses how we built ours. This has given us a supportive team that manages the day-to-day of both while we travel. We also sold our primary home and eliminated expenses. So our answer is: entrepreneurship and debt elimination,” the Griggs wrote on their IG account.
To ensure their kids don’t lose out on an education, the Griggs are homeschooling them or as they say ‘world-schooling’ them as they explore many countries and sites they would have only read about in their textbooks.
“That doesn't mean the kids won't return to traditional school but for now, we use online curriculums and supplements like Time4Learning, Khan Academy, IXL, Splash Math, plus field trips and experiential learning,” they said.
The experience has had some pros and cons for the family.
“Outside of a few kids clubs and nannies, we've been with each other 24/7. As parents, we've learned to be more understanding and patient even when we want to pull out our hair. The kids have learned the same with each other,” said Jermaine.
“We've learned the value of "stuff" and what we really need in life to survive. When we started, we had five huge luggage bags. It's now three! Let's face it --- living out of a suitcase for six months will teach you this! But it's true... we really don't need as much as we think we do. And we've come to realise we'd rather collect moments than things,” he added.
As for the cons, Jermaine said it is hard for him and his wife to have time alone now and they miss their friends and families. It’s also a process of constant planning.
“Ongoing planning can be frustrating. Once you book one country, you need to book the next to prove you're leaving, or most won't let you in! So it's ongoing research and planning. But hey, this is what we signed up for!”
Follow the Griggs on Instagram at Griggsgoneglobal


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Steven J. Landry Named President and Chief Executive Officer, DaimlerChrysler Canada
Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 25, 2005 –
Effective November 1, Steven J. Landry is appointed President and Chief Executive Officer – DaimlerChrysler Canada, Inc., reporting to Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler Group Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing and Service. In this position, Landry is responsible for all Chrysler Group sales and marketing activities in Canada.
“With 23 years of service in multiple areas of the company, Steven brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to this position,” said Eberhardt. “Having grown up in the organization, he has earned the respect of colleagues, dealers and business leaders and is well positioned to lead our efforts in the competitive Canadian market.”
Since joining the Company in 1982 as a Distribution Analyst in the Western Region of Chrysler Canada, Ltd., Landry has held increasingly responsible positions in the U.S., European and Canadian Sales and Marketing organizations. He most recently served as the Vice President – Global Dodge Marketing in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Landry holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an M.B.A. through Michigan State University’s Advanced Management Program.
Born December 29, 1958, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, he and his wife Marcelle currently live in Oakland County, Michigan.
Landry succeeds Mark Norman who has announced his intention to leave the Company.
“We are pleased that Canadian consumers are responding positively to the new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles hitting dealer showrooms,” said Eberhardt. “On the eve of the most aggressive product launch year in the company’s history, however, we felt it was important to have a seasoned veteran with broad Canadian experience leading the business in one of our most critical and diverse markets.”
Landry’s work background includes:
Vice President, Global Dodge Marketing, September 2005
Vice President, Great Lakes Business Center, January 2004
Vice President, Business Center Operations, January 2002
Vice President, Dealer Operations, April 2001
President, Chrysler Realty Corporation, April 2001
President, Chrysler Jeep Europe, April 2000
Director, Product Launch and Global Training, September 1999
Director, Retail Strategies, November 1998
His work background in Canada includes:
Director, Marketing, December 1996
Regional Manager, Western Region, May 1994
Regional Manager, Atlantic Region, July 1991
Regional Sales Manager, Western Region, August 1989
Daily Rental Sales Manager, National Fleet, February 1989
Field Sales Distribution Coordinator, August 1988
City Manager, Ontario Region, January 1988
District Manager, Prairie Region, October 1983
Distribution Analyst, Western Region, September 1982


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Another great leak is floating around the internet. This time the video frame grabs show the new Leaf without camo coverage, giving us a better picture of what we'll see in September. Here is a link to the article on Motor Authority. Should be an interesting fall!
Just got this press release in my in-box. Sounds like they have amped up the Re-Gen Braking component in the next generation Nissan Leaf so much that it can act like a brake at times. Here is a link to the release itself.
This report is from earlier this year, but as we inch closer to an announcement about the 2018 Nissan Leaf, this CleanTechnica article certainly adds to the excitement surrounding the Gen 2 version. “The second generation of the Nissan LEAF will feature the company’s ProPilot technology — allowing for autonomous travel on highways under many... Continue Reading →
Kazuo Yajima, head of electric vehicles for Nissan and Renault, recently discussed the electric range expectations for the new Leaf and future vehicles on the Japanese automaker’s electric platform, as reported by Electrek. Look for the 2018 Leaf to cross the 200 mile range barrier and have a new form factor for the first... Continue Reading →
Here is another set of images which purport to show the 2018 Nissan Leaf out in the wild but heavily camouflaged. This time the camo is a little tighter, hugging the curves a bit more, revealing the designs we expect to see. As reported on Electrek, the next revision in the Nissan Leaf design, slated... Continue Reading →
According to the trusty scorecard of InsideEVs, Chevy moved 978 EV Bolts in March, while nearly 1,500 Leafs were sold. For what’s supposed to be the first Real Marketable EV, that’s some flimsy numbers for the Bolt. Read more here. - [Hint, they are stumped as to why.]
Here are a few drawings that reportedly depict the next generation of the Nissan Leaf. Previously these drawings were only "thought" to be the next design but this article on Clean Technica points out why we should believe these are real. The key selling is how much these drawings match what looks to be lurking... Continue Reading →
Here is a cool interview on Clean Technica with a Prius driver as he test drives a Nissan Leaf. Some good perspective on the perceived differences between the two cars. “I have to give this to Nissan. I really love the way their cars handle the road. I will give you that. Better than my hybrid.... Continue Reading →


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(Tech in Asia, https://www.techinasia.com, CC BY)
“Out of the 170 fintechs in Poland 51 per cent specialize in payments. Our research showed that 60 per cent of fintech market are companies younger than five years old, most of which are still at the stage of initial development and do not generate revenues,” said Piotr Brewiński, founder of the Fintech Polska foundation. “This is a very preliminary phase of market development, where mainly small companies operate, employing up to 25 people. In Polish fintech firms, we also have a lot to catch up when it comes to parity. Only 30 per cent of their employees are women,” Mr. Brewiński added.
Ewa Wernerowicz, the president of the board of VIVUS Finance Polska, said that out of 250 people employed in her company, 60 per cent are women. “Fintech is developing in two main areas: the loan sector and payment franchises, in which the most important role is played by online currency exchange offices,” said Ms. Wernerowicz.
She noted that the biggest problem of the entire fintech sector is low financial efficiency, as exemplified by the net profit of the entire loan franchise, which reached EUR38m last year. “Polish companies still do not know how to borrow online, and most of all they face security problems. Risk assessment is a key issue in this business,” the president of the board of VIVUS said.
On the subject of the fintech’s cryptocurrencies, Paweł Sobkow, president of Paint Holdings, a creator of BitBay, said, “Without a doubt, the blockchain technology will revolutionize transactions and the entire cryptocurrency market. The most important are regulatory issues, which will allow the development of companies dealing with cryptocurrencies and establish clear rules of the game. So far, these rules are unknown.”
Artur Granicki, director of fintech’s financial innovation department at the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) said that the development of innovation in financial services is a key issue. “Payment services remain the blood stream of the entire economy. We know that banking is at a very high level in Poland, but at the same time we realize that it must develop dynamically all the time,” Mr. Granicki said.
He explained the need for stronger legal awareness of fintech companies and clearer regulations and for this reason the government opened the Innovation Hub program this year, under which free legal and administrative consultations are offered to such companies (read more about Polish regulations for fintechs). Some 60 entities have benefited so far. “We are able to support fintech companies in obtaining licenses and creating for each of them a written analysis of development and legal position to facilitate rapid development,” he said.
“I see an opportunity to cooperate here,” said Tomasz Górski from Idea Bank. “Technology in banking is our export product. Polish banks are an inspiration for the western ones, they are modern. In Western Europe, the loan application has 120 pages. In Poland, the client has everything offered by banks, so fintechs have nothing to look for here,” he said. –
Pekao S.A. and Microsoft
Meanwhile, a state-owned bank Pekao S.A. unveiled an agreement with Microsoft. “We attach great importance to strategic partnerships. We are in talks with about 100 [potential] strategic partners. As one of the first, we want to sign a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft,” Michał Krupiński, CEO of Pekao S.A., said. The parties to the agreement explained that they will focus on educating bank’s clients (e.g. from the SME sector) in the area of digital solutions.
According to the bank, Polish companies „have a lot to catch up to,” e.g. in the areas of using e-invoices or electronic document flows. „We have identified around 20 initiatives, we are focused on testing solutions that will give the most benefits to customers. We want to go ahead with pioneer solutions,” added Marek Tomczuk, the deputy CEO of the bank.


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Hold onto your digital hats, folks, because the Raspberry Robin gang is now shopping for cyberweapons like it’s Black Friday! Gone are the days of sifting through the cyber bargain bin for last year’s vulnerabilities; these guys are now scoring exploits fresher than your morning avocado toast. They’re not just any old cyber crooks; they’re speed demons with a need for speedy hacking!
- Raspberry Robin is now using exploits for vulnerabilities disclosed less than a month old, a significant speed-up from the previous 12-month-old ones.
- An exploit for CVE-2023-36802, used by the group, was spotted on the dark web seven months before Microsoft’s advisory was even issued.
- Check Point Research suggests the group may be purchasing exploits from a developer, as indicated by the fast integration of new vulnerabilities.
- Analysis shows the malware’s external executables are likely bought, not home-brewed, due to differences in architecture and obfuscation techniques.
- Raspberry Robin continues to update with new anti-evasion and survival techniques, keeping security researchers on their toes.


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Lockheed Martin has posted positive results in Q1 of 2020 despite the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic that is threatening business across the world.
The company reported an net earnings of $1.7bn nearly unchanged when compared to Q1 of 2019, and delivered slightly fewer aircraft than in 2019. Lockheed also posted a slight increase in earnings on the same period with Q1 2020 net sales reaching $15.7bn.
Globaldata ADS analyst Anthony Endresen said: “While the first-quarter earnings are better than many might have anticipated, there is still the reality that as a Prime, Lockheed Martin will not know the impact of COVID-19 on earnings until later in the year.
“The nature and duration of contracts and delivery mean that the first quarter is too early to tell, though one should expect the COVID-19 crisis economic fallout to translate to leaner times across all sectors.”


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Published on November 12th, 2019 | by Emergent Enterprise0
Apple to Launch AR Headset in 2022 with Smart Glasses to Follow in 2023, Report Claims
Like a sighting of Sasquatch, a report has emerged about Apple’s plans to enter the AR market. Stan Schroeder reports at Mashable about an article at The Information that unveils Apple’s plans for an AR strategy in over two years. Will that be too late to the party as Oculus, Microsoft, HTC, Magic Leap improve their devices already in the field? And Amazon is on the sidelines, too, and will soon announce an entry. Two years is forever in technology and Apple may not be able to disrupt this market as they have in the past.
IMAGE: SERGEI MASTEPANOV/GETTYIMAGES
The biggest Apple rumor outside of Apple Car has been revived in a big way.
According to a report by The Information, Apple is planning to launch an augmented reality (AR) headset in 2022, followed by a sleeker pair of AR glasses in 2023.
While we’ve heard loads of similar reports over the years, this one — if accurate — is different.
First, The Information claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke about the project at an internal gathering of as many as 1,000 Apple employees, which is an uncommonly large number. Second, the report contains loads of details, not only about the AR headset/glasses hardware, but also about Apple’s plans and ideas about the concept of wearable augmented reality devices.
First, the headset. It’s code-named N301 and will be a virtual reality and augmented reality hybrid. On the outside, it will look like a “sleeker” Oculus Quest, with cameras mounted on the outside (important for AR, which must include a way to view reality in order to mix virtual elements into it). It will be lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time, the report says.
Inside, the headset will have a high-resolution display and 3D-mapping capabilities, as well as the ability to detect humans.
Perhaps the more interesting gadget of the two are the AR glasses, which are code-named N421 (we’ve previously heard codenames Iris and Mirrorshades; it’s unclear whether these are the same devices). These will be meant to worn all day, meaning they’ll have to be slimmer, lighter and more comfortable than the headset. Apple’s current prototypes are essentially sunglasses with “thick frames” with the electronics stuffed inside, the report says — perhaps (my guess) something similar to Snap’s Spectacles.
Apple is looking into putting some advanced tech into the glasses, including darkening the lenses when the wearer is using AR. And, according to a source familiar with the project, Apple believes that these glasses could replace the need to carry iPhones “in roughly a decade.”


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Lucy Gao noticed bubble tea gaining popularity in the United States.
So in Summer 2018, the she opened a Mr. Wish shop near Main Campus with her husband. A Taiwanese chain, Mr. Wish serves bubble tea, which is black tea, milk and tapioca balls also known as “boba.” The couple opened a franchise on Cecil B. Moore Avenue near 15th Street.
The Gaos’ shop is one of five Mr. Wish locations in Philadelphia.
The shop uses real fruits and ingredients in its products, Gao said. The Mr. Wish signature drink, Colorful Fruit Tea, is a mix of chunks of apple, pineapple, kiwi, orange, passionfruit and kumquat.
“It is so popular amongst the international students, specifically,” Gao added.
Landry Bado, a 2018 architecture alumnus, said he loves Mr. Wish and goes there once every two weeks. His favorite drink is the Colorful Fruit Tea or the Pearl Milk Tea, a classic Taiwanese drink with black sugar flavored bubbles and rich milk tea flavor.
“Their bubbles are the right texture, and there’s so many drink options,” Bado said.
Baowei Yuan, a sophomore undeclared business major, is an employee at Mr. Wish. Before he began working at the Temple location in August, he bought tea at the Mr. Wish location in Chinatown on Spring Street near 10th.
“Because it is closer to campus, it is a lot easier for me,” he said. “The owner understands that I am a student and if I need to call out or reschedule my hours, she is willing to do so.”
Gao said she is considering adding snacks and sandwiches to the menu, but has to get permission from Mr. Wish’s headquarters first.
Gao added that students and campus organizations use the shop as a gathering spot.
Michelle Mbuthia, a senior political science major, said she visits the Gaos’ shop once every two weeks and has found the customer service to be excellent and accommodating. One time an employee even offered to remake her drink with less sugar when it was too sweet.
“Even though I might be running a little late in the morning, I can usually make it in and out of there in about five minutes,” Mbuthia said.
Gao said providing excellent customer service like this is her main goal.
“I really want to give a good impression on my customers,” she added. “Of course I want my employees to do the same.”


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The drug war has harmed communities of color since its inception. For decades and decades, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) have been nearly six times more likely to be arrested for drug use than White Americans, despite similar rates of use.
Over the years that legalized cannabis has proliferated across the country, the same trends of market consolidation have emerged in every state that has legalized the plant. BIPOC communities already impacted by the drug war have less access to capital and therefore less access to the cannabis industry. Cannabis market consolidation has always led to white people taking a greater market share while BIPOC communities are left behind.
The legal cannabis industry currently lacks representation of BIPOC executives, business owners, and professionals. Ernest Toney, former global marketing and partnerships manager at Marijuana Business Daily, wants to change that. He founded the BIPOC Cannabis Business Network – a membership community that is working to make the cannabis industry more accessible and profitable for BIPOC professionals and business owners.
BIPOCANN is a place to meet cannabis industry leaders, a place to exchange goods, services and ideas that promote BIPOC economic growth in cannabis, an innovation hub for unique voices and perspectives, and it’s all BIPOC-owned and managed.
In this interview, we sit down with Ernest Toney to hear about BIPOCANN and ask him some questions about what the future of the cannabis industry could look like.
Cannabis Industry Journal: Tell me about your background- how did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
Ernest Toney: I grew up in Virginia and went to James Madison University where I studied kinesiology, and sports management in graduate school. That led me to pursue a career in sports administration, beginning as a sales and marketing director for a large YMCA in the southwest, followed by a stint as a sales consultant for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball. Immediately prior to joining the cannabis industry, I worked at USA Ultimate – the national governing body for the niche sport of ultimate (frisbee) in the United States. During that time, I managed and scaled adult programs and events across the country. A big part of my job required collaborating with national stakeholders and creating and enforcing policies to grow the sport by making it more accessible to diverse demographics. We also worked hard to increase the commercial visibility of the sport through mainstream media, including ESPN, with gender equity being a major focus area. It was cool because looking back, I learned a lot of things during that five-year period that is directly applicable to the work I’m doing to support the cannabis industry.
But my interest in the cannabis industry became strong when I moved to Denver in 2011, a year before Amendment 64 passed. When Colorado became the first adult use cannabis market in the USA, it was an exciting time. I have always been curious about economics and how policies can impact people’s lives. I was interested in what was going to happen when the new market opened.
Early on, I followed the industry trends very closely. Living in downtown Denver, I saw firsthand the effects the cannabis industry was having on day-to-day life, like increased tourism, a housing market boom, a lot of new start-ups, dispensaries opening everywhere. It was just something I knew I wanted to learn more about.
Around 2016, I started making industry connections, but didn’t pursue opportunities until a few years later. Eventually, I was hired in 2018 by MJBizDaily to focus on new business initiatives. Some of my past successes with scaling programs, national and international event management, and community-building aligned with what they were looking for.
I started as the company’s first international marketing manager. In that role, I was responsible for driving marketing campaigns to increase the company’s global readership, event registrations, and business conference presence in foreign markets. After the first year, I transitioned to identify and manage marketing partnerships for the company – which included international and domestic media, event, and affiliate partnerships within and outside of cannabis.
I felt compelled to make a change amidst the social unrest this summer. I was doing my own protesting and volunteer advocacy in Denver, but started to see more broadly, in the cannabis industry, that cannabis executives and companies were bringing attention to the fact that the War On Drugs has been problematic for minorities and communities of color. There was greater talk about social equity programs and how they are not as effective as they should be. There was greater attention to the fact that over 40,000 people are still incarcerated for the plant that others are profiting from – and that the people behind bars are predominantly coming from communities of color. I was in a position that afforded me the opportunity to see what the composition of the global cannabis industry looked like, and I could see minority representation was lacking in business ownership, leadership positions, and more.
I thought – what is the best way for me to use my talents, insights, and knowledge to affect and change this narrative? Ultimately, I decided to start my own business. Not only was this an opportunity for me to “walk the walk,” being a black man starting a business in this industry where there is a lack of black ownership, but more importantly I was uniquely positioned to be able to educate and let people know about the opportunities to be a part of the booming industry. So, I did some brainstorming and came up with a company, which is called BIPOCANN and it stands for connecting BIPOC communities to the cannabis industry.
The work I have been doing for the last quarter includes directly recruiting people into the industry. If you are curious and want to learn more about the industry, then BIPOCANN can be the entry point. We figure out what your goals are and use the network and our resources to get you connected and figure out where you want to go. Likewise, if you are a service provider, like a graphic designer, accountant, marketer or business owner for example, that sees opportunities for your business to play a role and support it from an ancillary standpoint, BIPOCANN can be an entry point for you too.
The other component to it is working with existing businesses who are trying to make the industry more accessible. I work with existing companies and brands to create platforms that amplify voices and make BIPOC folks more visible, seen and heard within the cannabis industry. We are also helping businesses increase their profitability through diversification tactics and marketing tactics that contribute to their bottom line.
CIJ: Tell me about BIPOCANN- what is it, what are your goals with this project and how has it been received so far?
Ernest: The prohibition of cannabis has disproportionately impacted communities of color in the Americas. I alluded to this earlier, but there are more than 40,000 people behind bars in the U.S. for cannabis possession and use. There’s evidence suggesting that Black Americans are up to six times more likely to get arrested for cannabis use than White Americans despite use rates being the same. And when you look at the makeup of the professional industry, there is poor representation of business ownership by people of color. The Cannabis Impact Fund references that only 4.3% of dispensaries are Black or Latinx-owned. These problems intersect in a lot of ways.
BIPOCANN is a small business working to make the cannabis industry more accessible and profitable for BIPOC professionals and business owners. Now, I know that one company cannot change 100 years of cannabis prohibition and how policy works. But if you want to make this industry more accessible, inclusive, and profitable for those who do not have the access then there are a lot of levers to pull. Policy is one. But BIPOCANN is using more direct strategies. We actively recruit people to come in and be a part of this industry, through employment, entrepreneurship, consulting, and collaborations.
We have also created the BIPOC Cannabis Business Network, a community where members can exchange services, network, and collaborate. It’s all about creating more opportunities for BIPOC professionals and business owners, and it’s a safe space to share your experiences and to ideate. Similar to your Cannabis Quality Virtual Conference, where there was a dedicated space for BIPOC folks to be seen and heard and tell their story through your virtual panels, we use our resources and network to help advocates for equity and access be seen, heard, and find opportunities to thrive as a business owner or professional.
CIJ: How do you hope BIPOCANN will be embraced by the cannabis community?
Ernest: I think it has been received well in its first quarter of business. We have had opportunities to share our story across a lot of platforms, including multiple cannabis industry conferences, podcasts, and interviews with varied media outlets. We are in startup mode, so currently we are about building a brand, being seen, and helping people understand what we are trying to achieve. We are working towards that right now. We have had some success and folks are supporting our vision and goals.
I am hoping the cannabis industry will look at BIPOCANN as another important resource within the social equity, business development, and networking landscape. I don’t want to be seen as a competitor to the organizations and individuals who have been doing similar work in this space, for much longer, but as an ally. Some of our approaches to bring new people into the industry will include strategically aligning communities and markets where we have strong ties – such as state governments, national nonprofits, and global cannabis networks.
CIJ: Where do you see the cannabis industry making progress with respect to diversity and including people of color?
Ernest: When I look at the types of conversations and coverage the industry is having, even compared to last year, it seems like more conferences, media entities, brands, and individual leaders are tuned in and trying to figure out how they can contribute to making this industry better, more equitable and more accessible. I am seeing a lot of more attention, attempts to understand where the gaps are and what to do about it.
When I take a step back to think of all the virtual conferences that have made dedicated conference tracks or even entire programs – like the National Association of Cannabis Business’ Social Equity Conference, the Emerge Canna Conference, the Cannabis Sustainability Symposium, and the Cannabis Industry Journal’s post-election social justice panel – or weekly segments from Black leaders like Dasheeda Dawson (She Blaze) and Tahir Johnson (The Cannabis Diversity Report) — those are good signs. They are creating opportunities for voices representing underserved communities in cannabis to share their perspectives and be advocates for change.
But there is still much to do and that includes greater education about the realities, histories, and challenges BIPOC and other minority communities are facing. Going back to the NACB, they recently drafted a social equity standard for state legislatures to use as a baseline for crafting policies and provisions for social equity programs. That and resources from organizations like the Minority Cannabis Business Association, Supernova Women, Cannaclusive, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, and the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council, for example are some useful resources for the industry.
Wana Brands is also continuing to do good work, and it was exciting to see them become the first sponsor of the inaugural Black CannaConference by the Black CannaBusiness Magazine. That was a great example of an industry leader using their dollars, marketing resources, and company values to support an event specifically dedicated to creating, developing, and enhancing Black entrepreneurs and businesses in the cannabis industry.
“It is hard to know what even a year from now will look like.”On the policy front, we just saw on election day cannabis having a ton of success at the polls, passing in every single state where there was a ballot measure.
Arizona did a good job with having social equity provisions directly included in the language on their ballot measure. I think for the states that have yet to draft a social equity program, they can look at what has worked well in some other states and also look at what has not worked well, like loopholes that invite predatory behaviors.
I’m excited to see that Governor Ralph Northam and the Virginia Marijuana Legalization Working Group are already identifying the best ways to make a recreational market a beneficial and sustainable one, and tackling how to incorporate social equity, racial equity, and economic equity into a future legalization bill. I am looking forward to learning more after an upcoming meeting with a Working Group member. Eventually, I hope to contribute towards any social equity efforts that will benefit my home state and hometown (a high poverty community that has been at the crossroads of America’s major civil rights movements, with a correctional facility that houses an inmate population equivalent to nearly 10% of the town population).
CIJ: Where do you see the industry moving in the next five years?
Ernest: Ha-ha! It is hard to know what even a year from now will look like.
Just this week the United Nations rescheduled cannabis, which is a big deal! We also saw the U.S. House of Representatives pass the MORE Act. We are inching closer towards federal legalization in the US and I think it will happen within that five-year timeframe, and it will be contentious. There will be compromises on things some folks don’t want compromises on, there will be more big money influencing the outcomes of the industry, and there will be unforeseen or unintended consequences to whatever the federal legislation looks like. I recently moderated a panel of social equity license holders, who felt that federal legalization would harm the disproportionately impacted areas (by the War on Drugs) even more! Their preference was to see cannabis de-scheduled and remain under state control.
I think federal legalization will bring another wave of major mergers and acquisitions, similar to what the Canadian market experienced in 2019, benefiting big business over small business. “We need folks who are educated and informed about these matters to be at the policymaking level to have a fighting chance.”
CIJ: Do you think we can change that?
Ernest: There are so many things at play. The legislators need to have diverse perspectives and representation from the folks in the industry, especially people of color who can speak to the impact that a century of prohibition policies have had on their communities. Those voices and stories need to be heard, but that type of representation is grossly lacking on Capitol Hill…which is all the more reason we need leaders from the aforementioned communities to have a seat at the table when decisions are made.
I say that because a lot of time there are unforeseen consequences when policies are created, so decision makers at the federal level can learn from those of us already doing the work on the local level. I recently had a conversation with a former journalist and colleague who is currently in a cannabis regulatory role. We were talking about how policy and operations intersect with social equity. He made the points that “many markets implement license caps, which are intended to prevent oversaturation of cannabis business (the idea being that density of outlets impacts use rates, and particularly youth use rates); in theory, that’s a good policy – but it comes with very real consequences for social equity applicants (because those licenses often go to the wealthiest applicants). License caps also artificially inflate the cost of those licenses (for a transfer of ownership), which also harms social equity applicants. Lotteries are also generally the result of policy and usually have disastrous results for the social equity applicant.”
So yeah – the rare opportunity to define a new industry that doesn’t just do business as usual, that can right its historical wrongs, and that will reward the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis enforcement, is now. And we need folks who are educated and informed about these matters to be at the policymaking level to have a fighting chance. The optimist in me says “we can do it!” The pessimist in me reminds me that it is 2020 and people still believe the Earth is flat. I’ll keep pushing for change, but I also won’t be surprised if this perfect opportunity to get it right goes wrong.
CIJ: How can people get involved in BIPOCANN?
Ernest: The best way to get involved is to visit www.bipocann.com and support our efforts by becoming an individual member or business member. Not only does that give you the opportunity to connect directly with other members in our business network, but it gives you the chance to be the first to be notified about the latest projects, events, and opportunities we’re working on to change the industry, how we can. By joining, you also directly support BIPOCANN’s goals, contribute to the operating budget of a black-owned business in cannabis, and support the nonprofit partners who we allocate a percentage of monthly sales towards.
You can also get involved by subscribing to our monthly newsletter through the website or by following our social media accounts @bipocann. We are also available for speaking, media, or consulting projects that support social equity, diversity, and inclusion in cannabis. For those types of inquiries, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Originally posted on HBR by Leslie Gaines-Ross
A CEO’s reputation is a key part of a company’s success.
Few would disagree with that. But how about specifics? Weber Shandwick conducted new research with KRC Research, The CEO Reputation Premium: Gaining Advantage in the Engagement Era, among more than 1,750 executives in 19 markets worldwide. We sought out the perspectives of those closest to the CEO, those in the best position to judge.
We found that nearly one half of a company’s corporate reputation (45%) is attributable to its CEO’s reputation. Similarly, 44% of a company’s market value is attributable to its CEO’s reputation. Tellingly, one-half (50%) of the global executives we surveyed report that they expect CEO reputation to matter even more over the next few years. Global executives also say that a positive CEO reputation attracts new employees (77%) and helps to retain them (70%).
We found that executives value a few key attributes more than others. Among them:
1. Humility. Only one out of four CEOs in our study were described by their executives as being humble. Yet we found that highly regarded CEOs are nearly six times as likely as less highly regarded CEOs to be described as humble (34% vs. 6%, respectively). While there are still some well-known celebrity CEOs out there, today’s CEOs have to demonstrate their humility, not their celebrity, and make it clear that the company, not themselves, is their focus.
Humble CEOs motivate and empower those around them, share employees’ values, and listen well. They use their reputations on behalf of all. They rely on their senior teams to validate strategy. They build cultures that are about the collective whole, not individual rising stars.
This is a nascent trend that will undoubtedly continue to grow. Global media coverage of humble CEOs has spiked 200% in the past year and mentions have risen 70% in a Google search.
2. Visibility. While it’s important to be humble, a successful CEO can’t be a wallflower. A hefty 81% of global executives believe that for a company to be highly regarded it is important for CEOs to have a visible public profile. In addition, admired CEOs are four times more likely to be skilled at engaging the public than those with less admired status (50% vs. 13%, respectively). When engaging the public, CEOs are the purveyors of the company’s narrative. It is this narrative that must stand out amidst the informational deluge that besets the public. The CEO therefore must attend to the clarion call, standing up and standing out so as to tell the company’s story. Given the glut of competing information bombarding society, however, standing up and standing out is no easy task. It is immensely difficult to get the story of one’s company not only heard, but also recalled and shared. All of which leads to our next finding.
3. Persuasiveness. The CEO must convey the company narrative and satisfy the marketplace’s demand for content and transparency through both traditional methods of storytelling (such as media interviews) and newly developed digital channels. Which of the many communications channels are most important? The majority of global executives (82%) believe speaking engagements to be most beneficial when engaging external stakeholders. Industry-specific speaking engagements are more important than non-industry ones. Other important external CEO activities are building relationships with the media, using the company website strategically, and identifying compelling thought leadership platforms. Social media participation is also viewed favorably. A full 43% of respondents deem using social media a worthwhile CEO activity to demonstrate the company’s forward-looking ideas and clear vision for the future and, of course, to elucidate the company story.
Along with public visibility and engagement, however, comes some risk. When asked whether CEO visibility positively or negatively impacts company reputation overall, an equal number said it improves reputation (41%) as said it can either improve or harm reputation (41%). Just 10% said visibility serves only to harm a company’s reputation. So the smart CEO takes advantage of the positives but is wary of the negatives.
Global executives today are luckier than ever — a rich ecosystem of channels exists to promote the company’s business strategy, greater purpose, and company story. Customers are ready to engage with the CEO, and conferences with receptive audiences are exploding.
CEOs now generally accept what has long been apparent: like it or not, they are public figures. By virtue of digital communications we all have in some sense or another gone public. It is just that some of us, CEOs in particular, are more public than others. There is no turning back. It’s time to embrace engagement — but in a most humble way.
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When will GST be applicable? – GST is Applicable from 1st July 2017. Check Applicability of GST, SGST, CGST, GST is Applicable or not for CA Course. GST is Rolled out From 1st July 2017. Check Latest News on GST Applicability. Everyone ask that when GST is applicable in India so in this article we provide all latest Updates on GST Applicability, Check all updates from below. Hello Everyone Here we are providing Complete Details on Applicability of GST (Goods and Service Tax). In this article you can find all details regarding When will GST be applicable. Recently we provided Complete details for Registration Under GST – Registration Requirement, Liability. and Role of Company Secretary in GST, Role of CS in GST. Now you can scroll down below and find Details for When will GST be applicable – Know complete details.
GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, which will be levied on the supply of goods or services or both in India. GST will subsume a number of existing indirect taxes being levied by the Centre and State Governments, including Central Excise duty, Service Tax, VAT, Purchase Tax, Central Sales Tax, Entry Tax, Local Body Taxes, Octroi, Luxury Tax, etc. The countdown for the much awaited indirect taxes reform has begun with the GST implementation slated from 1st July 2017.
GST Registration is Started and we already Provided Complete Procedure for GST Registration for all Existing Taxpayers. You may find all details for GST Registration with Screenshots and Video Guide, we also provide Last Date for GST Registration in Various States, Please Check more details for GST Registration from below link…
GST Live Updates on 30th June 2017 (30-06-2017)
GST: For the first time in 70 years, for the first time in the tax reform Parliament today
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is going to be implemented from July 1 throughout the country. For this, the Joint Session of Parliament is being called on Friday midnight. This will be the fourth chance in the history of independent India when the midnight session will be held in Central Hall of Parliament. Earlier, on three occasions Parliament was invited to celebrate Independence at midnight. However, for the first time in 70 years this is happening when Parliament will run for midnight on any tax reform. On the other hand, the Indian industry and the market regulator against GST have announced the closure of shops in the country on Friday. 1
The night will start from 11.00 a.m., First will be the speech of Pranab Mukherjee and then Narendra Modi. At 12 o’clock in the night, it will be announced to implement the GST. Two short films will be shown by the government’s efforts to implement the GST.
Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and former PM HD Devgowda will also be present.
Keep visit to this page for more live updates on GST Implementation
Latest News on GST Applicability
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be launched from 12th Parliament on June 30, 2017. GST will be implemented from midnight on 30th June in the country. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch GST. Jaitley said in a press conference on Monday that the special session of both the houses will be called in the Central Hall of Parliament on the midnight of June 30, 2017. GST’s biggest tax reform after independence …
The GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council on Saturday cleared the pending rules, including transition provisions and returns, with all the States agreeing to the July 1 rollout of the tax, So GST is applicable to all business from 1st July 2017… Keep visit to this page more latest updates related to applicability of GST….
GST is Applicable from 1st July 2017
“We were discussing the rules and [they] have been completed. Transition rules have been cleared and everybody has agreed for a July 1 rollout,” Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac told reporters in New Delhi.
- Arun Jaitley said that 2 short films will be shown in the GST launch program. In the GST launch program, besides the President, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Devgora will also be included.
- He said that all the MPs, Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of the states have been invited to the GST launch program.
- After GST is implemented, there will be major changes in indirect taxation. GST is the country’s largest tax reform after independence.
- The Modi government has proposed to convene a special session of Parliament on 30th June in view of the historic occasion of GST implementation. This session will start from 11 p.m. on 30th June and till 12:10 p.m.
- This special session of Parliament will be a joint session of both houses.
- This will be the first time when a law will be called to Parliament session on midnight. Earlier on 14th August 1947 a special session was called on midnight.
Now, it seems that the countdown for implementation of GST has begun and State Governments are also keen to implement the GST Act from 1st July, 2017 which is reflected in the fact that twenty States/UTs have already passed their respective SGST Act in their assembly as on date
- GST Registration Procedure
- GST Rates 2017
- List of Services Taxable in GST
- List of Services Exempted in GST
- List of Goods Exempted in GST
- GST Rate 5% Goods List 2017
- GST Rate 12% Goods List 2017
- GST Rate 18% Goods List 2017
- GST Rate 28% Goods List 2017
4 types of GST
- 1. CGST ie Central GST: It will be recovered by the Central Government.
- 2. SGST ie State GST: It will be recovered by the State Government.
- 3. IGST i.e. Integrated GST: If any business is between two states, then this tax will be levied on it. It will give equal share in both the states by collecting central government.
- 4. Union Territory GST: The Union Government will look at goods, service or both to be administered by the Government. It will recover the central government only.
03-06-2017 – जीएसटी परिषद ने लंबित नियमों को दी मंजूरी, सभी राज्य 1 जुलाई से लागू करने पर सहमत – जीएसटी परिषद ने जीएसटी व्यवस्था के तहत रिटर्न भरने और बदलाव के दौर से गुजरने संबंधी तमाम नियमों सहित सभी लंबित नियमों को मंजूरी दे दी.
Latest News on GST Applicability – 29-03-2017
GST Bill is passed in Lok Sabha on today 29/03/2017 with all amendments. The GST bill has passed with the amendments in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The four bills associated with GST are Central GST (CGST), Integrated GST (IGST), Union GST (UTGST) and Compensation Law Bill. The bill was debated for 7 hours. Narendra Modi is also in the house During the debate, Jaitley said: “GST will not increase inflation. Current tax rates will remain at a level. At the same time, Congress MP Veerappa Moily said – This is not a game changer step but a baby step. Four bills linked to GST were introduced in Parliament on Monday. There are more than 40% GST rates in the bill, provision for authority to stop profiteering and arrest of tax evasion.
The GST (Goods and Services Tax) is set to be rolled out from 1 July 2017 after the centre and the states struck a consensus on the contentious issue of sharing of administrative powers.
The centre had earlier targeted a rollout on 1 April, 2017 but now Central Govt to be rolled out from 01-07-2017 (1 July 2017)
The target date for introduction of GST is 1st July 2017 Introduction of this transformational tax reform is expected to broaden the tax base, increase tax compliance and reduce economic distortions caused by inter-State variations in taxes. GST will boost economic activity and will benefit everyone. It will streamline the tax administration, avoid harassment of the business and result in higher revenue collection for the Centre and States. Compliance costs for the industry will go down. Last but not the least, it will create more jobs. In sum, it would be a win-win situation for everyone i.e. taxpayers, governments, consumers, etc.
When GST is Applicable – Modi Government Want to applicable GST Bill From 1st July 2017, So as per Latest News GST is Applicable from 1st July 2017, Keep visit to our site for more latest updates…..
GST is Applicable from 1st July 2017
“The range of timing when GST has to come into force is between April 1 2017 and September 16, 2017 due to constitutional necessity. Nobody has the luxury of time,” Jaitley said in his address at the 89th annual general meeting of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) here.
Run up to GST
- The GST Bills have been passed by the Parliament
- Subsequent to the passage of GST Bills in the Parliament, states will take up State GST Bills for clearance in the respective state legislative assemblies.
- The list of exemption, classification of goods and service and machinery provisions including valuation and other rules are yet to be notified.
- As per the office order issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs, the Government has set up ten working groups to iron out sectoral issues faced by trade and industry to ensure smooth transition to GST. Sectors include banking, telecom, IT and ITES, financial, textile, oil and gas, gems and jewellery, transport and logistics, and MSMEs.
Keep visit to our site for more updates…
GST Applicability in CA Exams
(GST is Applicable from May 2018 attempt in CA Course = ICAI Official News
As per ICAI official notification –
|GST to be made applicable from May, 2018 examination onwards for Intermediate (IPC) Course and Final Course – (30-03-2017)
The Council of ICAI has decided that Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be examined in both Part II: Indirect Taxes of Paper 4: Taxation of Intermediate (IPC) Course and Paper 8: Indirect Tax Laws of Final Course from May, 2018 examination onwards.
GST Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha on 3rd August 2016 (03-08-2016)
Finally GST Bill passed after serious debate. On Today GST Bill is Passed in Rajya Sabha. GST Bill is Passed with 203 Votes. There are no vote against GST Bill. AIADMK walks out of the Rajya Sabha before the voting takes place.
देश के सबसे बड़े टैक्स रिफॉर्म गुड्स और सर्विस टैक्स (जीएसटी) बिल के लागू होना का रास्ता साफ हो गया। राज्यसभा में लंबी बहस के बाद बिल पारित हो गया।इस बिल के पक्ष में 203 वोट पड़े, जबकि इसके विरोध में कोई वोट नहीं पड़ा। इससे पहले अन्नाद्रमुक के सदस्य बिल के विरोध में सदन से बहिर्गमन कर गए।…
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When will GST be applicable
The Central Government has finally agreed to many demands of various states during the most successful meeting held so far on 15th December , 2014. This is claimed to be a win win deal and passing of first hurdle in rolling out the long awaited goods and service tax (GST) in India from July, 2017 .Now, the probability of introducing the amended bill in winters parliamentary session cannot be ruled out.
GST will ultimately create a unified market by ending up the multiple levies of taxes by the Centre and the States.Consequently, it will lower the costs for business and more revenue for the government.The states were afraid of loss of flexibility but it is said that this meeting has cleared many such fears .Broad agreement has been arrived between the Centre and various States.
For initial years , petroleum products will be outside the regime of GST. It is pertinent to note that many states get half of their taxes from such products only and for long it has had been a major concern for the states .
The said meeting was very significant for implementing GST in India in as much as the states have been allowed to to levy the following taxes in addition to GST :
1. additional levy in lieu of entry tax:
such tax will be subsumed into the combined tax on goods and services
2. transitionary tax :
manufacturing states like Gujarat and others can levy transitionary tax for one to two years.
In addition to the above, it was also assured that the Central Government will substantiate all the losses of states for a period of 5 years after the rolling out of GST in India.
Considering these major developments, we can say that very soon GST in India will be a dream come true . At the same , it is ironical to note that the original date was April 2010 for implementing GST in India but it took long 6 years to implement by making a political will to build a uniform taxed regime in India and now date for its implementation is July 2017.
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Spot demand lifts nickel futures by 0.27 pc
Supported by rising demand from alloy-makers in domestic spot markets, nickel prices moved up by 0.20 per cent to Rs 800.80 per kg in futures trade today as participants enlarged their bets.
Nickel for delivery in November moved up by Rs 1.60 or 0.20 per cent to Rs 800.80 per kg, in a business turnover of 440 lots at the Multi Commodity Exchange.
The metal for delivery in December too rose marginally by 80 paise, or 0.10 per cent to Rs 805.50 per kg in 35 lots.
Analysts attributed the rise in nickel prices at futures trade to raising of bets by speculators following pick up in demand from alloy makers in the spot market.
(This article has not been edited by Zeebiz editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.


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Xoom Corporation, a leading digital money transfer provider, announced the launch of its money transfer service to China. This instant bank deposit service allows Chinese immigrants with a U.S. bank account, credit card, or debit card to conveniently send money online to most bank accounts in China within seconds. With the addition of China, Xoom’s money transfer service now reaches 31 countries worldwide.
“This is a significant milestone for Xoom,” said John Kunze, Xoom’s President and CEO. “As we expand our service to the world’s most populous country, Chinese immigrants in the U.S. can safely, conveniently, and cost-effectively send money to their loved ones. With Xoom’s breakthrough technology, money can be deposited into the recipient’s account instantly. No waiting in line, no high fees. Just the most convenient money transfer service possible. Plus, our customers can always count on 24/7 service, 365 days a year.”
When customers send money to China during bank processing hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Beijing Standard Time), their transfer will arrive in seconds. Transfers are processed through the UnionPay MoneyExpress network. All customers require is their recipient’s UnionPay card number and the Pin-Yin name associated with that card. Xoom will instantly transfer funds to some of the most recognizable banking brands in China, including Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Customers can send up to $2,999 for just $8.88 when paying with their bank account.
Xoom provides locked-in exchange rates on Renminbi (CNY) deposits to China and a secure and convenient way for Chinese immigrants to send money from their computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Customers can download Xoom’s app for Android and iOS mobile devices for free.


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Ads by Google
Vitamin and Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation neither increased nor decreased heart disease and stroke risk in generally healthy postmenopausal women over seven years of use.
Two new vitamin D studies have revealed new prescriptions for possibly preventing up to half of the cases of breast cancer and two thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer in the United States.
A popular nutritional supplement could lend muscle strength to people with muscular dystrophies.
Investigate the link of vitamin D levels and Multiple Sclerosis, researchers have found an association between higher levels of vitamin D in the body and a lower risk of MS.
Supplements are not substitutes for healthful dietary patterns, and adolescents should be encouraged to adopt healthful patterns.
The relationship between dietary antioxidants and oxidative damage in smokers: evidence of effect modification by lifestyle and genetic factors.
Antioxidant vitamins and folic acid didn't slow the development of cardiovascular disease among high risk women.
Curry spice extract, turmeric supplements may offer arthritis hope.
Supplement dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is popularly used for antiaging, has no effect on aging markers such as muscle strength, peak endurance, muscle mass, fat mass and glucose tolerance.
Omega 3 fatty acid supplements may slow cognitive decline in some patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease.
This issue has more papers testing the dietary supplement efficacy of commercially available products against their marketed claims.
Unproven drug claims prompt seizure of dietary supplements.
The effects of calcium supplementation on bone density in healthy children is very little.
In addition to Vitamin D, the researchers also measured the association between pancreatic cancer and the intakes of calcium and retinol (Vitamin A).
In recent weeks, many news reports have focused on the potential health benefits of vitamin D. This news coverage has led to the incorrect perception that you have to intentionally seek the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in order to get the health benefits that vitamin D may provide.
There is little current evidence that specific dietary interventions work, thus on this evidence we cannot recommend their widespread use in cancer management.
An alternative form of natural vitamin E can be taken by mouth and will reach the blood in humans at levels determined to protect against stroke and other diseases.
Creatine monohydrate, a dietary supplement often marketed as a way to enhance athletic performance and to increase weight, muscle size and strength, could cause health problems for some adolescents.
Major intestinal surgery, including stomach reduction for obesity, may boost the chances of subsequent vitamin A deficiency.
The number one cause of toxic reaction from herbal or dietary supplements is not from the herb itself, but from possible contaminants that may be in the supplement.


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Cruise Europe has called for all stakeholders in the cruise industry to collaborate to protect the environment. The conference also reinforced the importance of cruise lines alleviating public concern about ships’ impact on the environment by outlining the actions they have taken to minimise their footprint.
The Cruise Europe conference was held in Zeebrugge, Belgium from 2-7 March and focused on making the cruise industry more sustainable. A record number of people attended this year, including cruise line executives, media and representatives from European Sea Ports Organisation and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Many ports are facing reduced calls due to local restrictions, such as reduced emissions in the Norwegian fjords and Amsterdam’s US$8 tax per passenger. Speakers at the conference spoke about the need to address the issues and find solutions for protecting the environment and business.
“In a lot of ports and regions assumptions are being made without scientific facts, and restrictions are being implemented on the cruise lines without proper consultation,” said Michael McCarthy, chairman of Cruise Europe. “We are not being given the information by the cruise lines and CLIA in order to respond to [local and regional] issues. Cruise lines must share information with us. There is a basket of solutions which, when taken together, can solve the sustainability issues.”
Hernan Zini, vice president of worldwide port operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, highlighted the opportunity that cruise lines have to educate the public with their ships. Other representatives from other cruise lines at the event offered to educate stakeholders onboard during port calls.
Chris Millman, vice president of corporate marine technology at Carnival Corporation, presented findings from a scientific study on advanced air quality systems and exhaust gas cleaning systems. The report showed that they are a safe and comply with the International Maritime Organization’s wash water guidelines regarding the 2020 sulphur cap.
Source: Cruise and Ferry.net website


text: With the increase in supplies came a return of all-cash investors, who had been moving out of the market, causing sales of homes on the low end to plummet. Investors made up 22% of home buyers in February, according to the Realtors, up from 19% in January. All-cash sales hit 32%, up from 28%, and distressed home sales also increased to 25% of all sales, from 23%. Low inventory has kept first-time home buyers, who largely seek lower-priced homes, out of the market. Newlyweds Brian and Ali Earle have been looking for a home in Northern Virginia for almost a year. "There's not a lot out there," Brian said. "It's actually amazing. We see houses go under contract in a day or two, and so we really have to be on top of the game and be willing to drop everything and run and go check out a house, or it'll be gone." Brian and Ali are qualified for a mortgage, but many sellers today still favor the all-cash deal. That puts them at even more of a disadvantage. "Everywhere we've looked there are at least five or six offers going in within a 48 hour period," Ali said. "It's a little stressful." Faced with competition from cash-heavy investors for, first-timers represented just 30% of buyers in February, compared to a more normal 40% historically. -- Written by Diana Olick for CNBC.


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Central Visayas economic growth this year to boost job opportunities
CEBU CITY, Philippines–The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7) says there will be more jobs created this year due to the projected growth in the region’s economy.
“As we celebrate Labor Day, we also rejoice at the positive economic performance of the region in 2018,” DTI regional director Aster Caberte said during the opening of the Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK).
The TNK is a business and jobs fair held Wednesday, May 1, to mark the Labor Day celebration.
According to Caberte, jobseekers could look forward to more jobs this year due to the region’s good economic performance.
“Central Visayas economy grew by 7.6 percent in 2018 on the back of the accelerated performance of industry and services,” she pointed out.
Services remained the top contributor to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP). However, industry grew the fastest, posting a 9.5 percent growth last year, Caberte said.
“The drivers of the accelerated growth were manufacturing and construction, which grew by 8.3 percent and 14.2 percent respectively,” she added.
As part of the TNK, DTI-7 conducted business orientation seminars for those interested in putting up a business. The agency also made available all services of the Negosyo Center, including business name registration.
DTI assists micro, small and medium enterprises by improving access to finance and expanding market access. It also helps strengthen MSME productivity and competitiveness. /dcb
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.


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Dapper Labs — the creator of Ethereum's ETH/USD ERC-720 non-fungible token (NFT) standard and the Crypto Kitties — closed a $250 million funding round led by Coatue.
What Happened: Dapper Labs' latest funding round also saw the participation of a16z, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Version One Ventures with new investors including BOND and GIC. A source cited by industry news outlet Coindesk claims Dapper Labs received a $7.6 billion valuation.
Coatue Ventures Chairman Dan Rose said the firm "has been investing in technology trends for over 20 years and web 3.0 is one of the most exciting trends we've seen." According to him, "Dapper Labs is a leader in the space at the infrastructure level with Flow blockchain and in the application layer with NBA TopShot."
See Also: HOW TO BUY NBA TOP SHOTS NFT
The announcement follows the firm raising $305 million from investors including Michael Jordan, Ashton Kutcher and Will Smith at the end of March — valuing the company at $2.6 billion. Per the release, Dapper Lab's NBA Top Shot grew by 30x in 2021, processed more than $780 million in collectibles bought and sold and had more than 1.1 million registered accounts of which 48% own at least one NFT. NBA Top Shot also processed over 13 million transactions.
Dapper Labs CEO Roham Gharegozlou also highlighted the firm's Flow FLOW/USD blockchain, which purportedly attracted over 3,000 developers, artists, creators and brands looking to build. Alphabet Inc.'s GOOGL GOOG Google Cloud service also recently partnered with the firm to support the scaling of the network.
Photo: Gerd Altmann via Pixabay
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