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Nike, Inc. recently announced its new geographic leadership in Greater China and North America as a continued effort to drive and accelerate growth in Nike’s largest geographic markets.
The company announced that the Nike veteran Craig Cheek will be taking over as the Vice President and General Manager of Greater China. Craig Cheek most recently served as the Vice President and General Manager of Nike’s North America geography, overseeing growth in the United States and Canada. He has a deep understanding of the Nike consumer and, through his 20-year career with the company, has continued to drive innovative strategies through product, sales and marketing. Cheek has held various senior management roles in the sales, product development and general management areas of Nike. Now he will be reporting to Gary DeStefano, President of Global Operations for Nike and replaces Willem Haitink, who will now become the Vice President and General Manager of Converse’s European, Middle East and Africa business.
In this new role, Haitink will oversee the Converse business outside of the UK and will report to Nick Stowe, Senior Vice President of Converse International. Haitink has been responsible for driving strong growth across Greater China for the past five years and has established Nike as a clear market leader in this geography. During this time, he was responsible for leading the team through a successful Beijing Olympic Games, building Nike’s brand, increasing consumer connections and elevating and expanding the brand`s retail presence. He has been with Nike for more than 15 years holding several senior leadership roles including General Manager of Nike Mexico and Nike’s Central, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa businesses.
Elliott Hill, will replace Cheek to lead the North American geography. Hill has served as the Vice President of Global Retail charged with delivering on Nike’s potential for growth and innovation in the company’s direct to consumer business. He has more than 22 years of experience with Nike and has held various senior level management roles within the company’s sales, product and retail organizations around the world. In his new role as Vice President and General Manager of North America, Hill will report to Gary DeStefano, President of Global Operations.
“Willem Haitink has led Nike’s Greater China business to achieve strong growth, and now we look forward to Craig Cheek taking the lead and continuing the momentum in this important geography,” said Gary DeStefano, President of Global Operations. “Craig will lead us forward to achieve our goal of doubling our size in China by 2015. Our brand in North America remains strong and Elliott Hill will continue to deepen our lead across this geography. With Hill’s experience, we will continue to connect with consumers by focusing on our category offense and by elevating the retail experience across all channels of distribution.”
Nike, Inc., is world`s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.


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Before Hitman 3, everything started back in 2000 with the release of Hitman: Codename 47 by IO Interactive. The world was introduced to the assassin known only as Agent 47, who then appears in 6 more games up to Hitman 2 in 2018. Outside of video games, the franchise has had two full-length films, two novels along with a comic series. There have also been spin-offs like Hitman Go and Hitman: Sniper for the mobile platform.
Hitman 3 Trilogy
Hitman 3 is scheduled to be released on January 20, 2021 for the PlayStation 4+5, Xbox One+X/S, Windows, Google Stadia and Nintendo Switch. The release will complete the Hitman Trilogy and players who owned Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) will be able to import maps, levels and their progress into Hitman 3. One difference is that compared to Hitman 2, multiplayer modes and Ghost Mode being will be removed entirely.
In a statement, IO Interactive said that in honor of the 20th year, Hitman 3 is going to be celebrated in a spectacular fashion. IO confirms Hitman 3 will hit tech peak like 4K 60FPS with HDR enabled on both PS5 and Series X while demonstrating big improvements to its in-game graphics and design. IO also confirms it will push next-gen consoles to contain up to 300 NPCs / AIs on the screen at a single time. Other drastic overhauls include atmospheric effects that recreate realistic weather. The result is a Hitman experience that’s more realistic than any previous game.
Check the latest trailer
To showcase the power of its new engine tech, IO released a gameplay trailer set in Chongqing, a Chinese City dripping with both neon and rain. Glacier, the in-house engine that IO used to develop the game beautifully rendered wet ground, wet fabrics, and lighting effects of the surroundings.

domain: news


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Online shopping giant Amazon is buying MGM, the movie and TV studio behind James Bond, “Legally Blonde” and “Shark Tank,” with the hopes of filling its video streaming service with more stuff to watch, AP reports.
E-commerce fraud prevention startup Forter has raised $300m in a funding round led by hedge fund Tiger Global Management, more than doubling its valuation to $3bn in about six months. Adage Capital Management and billionaire-investor Daniel Loeb's Third Point Ventures also participated, Forter said on Tuesday, as quoted by Reuters.
Weeks before Bill and Melinda Gates announced their divorce in early May, the foundation bearing their names sold off hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of stock in Apple and Twitter, Business Insider reported.
US plane maker Boeing announced plans to restore production of its 737MAX carriers as market demand for jets with medium range is picking up, Reuters reported. Boeing plans to increase its output capacity to as much as 42 jets per month by the end of the autumn of 2022. The company bets on a rapid growth in flight business that would offset both technological and Covid-19 related health concerns. Boeing plans a first step recovery with 31 jets per month by next March.
US Colonial Pipeline confirmed it had paid $4.4 million ransom to hackers in order to be able to restart normal operations, BBC reported. The hack attack succeeded in shutting down temporarily the pipeline and switched it offline. The boss of Colonial Joseph Blount admitted to the Wall Street Journal that he authorised the payment on 7 May because of uncertainty over how long the shutdown would continue.
UK announced that the long awaited merger between the broadband company Virgin Media and Telefonica's British mobile network O2 has received a green light, Reuters reported. The deal will result in establishing of a new telecommunication giant with a combined value of 31.4 billion pounds. It took several months before the UK antitrust body gave a go ahead to the deal.
Ryanair won two victories in its fight against billions of euros extended in state aid to rivals as Europe's second-highest court annulled the support given to KLM and Portugal's TAP on the grounds that regulators failed to justify the huge cash injections.


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Inflation in Abu Dhabi accelerates in first eight months of the year
CPI incresaes 1.9 per cent year-on-year during the period
Consumer prices in Abu Dhabi edged up 1.9 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2017, with nearly half of the increase coming from housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (Scad) reported.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels, the largest contributor to the increase with 31.2 per cent weighting in the consumer price index, rose 2.7 per cent in the first eight months, compared with the same period last year, the centre said.
Transport, which has 14.7 per cent weighting, was the second-largest contributor to the price increase in the first eight months of this year, rising by 4.2 per cent during the period, followed by miscellaneous goods and services.
In August, the inflation rate accelerated 1.6 per cent year-on-year, compared with a 1 per cent year-on-year increase in July, according to Scad.
Meanwhile, the UAE Central Bank governor Mubarak Al Mansouri said yesterday that the country’s non-oil economic growth is forecast to pick up next year and expand at least 3.5 per cent from 3.1 per cent this year, Reuters
Non-oil GDP is forecast to expand by 3.3 per cent this year from 2.7 per cent last year, the IMF has said.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Standard Chartered are both forecasting that the non-oil economy will grow 3.2 per cent this year compared to 2.7 per cent last year.
The IMF and Bank of America Merrill Lynch concur that medium-term non-oil growth will reach 3 per cent or higher, thanks to investments in the lead-up to Expo 2020.
Updated: September 17, 2017 08:19 PM


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West Pak Avocado Welcomes Mario Pacheco as CEO
MURRIETA, CA – As the produce distributor prepares to move into another successful year, West Pak Avocados is looking to a new executive to take the helm. The company has announced that Mario Pacheco will step in as its new Chief Executive Officer.
“I look forward to working with West Pak’s valued customers, growers, suppliers, and internal team to continue the company’s successful momentum forward,” stated Mario. “As the incoming CEO, I look to always implement the best possible business practices while maintaining the company’s much-deserved reputation with continued high standards.”
Mario will cover the day-to-day operations of the company, and oversee all financial and business building efforts. According to a recent press release, Mario will be stepping into this role as its Co-Founders Randy Shoup and Galen Newhouse are looking to retire from the company’s daily operations.
“Mario brings a certain level of expertise to West Pak Avocado with an impressive and well-rounded background in the produce industry,” said Randy. “He is a welcome addition to our company and I am confident that he will be an amazing, not to mention well respected, leader for our team.”
Mario brings 21 years of experience to West Pak from Chiquita Brands International, with time served throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Most recently, Pacheco served as President of Chiquita’s shipping and logistics arm Great White Fleet (GWF).
In addition, Mario has an extensive background in the fruit business, supply chain operations, and finance. The company stated that his specialties include the following:
- Business building
- Global supply chain leadership
- Revenue generation
- Supply and demand balancing and operations planning
- Financial analysis
- Creative cost reduction
- Service improvement
“Mario also brings an assured yet enthusiastic energy to the table with a natural sense for innovation,” stated Galen. “He’s very personable and down to earth with a management style that places a high value on collaboration, team building and nurturing business relationships at all levels. We’re simply thrilled to have him on board!”
Mario has also served as Senior Vice President of Global Logistics, and Vice President of Sourcing and Product Allocation, in addition to a multitude of other leadership positions.
West Pak Avocado stated that the company is enthusiastic about welcoming Mario to its 30-year-young business and close-knit family operation.
Congratulations to Mario and West Pak Avocado on this appointment, we can't wait to see where you head next!


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November 3, 2021 | Andrew Marshall
After years of customer requirements, PNW Components joined the MTB technology apparel game with jackets, sweatshirts and men's shorts.
Anyone who buys goods online has encountered a situation where the delivery method fails. Throughout Latin America, e-commerce purchases are expected to grow at a double-digit annual rate by 2024.
There were 593 press releases in the past 24 hours and 185,555 press releases in the past 365 days.
Commercial Vehicle Market in 2021-Opportunities and Strategies-Global Forec
Useful EHS tips, news, and advice. Updated daily.
According to the announcement on November 18, after dismissing a former employee in June 2020, Houston Mobile Crane Leasing Company was order
597 press releases were issued in the past 24 hours, and 185,559 press releases were issued in the past 365 days.
Growing application areas, such as healthcare, manufacturing,
10 inspirational movies every entrepreneur must watch
Russia's Soyuz 2.1b rocket roared at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, providing a new multi-port docking module for the I
The second Gulf German Film Festival in the UAE, Bahrain and Oman will be held from November 26 to December 4, screening award-winning German films and international co-productions.
With "Outside Lands" coming, time is running out, you need to line up all your ducks and plan your holiday experience. Here's how to save some trouble (and some hard-earned cash) before heading to


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General admission to the Park remains free. Visitors who bike or walk can enter Moncus Park at no charge. Special Event parking rates will vary and be announced in advance.
Taylor Stokes is expanding her product reach to 10 Whole Foods stores in Houston, with the hopes of eventually distributing her products regionally.
The gist: In an election year breakthrough, nearly 20 Lafayette Parish projects have survived into the final days of the state legislative session. Pending a signature from the governor, the area is set to pull more than $40 million in priority funding for some long-suffering projects, as well as $150 million in transportation dollars for […]


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TOP EMPLOYERS are showcasing their job vacancies in a 12-day-long virtual careers fair this month.
Jobstoday’s National Virtual Careers Fair, which launched on September 2, will allow talented job seekers to connect to local and national employers.
The careers fair is an online platform, where job seekers can browse vacancies at some of the top companies from across the UK.
Visitors to the online platform will be able to connect in a real-time environment, and apply for advertised vacancies – all from the comfort of their own home.
Group category manager at Johnston Press Joanne Harwood said the fair was a ‘huge advantage’ to those looking for work, and was an efficient way for employers to advertise jobs.
She said: “By creating a fair that can be navigated as if you were there in person;, it enables employers and job seekers to connect more efficiently and successfully through innovative technology solutions.
“This latest trend offers job seekers a huge advantage as they can find jobs that best suit their skills set and desired working environment.”
A total of 25 top employers are signed-up for the virtual fair.
These include Nationwide, Sodexho, Rolls-Royce, Zurich and Aldi.
The wide range of companies ensures job seekers in numerous areas, such as office, retail and logistics will have vacancies to apply for.
Job seekers can join the fair by registering for free at www.jobstodaycareerfair.com
All that is required is a computer with internet access, and recent version of Flash Player.
The virtual fair is set-up like a real-life jobs event, with virtual ‘stands’ set-up for the various jobs providers.
With positive responses from job seekers and businesses, Jobstoday will also run another Virtual Careers Fair event, later in the year.
Businesses can also find out how to get involved, and set-up their own virtual stand, by contacting 0114 299 6173.
Alternatively, email email@example.com


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(Beyond Pesticides, June 13, 2008) A recent study by Newcastle University, published in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture, finds that organic farmers who let their cows graze as nature intended are producing better quality milk. The Nafferton Ecological Farming Group study finds that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk which contains significantly higher beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins than their conventional ”˜high input’ counterparts. During the summer months, one of the beneficial fats in particular — conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA9 — is found to be 60% higher.”We have known for some time that what cows are fed has a big influence on milk quality,” explained Gillian Butler, livestock project manager for the Nafferton Ecological Farming Group at Newcastle University, who led the study. “What is different about this research is it clearly shows that on organic farms, letting cows graze naturally, using forage-based diet, is the most important reason for the differences in the composition between organic and conventional milk.“We’ve shown that significant seasonal differences exist, with nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants being highest during the summer, when the cows are eating fresh grass and clover.”
“As a result, our future research is focusing on how to improve the nutritional composition of milk during the winter, when cows are kept indoors and fed mainly on conserved forage.”
The study, which involved Newcastle scientists working with the Danish Institute for Agricultural Science, is part of the ongoing cross-European Quality Low Input Food project into animal health and welfare, milk quality and working towards minimizing the use of antibiotics in dairy production.
“This paper is a major milestone in the project and clearly shows that if you manage livestock naturally then it’s a win-win situation for both us and them,” said Professor Carlo Leifert, project coordinator.
The scientists also discovered interesting results from a group of low-input farms in Wales, which are not certified organic but use very similar production methods to organic farms (the main difference is the use of some mineral fertilizer and shorter withdrawal periods after antibiotic use). To reduce costs, these farmers calved all their cows in spring and grazed them throughout lactation, from March until November, resulting in milk being produced on an almost 100% fresh grass diet. Milk from these non-organic farms also have significantly higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants, which is a direct result of the extensive outdoor rearing and fresh forage intake.
“These New-Zealand type dairy systems are not common in the UK, as weather conditions in many areas of the country make it unworkable,” explained Mrs Butler. “Therefore, milk from these farms is not available to the public as it’s mixed in with milk from conventional systems during processing.
“However, including these extremely extensive systems allowed us to clearly link the difference in milk quality to the dairy cows’ diets.”
Gordon Tweddle, of Acorn Dairy in County Durham, is a local supplier of organic milk. “We have believed for some time that organic milk is better for us and our customers tell us it tastes better,” he said. “It is satisfying to have the scientific explanation as to why it is also nutritionally better.”
Organic farmers Kevin and Lisa Engelbert from Nichols, NY are among the hundreds of family farmers in the United States who supply organic milk from pastured cows. “We’re glad to know that there is now a growing body of scientific evidence to support what we’ve always believed, which is that allowing our cows to eat their natural diet and exhibit their natural behavior on pasture has real benefits for consumers as well,” says Lisa Engelbert.
This current research confirms previous studies in the UK, which reported higher concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids in milk from organic production systems than conventional ones.
CLA, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and carotenoids have all been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. CLA is hugely popular in the U.S., where it is marketed as a nutritional supplement. However, synthetic supplements often contain compounds with a different chemical composition (isomer balance) than those occurring naturally in milk, resulting in an equal dose of both ”˜good’ (i.e. CLA9, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin E and carotenoids) and ”˜less desirable’ fatty acids (i.e. omega-6 fatty acids and CLA10).
“Switching to organic milk provides an alternative, natural way to increase our intake of nutritionally desirable fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants without increasing our intake of less desirable fatty acids and synthetic forms of vitamin E,” said Mrs. Butler. “In organic milk, the omega-3 levels increase but the omega-6 does not, which helps to improve the crucial ratio between the two.”
The study involved 25 farms across the UK in two contrasting areas of the UK — South Wales and the North East. The scientists looked at three different farming systems: conventional high input, organically certified, and non-organic sustainable (low-input).
The Nafferton Ecological Farming Group at Newcastle University collected 109 milk samples from 25 commercial farms categorised into the three different production systems: conventional high input; organically certified low input; and non-organic, low input. These samples were taken in August and October in 2004 and January, March and May the following year.
The group investigated the effects of seasonal and indoor/outdoor feeding differences on the milk’s fatty acid profile, and also compared individual carotenoids, stereo-isomers of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) or isomers of CLA. The higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids found in the organic milk are CLA9, omega-3 and linolenic acid and the antioxidants/vitamins are vitamin E and carotenoids. The lower levels of undesirable fatty acids are omega-6 and CLA10.
The study is part of the ongoing Cross-European Quality Low Input Food project, which looks into animal health and welfare, milk quality, and working toward minimizing the use of antibiotics in dairy production. “This paper clearly shows that if you manage livestock naturally then it’s a win-win situation for both us and them,” says Professor Carlo Leifert, the project coordinator.
Michael Pollen, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food, said, “This study joins a growing body of science indicating strong links between what we feed our farm animals and the nutritional quality of what they feed us. Not only are you what you eat, but you are what what you eat eats too.”
The Cornucopia Institute, which has led investigations into violations by large-scale Aurora Organic Dairy, has published a scorecard and report on organic dairies in the U.S. For additional information on the organic movement, visit our program page.


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Prepare to be excited about a blockbuster economic report on Friday morning — but not too excited.
Preliminary data from the Commerce Department is expected to show that United States gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of more than 4 percent in April through June. Some economists think growth may have topped 5 percent — a figure reached only once in the eight years of the Obama administration as the economy recovered from the recession.
While he said he didn’t know the actual number, President Trump didn’t wait to herald the rosy news. At an event in Iowa on Thursday, he said he was expecting a very strong result, noting predictions that ran to 5 percent or higher. “It could be very close,” he said. “Could even happen.”
“We’ll take anything with a four in front,” he added.
Even a number starting with a four, though, will almost certainly be misleading. Several one-time factors — including a surge in exports tied, at least in part, to Mr. Trump’s trade policies — probably combined to pump up growth in the second quarter. Those effects won’t last, and economists expect growth to slow in the second half of the year. Pretty much no one outside the White House thinks a growth rate of 4 percent is sustainable in the long term.
Still, recent data does suggest that the pace of growth has picked up this year. Some economists think full-year growth in gross domestic product could hit 3 percent in 2018 for the first time since 2005.
“The bottom line is that the economy is doing better,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist for the accounting firm Grant Thornton.
Economists, though, will be digging deeper into the report to figure out how much of the acceleration is driven by short-term factors and how much reflects a real shift in the underlying pace of growth. Here are three questions that will help distinguish a solid report from a great one.
How much did the trade war muddle the numbers?
Economists are nearly unanimous in thinking that the escalating rounds of tariffs and countermeasures will be bad for the United States economy in the long run. But for one quarter, at least, trade tensions could have actually led to faster growth, as foreign buyers rushed to stock up on American goods before tariffs took effect. The resulting surge in exports could add a percentage point or more to the G.D.P. figure.
The trend is particularly clear in exports of soybeans, which were up more than 50 percent in May from a year earlier. Those buyers presumably didn’t want more soybeans than usual — they just wanted them sooner. Exports will almost certainly slump in the third and fourth quarters, and will turn into a drag on overall economic growth.
For a better sense of the pace of growth, economists will look at what the Commerce Department calls “final sales to domestic purchasers.” That measure strips out the effects of trade and of inventories, which can be similarly skewed by quirks of the calendar. (Both numbers are also subject to big revisions.) Anything above 3 percent would reflect strong underlying growth.
How much did government spending contribute?
Early this year, Congress approved a budget deal that will increase federal spending by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next two years. Many economists question the wisdom of passing what amounts to a debt-funded stimulus package when unemployment is low and the economy is strong. But whether or not they like the policy, they agree it will give the economy a temporary jolt.
Unlike the trade effects, the lift from government spending won’t disappear overnight. Most economists expect the budget deal to keep adding to growth for the rest of the year and into 2019. After that, though, the effects will fade.
As a result, some economists are focused on a measure of growth that strips out government spending, as well as trade and inventory effects. Research from President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers found that measure, known as “final sales to private domestic purchasers,” to be a better predictor of long-run growth trends.
What about the tax cuts?
The Republican tax cuts, which took effect in January, didn’t have much effect on economic growth in the first quarter. Consumer spending growth actually slowed, and business investment in equipment, which the tax law was meant to encourage, had its weakest showing in a year.
The second quarter could be a different story. Retail sales and other data suggest that consumer spending rebounded, and capital spending has been picking up as well. The tax cuts probably contributed to both trends, although it will be hard to discern exactly how much.
Economists will be watching business investment particularly closely. The Trump administration and its supporters argue that the tax cuts will stimulate investment, which could make the American economy more productive in the long term. Critics argue that companies will mostly return their tax windfalls to shareholders in stock buybacks and dividends, giving the economy the equivalent of a short-term sugar high but doing little for the longer run.
“We have yet to see any meaningful evidence of an increase” in investment, said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at the accounting firm RSM U.S. “That’s something that you can’t make a judgment on in one or two quarters. That’s something that you make a judgment on in two or three years.”


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- RS Components (0.07 MB)
/ MEDIA STATEMENT / This content is not written by Creamer Media, but is a supplied media statement.
RS Components a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, will be joining more than 700 exhibitors at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day.
The annual exhibition takes place over four days and showcases the latest advancements in technology, equipment and tools to benefit the agricultural industry in South Africa.
Grain SA, the organisers of the event, received 425 new applications for exhibition space for the 2019 Nampo Harvest Day, which is taking place from 14 to 17 May 2019 in Bothaville.
Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA said that 775 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services at the four-day event. He also added that Nampo created opportunities for direct communication between the suppliers of agricultural products and services and the users thereof.
“Agricultural suppliers’ competitive edge depends on direct communication with the users of their products and services. The interaction between buyers and sellers drives innovation, improvement and modernisation. It also affords producers the opportunity to compare products and prices,” he said.
MD for RS Components South Africa Brian Andrew said that showcasing the company’s products and services at Nampo was a ‘natural fit’ for the business. “We find ourselves in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and smart connected devices are becoming the norm - in our homes, our offices, the manufacturing industry and now even more so in agriculture. By adopting technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), farmers can arm themselves with more detailed data about their farm as well as provide important information regarding the macro environment to assist in planning their crops more accurately to drive a better yield, while eliminating risk. RS has a number of IoT devices and solutions that will help enable the agricultural industry on their journey towards the fourth industrial revolution.”
The adoption of technology in agriculture also requires that various stakeholders work together.
In a report done by the University of Stellenbosch for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, while agricultural technology will result in higher yields, reduced costs and improved nutritional value of foods, it needs the farming sector, government and education institutions to work together.
Grain SA’s objective is to use Nampo as a platform to showcase the role of the commercial agriculture sector in South Africa and to highlight the country’s farming industry as a scientific and sophisticated economic sector that is committed to providing the nation with safe and affordable food.
Visitors can purchase their tickets for NAMPO 2019 online at www.ticketpros.co.za.


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The Catholic Church in Britain has described a decision by a budget hotel chain to remove Bibles from its hotel rooms as “bizarre and sinister”.
Travelodge, a company with hotels in the UK, Ireland and Spain, announced last week it had removed Bibles from its hotel rooms “in order not to discriminate against any religion”.
The company, whose Bibles had been given for free by the Gideon Society, took the decision despite receiving no complaints about the presence of the sacred book in the rooms.
Robert Rigby, chairman of the Catholic Union of Great Britain, said the action “is at once bizarre and sinister.”
The Bible is a “hallmark of our European and indeed to some extent, our global culture,” he said. “Not only do millions believe it to contain the Word of God, but it is also well on the way to being the best-selling book of all time, with over 100 million copies sold each year.”
Recalling the Bible is a “source of encouragement, comfort and indeed prayer”, he said the move on the part of Travelodge “is likely to do little to bolster its budget image, displaying as it does a corporate view and appreciation of strictly secular values, over the more human and emotional aspects of its clientele and others.”
Travelodge, one of Britain’s largest hotel chains with an estimated 500 hotels in operation, has said it will retain old copies and store them behind reception for guests to borrow on request.


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Zing Systems, a Mountain View, Calif. company that provides wireless download access for mp3 or digital players, has secured $12.5 million of a planned $13.41 million third-round of funding, according to a regulatory filing cited by PE Wire.
IDG Ventures Boston was joined by return backer Redpoint Ventures.
We covered the company’s launch here. Although Zing doesn’t solve the wireless download problem for iPod owners, it does it for other mp3 or digital players. Founded by former Apple exec Tim Bucher, the company allows digital media devices to connect to music services such as Yahoo Music or other online content sources.
(First posted 1/24)


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The last year has been “unusual,” to say the least. Need proof? A warehouse in Georgia has nearly $3-million worth of Girl Scout cookies…just sitting there! Typically, Metro Atlanta Girl Scouts would have blown through all their inventory after setting up cookie booths at malls and grocery stores, but this year? They’ve got something unusual at the end of the cookie-selling season – leftover boxes.
The pandemic forced a change in the way the Girl Scouts did their cookie biz. Instead of going door-to-door or spending weekends at cookie booths, they did what so many other things had to do – go virtual. But without all the foot traffic, sales are down and these Atlanta area troops are stuck with 720-thousand unsold boxes of cookies! And according to a Girl Scouts USA spokesperson, this is a reality troops across the country are dealing with.
The good news? They’ve extended cookie season to the end of April, so there’s still time to sell the leftover boxes (that don’t expire until September). Folks in the Atlanta area are encouraged to visit ShowMeTheCookies.com to place an order for themselves or to donate to teachers, first responders, health care workers, or any group they want to treat. As for leftover boxes that aren’t sold, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta will send those to their military partners in the U.S. and overseas.


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After a busy few days for 5G announcements, Aaron McKee, CTO at Blis, considers what
In the last few months, we’ve seen a flurry of announcements regarding the Android and
The campaign was found to drive an additional 13,533 hyperlifers to stores during the campaign and gave Doritos a ROI of £1.13 for the Heatburst product. It had a view through rate of 89 per cent with 2,529,384 video starts and 2,249,296 video completes.
Location data technology company Blis has launched an analytics tool that enables marketers to analyse consumer behaviour through mobile movement data.
The tool, called ‘Smart Trends’, provides in-store behavioural insights and in-store comparison of location types and brands. It enables marketers to breakdown demographic, contextual, time, and device type analysis, while comparing behaviour of user groups side-by-side.
The team at Doritos, OMD UK and Blis took home the trophy for the Most Effective Use of Video with their campaign for Doritos Heatburst, which was designed to tease and entertain the brand’s ‘hyperlifers’ audience – young consumers with a passion for film, gaming and sports. After identifying its audience using online and offline behaviours, the campaign used location-targeted video to raise awareness and drive footfall.
Mobile location solutions provider Blis has teamed up with Moat, an analytics and measurement company for marketers and publishers, to measure viewability – as defined by the latest Media Rating Council (MRC) mobile guidelines for both mobile in-app and mobile web.


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If you’re looking for a fresh workout for your brain, three recently launched open innovation contests and product searches may be just what you’re looking for. They offer some pretty sweet financial incentives for the winners and are in the healthcare and motor industries.
The Mobility Experience Challenge – a global open innovation call for car app ideas. The contest is being hosted by BMW and Startnext, Germany’s largest crowdfunding community. App developers, BMW fans, innovators and mobility experts are invited to submit app innovations in three categories: “car”, “travel” and “search and scout”. Winners will be decided by public vote and jury selection. The three overall winners will receive $2,500 as well as the chance to visit BMW innovation teams in Germany and the USA.
The Chicago Open Innovation Challenge – a two-phase competition for innovative tools to help prevent or manage heart disease and stroke. The project is part of The American Heart Association’s goal to improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020. The first stage of the open innovation contest is to provide a brief outline of how your idea can help manage or prevent heart disease or stroke. Ten finalists will then be selected who will create crowdfunding campaigns.
When the crowdfunding part of the competition closes, teams will be judged on how much money they raised, how many times their campaign was shared on social media, as well as the novel qualities and benefits of their innovation. The grand prize is $20,000.
A Search for Senior Care Products – Edison National Medical has launched a worldwide open innovation search for product ideas to improve the health and wellness of aging populations. This is a six month search for products, devices, technologies or apps in a broad range of categories. They include medication management systems, products that improve safety and mobility and health monitors. Anyone can submit ideas through the organization’s confidential portal. Licensing royalties or revenues will be shared with inventors of successfully launched commercial products that result from this global search.


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Evan Blass and 91Mobiles suggested numerous specifications that we can expect to see on the device, but there was no mention of the screen size.
Now, notable display industry analyst, Ross Young, has taken to Twitter to share his insider knowledge.
Since the next Motorola Razr image has leaked, I can say it will have a 6.7" foldable display rather than the 6.2" on the Razr 5G. It will be made by China Star. The cover display will expand from 2.7" to ~3".— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 13, 2022
Young says we can expect both screens on the Razr to increase in size, with the internal screen now set to match that found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.
One of the most immediately apparent changes on the new Razr is that it no longer features the iconic chin at the base of the phone. This makes us wonder if the new version will retain a similar footprint, this time using all of the available space to house a larger screen.
As we learn more about the new Razr, it looks more and more similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Given the popularity of Samsung's flippable phone, it may be a smart move from Motorola, although it will certainly lose some of its retro charms.
The internals should be seeing substantial changes, too, we're expecting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
The Motorola Razr 3 is expected to be released in China in either July or August, with a worldwide release following after.


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Technology stocks had been a safe harbor as the economy teetered in the first part of the year, but in the third quarter they shared the pain of other industries. The sector's steadiest performers were dragged down by fears that businesses and consumers will soon spend less.
One of the hardest-hit companies was Internet search leader Googlewhose shares have endured their toughest year since the company went public in 2004.
The quarter was also rough for Apple due to concerns that slowing consumer spending is hurting the PC business, particularly the pricier models that are Apple's specialty.
“The target customer for their products are young people and young people could be out of jobs,” says Fort Pitt Capital portfolio manager Kim Caughey on CNBC. “I don’t know if high school kids are flush with cash and that’s who buys their products.”
Six Picks That Could Outperform
Some tech stocks were bright spots, however.
Hewlett-Packard and IBM have both seen demand for their technology services go up in the ailing market because companies hope it will help them cut costs.
But that's not all. Many companies in technology could provide safe haven trades. “We’re telling our investors to stay with companies that have good cash flows and strong cash positions says Joel Fishbein, managing director at Lazard Capital also on CNBC. We like Citrix Systems, Salesforece.com and CommVault Systems. All of these stocks, he says, are buys right here, right now.
If you’re looking to get long, I’d look at CA Inc. , IBM , and Microsoft, adds Caughey.
Got something to to say? Send us an e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.org and your comment might be posted on the Rapid Recap. If you'd prefer to make a comment but not have it published on our website send those e-mails to .
CNBC.com with wires


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HMD Global started sending out media invites for a launch event scheduled for April 4 in India. The company was previously expected to announce only a few of its smartphones that were made official at Mobile World Congress 2018 in February, but recent listings on Nokia India's website confirm that the entire lineup will be introduced in the country at tomorrow's event. The list of devices expected to be announced in India includes the Nokia 8110 4G feature phone, Nokia 6 (2018), Nokia 7 Plus, and the Nokia 8 Sirocco. HMD Global already announced the Nokia 1 Android Go smartphone in March, having priced it at Rs. 5,499 ($85) in the South Asian country.
The Nokia 7 Plus is HMD Global's first and only smartphone to boast a display using the newer 18:9 aspect ratio, which is a feature even the higher-end Nokia 8 Sirocco doesn't sport. It is a mid-range smartphone that comes powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and has a 3,800mAh battery. The Nokia 8 Sirocco, on the other hand, features a curved POLED display with a conventional 16:9 aspect ratio offering a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset and includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The Nokia 6 was refreshed for 2018 to offer a better performance using the Snapdragon 630 processor and up to 4GB of RAM. The device borrows the premium metal build from its predecessor and shares a few features like a ZEISS camera lens and OZO Audio with its higher-end siblings. Finally, the Nokia 8110 4G is a basic feature phone running KaiOS that comes powered by the Snapdragon 205 SoC and has 512MB of RAM.
Except the Nokia 1, all other Android-powered smartphones announced at MWC will be part of the Android One program, ensuring faster firmware and security updates. Nokia is betting big on Android One and Android Go programs, both initiated by Google to provide a more reliable Android experience irrespective of one's device of choice. While Android Go focuses on entry-level smartphones that cater to first-time smartphone buyers in certain emerging markets, the Android One program has now shifted its focus to the mid-range segment, and even the high-end space with the arrival of the Nokia 8 Sirocco.


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OPPO, one of the leading smartphone brands in the world, has quietly unveiled two new IoT products in the Philippines that promise to add value to your digital lifestyle in today’s new normal. There’s the OPPO Enco X TWS earphones with ANC or active noise cancellation and the OPPO Band fitness wearable.
The new Huawei FreeBuds 4i TWS earbuds are here, launched alongside the Huawei Band 6 in the Philippines. They’re the cheaper but better alternatives to the FreeBuds 3i from last year.
New Huawei products are coming our way soon, with laptops launching as early as two days from now.
Or specifically the one from Grimalkin Corporation, the official distributor of Xiaomi products in the Philippines.
Realme recently expanded its smart ecosystem in the Philippines, following the launch of the Realme Smart TV, which is available in 32- and 43-inch sizes, as well as the Realme Watch S Pro smartwatch earlier this month.
In an interview with Realme chief marketing officer Chase Xu last year, he confirmed that the company would release more than 100 AIoT [Artificial Intelligence of Things] products in 2021. Today, two of them #realmeTechLife products have become official in the Philippines.
Realme Philippines will officially unveil the Realme Smart TV and Realme Watch S Pro March 2 during a livestream on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. For now, we don’t know how much Realme’s new products will cost, but we finally have a date when they will be first available and where you can purchase them online.
Realme Philippines is giving you more reasons to check out its products, especially during the love season.
Looking to buy a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one? Keep reading.
If you’re still in the market for a new phone, smart brand, wireless earphones, tablet, or laptop, you may want to check out what Huawei Philippines has on offer right now and through the entire month of February.


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"The Mall at Stonecrest's PIP initiative is designed to enhance the shopping experience for all of our patrons," said Patricia Elmore Edge, general manager for the Mall at Stonecrest. "This program has been developed based on customer and merchant feedback requesting the need for more specific youth visitor guidelines."
PIP will cover all mall areas, including the movie theatre, food court, hallways, stores, plaza and parking lots. One parent or legal guardian (over the age of 21) will be permitted to escort up to four youths, and at least one of the youths will need to be the child of the parent or legal guardian. Proof of age will be required. Those who cannot produce sufficient identification will be asked to leave the property.
"We have consulted with community leaders, and along with our research we feel this effort will lead to positive results such as more families and business patrons coming to the Mall at Stonecrest to shop, dine and be entertained," said Edge. "This initiative encourages families to shop the mall." "The rise in parental involvement/youth escort policies is a national trend as retail centers seek to create a family-friendly atmosphere."
PIP is an extension of the existing Mall at Stonecrest Code of Conduct, according to the Mall, which prohibits conduct such as vulgar language, running, screaming, walking in large groups that obstruct others, fighting, loitering, and disrespecting people and property.
Mall at Stonecrest security personnel have received specialized training on PIP enforcement and education. The PIP press conference is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd at 3 p.m. during the Family Fun Day at Stonecrest presented by Commissioners Lee May and Connie Stokes from 1-4 p.m. on the Plaza.
For additional information on PIP and the Mall at Stonecrest's Code of Conduct, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.


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H1Z1's 'newly re-formed dev team' is turning the game into Z1 Battle Royale.
Daybreak has revealed when H1Z1: Battle Royale will be leaving open beta and entering full release on PS4.
A new update for H1Z1 on PlayStation 4 attempts to adjust the vehicle meta that dominates the late game.
H1Z1: Battle Royale players on PlayStation 4 are getting some free loot.
The company behind H1Z1, Everquest, and DC Universe Online is cutting staff—but the timing is quite strange.
H1Z1 players can now take part in Auto Royale.
Daybreak has announced that it will soon end support for DC Universe Online on Sony's last-generation console.


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The Google Nexus 7 has been available now for a couple of days in the US and its selling in huge numbers, which has led to stock shortages.
The Telegraph have reported that some major retailers in the US , including GameStop, Sam’s Club and Staples, are reporting shortages of stock. In some cases retailers are reporting that it'll be up to two weeks before more stock arrives.
In the UK we have no information about stock levels , but the device is due to officially begin shipping on the 19th July. However, Curries and PCWorld have already got the device in-stock where you can pickup the 16GB model for £199.
The Google Nexus 7 looks set to become one of the best selling tablets of 2012 and could be the first tablet to truly impact on Apple's iPad sales. However, it's not a direct competitor to Apple's premium iPad, but it has made enough of a splash for rumours to suggest that Apple will respond with the launch of an iPad Mini.
Google's Nexus 7, which is made by Asus, is the first device to run on Android Jelly Bean and comes with a 7 inch HD touch-screen. It's powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and has 1GB of RAM.
3G hope to review Google's Nexus 7 very soon so keep posted to get the lowdown on the latest must-have Android tablet !
©Copyright 2017 www.3G.co.uk - All Rights Reserved


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As our partners wonder what their long-term future is, they should not even question our survivability. We have many, many years of survivability ahead of us. We plan on coming out of the pandemic healthier and stronger.” Tom Shull. AAFES CEO at the ALA/AAFES on-line conference.
Retail Darwinism and implications for military resale programs. A term is fast emerging and gaining resonance in the pandemic world. It’s called Retail Darwinism—or survival of the fittest.
Some say Retail Darwinism is merely the acceleration of the natural selection process that was already taking place pre-pandemic: Those brick and mortar companies with weak balance sheets falling prey to the severe disruption in customer traffic. And there have been many—Just this past Thursday, Century 21, a popular NY retailer filed for bankruptcy, the latest in some 22 major retail bankruptcies that have taken place since January 2020. Big names like JC Penney, Lord and Taylor, Nieman Marcus, and large niche retailers like Sur La Table and Brooks Brothers. Stock prices for Walmart are up 33 percent, Amazon 67 percent and Target 23 percent.
Meanwhile stock prices for soft goods retailers have plummeted; JC Penney (down 50 precent), Macys (down 50 per cent), Nordstrom (down 46 percent) and Foot Locker (down 26 percent).
The pandemic shifted the retail landscape and the military resale landscape along with it. Mall-based retailers and clothing stores have suffered deep job losses. State authorities ordered many of them to close this spring, and demand for their products has been softer even after reopening as many Americans working from home opt for pajama bottoms or shorts over dress slacks. Employment at clothing stores is down nearly 30% from February.
However, employment at general-merchandise retailers, such as supercenters and warehouse stores, was up 10% in August from February’s pre-pandemic levels.
Americans spending more time at home are upgrading their properties. Home improvement retailers, a category that includes Home Depot Inc. and Lowe’s Co., boosted their employment 6% from February. Consumers have also relied on Amazon and other online retailers, which has led to hiring in transportation and warehousing. In August and September, Amazon announced plans to hire 20,000 people in seven cities across the U.S. and in the U.K And many traditional retailers have proven to be nimble in turning bricks-and-mortar stores into fulfillment centers and locations for curbside order pickup, said Robert Frick, corporate economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. Grocery stores and mass retailers that sell food and other essentials largely remained open throughout the pandemic and saw strong demand.
There probably is no starker example of Retail Darwinism as Simon Properties, Inc. The company’s foray from landlord to owner show just how deeply the pandemic has reshaped the retail industry. Simon shut all 175 of its malls and outlets in March and only collected 51 percent of its rents in April and May. It now is investing millions to prop up failing retailers in hopes of keeping occupancy rates up and rent coming in. They’re paying pennies on the dollar for legacy brands like Brooks Brothers and Luck Brand and is pursuing JC Penney. Their long-term strategy is to be the last major mal owner standing. Analysts expect at least half to two-thirds of the 1,000 shopping malls in the U.S. to close in coming years. Simon is betting that by buying up brands, they can ensure a continued presence it its malls.
Natural selection continues. Amazon is hiring 100,000 more staff across the US and Canada — roughly a 10% expansion of its global workforce — following a sales surge during the pandemic, it announced today. Amazon will also open 100 new operations sites in September alone. These include fulfilment centers where staff store goods and pack orders, delivery stations, and sorting centers. Many of the roles will be at these new sites, it said, and include both full-time and part-time jobs. Amazon has already opened more than 75 new sites and regional air hubs in the US and Canada in 2020. Last week, it opened a new fulfillment center in Beaumont, California with more than 1,000 full-time employees, and earlier in September it announced plans to add 10,000 new jobs to the expansion of its Bellevue, Washington office and retail site, on top of the 15,000 it announced in 2019.
This Darwinism was a major topic at the ALA and AAFES webinar where AAFES CEO Tom Shull spoke to the massive changes taking place in the retail landscape and AAFES efforts to cope. But Shull is bullish on exchange emergence after the pandemic. “As our partners wonder what their long-term future is, they should not even question our survivability. We have many, many years of survivability ahead of us. We plan on coming out of the pandemic healthier and stronger.”
The military exchanges have had their share of pandemic pain. They have been hard hit by traffic and sales declines in apparel and other soft lines. As presented at our conference, particularly hard-hit areas in AAFES included gasoline down 29 percent, food down 23 percent, concessions down 21 percent and Star Card Sales down 12 percent for a c cumulative sales loss of $540 million, just since March.
Meanwhile, over at DeCA, we are seeing steady and striking sales declines ever since a rush of sales in March and April as pandemic base access restrictions continue. Yet, we are seeing bright signs emerging from DeCA including a renewed interest in joint business planning, category management, emphasis on promotions and a strong push from the new DeCA Director Bill Moore who recognizes that, as in any retailer, sales are the first metric and the best barometer of customer acceptance. Said Moore: “We have got to find a way to reverse the trend.”
Contrast this with off base grocery chains that are prospering as are the CPG companies that supply them. Kroger just reported same stores sales up 19 percent and profit up 57 percent and out of its 2,800 stores, 2,100 offer pickup and 2,400 offer delivery. Albertsons same store sales rose 27 percent and digital sales nearly quadrupled in its quarter ended June 20. Target’s same store sales are up 24 percent with digital sales tripling.
We operate on base and we need to figure out how we make quazi-government retail operations more of a blessing than a curse. Pandemic base access restrictions are taking their toll on sales both at the exchanges and commissaries. DeCA taking note that for the first time at many locations, sales to active duty military exceed sales to retirees. But, pushing up against this disadvantage are multiple inherent advantages to operating retail in a Government environment.
Consider what sets the military channel apart from other channels in the retail natural selection process. It has many inherent advantages; no state or local taxes, free real estate, heavy government funding support for commissaries, a heavily diversified exchange program with a strong balance sheet, a grocery program that has virtually all of its expenses paid by the Government, a growing 40-million plus eligible patron base and more or less steady military population, a moratorium on base closures, strong political and military leadership support, the infusion of some $4.6 million a day in free cash flow to the system, and a funding infusion for both exchanges and commissaries from pandemic stimulus funding that is pushing to some $500 million in appropriations to support to underwrite the nonappropriated fund operations of the DoD.
And, from a business standpoint, MCX, NEX, and AAFES are not standing still during the pandemic. All are exploiting their diversification and riding a wave of growth in certain categories including home, consumer electronics, food and beverages, and health and wellness.
And, as Retail Darwinism sorts itself out, the exchange and commissary retailers need to be sensitive to the impact that the pandemic and their efforts to cope are having on their suppliers, particularly suppliers that do not have the balance sheets to withstand the pandemic. Government retailers should want their small and large industry partners to survive the pandemic.
There are a lot of moving parts to this resale equation. That’s where your Association comes into play. Through the Exchange Council, the Commissary Council and the Board of Directors, decisions are being made, calling upon the best and brightest in the industry, to do what we can to help out military retail partners weather the pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.
Going forward, we are going to be tracking, researching and informing you of all of the moving parts to the military resale and off-base commercial dynamics that are pushing and pulling the business. And, we will continue to be active with policymakers in Congress and the Administration to gain support for funding and policies that can aid military retailers and the industry that supports them to weather the pandemic and come out stronger on the other side.
The system needs to leverage its inherent advantages of being a Government business along with its dedicated network of manufacturers, brokers and distributors that want the channel to succeed. With the right leadership and the right decisions, there is no reason why, in this survival-of-the-fittest world, we will be among those naturally selected to succeed.
ALA will be there with more relevant information you can use, conferences that provide meaningful and relevant content, and a program that leverages member expertise for the good of the whole to ensure the system and the industry that supports it comes out on top in a post-pandemic world. Our content at the upcoming Annual Convention will focus on survival of the fittest. ALA members need to engage, get active, and work together to leverage our inherent strengths for a bright post-pandemic future.
ALA’s annual conference is going virtual. It’s not as good as seeing each other in person but it’s the next best thing. Plans are underway to have ALA’s annual conference on October 19 and 20. Agenda, registration and details on in the works. All of the moving parts of this business will be highlighted by speakers from resale agencies, the Administration, Congress and industry.
Hurricane shutters military bases in Florida panhandle & Gulf coast. Here we go again. The Florida panhandle and Gulf coast is a hub for military bases including Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Tyndall AFB, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Keesler AFB. Exchanges and commissary operations are being affected with closures or curtailed operations and many base residents are being asked to shelter in place and with some bases locked down.
Tyndall AFB was virtually destroyed when it was hit by a hurricane in 2018 that caused $5 billion in damage. There are some 1,700 coastal military sites worldwide. The Pentagon has ordered all military services to use a new database for planning and construction that tracks the probability of flooding events.
Bringing it to brink…again. I reported last week that the Federal government was probably going to be funded with a “continuing resolution” that funds the DoD and other Federal agencies at last year’s levels. It looks like they are going to go right up to the October 1 wire with a bill being placed on the floor of the House of Representatives next week.
Congressional action on resale programs delayed. I reported last month and now it’s official. The Congress won’t be moving on the National Defense Authorization Act until after the election. Several policy issues are being deliberated including resale funding, consolidation of resale programs, and reviews of DeCA business operations. ALA is working with our Hill contacts to represent industry and patron views.
Military resale and vaccine distribution. Distributors are stepping forward and ALA is working with the Department of Defense and HHS to examine the feasibility of using the military distribution channel to help get the vaccine to military personnel and others, especially at far-flung areas of the world. We are citing the regular rhythm of delivers in both chill and frozen as a capability that could aid in the vaccine distribution effort. HHS and CDC are working to develop a comprehensive pan for vaccine distribution and setting priorities for who gets the vaccine first. An Army General has been put in charge of Operation Warp Speed, an Administration program to get the vaccine produced and distributed. Commercial retailers are also working with Warp Speed to get the vaccine distributed and administered.
DeCA and industry collaboration accelerates. Two efforts underscore a renewed effort by DeCA to engage with industry to boost sales and create store excitement. Next week, ALA will host a series of category reviews and joint business planning sessions. And, DeCA has announced “top-to-top” reviews with its industry partners to “support a culture of collaboration through proactive collaboration and facilitate the development of sound business objectives,” according to a notice to trade signed by Mike Dowling, DeCA’s Chief Operating Officer. The reviews will include category insights, performance measures, market competitive data, product innovation and more. ALA has supported this effort and we look forward to continued renewed efforts to join hands with DeCA and power sales.
VCS getting hit hard by the pandemic—seeking relief. Of all of the military resale programs, perhaps none has been hit harder by the pandemic than the Veterans Canteen Service with major hits on sales and operations in the VA hospitals due to visitor restrictions and other pandemic prevention measures. $140 million was included in a version of the Senate pandemic relief measure but the House and Senate are deadlocked on that relief package. Efforts are underway to have a new vehicle to get needed funding to VCS. ALA is supporting measures to get relief to VCS in order to avoid furloughs of VCS employees. If funding relief materializes, it could come in the form of shifting internal VA funding to relieve operations or Congressional Action.
VCS has been heroically maintaining operations at the hospitals in spite of the pandemic restrictions and has been supporting Veterans hospital programs during the Western wildfires and impacts from the 2020 hurricane season. There is massive precedent for providing this aid. We are pressing for the same relief for VCS that is being given to DoD non-appropriated fund programs where more than $300 million has been allocated to DoD exchange and MWR programs. And, ALA is pushing to have all branches of the Armed Services in DoD be supported with funding. The Navy and Marine Corps leadership has stepped forward with aid and the Army and Air Force is beginning to recognize the need and allocate funding to relieve the plight of exchange and MWR programs caused by the pandemic.
Germans taxing U.S. troops? Germany has threatened to impose tax penalties on troops and civilians who it says, “have special ties to the country.” The Germans are arguing that a service member or DoD civilian who extends their rout, marries a local person or does anything else that suggests special ties to Germany could be liable for taxes on all military pay they received while in Germany. The American government is pushing back citing tax exempt status of the Status of Forces Agreement.
Biden transition team ramping up. It’s far from over and certainly far from decided but the Biden camp is putting together its transition team anyway. The team is a mix of left and center with many veterans of the Obama Administration. Members include: Bob McDonald, former CEO of Proctor and Gamble; and, Jeff Zients, Obama’s National Economic Council Director. Permanent staff include Cynthia Hogan, a former lobbyist for Apple; and, Jessica Hertz who worked at the Obama Justice Department and was recently a director and associate general counsel at Facebook. There are about 4,000 political positions that get filled with each incoming administration.
Beer in commissaries review. Reports are that DeCA and DoD are reviewing the program to sell beer in commissaries to determine whether to continue and expand the program. Considerations are space and patron demand. The program was started about two years ago to provide convenience for patrons who are provided with this availability in many off-base grocery stores. Beer and wine are currently sold in ten commissaries with sales at about $2.5 million.
Pentagon News/Military News:
This week in Congress: Countdown to shutdown, election
(Military Times) Congress returns to work this week with less than four weeks of scheduled legislative days left on the 2020 calendar and just 16 days to pass a new budget agreement or risk a partial government shutdown.
Proven leader’: More than 200 former military leaders endorse Trump in open letter
(Washington Examiner) The Trump campaign released an open letter Monday signed by 235 retired military leaders expressing their support for President Trump’s reelection.
1. Trump, Biden offer detailed breakdown of their military and veterans plans
(Military Times) In responses to a questionnaire compiled by the Military Officers Association of America, the presidential candidates promised a strong focus on military and veterans issues but varied approaches on their goals of helping troops and their families.
Defense industry worries Congress will punt budget deal into 2021
(Defense News) As Congress readies a stopgap spending measure this week, the defense industry is girding for a long-term funding patch that could delay both new procurement programs and needed fiscal certainty into next year.
5. Army COVID-19 vaccine may produce a side benefit: Cure for the common cold
(McClatchy) Scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research are advancing a vaccine that may be able to prevent strains of the common cold in the future.
When will the US military return to pre-COVID normal? Probably never, this admiral says
(Military Times) Don’t count on the U.S. military returning to the pre-COVID-19 status quo, according to the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Adm. Charles “Chas” Richard.
specialists at the unit level and certified financial planners at Fleet and Family Readiness Centers, he said. “Sailors should …
Mall operators Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners have struck a deal to acquire J.C. Penney’s retail business for $300 million in cash and $500 million in assumed debt, lawyers said in a Wednesday bankruptcy court hearing. The deal, which will allow the retailer to avoid liquidation and keep 650 stores open, will split off Penney’s real estate assets into a separate arm owned by the retailer’s creditors.
Home Depot will roll out two months of Black Friday-type deals as part of a plan to tailor its holiday shopping strategy to the restrictions of the pandemic. The home improvement retailer will offer deals via its mobile app first and will also team with Pinterest to showcase ideas for making DIY gifts.
The ALA Commissary Council invites you to a WebEx Virtual Event.
This event requires registration (free!). After you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email message with instructions on how to join the event.
Industry Joint Business Planning Sessions
WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 – Thursday, September 24, 2020 **TIMES IN SCHEDULE BELOW**
HOST: ALA Commissary Council Member Stephanie Supplee, email@example.com
Industry Joint Business Planning Sessions is part of a series of virtual events hosted by the ALA Commissary Council.
We will begin with a kick-off session featuring guest speaker Tracie Russ, Director of Sales from the Defense Commissary Agency. Following the kick-off there are seven individual sessions with DeCA Category Managers where we will focus on Joint Business Plans from a category perspective. Please be prepared to discuss, we will have time for open dialogue during this session.
Attached to this invite is the JBP template with an example, please complete your company specific plan and return to your category manager by September 15th. Any questions regarding the template itself should be directed to Mike Bender, firstname.lastname@example.org.
Participants must register for each individual session, please use the links below to register now! (NOTE CHANGES TO SESSION TIME)
|Sept. 22||1100-1230||Kick-off Session w/ Tracie Russ||REGISTER JPBS|
|Sept. 22||1400-1530||JBP1 w/ Barbara Merriweather||RTE Cereal, Soup, Coffee, Spices||REGISTER JBP1|
|Sept. 23||1100-1230||JBP2 w/ Rena Dial||Paper, Laundry, Household, Pet Food||REGISTER JBP2|
|Sept. 23||1300-1430||JBP3 w/ Jessica Stables||Cheese, Yogurt, Refrigerated Juice, Frozen Prepared Meals||REGISTER JBP3|
|Sept. 23||1500-1630||JBP4 w/ Darrell Clary||Bacon, Sausage/Lunchmeat, Juice, Water||REGISTER JBP4|
|Sept. 24||1100-1230||JBP5 w/ Iveena Henderson||CSD, Snacks, Cookies/Crackers, Candy||REGISTER JBP5|
|Sept. 24||1300-1430||JBP6 w/ Bridget Bennett||Specialty Produce, Cut Fruit & Veg, Salad Mix||REGISTER JBP6|
|Sept. 24||1500-1630||JBP7 w/ LaRue Smith||Oral Care, Shaving, Diapers & Training Pants, Body Wash & Soaps||REGISTER JBP7|
hot trunk in summer and place in the air-conditioned car instead. The DeCA website is a good resource for food safety. To find the…
curbside pickup under a pilot program that expanded to two other locations. DeCA discontinued it in June 2019 to make way for the …
DeCA Sales Declines Continue Despite Overall Food Price Increases:
(Supermarket News Reports)
U.S. food prices were up 4.1% in August on an unadjusted basis from a year ago, outpacing a 1.3% year-over-year gain in the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said Friday that the food-at-home CPI climbed 4.6% over the last 12 months, with pricing up for all six major grocery-store food groups. Fueling the increase were meat, poultry, fish and eggs, which rose 7.1% since August 2019, driven by a 9.6% surge in the index for beef. BLS reported that year-over-year upticks in other grocery food groups ranged from 2.7% for fruit and vegetables to 5.7% for dairy and related products.
DeCA August Sales Results:
($29,463,767.00 a decline of 8.08%)
In a related release from Supermarket News:
Foot Traffic is rebounding outside the gate while the military resale system continues to navigate access restrictions:
Base access, store restrictions continue to plague commissaries and exchanges. It’s a nagging problem for both commissaries and exchanges for years, and when the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier this year, it made things that much worse for these military stores and shoppers wanting to use them, ALA’s Larry Lapka reports.
The emergence of the pandemic was particularly difficult for retirees and veterans — perhaps among the most at-risk groups related to the pandemic — and their ability to get on base to do their shopping in their local military stores.
Numerous rules and restrictions have been put in place by base commanders to limit access to their respective bases, and when these were lessened or relaxed, retirees and veterans were often the groups that were thought to need the most protection, and thus, had their base access more limited than other groups.
And this stance was eerily ironic, as the pandemic hit when the American Logistics Association (ALA) was working with the resale agencies to boost access to military stores, including the January 1, 2020 launch of expanded privileges for disabled veterans and its work to allow the Defense Department’s civilian workers to have shopping privileges.
Although through the end of August many sites had loosened the tight restrictions they had implemented when the pandemic struck, other bases were more cautionary, and this had a major impact on store sales during this period.
The exchange services are generally reflecting sales downturns, and although at least some of this can be attributed to lessened gas sales, the fluctuations of access during the pandemic must also be taken into account.
Through July 2020, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) fiscal 2020 sales were $2.91 billion, a 10.1-percent decrease from the $3.23 billion it accrued a year earlier.
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) followed suit. NEXCOM’s fiscal 2020 sales through July were $1.03 billion, an 8.7-percent dip from the $1.13 billion it posted through July 2019. The MCX reported $381.09 million in sales through July 2020, a more than 9-percent drop-off from year-to-date fiscal 2019 sales of $410.67 million.
Only the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) posted heightened sales, with its activity through July at $81.49 million, a 16.3-percent increase from the $76.65 million it posted a year earlier. This might be attributed to some of the larger CGX facilities operating in off-base sites in civilian areas, making patron access easier.
ALA publishes base access restriction lists with bases limiting access for retirees and disabled veterans, and “elderly” shoppers and limited hours for other patron categories.
AAFES/Industry Workshops Announced
ALA Members will be invited (invitation only) to 6 Virtual TEAMS workshops currently in planning phase as follows:
President and Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO) Ana Middleton to open and outline objectives for all sessions
• Hardlines Vice President Chris Burton-Collaborative discussion on but not limited to market share ideas/ ways to optimize military business
• Consumables Vice President Eric Sidman- C-Store programs:
Food/Beer/Wine/roller grill and other self serve food programs in place in Express and other retail stores: Grab &Go/Beer &Wine/Roller Grill/other self serve food items sold in Express and other stores.Looking for open dialog and brainstorming post covid limited to 20 vendors! Industry will lead session
• Planning, Allocation and Replenishment Vice President Eric Boen: This session is back due to popular demand from our last session-Business Operations/driving growth and partnership
• eCommerce Drop Ship Vendors and other online services- If you are a small drop ship provider or other service vendor and want to participate in the online program this is your session!
• New Members pathway- Shark Tank format, new members and potential new members may present their products to the Exchange buying group for consideration. If you ever wanted to sell to the exchange a service or product this is your opportunity to present to the commodity buyer
• Product Information (PID) capability tool workshop (ongoing)
And More Expected for 2020 send your ideas for programs to email@example.com
for the Education of Young Children. Huachuca’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate received $212.7K in community
of Military AutoSource is authorized by The Exchange (AAFES) and Navy Exchange (NEXCOM) and maintains operations in close to 70 …
Mark your Calendar
Date Event More Information
September 22, 2020 Industry Joint Business Planning Sessions is part of a series of virtual events hosted by the ALA Commissary Council. Web-EX event. Participants must register for each individual session, please use the links below to register now! 11:00- 1st Session
Pending Coordination NEX-MCX Virtual Update TBD
Pending Coordination AAFES-Industry Virtual Work Shop’s TBD
October 19-20, 2020 ALA National (Virtual) Convention Virtual Event


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(Reuters) – Philip Morris International Inc has abandoned merger talks with Altria Group Inc and will instead focus on the launch of its tobacco heating product iQOS in the United States, the company said on Wednesday.
“After much deliberation, the companies have agreed to focus on launching IQOS in the U.S. as part of their mutual interest to achieve a smoke-free future,” Philip Morris Chief Executive Officer André Calantzopoulos said.
The deal would have seen the tobacco companies reuniting after a decade of their split and creating an industry heavyweight to tackle increasing regulatory scrutiny and take advantage of the growing e-cigarette market.
Philip Morris is the owner of the leading heat-not-burn product, iQOS, which heats packages of ground-up tobacco into a nicotine-filled aerosol. Altria has a 35% stake in U.S. market-leading e-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc, whose devices vaporize a liquid containing nicotine.
Separately, Juul reported on Wednesday its chief executive officer Kevin Burns was stepping down, and that it would suspend all broadcast, print and digital advertising in the United States.
Source: Read Full Article


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Although a notoriously secretive company, Apple has taken an extraordinary step toward transparency in order to soothe public concerns over factory conditions and worker abuse. The company has revealed all 156 partners in its Asian supply chain. The move was triggered by recent reports of a mass suicide protest at Foxconn, one of the most important and well-known suppliers for Apple.
Knowing a company's supply chain gives competitors leverage when making deals and strategizing, which is likely one of the reasons Steve Jobs kept the list in his tightly squeezed fist. Companies pay good money to firms in order to gather this kind of intelligence against their competitors and Apple is now volunteering it.
Some of the violations reported at these factories include child labor, dumping chemicals into neighboring water sources, workers logging more than 60 hours per week, disregard for equipment safety, pregnancy tests, record falsification, infringment of benefits and much more.
In an effort to oust this behavior, Apple claims to have stepped up audits last year to 229 inspections. That's an 80% increase over 2010. From 2007 to 2010, Apple had performed only 288 audits in total. The company's efforts have actually been greater than measures prescribed by California law, but it's still not enough as Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, admits: "With every year, we expand our program, we go deeper in our supply chain, we make it harder to comply [...] All of this means that workers will be treated better and better with each passing year. It's not something we feel like we have done what we can do, much remains to be done."
In all fairness to Apple, other companies have had the same problems with their supply chains too. In fact, many even use the same suppliers as Apple. For example, Foxconn manufactures parts for Sony, HP, Nintendo, IBM, Acer and many other companies. Making certain these suppliers comply with guidelines to achieve an acceptable work environment requires oversight by all parties involved.


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The partial hydrogenation of oils mostly may be in the past, but exhibitors at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition still brought up the term July 13-16 in Chicago.
No, they did not seek a return to the times when partially hydrogenating oils led to trans fats in products, including shortenings. Instead, the I.F.T. exhibitors showed how shortenings of today may match the functionality of the old shortenings with partial hydrogenation.
“It’s almost like back to the future,” said Roger Daniels, vice-president of research, development and innovation at Stratas Foods, Memphis, Tenn. “We want partial hydro performance without partial hydro.”
Stratas Foods launched Flex Palm, a process that allows palm oil, which has 0 grams of trans fat, to perform more like partially hydrogenated shortenings. Functional crystallization in the process makes certain the least amount of crystals is formed as possible to keep the product together. Large crystal formulations in shortening make for a harder product, which over time will jeopardize its functionality.
Mr. Daniels called Flex Palm a “true drop-in” for any baker. He said benefits on the manufacturing floor include making sure the shortening is neither too stiff nor too loose. Bakers may avoid problems such as lumps in the dough or tears that occur when machining dough.
According to Stratas Foods, Flex Palm creates a creamy, buttery-type consistency, has a wider working functional range and offers more consistency cube to cube and lot to lot. The Flex Palm melting profile is broader than typical palm shortening. Flex Palm sets sooner and stays stable longer.
Also at the I.F.T. event, IOI Loders Croklaan Americas, Channahon, Ill., promoted its SansTrans cake shortenings based on palm oil with added emulsifiers for enhanced aeration. The range of functionality in SansTrans cake shortenings matches the performance of partially hydrogenated products, according to IOI Loders Croklaan, which offered cake pops made with SansTrans cake shortenings at its I.F.T. booth.
Food formulators began turning away from partially hydrogenated shortenings, and the resulting trans fat, about a decade ago when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it would begin to mandate the listing of trans fat on Nutrition Facts panels. The mandate went into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.
Trans fat raises the level of L.D.L. or “bad” cholesterol and lowers the level of H.D.L. or “good” cholesterol. The detrimental effects of industrial trans fats on heart health are beyond dispute, according to a review from Wageningen University in The Netherlands and appearing on-line March 27 of this year in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“Changes in the formulations of foods, labeling of food products and actions from governments have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the intake of trans fatty acids from industrial sources,” the review said. “The intake can be further decreased if industrial trans fats are avoided in the preparation of fried foods and bakery shortenings.”
According to the Dallas-based American Heart Association, people should limit consumption of saturated fats to less than 7% of daily calories and limit consumption of trans fats to less than 1% of daily calories.
According to the study “Consumer Attitudes About Nutrition 2013” from the St. Louis-based United Soybean Board, 22% of Americans think saturated fat is healthier than trans fat while 17% think trans fat is healthier and 33% think they are nutritionally about equal. The percentages have changed since the 2006 F.D.A. mandate went into effect. In 2007, 42% of Americans thought saturated fat was healthier and 16% thought trans fat was healthier.
Forty-nine per cent of Americans say they are avoiding or limiting trans fat and 48% say they are avoiding or limiting saturated fats, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2013 Food & Health Survey.
Palm oil, when used in shortenings, has no trans fat, but palm oil is typically about 50% saturated fat, said Bob Wainwright, technical director of the oils and shortenings group for Cargill and based in Charlotte, N.C.
Recent shortening innovations have focused on the elimination of trans fat and the reduction of saturated fats.
Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kas., offers Trancendim, a zero-trans, reduced-saturates alternative in which mono- and diglycerides are used to replace hydrogenated hard-stocks for structuring fats and oils. Trancendim improves crystallization properties, according to Caravan, and it eliminates the word hydrogenated on ingredient declarations.
Bunge offers zero trans fat shortening systems that remove “hydrogenation” from product labels. The system uses non-hydrogenated palm oil. Under its UltraBlends brand, Bunge also offers an enzymatic process that delivers a trans fat-free solution while optimizing saturates without partial hydrogenation as well as a blend of two or more technologies designed to meet specific customer needs.
Mr. Wainwright said Cargill offers Clear Valley all-purpose shortening with canola oil and fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil. The shortening has no trans fat and is about 20% saturated fat. Canola oil alone is about 7% saturated fat.
“There has been substantial progress as it relates to finding functional, cost-effective alternatives to traditional partial hydrogenation,” Mr. Wainwright said.


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Electric cars are indeed the future of automobiles, but Toyota thinks there’s still room for 4-cylinder combustion engines as the automaker pumps $383 million into its production in the United States. The funds will be distributed in four different locations across the country. According to the manufacturer, this engine is “the heart of modern Lexus and Toyota automobiles”.
ToyotaNorm Bafunno, the unit’s senior vice president of engineering and manufacturing, said Toyota customers want electric and fuel-efficient automobiles. He further added that these expenses allow them to meet customer expectations and adapt quickly to a changing industry.
Bafunno also mentions that Toyota, as an automotive company, is committed to investing and growing in the United States, and Toyota personnel are ready to take on the new challenge.
The majority of the investment will be for Toyota’s plant in Huntsville, Alabama, which will cost the company $222 million. There, the company plans to develop a new four-cylinder assembly line, including engines for hybrid and ICE vehicles only. In addition, the plant will be expanded by 114,000 square feet. Toyota’s plant in Alabama is capable of producing 900,000 engines per year and represents an investment of approximately $1.5 billion.
Where else will Toyota invest in the United States?
Besides Toyota’s plant in Huntsville, Alabama, the company has decided to invest in three other locations in the United States, including:
1. $36 Million – Toyota Jackson, TN
Toyota Tennessee would modernize its manufacturing tool in order to produce new 4-cylinder engine blocks. The facility, which represents an investment of $425 million, has the potential to produce more than two million engine blocks per year.
2. $109 million – Toyota Troy, Missouri
The development of Toyota Missouri will offer new equipment for the production of four-cylinder engine blocks on three different production lines. The facility, which cost $564 million to develop, has a capacity of more than three million cylinder heads per year.
3. $16 Million – Toyota Georgetown, Kentucky
Toyota Kentucky is increasing the flexibility of its 4-cylinder engine lineup, which was unveiled last fall, to better equip the facility to meet customer demand. The plant’s powertrain plant has the capacity to produce approximately 600,000 units per year.
Toyota Kentucky appears to be the company’s largest manufacturing plant in the world, producing seven Lexus and Toyota vehicles as well as 4- and 6-cylinder powertrains. The Kentucky plant represents a total investment of $8.5 billion.
Toyota now offers a few four-cylinder engines of various displacements, in addition to the boxer four featured in the GR86. This investment implies that Toyota is developing a new engine, but the Company refuses to provide any further information.
Is Toyota bucking the electric car trend?
Is Toyota falling behind? Aren’t they interested in moving with the times and investing in more modern technologies like electric vehicles instead of investing in combustion engines? Well, Toyota has already announced a $3.4 billion investment in October 2021 to develop batteries in the United States.
It included the creation of a specialist battery factory, which employed 1,750 people. The company has not indicated where it intends to build this facility. Battery manufacturing at this plant is expected to begin in 2025.
Toyota also committed $5.1 billion in additional investment in its U.S. manufacturing plants last year to boost electrification efforts, demonstrating its commitment to expanding where it has sales and helping local economies.
Toyota’s US operations make half of the automobiles it sells in the United States, and its North American production lines create more than three-quarters of the automobiles it sells in the United States.
In addition to changes to its manufacturing plants, the company is spending on its future workers. Toyota unveiled Driving Possibilities, a $110 million commitment to help the foundation with education. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen communities while inspiring young people to become interested and qualified for the job market.
Why is Toyota still interested in hybrids?
Robert Carter, executive vice president – Sales of Toyota Motor North America, said the company intends to migrate from hybrid vehicles to electric vehicles when the time comes. However, hybrid vehicles require smaller batteries, which require limited resources to manufacture. Obtaining rare minerals such as lithium and cobalt for these batteries is more difficult than ever.
The battery of a hybrid vehicle can be 10 times smaller than that of a fully electric vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are technically built to increase the efficiency of their internal combustion engines. Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries that could fully power their automobiles over short distances.
So is this more of a smooth change for customers or a way for Toyota to save time while investing in its own in-house battery manufacturing? If the latter, it’s a sensible method for the company to get people into its cars while giving the company time to build its own capacity to meet growing demand.
Sources: Toyotathe reader, CBTnews.


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According to a new report by Digitimes, Huawei’s Mate X2, a successor to the last year’s Mate X, will be released sometime in the second half of 2020. The small-volume trial production for components, which are needed in the Mate X2 foldable phone, has already begun, as per the report.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that Huawei is also rumored to launch Mate Xs foldable device, which is rumored to show up in next year’s Mobile World Congress(MWC) in Barcelona. The Mate Xs will be different from the Mate X2 in a lot of ways and while we haven’t heard anything from the Horse’s mouth, rumor has it that the X2 will bring improved design and better hinge mechanism. The Mate Xs, on the other hand, is rumored to be very similar to the existing Mate X.
Just for a quick refresher, the launch date of the Mate X foldable smartphone got pushed not once, but twice. What is even worse is that the Chinese tech giant never mentioned the reason behind the delay in the launch, unlike Samsung. The US ban might have played its part in forcing Huawei to push the launch date. Rumor also has it that Huawei’s smartphone was not ready for prime time and hence the company was forced to push the launch date further. Whether the upcoming Mate X2 meets the same fate as the first generation Mate X will be interesting to see.
Unfortunately, we have no information on the exact release date of the Huawei Mate X2.


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CLEVELAND (AP) — A hearing has begun in federal court in Cleveland for a judge to determine how much CVS, Walgreens and Walmart pharmacies should pay two Ohio counties to help them ease the ongoing costs and problems caused by the opioid crisis.
A jury in November found the pharmacy chains responsible for recklessly distributing massive amounts of pain pills in Lake and Trumbull counties. It was the first time pharmacies in the U.S. have been held responsible for the opioid crisis.


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South Africa: MEC David Maynier on Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards
Entrepreneurs – don’t miss the deadline for our Western Cape Enterpreneurship Recognistion Awards
Today we visited two entrepreneurs who have already won the Western Cape Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (WCERA) and who inspire businesswomen by creating opportunities for those who live in their communities. And so, I would like to call on all entrepreneurs in the province to register with WCERA before the deadline of August 10, 2021.
WCERA is our premium entrepreneurship competition and recognizes the achievements and potential of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the Western Cape. Now in its ninth year, WCERA celebrates the hard work of entrepreneurs and their contributions to job creation and economic growth in the Western Cape.
The competition recognizes and rewards talent such as Ntombie Nonxuba of Rise Uniforms, who in 2020 was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
Today I had the privilege of visiting Ntombie’s company in Phillipi which employs 46 people from the local community and manufactures and supplies corporate uniforms and clothing across the country. Rise Uniforms has a well-established reputation for consistently supplying and delivering uniforms to well-known brands such as Pick ‘n Pay.
I also visited the owner and founder of 4Roomed eKasi Culture, Abigail Mbalo, who is a dental technologist by profession and winner of the Township Business category in 2020.
After participating in the Master Chef SA competition, season 3, she swapped her lab coat to follow a passion for cooking, art and interior design which resulted in the birth of her company 4Roomed eKasi Culture, a company of catering and urban tourism.
As a tourism and hospitality business, 4Roomed eKasi Culture has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and alert level restrictions, but Abigail has shown great resilience and pivoted the company to operate a food truck a few meters from the original restaurant. to boost sales in these difficult times.
Entrepreneurs like Abigail and Ntombie remind us of the important role business owners play in their local communities by creating jobs, supporting skills development and providing opportunities for those who need them most.
And they are role models for others, especially young people, who can learn from them and be inspired to start their own businesses.
The World Bank’s recent South African Economic Update report highlights the importance of entrepreneurs in solving the jobs crisis, noting that “self-employment accounts for only 10% of jobs in South Africa, compared to 30% in most income countries such as Turkey, Mexico and Brazil. If South Africa were to equal the self-employment rate of its peers, it could potentially cut its unemployment rate in half. “
The report adds that “a self-employment rate of 30 percent (without reducing other forms of employment) would increase the number of workers by about 3.5 million, or half of those currently unemployed.”
This is why it is more important than ever to support and encourage our entrepreneurs. Their entrepreneurial spirit is exactly what we need as we work together to rebuild the economy of the Western Cape.
This year, a total of R300,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to entrepreneurs in all WCERA categories, including:
To participate, visit: www.wcentrepreneurshipawards.co.za
To view this statement online, please visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/don%E2%80%99t-miss-deadline-our-western-cape-entrepreneurship-recognition-awards
High resolution photos available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/U2AqvTpLjqdAH2My9
Soundbyte available on request
Francine Higham – Spokesperson for the provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities
(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)
Cell: 071 087 5150
Email: [email protected]


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Something about the word “illegal” would make me think twice (heck three or four times) before putting something in my kid’s mouth. But the NY Times ran a public health warning this week telling parents NOT to use a teething medicine already banned in the U.S.
Some people never learn. Monell’s Teething Cordial, also known as Cordial de Monell para la Dentición, hails from the Dominican Republic and is apparently popular with immigrants from that country. Only it’s been banned by the U.S. government and is sold illegally here in the states, including corner stores in NYC – which prompted that city’s public health warning.
Thanks to an infant poisoning, the Monell maker has instituted a voluntary recall – even working with the FDA here in the States. Yes, the FDA is working on a recall of a substance already illegal here in the states. I don’t get it either, but I’m going with it (and, in fairness, the FDA Website notes that the announcement is not an endorsement of the product).
Used to treat teething and colic, Monell contains potassium bromide – usually used as an anti-epileptic in dogs. Apparently it’s not so good for human babies, so unless your kids are barking during their human phase . . . please avoid.


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RIDGELAND, MS (Mississippi News Now) –
Northpark will hold a ceremonial hard hat groundbreaking event on Thursday, March 8, to launch Phase 1 of the multi-million dollar redevelopment to the property.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee will be there to make remarks, along with the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce president Karen McKie, Senior Vice President of Marketing Najla Kayyem, Pacific Retail Capital Partners and the general manager of Northpark, Kasey Dickson.
Later that evening, officials from Northpark and Pacific Retail Capital Partners will host a VIP reception in celebration of the groundbreaking. It will be in the upper level near Belk.
The groundbreaking ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. with the VIP reception starting at 6 and 8 p.m.