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Posts tagged: Paul Fish
Spokane's Mountain Gear has been named the Sustainable Retailer of the year at the 2012 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, held in Salt Lake.
The award honors outdoor retailers who embody solid entrepreneurship and work on behalf of the community.
“This award honors exemplary retailers and sets a bar for all other retailers to achieve, with the ultimate goal of establishing a standard for specialty retail excellence nationwide,” SNEWS President Michael Hodgson said.
Mountain Gear President Paul Fish took the challenge of a reduced footprint when he decided to relocate the corporate offices and distribution center to a new building, a former manufacturing facility.
For the third year in a row, Spokane outdoor retailer Mountain Gear has won a Silver Award for being a bike-friendly business by the League of American Bicyclists.
Staring this week, Spokane outdoor retailer Mountain Gear will start accepting used items — footwear,
jackets, pants, shirts, socks, tents, harnesses, backpacks and other
cloth-based items — and will donate them to a textile recycling facility. Items do not have to be outdoor equipment only.
The intent of the program is to extend the life of usable outdoor items and materials. A company release said usable products will be reused through secondhand markets; unusable items will be recycled into new materials and fibers. The north Spokane shop, at 2002 N. Division, will also direct customers with items needing repair to to local repair services.
About 10 percent of all textiles are reused or recycled, and Mountain Gear President Paul Fish said his company would like to raise that rate in the Spokane area.
Fish emphasized this program is meant to supplement existing recycling efforts and donations by collecting items that have reached the end of their useful life.


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Kill Switch Vol. 4 . . . Is “Big Brother” Your Smartphone Answer?
Much has been made of the SOS (Save Our Smartphones) coalition and its initiative: Make it easy to disable lost or stolen smartphones and other devices by using a “kill switch” feature. In other words, make disabling your smartphone as easy as cancelling a credit card. This initiative has been presented to the manufacturers of mobile devices – Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, to name but a few – but business response has been uneven, tepid at best.
The SOS thinking is straightforward: By using the kill switch, take away a smartphone’s resale value. Block the ability to reactivate it. The opportunity to resell it – or to use its stored personal information – disappears. Therefor, the incentive to steal it is eliminated.
The result? According to SOS, it is protection – protection for the individual smartphone user whose life and personal information may be in jeopardy if his mobile device ends up in the wrong hands. (According to SOS, the kill switch would reduce street-level theft and violent crime in the U.S. by as much as 40 %.)
However, industry analysts and experts immediately point to two weaknesses: (1) The kill-switch feature isn’t close to being foolproof – so there will always be a “back door” for hackers. (2) If lost or stolen, many smartphones can be disabled right now (but importantly, as of right now this exists only within specific database boundaries).
The second weakness needs explanation.
In 2012 the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and CTIA – The Wireless Association (an international nonprofit organization representing the wireless communications industry) created a database in the U.S., to prevent the use of stolen mobile devices.
Initially, law enforcement officials across the U.S. were extremely happy this had been done. However, after a database “test drive,” they also said it did not come close to solving the problem. In a letter to the FCC, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramey summed it up:
Many smartphones that are disabled still have the capacity to access Wi-Fi networks, or may be operable with carriers not in the database.
Did somebody miss the boat? Not really. As it turns out, many carriers – some as large as Verizon or Virgin, others regional or with trans-international ties – opted not to be included in the ambitious database. (Quite often, these carriers expressed that divulging information would be a breach of customer “confidentiality.”) Without the unified “on board” agreement of carriers – and countries – a comprehensive database was not possible.
Also “anti” this database concept were concerned watchdog individuals and groups – such as the ACLU – who believed such information collection was contrary to individual rights and freedoms. (They pointed to surveillance by the NSA, to government initiatives for a national DNA databank, and to local incursions such as stop-and-frisk and profiling to underscore their arguments.)
To be fair, many smartphone victims – in hindsight – might disagree with all the above.
This may be why law enforcement and government agencies – and the SOS – are eager to grasp at something, to support kill-switch technology. For many, it is the only – even if it is flawed – tangible solution available to a global problem: Identity theft and violent crime.
By the time you have finished reading this, more than 300 smartphones in the U.S. will be added to the list of those lost through carelessness or stolen (often through violent street crime).
— Stephen Heath-Jones

domain: news


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Metal casing manufacturer Catcher Technology Co (可成科技) yesterday saw consolidated sales for last month increase 8.86 percent from April, thanks to new notebook computer and smartphone models launched by its major customers.
Sales reached NT$3.293 billion (US$109.8 million) last month, the highest since October last year, when the company was forced to shut down its plants in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, by Chinese authorities because of environmental disputes.
Last year the company reported October sales of NT$3.211 billion.
On an annual basis, Catcher’s sales last month were up 10.17 percent from the same month last year, the company said in a statement yesterday.
Cumulative sales in the first five months of the year totaled NT$14.972 billion, 17.22 percent higher than a year earlier, it said.
Catcher supplies metal casings for Apple Inc’s MacBook Air, HTC Corp’s (宏達電) smartphones and Research In Motion Ltd’s (RIM) PlayBook tablets, among other products.
In April, analysts at Macquarie Research Equities and UBS Securities Taiwan predicted Catcher’s sales for the second quarter would grow about 20 percent from the NT$8.654 billion posted in the first quarter, while Credit Suisse last month forecast a sequential increase of between 15 percent and 17 percent, on the back of new model launches by Catcher’s notebook and smartphone customers.
This means Catcher would have to make between NT$3.634 billion and NT$4.062 billion in sales this month if it is to see its second-quarter revenue reach between NT$9.95 billion and NT$10.38 billion, based on analysts’ estimates.
Catcher's shareholders’ meeting -- scheduled to be held on June 13 -- is expected to approved the company's proposal of distributing a cash dividend of NT$5 per share, based on last year's earnings per share of NT$14.93.
In the previous year, the company paid a cash dividend of NT$4 per share to shareholders on its 2010's earnings per share of NT$6.66.
Catcher shares rose 2.81 percent to close at NT$183, ahead of the release of its monthly sales figures, versus a 1.53 percent increase on the TAIEX.
In related news, HTC yesterday declined to comment on a decision by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to launch a probe into a patent infringement complaint filed by Nokia, saying the patent allegations have entered litigation.
The ITC decided on Monday to institute an investigation into a complaint filed by Nokia on May 2, alleging that HTC had infringed on its technology used in certain electronics devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers and electronics components.
Additional reporting by CNA


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KOLKATA: Reliance Communications
launched a bucket plan Tuesday offering unlimited voice calls bundled with 300 MB of data for a flat Rs 149 in a clear market expansion bid, primarily targeting the sizeable pool of 2G
Christened `149 Unlimited’, the calling plan offers customers unlimited outgoing talk-time to any phone across any telecom network in the country, including STD calls, for Rs 149 a month.RCom
’s Rs 149 bucket plan resembles a similar Jio
tariff plan, but can be activated on any phone – 2G, 3G
, or 4G
-- unlike Jio’s, which requires a 4G VoLTE
handset.4G VoLTE handset.
“The new unlimited plan is set to change the dynamics of mobile recharges in India, as customers move away from a traditional revenue per minute tariff model to a service subscription model based on ARPU,” said RCom’s co-CEO, Gurdeep Singh
in an official statement.RCom’s co-CEO, Gurdeep Singh in an official statement.
The new tariff plan went live in 17 RCom circles, and will not be available in the five eastern markets -- West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam and Northeast -- Bihar, Odisha, Assam and Northeast -- where where the telco does not have 2G airwaves.
The ‘149 Unlimited’ Plan, which will be available across 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, is targeted at incentivising 2G, 3G and 4G phone owners to migrate to RCom.
According to Singh, “there are hundreds of millions of older 2G handset-owners in India, and RCom is positioning the new bucket plan of unlimited voice calls with 300 MB of data to get them hooked to data”.
Regardless of the type of feature phone or smartphone used, RCom customers can make unlimited voice calls, including STD calls for a month to any phone on any network in India.


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Chiswick Curtain Shop Announces Closure
After more than eighteen years on the High Road
The Chiswick Curtain Company is to close down after more than eighteen years in business.
The shop, on the corner of the High Road and Merton Avenue will close on December 15.
A notice in the window said that the closure was due to lease expiry and the owner’s “much anticipated retirement”.
They are fully booked and unable to take any more orders. There is currently a sale in the shop which sold curtains, blinds, upholstery, cushions and accessories, and was noted for its striking window displays.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers and clients the very best and thank them for their support over the past eighteen-plus years” said the notice.
November 16, 2012


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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ordered Charlotte-based Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) to pay $727 million in relief to consumers for misleading them in the sale of credit-card add-on products.
The CFPB says 1.4 million consumers were affected by deceptive marketing tactics and 1.9 million accounts were illegally charged for credit monitoring products.
“We have consistently warned companies about illegal practices related to credit card add-on products,” CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a statement Wednesday. “Bank of America both deceived consumers and unfairly billed consumers for services not performed. We will not tolerate such practices and will continue to be vigilant in our pursuit of companies who wrong consumers in this market.”
The CFPB's complaint alleges BofA from 2010 to 2012 marketed "Credit Protection Plus" and "Credit Protection Deluxe," two products said to help cancel some debt if a borrower was faced with a hardship. The CFPB says the telemarketing scripts Bank of America used for these products contained misstatements. Telemarketers also often went "off-script" and omitted information or misled customers.
Here's a breakdown of the CFPB's charges:
•Bank of America led some consumers to believe that the first 30 days of coverage were free of charge when, in fact, by enrolling, consumers were agreeing to purchase the credit protection products. Consumers would begin incurring charges unless they canceled within an initial 30-day review period.
•Bank of America misled some consumers about the enrollment process for these products, telling them there were additional steps to enroll in or purchase the products after the telemarketing call or that, on the call, they were merely agreeing to receive additional information. In reality, Bank of America was enrolling these consumers in the products during these calls and then charging consumers for the products.
•Bank of America misrepresented the benefits consumers could receive from the products, telling consumers they could receive benefits for a longer period of time than was allowed under the terms and conditions of the credit protection products. Bank of America also led some consumers to believe they would be entitled to a “$25,000 death benefit” by enrolling in Credit Protection Plus when that was not the case.
•Bank of America enrolled consumers in identity protection credit card add-on products, known as “Privacy Guard,” “Privacy Source” and “Privacy Assist,” that promised to monitor customer credit and alert consumers to potentially fraudulent activity. BofA billed consumers for these products without or before having the authorization necessary to perform the credit monitoring and credit report retrieval services. As a result, the company billed customers for services they did not receive, unfairly charged customers interest and fees and failed to provide product benefits.
Bank of America stopped marketing the products in December 2011 and ended sales of the products in August 2012.
The CFPB will now require BofA to submit a compliance plan before it sells any more such products. It also will pay $268 million in refunds to more than 1.4 million customers subjected to deceptive marketing. BofA will pay an additional $459 million to 1.5 million consumers who enrolled in credit monitoring and did not receive all the promised benefits.
Bank of America has already reimbursed consumers for the unfair billing practices related to the identity protection products. For the credit protection products, remaining Bank of America customers will receive, or already have received, a credit to their accounts. If they are no longer a Bank of America credit card holder, they will receive, or already have received, a check in the mail or have charged-off balances reduced by the amount they were charged in fees. Consumers are not required to take any action to receive their credit or check.
Bank of America also will make a $20 million penalty payment to the CFPB’s Civil Penalty Fund.
Separately, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is ordering Bank of America to pay $25 million in civil money penalties for the unfair billing practices, in addition to those ordered by the CFPB.
In a press release, BofA says it has already repaid the majority of affected customers.


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ADVICE: exactly why are millennials tapping loans that are payday pawn stores?
NYC (Reuters) – David, 31, was at a pinch. He had been building down a 2nd location for their family members’ precious precious jewelry shop in Queens, ny and operating away from money. He looked to a pawn that is local for financing in order to complete the construction, a determination he now regrets.
“It had been too much to obtain a financial loan,” explained David, that is hitched and college-educated. He said https://paydayloanexpert.net/installment-loans-ca/ he had been addressed fairly by the pawn store he utilized, but stated that, in retrospect, the strain of pawning precious precious jewelry from their stock wasn’t worth every penny.
Millennials like David are becoming hefty users of alternate economic solutions, primarily payday lenders and pawn shops. a study that is joint PwC and George Washington University discovered that 28 per cent of college-educated millennials (ages 23-35) have tapped short-term funding from pawn stores and payday lenders within the last 5 years.
Thirty-five % of the borrowers are charge card users. Thirty-nine per cent have actually bank records. Therefore, the theory is that, they need to have other choices to gain access to money.
There is certainly a label that users of alternate economic solutions come from the cheapest income strata. But borrowers from pawn stores and payday loan providers in many cases are middle-class teenagers, struggling to produce their method when you look at the post-college real-world without economic assistance from the financial institution of dad and mum, relating to Shannon Schuyler, PwC principal and primary responsibility officer that is corporate.
“It may possibly be area of the helicopter-parent trend,” Schuyler says. “They usually have a life style these are generally familiar with, plus they don’t understand just just what things cost.”
Numerous borrowers currently carry huge financial obligation lots from figuratively speaking in addition to charge card balances racked up in university.
RESIDING IN THE FINANCIAL EDGE
The research additionally unearthed that almost 1 / 2 of the millennials could maybe maybe maybe not appear with $2,000 if an urgent need arose within the the following month. Nearly 30 % are overdrawing their checking reports. Over fifty percent (53 %) carried a charge card stability within the last year.
Eric Modell, owner associated with pawn store string “David” utilized, said one explanation millennials are looking at pawn stores is the fact that procedure will not harm a debtor’s personal credit record the real means other forms of loans might.
“They be worried about exactly how a lower life expectancy credit rating could influence their work, or their capability getting a mortgage once they require it,” Modell claims.
In addition, a matter is taken by a pawn transaction of moments, he noted. “It is a resource that is easy” Modell included. In comparison, banking institutions loans usually takes time, include a lot of documents, and certainly will be costly to setup.
Nationwide, the normal pawn store loan is mostly about $150, in line with the Nationwide Pawnbrokers Association. That which you can pawn plus the price of borrowing differs by state. In ny, for instance, interest levels are capped at 4 % every month, with yet another ten dollars fee that is maximum.
Modell stated borrowing a small amount of income for the time that is short also at greater prices, in order to avoid charges such as for instance a check bouncing or perhaps a belated cost on a bill, could often be a far better move.
Doug Boneparth, a professional economic planner and partner at lifestyle and riches preparing in new york, stated he does nothing like the very fact that a lot of millennials are cash-strapped.
“This, unfortunately, could possibly be a sign of exactly just how hard it really is for millennials to save lots of,” Boneparth stated.
Boneparth said he recommends millennials to check out other funding choices, regardless if they’re not perfect. For instance, ask a grouped family users member for assistance. He additionally proposed taking right out a loan from a 401(k), if at all possible.
But families would ask questions. This is exactly why the discernment of the pawn store along with other alternate monetary companies is therefore attractive, Modell stated.
In terms of David, he nevertheless owes about $16,000 on their loan through the pawn store, which can be stressing him down. “the amount of money is getting flushed along the drain,” he stated.
By Bobbi Rebell


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- Else Nutrition (BABY) has announced a five-year production MOU with an unnamed US-based manufacturer
- The company plans to invest approximately C$660,000 in packaging and production lines at the new facility
- A definitive production agreement is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2020
- Else Nutrition’s shares are currently up 7.81 per cent to C$0.69, with a market cap of C$46.32 million
Else Nutrition Holdings (BABY) has signed a five-year production memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a US baby formula manufacturer.
The company, which is focused on developing and marketing alternatives to dairy-based infant nutrition, has not yet named the MOU partner.
Else Nutrition plans to manufacture its proprietary infant powder, toddler formula and children’s nutritional drinks at a newly established facility.
It also plans to invest roughly C$660,000 in dedicated packaging and production lines for its products.
“This world class facility provides for hands-on monitoring of each batch, ensuring increased testing accuracy and the highest quality in finished products,” said CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition, Hamutal Yitzhak.
“Having such high-caliber long-term production in the US ensures we can efficiently meet future demand in this key global market while adhering to our strict quality standards.”
Else Nutrition and its MOU partner are expected to sign a definitive production agreement in the first quarter of 2020.
The company’s shares are currently up 7.81 per cent to C$0.69, with a market cap of C$46.32 million.


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TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo inaugurated the revitalization of the Surabaya Western Access Channel and Teluk Lamong Terminal at Surabya Tanjung Perak Port on Friday, May 22, 2015.
"We have forgotten and I need to remind that two-third of Indonesian regions are water," Jokowi spoke before the audience, calling on regional heads and the people to pay attention on Indonesian maritime affairs.
Jokowi emphasized that the sea toll program will synergize ports starting from the smallest to the largest. Jokowi added that other ports were making some improvements. Jokowi claimed that the Kuala Tanjung port in Belawan, North Sumatera, could be as large as Teluk Lamong.
"We will also conduct groundbreaking in Makassar today and at Sorong port in July or August. The facilities will be integrated," Jokowi added.
Jokowi hoped that the integration of Indonesian ports would reduce transportation and logistics cost. Jokowi calculated that such costs could have been lowered by one-third or 50 percent of the original cost.
Teluk Lamong Terminal was claimed as the first green terminal and the most sophisticated in Indonesia. By employing automatic operation system and being environmentally friendly, almost all of machines are is powered by electricity and gas.
"Only a few machines are fueled by oil, based on the EURO 4 standards" said Djarwo Surjanto, President Director of port management company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III.
ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA


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The pop singer-turned-designer admits that "it's not easy" being a working mother, but that it's important to support all those in the same situation.
"You have to show up when you don't want to."
… but don’t be tempted to shut out all the emotion when being an activist, the transparency campaigner warns.
Embrace who you are, says Norman Reedus, star of "The Walking Dead."
After starring in a movie with a famous actor, Adriene Mishler had to decide whether moving to LA was the right thing to do.
The comedian dishes on building a YouTube empire and expanding her career while loving her job.
Advice from the company that's been taking Silicon Valley by storm.
A backpacking trip to South America inspired Evan Streusand to start his business. Here are his tips for cracking the manufacturing market.
The offer can be good, but you can refuse, according to P3 Organics entrepreneur Amy Cazin.
Nasdaq's CEO dishes on the three main things that start-up entrepreneurs need to know before launching an IPO.
Fresh Diet grew out of Zalmi Duchman's apartment into a nationwide food delivery service.
Christie Rampone was invited to join the Women's National Team as a senior in college, but still doubted herself at the beginning.
Success comes down to perseverance and believing in what you do. "If you don't believe it, nobody else will," Diane von Furstenberg says.
Entrepreneurs should pursue their start-up idea right now, Evernote co-founder and venture capitalist Phil Libin says.


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Danish supplier Chr. Hansen manufactures natural colors and fruit and vegetable concentrates with over 600 products in its natural color portfolio.
Michael Schoer, director and head of global logistics at the supplier’s natural colors division, said its supply of natural color raw materials was secure for the moment thanks to healthy stock levels and multiple sourcing routes.
“[This is] due to healthy stock levels and multiple sourcing routes on a global scale ensuring agility and a competitive edge,” he said. “Our factories worldwide are running full speed and inventories are well loaded. Due to the unpredictable nature of this situation, we cannot say how the situation will look like in a week or two from now.
“We cannot completely avoid it having an impact on lead time or supply ability for individual items, but we have contingency plans to mitigate if it happens. These include possibly transferring production to other sites to the extent possible.”
NxtDried looks to build up inventory
Peru-headquartered NxtDried produces natural and functional ingredients using a proprietary drying technique, that add natural color, flavor and nutrients to food and drink products.
Its product portfolio, available in whole, powdered and granulated form, includes purple corn, red camu camu, and yellow turmeric used for color and native Peruvian fruits such as lucuma and yacón that add flavor and natural sweeteness.
The company, which has clients in Europe, the US and Canada, found itself having to adapt to strict nationwide lockdown measures announced by the Peruvian government with “very little warning”, which forced food manufacturing factories to close temporarily, according to Dafydd Davies, EMEA director at the company. However, NxtDried’s small size gave it the flexibility it needed to adapt, Davies added.
“Because we are in the early stage as a business, we just saw ourselves as doing stock-building, completing NPD and R&D and generating early sales,” he told FoodNavigator-USA. “Luckily we aren’t yet into big overheads and haven’t committed to vast amounts of stock we need to process.”
Davies, who previously worked in new product development for Nestlé Europe and UK, said NxtDried had the space and logistics to build up inventory. However, fruit seasonality and the availability of harvest pickers during the lockdown, could be concerning.
“We take in fresh products and process them so if we have to shut down, that fresh produce could go to waste. We are looking to build inventory because our dried product has a shelf life of two years or more.”
“Yacón has three or four months of prime production so you have to process all you can and then build up stocks as well as trying to [discuss with] clients to get ideas of their requirements for the year ahead. If we miss out, then that’s the season gone. In a sense, we’ve got to build stock while it’s in season.”
Kerry dives into COVID-19 food trend impact
Ireland-headquartered ingredient supplier Kerry said all its manufacturing facilities remained open.
“Business continuity plans are being regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the evolving situation to ensure a consistent supply chain for our customers,” said Jim Egan, global director of corporate affairs and communications. “This includes implementing mitigation measures for raw materials that are sourced from affected countries in order to reduce potential delays or disruptions.”
Kerry’s consumer insights team has also been producing reports on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting consumer demand and shaping food and beverage trends.
Compiled using secondary data from market research firms such as Mintel and Nielson and insights from its own supply chain, the free-to-read reports cover packaged food products, foodservice and food delivery.
The COVID-19 crisis has seen some food trends upended as consumers swap fresh and artisan products made with natural ingredients for dried, canned and frozen foods.
“This change could have a long-term effect on shelf-stable products if consumers continue to add them to their regular grocery lists even after the fears surrounding COVID-19 lift,” wrote Kerry's Lauren Piek earlier this month. “Consumers who typically buy fresh and artisanal products may not know how to work with the shelf-stable products they’re purchasing. This is an opportunity for brands to help consumers better get to know their products.”
Jakob Dalmose Rasmussen, vice president of commercial development at Chr. Hansen’s natural colors division said the company was still working on existing R&D projects and has been able to connect with some customers through digital platforms for webinars and customer project reviews.
“Consumer insight work and market research will require more data points to determine which demographics are structurally affected beyond the current quarantine period across the globe. However, in line with consumers worldwide having to cook and eat at home, we can see activity in the prepared foods segment rising at the moment,” Dalmose Rasmussen added.
A boost for natural additives?
If confinement measures continue and shelf-stable products such as canned goods become a long-term fixture in consumers’ pantries, could manufacturers look to ‘clean up’ the labels of such products, replacing artificial flavors and colors for natural ones?
In any case, the pandemic is already causing consumers to look for health-boosting foods and ingredients.
“In this time of global pandemic, consumers are increasingly aware of their health and the practices necessary to defend it,” wrote the authors of a report published by data insights provider Tastewise, which uses an Artificial Intelligence-powered algorithm to track and analyze food searches, social media interactions, and online recipes. It found an increase in searches for natural ingredients and products such as elderflower, chamomile, and rosemary.
“Health is top of mind for consumers. Food-based sickness treatments help people take a proactive approach to preserving their health; 45% more consumers year-on-year are focused on this quality. We expect to see that number climb over the coming months,” it said.


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INDIANAPOLIS - In theory, the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG is a German hot rod. In fact, it's the fastest production car Mercedes has sold on our shores.
What's an AMG? It's the performance label given to Mercedes-Benz models that are modified by its in-house tuner, Mercedes-AMG. The CLK55 AMG is the latest in a string of AMG-badged products Mercedes offers in the expanding low-volume, high-performance luxury market that Audi, BMW and a handful of other makes are targeting.
The name AMG has been linked to Mercedes-Benz for more than three decades. But it wasn't until 1999 that AMG became a part of DaimlerChrysler, when the company bought a majority stake in AMG.
The AMG name comes from the German racing shop Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher founded in 1967. The A and M in AMG are the first letters of their last names, and the G comes from the city in which the shop was located, Grossaspach.
Since its early days, AMG has been involved in racing Mercedes-Benz products. For many of those years, AMG has been modifying and marketing a limited number of high-performance Mercedes-Benz models in Europe and the United States.
The 2001 CLK55 AMG, which went on sale in late September, is based on the CLK320 and CLK430. It is interwoven with a combination of cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned craftsmanship. That includes a hand-built V-8 from the Mercedes-AMG engine shop.
'The type of people who are assembling these vehicles are our top flight technicians ... some of our best engine builders. They are the best we have, period,' said Rob Allan, AMG manager at Mercedes-Benz USA Inc., who spoke at a press event for the new car.
Mercedes-AMG takes the Mercedes twin-spark, three-valves-per-cylinder, 5.0-liter V-8 and bores it out to 5.5 liters. Among the changes: The stroke is increased 8 millimeters to 92 millimeters; an enlarged magnesium dual-resonance intake manifold is added; and the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons are matched, balanced and forged.
In addition, the Mercedes-AMG 5.5-liter V-8 uses an AMG-designed, pressure-cast aluminum cylinder block. It adds cast-in silicon-aluminum cylinder sleeves and low-friction surfaces that allow a 50 percent reduction in piston-ring tension.
The result is an engine that punches out 342 hp at 5,500 rpm and 376 pounds-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,300 rpm.
TOP SPEED: 155 MPH
The engine is mated to the five-speed automatic transmission that comes from Mercedes' V-12 models. The transmission is built to handle a high amount of torque and also offer the driver the option of manually shifting the gears. According to Mercedes, the end result is 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and a 13.32-second quarter mile at 109.8 mph. The top speed is 155 mph.
Other modifications include the addition of racing-derived brakes, higher rate springs, tighter shock valving, thicker stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension bushings. Electronic stability control, antilock brakes and brake assist, which can reduce braking distance in panic stops, are standard.
The automaker expects to sell 1,000 CLK55 AMG models in the United States during the 2001 model year. Most of the cars are sold or pre-sold, Allan said. The sticker price is $68,045, including $645 for transportation.
The CLK320 coupe starts at $42,595, including freight; the CLK430 coupe begins at $50,295.
The 2001 CLK55 AMG is one of seven AMG models marketed here by Mercedes-Benz. (See list at left.)
Worldwide sales volume for AMG is small, around 10,000 units this calendar year. In 1999, with just two models, Mercedes-Benz USA sold 1,683 AMG-modified vehicles, and this year, with the expanded AMG product line, the company expects about 3,000 sales.
Allan said many of the people buying an AMG product have owned as many as four Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and a few already own an AMG product. Even though other luxury automakers are offering performance models, such as the Audi S and the BMW M series, Allan says he's not concerned about Mercedes loyalists straying.
'To jump from an AMG version to another version of another car is almost like jumping family lines,' he said. 'It would be a giant leap of faith for these people. AMG people are total enthusiasts for Mercedes. They are aficionados.'
But he added, 'AMG is not sleeping.'


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U.S. digital advertising revenue expanded by 22 percent in 2011, reaching a record $31 billion according to a report prepared by the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB). They reported a 27 percent growth in search revenue to $14.8 billion and 35 percent expansion of display-related ads to $11.1 billion,
IAB’s data is similar to a January report by eMarketer, which also totaled U.S. digital advertising at $31 billion.
IAB’s outlook is a bit divergent from a report released in March by Kantar Media, which said fourth-quarter declines in the internet search and display sectors last year drove down the performance of the entire U.S. advertising market.
Meanwhile, smartphone device sales, users, and revenues are accelerating across the board. The sale of smartphone devices to new postpaid subscribers continues to grow, representing 48% of device sales as compared with 30% in the 2010 survey.


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Global payment service provider MasterCard has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pan African Telecommunications Group, MTN, to purchase a minority stake in the fintech subsidiary of MTN Group valued at $5.2 billion. MTN announced this agreement on a half-year performance publication on its platform and the signing of definitive investment agreements, which is expected to happen soon. The telecommunication group is seeking to drive the strategic growth of its fintech unit and has identified strategic partnerships for the right investment boost.
MTN has reportedly been in search of minority investors to invest in its African fintech subsidiary for over a year after it separated its fintech unit from its main telecom niche. The entrance of MasterCard into MTN's fintech division is an introduction of strategic minority investors that would potentially stimulate the accelerated growth of its fintech business's payments and remittance services. This deal also allows MasterCard to work with MTN to foster digital payments with its modernized payment solutions. As a leading global expert in payment processing, MasterCard will also assist MTN in rising above competitors while driving the transformation of mobile money and possibly the entire payment ecosystem in Africa.
Interestingly with minority investments, MTN can fund its business and retain a significant ownership interest, that way, the telecom group can still steer its business activities and policies in tune with its vision to facilitate a digital economy across Africa. On the other hand, MasterCard can enjoy an easier penetration into Africa's growing fintech industry and the opportunities it presents.
Company Name: MTN
CEO: Ralph Mupita
Funding raised: $121,000,000 (2016)
Customer base: 89,000,ooo
Key countries: Nigeria, South Africa Ghana, and Middle East


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The latest twist in Amazon’s road into healthcare emerged with reports speculating that the company is building primary care clinics for its employees. And while Seattle-area medical groups and hospitals are likely wondering what that might mean for their patient populations the initiative, should it happen, could have implications beyond the Pacific Northwest in short order.
As costs continue to rise and quality stagnates, employers footing the hefty bill for their employees health benefits are looking for ways to make sure managing employee health doesn’t kill their business.
That is exactly where Amazon has an edge: Using big data, analytics and business intelligence to drive down costs while also ramping up consumer convenience and satisfaction.
Amazon not first with on-site clinics
Amazon would not be the sole intrepid company establishing its clinics for its employees. Boeing and Disney do it. John Deere, too. Most recently, Henry Ford Health System and automotive giant GM announced plans for direct employer-contracted healthcare.
Should the company create clinics, however, many people will be watching closely because of its unique potential to shake things up.
“Amazon has established itself right now as disruptor 2.0,” said Paul Keckley, president of the Keckley Group, a healthcare advisory firm. “It has a take-no-prisoners approach to taking costs out of the systems. In 1.0, there were a lot of innovators doing different things. What Amazon does is say ‘we’re going to take this to scale.’”
Keckley said depending on what survey you read, an employee clinic can save $2,000 a year per employee if it is well-utilized. Employers are already paying skyrocketing healthcare costs for other providers in their respective markets, so why not do something semi-radical and try and head some of that off at the pass by providing a healthcare solution in-house, increasing access to care and the likelihood an employee will use it to reduce more costly episodes of care.
Although Amazon’s plans are little more than speculation at this point, on-site clinics and arrangements like the one GM and Henry Ford Health just struck set the stage for employers to make more demands of healthcare delivery organizations for market-based solutions, according to Rita Numerof, healthcare industry expert and founder of Numerof and Associates.
Amazon should concern health systems
The entire industry needs to pay attention. For one thing, manufacturers of healthcare products and services should note that Amazon, or any company, bringing healthcare delivery in-house allows them to have more direct control providing that service and that’s an important factor across the board. It’s more than healthcare manufacturers selling to these retailers, it’s about how to deliver services differently and make sure services and products have demonstrated value.
“Business is not going to be as usual and that’s a good thing. There is no question that this is disruptive and Amazon is in position to leverage its size and capabilities in data in delivering services to consumers that matter,” Numerof said. “That is a statement about a nontraditional player that has been extraordinarily successful moving into healthcare. They wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t think there was a business opportunity.”
Numerof also said health systems should be very concerned about this, and would do well to step back and really look at the hard question of ‘how well-prepared are we to demonstrate the value of the services we bring to employee groups,’ whether it’s primary care or managing care in different settings. She said if a CEO or board is honest, most will have to say they are not ready. That’s because 30 years of building and perfecting models that are site-based, highly transactional and focused on getting paid for a service, but not necessarily connecting that service to the outcomes that are important across that population, has not prepared them to compete in the market of tomorrow.
“The other side of that, though, is they don’t want to flip their own model without making sure the payment is going to follow a different delivery basis. Nobody ever got points for driving a business into a ditch,” Numerof added.
Still, it’s all about choice and providers should ask themselves why an Amazon employee would still go to their hospital-based provider for primary care when they charge more than the employee clinic and are less convenient. Numerof also said the fact that Amazon is keeping the whole enterprise in-house, doing its own hiring and not contracting the operation out to another healthcare organization, is telling.
Don’t be surprised if in a year Amazon has solidified its own operation such that it branches out and sets up shop for other employers.
The implementation of work-site clinics, by Amazon and the others, is a not a passing event. It’s another step in the direction of a move to market-based model. And one that makes great sense. Employers have not taken as important a role in demanding better outcomes and greater accountability, but they need to because they have a vested interest in it.
“People make choices based on performance in every other walk of life. Why not in healthcare? We are going to see more of these market based solutions begin to unfold. Hospitals and healthcare systems need to be prepared to compete in this kind of environment. They need to develop the skills today or they won’t be as relevant as they need to be tomorrow.”
“I think this train’s left the station,” Keckley added. “It’s going to be a strong sector.”
Email the writer: [email protected]
Source: Read Full Article


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1958 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster on 2040-cars
Mukilteo, Washington, United States
Send me an email at: firstname.lastname@example.org .
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Very Nice Newer Black Seat Covers, Door Panels, Dash Pad, Daytona Style Carpets, all Gauges Work Including Tach, After Market Radio.
Hardtop Only, 1958 Corvette Original hood (Super Rare Washboard Hood) with Chrome Spears on Trunk Lid, - Excellent Running N.O.M. 327 CI with Nice Sound Cam, Quiet Shifting 4 speed with Newer Corvette Shifter
Newer 205-75-15 Coker Wide Whitewalls, Detail Motor & Trunk with 5th Whitewall, New Mat & Sound Deadener, Working Horn, Blinkers, E-brake Excellent, Daily Driver
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Wayne`s Service Center ★★★★★
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Auto blogThu, 12 Jun 2014
Kenneth Feinberg, the man in charge of the General Motors compensation fund dealing with the its widespread ignition switch woes, has issued an informal, two-letter response to the plaintiffs in more than 70 lawsuits seeking redress for lost resale value of their Cobalts: "No." The cases were recently combined into one, but Feinberg told The Detroit News that the fund will deal "only with death and physical injury claims," and that "perceived diminished value" will get no consideration.
ALG, the firm specializing in establishing residual values, determined that Cobalt owners had lost $300 compared to the segment competition and doesn't envision any long-term effects from the recall situation. Feinberg's statement comes in advance of public details on how the compensation fund will work and adheres to GM's long-held position on the matter. The company has already asked a judge to throw out such suits using the pre-bankruptcy defense, even as it stopped using that defense in cases of injury and death.
With plenty of potential gain from the GM suit, however, don't expect the plaintiffs to give up yet. When Toyota was sued for the same reason during the unintended acceleration debacle, it eventually settled the case for between $1 billion and $1.4 billion just to get it over with. Since the 85 law firms involved in the Toyota litigation took home more than $250 million of that total, we shouldn't expect the attorneys to give up on a GM payout, either.
We record Autoblog Podcast #313 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #313
2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra introduced
The 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its racing debut for the 2013 Daytona 500, but the production version of the car will get its official unveiling on February 16 in Daytona, a week before The Great American Race. According to a report by Automotive News, the reveal has been confirmed by Jim Campbell, Chevy's US vice president of performance and motorsports. With the departure of the Dodge Charger, the new Chevrolet racecar will be the only competitor to feature a V8, rear-wheel-drive layout in both street and NASCAR form.
NASCAR fans will be able to see the new fullsize performance-oriented sedan on display in the festivities leading up to the Daytona 500, but the car won't go on sale until later in the year. The Australian-built Chevy SS will be a low-volume performance model, and it will be priced above the 2014 Impala, which starts at $27,535.


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Winners of the African American Film Critics Association’s third annual TV Honors were announced on Wednesday, with Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar” winning awards in the Best Drama and Best Writing categories and also receiving the AAFCA’s inaugural Impact Award.
“Lovecraft Country” and “The Underground Railroad” also won multiple awards, with the former show taking acting honors for Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors and the latter winning in the Best Limited Series and Best Director category for Barry Jenkins.
Robin Thede’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” won the award for Best Comedy, while “The Equalizer” won in the Best New Show category. “Sylvie’s Love” was named Best Movie, while the Best Docuseries category was a tie between HBO’s “Exterminate All the Brutes” and Netflix’s “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.”
Overall, HBO won four awards, Amazon Prime Video won three, OWN won two and CBS and Netflix won one each. The awards were chosen by a jury drawn from the AAFCA.
“We are most hopeful that the vast array of offerings this year point to a permanent shift in the quality and depth of storytelling capturing the Black experience on television,” said AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson in a statement. “It’s a robust slate that we believe is reflective of a new normal regarding diversity and inclusion for TV.”
In addition to the Impact Award for “Queen Sugar,” previously announced special awards will be given to Steve McQueen, Wanda Sykes, Naomi Ackie, Michaela Coel, HBO/HBO MAX and “Lupin.”
The awards will be handed out at a private ceremony on Aug. 21 hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and taking place outdoors at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey. Only fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to attend.
2021 AAFCA TV HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS
• Best Actress: Jurnee Smollett, “Lovecraft Country,” HBO
• Best Actor: Jonathan Majors, “Lovecraft Country,” HBO
• Best Drama: “Queen Sugar,” OWN
• Best Comedy: “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” HBO
• Best New Show: “The Equalizer,” CBS
• Best Limited Series: “The Underground Railroad,” Amazon Prime Video
• Best Docuseries: “Exterminate All the Brutes,” HBO and “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America,” Netflix
• Best Writing: “Queen Sugar,” OWN
• Best Director: Barry Jenkins, “The Underground Railroad,” Amazon Prime Video
• Best Movie: “Sylvie’s Love,” Amazon Prime Video


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Hear that plaintive noise emanating from Madison Avenue? That is the sound of the national advertising economy still bumping along the bottom far longer than industry executives had feared.
When the economy suddenly slowed late last year, most advertisers, advertising agencies and media companies took it in stride, estimating that a recovery would begin by the second half of 2001, or right about now. Certainly by the fourth quarter.
But now, after repeatedly scaling back their expectations, even the optimists do not expect a comeback in the advertising business until the second quarter of 2002 -- or maybe the second half.
Some pessimists do not anticipate a return to normal growth and spending until -- brace yourself -- 2003.
''That's a long way away,'' said Susan Friedman, president of her own executive recruiting firm for agencies.
The implications go well beyond Madison Avenue. Advertising spending in the United States, which set a record last year at $243.7 billion, has not declined from one year to the next since 1991, when spending fell 1.2 percent from 1990. But now, with estimates that spending by marketers in 2001 will decline 2 percent to 3 percent from 2000, that means about $4.8 billion to $7.3 billion less. And even though this year should still turn out to be the second best on record, well above 1999, that shortfall from the pace set in 2000 is likely to have significant consequences.
For instance, many favorite consumer brands and stores may disappear as marketers and retailers consolidate or go out of business. More advertising agencies could close, and those remaining could lay off more employees in addition to the thousands already let go.
Television networks could cut back production of series pilots for coming seasons, potentially jeopardizing their appeal to viewers. More magazines and newspapers may close or reduce the resources devoted to editorial content, potentially weakening their appeal to readers.
''Everybody has been somewhat blindsided by how quickly things fell apart and how long it's continuing,'' said O. Burtch Drake, president and chief executive of the American Association of Advertising Agencies in New York, the industry trade organization.
''We're not seeing a lot of optimism out there,'' Mr. Drake added. That is a sobering note from a field where an optimistic outlook was once standard issue along with a gray flannel suit.
Already, the industry's bible, Advertising Age, declared in its July 2 issue that this year has turned into ''a bust'' with no relief in sight until ''well into'' 2002.
''We're all shaken by the steepness of the decline,'' said Steven T. Florio, president and chief executive at Condé Nast Publications in New York, the unit of Advance Publications that owns familiar magazines from A (Allure) to V (Vogue).
''It's very difficult to keep everyone focused and innovative and to have the same level of tenacity,'' Mr. Florio added, ''when you go into a publisher's meeting and someone holds up Advertising Age and the cover says 'Write It Off.' ''
Michael J. Russell Jr., an analyst who follows the advertising industry for Morgan Stanley in New York, turned to a twist on a familiar metaphor to describe the current mood.
''The problem is, there's no light at the end of the tunnel, just a belief the tunnel can't go on forever,'' Mr. Russell said. And when the tunnel's terminus actually comes into view, he added, ''it's likely we'll get a muted recovery, rather than leaping back.''
That is because consumers, who have kept their wallets and purses relatively open even as corporate America hunkered down, are likely to be more cautious in their spending.
Correction: July 28, 2001, Saturday The Advertising column in Business Day yesterday, about a slump in advertising spending, misidentified a magazine that is being closed. It is Individual Investor, not Institutional Investor.


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World News: 19:14 GMT Wednesday 15th May 2019. [Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc. via Globe Newswire via SPi World News]
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., May 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puradyn Filter Technologies Incorporated (), a global manufacturer of oil bypass filtration systems, today reported unaudited results of operations for the first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019.
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $482,993 compared to $885,740 for the same period in 2018, a decrease of 45%, which is principally attributed to a few customers delaying orders due to the rapid decline of market certainty and the volatility of oil prices, especially in the oil and gas segment that began in November 2018 and continued through the first quarter.
Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, decreased by 60% in the three months ended March 2019 from the same period in 2018. Loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $(278,142) as compared to a loss of $(224,039) in the same period in 2018.
The Company reported a net loss of $(367,140) or $(0.01) per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to a net loss of $(36,743) or $(0.00) per share, basic and diluted, for the same period in 2018. Basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the calculations for the first three months of 2019 were 69,016,468 shares.
Key business highlights from the first quarter include:
“The first quarter of 2019 was especially challenging due to the delaying of anticipated orders for new systems by customers impacted by market uncertainty, especially within the oil and gas segment,” commented Ed Vittoria, CEO of Puradyn. “We believe that the recent rebound and increased stability of oil prices will result in the fulfillment of these orders and additional orders from prospective customers who are currently conducting trials.”
The Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q is available from the SEC website at or the Investor Relations sections of the Company’s website at .
CONTACT:Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.Kathryn MorrisDirector, Corporate Communications(T) 561 547 9499, x 226
Globe Newswire: 19:14 GMT Wednesday 15th May 2019
SPi News is published by Sector Publishing Intelligence Ltd.
© Sector Publishing Intelligence Ltd 2019. [Admin Only]
Sector Publishing Intelligence Ltd.
Agriculture House, Acland Road, DORCHESTER, Dorset DT1 1EF United Kingdom
Registered in England and Wales number 07519380.


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Why do we have too much stuff?
Everyone has too much clutter, but probably wants less: that is the premise OfferUp was founded on. Arean and I started OfferUp because, as new parents, we both struggled to find a way to easily and simply pass along the things we no longer needed to others who could get more use out of them.
We didn’t believe we were alone in this problem, and a new report we released today shows that hunch was right. The report, Buried: The State of Stuff and Stress, examines how Americans feel about the things around them and how that affects their financial lives. More than 1,000 people weighed in. Here’s what we found:
- Nearly half (48 percent) of Americans consider their homes to be at least somewhat cluttered with items they no longer use
- One in seven Americans have a room in their home they cannot use because it is filled with things they rarely use
- A majority of Americans (72 percent) believe they would gain more space in their homes by purging unused items, but 41 percent of Americans haven’t decluttered for over a year
While Americans have more things than they want, they often struggle to declutter. Why is that? At OfferUp, we believe it’s because more traditional options for selling or donating things to other people have been too difficult (1 in 8 Americans would prefer to throw things away rather than sell them).
Meanwhile, many Americans are stressed financially. The report shows that the vast majority of Americans (84 percent) have financial concerns and 46 percent struggle to meet their monthly household expenses. At the same time, nearly half of Americans believe they have more than $1,000 in unused items sitting around the house.
The good news is this: times have changed. Finding value in the things that surround us doesn’t have to be difficult, and an increasing number of Americans are finding joy in decluttering.
To read the report and learn more about our findings, click here.


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July 30, 2012
July 30, 2012
July 29, 2012
Entrepreneur Rommel Juan, founder and chief executive of homegrown Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc., is taking his ultimate Filipino fastfood venture to the next level, or more appropriately to the next street.
Binalot, a trail-blazer in the fastfood industry, plans to sell its wrapped local meals onboard vans, a concept inspired by the movable food trucks in the US.
Juan is introducing the Binalot Food Van as a new franchise model. He says the concept will be good for agriculture and the environment.
“Support banana farmers while sustaining the environment for our kids,” he says, in encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace his new franchise model.
In 1996, Juan popularized the old Filipino tradition of wrapping meals with banana leaves, a method that retains the smell and flavor of local favorites such as adobo, bistek, tapa, tocino, sisig, longganisa and salted egg with tomatoes, on top of rice.
July 27, 2012
By Alexander Villafania
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA—Local fast food company Binalot Fiest Foods Inc. is expanding its operations outside fixed establishments to one that is highly mobile.
Based on the food vans used in the United States, the Binalot Food Van is also akin to the “jolli-jeep” concept popularized by local food vendors in Makati City.
Binalot’s food van is actually a pickup truck with its back converted into a mini-kitchen. The sides and rear of the pickup open to reveal the kitchen as well as the counter where patrons can get their orders and eat. The van also carries some chairs and tables for dining patrons.
The vehicle is a Mitsubishi pickup with the conversion done by local builder Centro Manufacturing Corp.
According to Binalot president Rommel Juan, the food van will have the same offerings as those in traditional establishments. The food will also remain wrapped in fresh banana leaves, among the aspects that made Binalot popular.
July 26, 2012
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – Local fast food company Binalot Fiesta Foods is expanding its operations from being a fixed establishment to a mobile food provider through a food van.
Based on the popular food trucks used in the United States, the Binalot Food Van is also akin to the “jollijeep” concept popularized by local food vendors in Makati City.
Binalot’s food van is actually a pickup truck converted into a mini-kitchen. The sides and rear of the pickup open to reveal the kitchen as well as the counter where patrons can get their orders and also to eat.
Binalot’s food van also brings with it some chairs and tables for other patrons.
The vehicle is a Mitsubishi pickup with the conversion done by local builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation.
According to Binalot President Rommel Juan, the food van will have the same offerings as those in traditional establishments. The food will also remain wrapped in fresh banana leaves, popularized by Binalot.
Binalot’s food vans will also carry rice meal staples like adobo, bistek, tapa, tocino, sisig, and longganisa. The food van essentially aims to expand the company’s operation and address specific markets where banana-wrapped food
could have high demand.
Juan noted that there will be pre-approved sites for franchising of the Binalot Food Van, though he expects the food van to have some appeal to areas with few food establishments.
Along with the food van, Juan said that they will also pursue offering a supervised franchising scheme wherein a possible franchisee can allow Binalot to manage their franchisee for them.
This particular service is targeted at overseas Filipino workers who would want to have their own business in the Philippines but have no one to help them manage the operation.
“This service would enable potential franchisees to have the sense of security that their business is being managed well,” Juan said.
July 26, 2012
MANILA, July 26 (PNA) — The recent robust growth of the Philippine economy, more notably the 6.4 percent first quarter growth earnings in Gross Domestic Product and the recent upgrade in the country’s credit rating, makes the country an attractive option both in foreign and domestic investments.
According to Franchise Guru and AFFI President Butz Bartolome, there are 2,300 companies franchising concepts in the Philippines today; 40 percent non-food and 60 in food industry with the success rate now at 85 percent.
The failure is attributed to proliferation of mediocre franchises.
Despite this, the franchise industry’s growth rate is pegged at 38 percent, an increase compared to last year’s 20 percent.
Binalot Fiesta Foods, Inc. (BFFI) aims to open more stores in more locations by making its franchise packages more affordable and accessible for potential franchisees.
Source: BusinessWeek Mindanao
In tropical countries like the Philippines, June and July signals the onset of the rainy season. But the rains and the floods are no reason to be gloomy, as the home of the ultimate Filipino fast food experience proves once again why it is called the local fast food trail blazer.
After a triumphant 2011 stint, Binalot Fiesta Foods, Inc. (BFFI) was crowned with the Best Booth Award under Food (12-18sqm) category at the Philippine International Franchise Expo 2011 last September 23 – 25. This year, its steps up the game by presenting its new franchise model, the Binalot Food Van.
Similar to the movable food trucks popular in the US, the Binalot Food Van is a whole store unit and an eco-friendly mobile food solution. Basically, the Food Van is a Binalot store mounted on a trailer. Completely modern and environment friendly, the cab chassis was built by Mitsubishi thru its dealer Peak Motors with the modified body manufactured by local truck body builder Centro Manufacturing Corporation.
The Binalot Food Van will cater to people on the go, perfect for events and outdoor activities. A brainchild of Binalot founder and CEO Rommel Juan, popular Pinoy classics adobo, bistek, tapa, tocino, sisig, longganisa (with salted eggs and tomato) can now be enjoyed wherever and whenever you want it. Also available is Binalot’s new Company Supervision Scheme (CSS) which allows franchisees to manage a franchise by remote control. Binalot will assign its own supervisor for the store and effectively manage the store for the franchisee.
Both of these offerings will make your favorite Pinoy banana wrapped classics closer to you, a testament to Binalot’s commitment in filling that niche of an All Filipino Green quick-serve restaurant.
“After joining different franchise shows and expos, inquiries start arriving after a year since prospective franchisees screen and weigh their options so they spend more time evaluating. Contacts were established with deals and contracts eventually inked. Proven examples are our store at California Garden Square in Mandaluyong, in Jupiter St. Makati, and in Robinsons Imus. We have a total of 38 stores, 6 of which are company-owned, the rest franchised to partners,” Juan proudly shares.
Rommel Juan invites prospective franchisees to join the Binalot family and help promote everything fun about being Pinoy. “Support banana farmers while sustaining the environment for our kids,” he adds.
BFFI will offer pre-approved sites for franchising with the Binalot Food Van, but areas may be bigger because of the mobility of the new store units. Prospective franchisees may see the actual Binalot Food Van inside Binalot’s booth. With this model, Binalot aims to again leave a mark in one of the biggest one-stop shop event in this side of the world. Displayed within almost 10,000 square meters of exhibit space, the Binalot Food Van sitting prominently inside the Binalot booth is a sure to stand among successful brands in the food, retail and service categories.
Binalot Fiesta Foods, Inc. (BFFI), home of the “Ultimate Filipino Food Experience”, will be back at the three-day Franchise Asia Philippines (FAP) Expo 2012 on July 27-29, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.
July 23, 2012
MANILA, Philippines – In the world of business, it’s a free market when it comes to building wealth. It is especially wise for younger adults to invest in a business early on and get a head start. Such is the case for Binalot franchisee Paul Castellano, a 23-year-old young professional who worked in an IT company before finally deciding to help out with the family business –– an old canteen in Makati. After a while, Castellano’s family started looking for a new business to replace the old canteen. They were looking for a franchise that offered good value for their money, something that was within the budget and already had enough exposure in the market.
July 21, 2012
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – Rommel Juan, the creator and president of Binalot, said the company prides itself to have one asset that makes it successful: its franchisees.
For 15 years, Binalot has established itself as among the most successful food and beverage dining businesses in the Philippines.
But the success of Binalot is not without its low downs. The company has seen some of its branches come and go due to a number of factors such as location and stiff competition, as well as issues of supply.
The concept of eating Filipino meals on a square cut of banana leaf and wrapped in recycled paper made it a trademark that would be imitated but not equaled.
Binalot’s chicken adobo, beef tapa, pork longganisa and tocino, sisig, sinigang and daing na bangus areamong its all-time favorites. Mix these with a slice of salted duck egg and chopped tomatoes and you’d surely be reminiscing about home-cooked meals.
Binalot, the home of the “Ultimate Filipino Food Experience,” forges a new partnership with BPI Family Savings Bank through its Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan Program in a formal handshake event last July
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16, 2012 at BPI Head Office in Makati City with Binalot CEO Rommel Juan and BPI Family Savings Bank Division Head Ma. Mercedes R. Roces


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InnoVel’s flagship conference is already in its’ fifth year, successfully connecting the leading international travel industry with emerging startups from all ecosystems and cutting-edge technologies.
The year 2019 is still in swing but what’s clear is that technology is unleashing an exponential rate of change. In travel, we stand at the edge of something new. This decade has already seen dramatic shifts in consumer behavior – how we consume media, how we plan, buy and share, how we book and pay. Think about how you were doing stuff and how our customers were travelling in 2009 versus this year, it’s just 10 years ago and already, it’s a completely different world.
Take a bird’s eye view, get perspective, connect the dots and project into the future.
InnoVel was invited to conduct a Startup Panel at the WIT event and 3 startups will be chosen to be on stage and for the startups that will join us (even if they will not be chosen to be on stage) we will make intros and assist with potential collaborations.
From the dawn of the jet age to the uncertain early days of the first scrappy OTAs, travel innovation’s pace may not be consistent, but its forward motion is constant. New technologies and bold ideas fuel startups, spark pivots and alter strategies. But when do we reach that future our visionaries promised us? As we move toward 2020, closing out another decade of chasing the horizon, where are we in the journey? For those who pursue the many unrealized dreams of travel transformed, a clear view of the road ahead will separate the leaders from the longshots.
@2018 Innovel - TravelTech Innovation Zone


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The dollar remained higher on Friday, extending gains against the Japanese yen, after a report showed U.S. retail sales rose 0.5% in January, more than economists expected and reversing a revised 0.1% decline in December. Excluding autos, sales rose 0.6%. The dollar index
which tracks the greenback versus six major currencies, jumped to 80.524 from 80.016 in late New York trading. The euro fell to $1.3585 from $1.3688. It earlier touched $1.3531, the shared currency's worst since May. Still to come are reports on consumer confidence and business inventories. The dollar was higher before the data, which analysts attributed to further reaction to the European Union's lack of direct aid to Greece and China's increase in its reserve requirement to cool economic growth.


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Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) will hold its 1st Annual Supply and Service Expo on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the perfect opportunity for new or existing food producers wanting assistance with the many challenges of developing a product and getting it into the marketplace, entrepreneurs planning to expand their network opportunities and resources, and consumers interested in attending the tradeshow to hear the latest from experts in the food manufacturing, distribution and hospitality industries.
A tradeshow comprised of national, state and local service providers will feature manufacturers and distributors of food, ingredients, equipment and packaging supplies; dealers, brokers and traders; business services and educational groups that work with the food and hospitality industries. Entrepreneurs and existing businesses will also have an opportunity to network with brand identity and marketing industry professionals.
Mākena Resort Executive Chef Mark McDowell will share his insights into developing local products from start to finish.
Specialized presentations will be held throughout the event. Featured speakers include Dr. Aurora Saulo, professor and extension specialist in food technology with the University of Hawai'i Maui College on "Food Safety Certified: What Does That Mean?" Marc McDowell, executive chef of Makena Resort will present "Developing Local Products From Start To Finish." Marty Parisien, co-owner/CEO at Singing Dog Vanilla, will present "Social Media Zen." Mike Abrams, MFTC founder and owner of Flavor Waves, will present "Networking for Flavor Success."
Door prizes will be drawn throughout the event (must be present to win). Attendees are also eligible to win a 32 GB iPad Mini (need not be present to win). The first 100 attendees will receive a free expo tote. Public admission is free.
"Since the Maui Food Technology Center was established in 2004, our nonprofit organization has been focused on growing Hawai'i's food industry, connecting students, food producers and farmers through the practice of food science," said MFTC President Luana Mahi. "This Supply and Service Expo offers an excellent opportunity for food manufacturers and entrepreneurs to hear from industry experts and to expand their network and resources."
Major event sponsors include County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Fred Baldwin Memorial Fund, Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development, The Maui News, KPOA-93.5 FM, MauiNow.com and Maui Printing Company.
For more information on becoming an exhibitor and/or attending the expo, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org or call (888) 948-6382.


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It has been a while since I last wrote about HMV so I thought I should do some digging and see what has been happening to the once iconic British brand of late.
Isle of Wight store to close
The Isle of Wight County Press released an article this week stating that the only HMV on the island, which was in Newport, is due to close on October 19th.
The reason given was that an agreement with the landlord could be reached. The sign went into more details, stating that the landlord would not commit to HMV being a tenant, and apparently sought a convenience store to be the new occupants. This is presumably because they are perceived as more reliable with payments.
This is absolute proof of what I previously predicted about HMV. They are very much at the mercy of the landlords, who actually were part of the problem in the first place. Their unfavourable tenancy terms were detrimental to cash flow, and made it hard for HMV to operate month to month. Favourable terms are being negotiated with some landlords, though obviously in this instance nothing could be arranged.
HMV are said to be consulting with the 12 staff members about redeployment.
Hilco speaks out about changes that are coming
Writing for NME on the week that the flagship 363 Oxford Street store reopened, Hilco chief executive and HMV chairman, Paul McGowen, explained some of the changes to be coming HMV’s way.
The blog identified 5 core changes that are meant to turn around HMV’s fortunes. The bullet list version is:
- Improve what we stock
- Relaunch our digital store
- Increase the number of Fopp stores
- In-store gigs
- Listen to local stores
Some of these suggestions are incredibly obvious, like relaunching the digital store. McGowen stated HMV “got left behind in the digital revolution” and said we can expect to hear more in the next month.
Improving what they stock is also quite a sensible, run of the mill market idea, but the exploration of kickstarting ‘in-store gigs’ again is very exciting. McGowen states it wouldn’t just be big names, and makes reference to stores in Ireland dedicating evenings to ‘breaking local bands’ and how that could work in the UK. Obviously there will be big named acts too, with a tease comment that ‘one of the biggest names in the world’ will be announced to play in the Oxford Street store around October 18th.
The last comment, about listening to local stores is also very interesting. After my very first article on HMV was written I spoke to an anonymous source high up in HMV, and they stated that giving stores more autonomy was important. Music scenes vary across the country, and that should be reflected in stores.
Starting from next week (week commencing October 13th) HMV will be giving away free vinyl at the new 363 Oxford Street store.
The promotional move will see records by The Beatles, New Order, Elvis Presley and Robbie Williams will be given out each day during the week, on a first come first served basis from store opening time of 8am.
Some 300 copies of a vinyl promo for The Beatles “Live on Air Volume 2” will be available on Monday to support forthcoming album’s launch of the same name.
Tuesday will see about 100 “limited colour pressing” of Elvis Presley’s self titled album given away.
Wednesday will have 100 clear vinyl versions of ‘Movement’, an album by New Order given away.
Finally, a mere 30 copies of a highly rare pressing of a Robbie Williams promotional disc will be available to get on the Thursday. This is a 10’ 78 RPM vinyl, for those interested.
More details can be found at the HMV’s Facebook page.
That is all the major news for HMV at the minute, but as always I will periodically post any interesting news, so do keep checking back to Voice!


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China’s largest e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is developing autonomous driving technology and has already held some regular road tests, financial media outlet Caixin reported, citing an insider.
The autonomous driving technology researched by Alibaba’s has reached what is called level 4 of the full-automatic driving process, which allows the mechanical domination without human intervention in most scenarios, the insider revealed. The company’s vehicles for road tests are converted from Lincoln MKZ by Ford Motor Co., and dozens more are in the development process, the insider added.
Professor Wang Gang, chief scientist of the company’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, AI Labs, conducts the research on unmanned driving technology in a rapid progress, Alibaba also said in response to a query from Tencent Finance, but gave no more details.
Wang, who joined Alibaba’s AI Labs in March last year, is responsible for the research and development of machine learning, computer vision, and natural language understanding. He was a tenured professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and was shortlisted last year for the MIT Technology Review’s list of global young technology innovation talents.
The first autonomous driving test road in Hangzhou, capital of East China’s Zhejiang province, will open only less than two kilometers away from Alibaba’s headquarters, local media reported, saying it is the sign of the company’s work on autonomous driving vehicles.


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As the EV revolution progresses, it makes perfect sense to integrate solar cells into the exterior of cars, particularly on horizontal surfaces like roofs that are perfectly positioned to soak up sunshine and turn it into electrons.
Toyota and Hyundai are already offering solar roofs on some cars. Sono Motors takes the idea even further with its new Sion, embedding solar cells in the hood and the doors of the car.
Now Fraunhofer ISE says it has invented a new way to manufacture a solar roof for vehicles that can be any color the manufacturer wants. The coloration process reduces efficiency by about 7%, but if it helps the solar car roof idea become more popular, the trade-off is worth it.
One secret of the new Fraunhofer ISE solar roof is a shingle-like arrangement of the solar cells, which overlap each other just like shingles on a normal roof.
They are held in place by a special adhesive that doubles as an electrical conductor, eliminating the wires that normally connect solar cells together.
Another secret is a special colored coating inspired by the morpho butterfly, which makes the solar cells nearly invisible.
The new product has a power output of about 210 watts per square meter. After testing the new solar roof over the past year in North America and Europe, Fraunhofer says it can add about 10% to the range of a typical electric car.
Reference- Fraunhofer ISE PR, Clean Technica, Sono motors website


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Americans love their chocolate. At last count (in 2007) the average American put away 12 pounds per year. But as more boutique chocolatiers pile in, protecting their turf has become harder. One selling point: the provenance of the cacao beans. The recent spot price for a metric ton (2,200 pounds) of beans from Ivory Coast, in western Africa, where half the world's cacao crop is grown and labor is dirt cheap, was $2,840. One pound of cacao, after adding sugar, yields about the same weight in chocolate. The better (and rarer) the bean, the pricier the chocolate bar.
The undisputed bean mecca is off the Caribbean coast in Chuao, Venezuela. In 1997 Alessio and Cecilia Tessieri, the Italian brother-sister team behind the Tuscan firm Amedei, swiped French competitor Valrhona's supply by offering to pay Chuao farmers triple the price for their beans, cover their hospital bills and even sponsor their plantation baseball league; Valrhona didn't even have a chance to match the offer. Now every last pound of Chuao cacao goes to Amedei.
Those bean bragging rights were worth every penny. Amedei now charges $12 for its 50-gram (one-ninth of a pound) Chuao chocolate bar. At $110 a pound, Amedei chocolate costs four times as much as Valrhona and five times as much as Torres bar chocolate.
Back to Sweet Talker


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Financial quotient of Filipinos at all-time high in 2011 - Citi
Filipinos registered in 2011 their highest ever “financial quotient” score, according to Citi’s “Fin-Q Survey” or financial quotient survey. The poll measures how well a country’s citizenry aprreciates or understands money matters.
Respondents from the Philippines got an average score of 52.6 points, thus getting a passing mark (a minimum of 50 points) for the first time since Citi started conducting the survey in 2007.
“The survey numbers in the Philippines are indeed very encouraging. The results show that Filipinos are becoming more determined to take charge of their finances and are responsible users of credit,” Sanjiv Vohra, country officer of Citi, said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The survey, conducted among 500 respondents in each of the eight participating countries the Philippines included, tackled various questions on financial matters.
On the question regarding credit cards, 60 percent of Filipino respondents said they were fully paying their outstanding credit card balances every month, up from 12 percent registered the previous year.
On savings, average retirement savings of the respondents amounted to P1.56 million, up by 11 percent from the previous P1.4 million. Also, 42 percent said they save money every pay day.
On internet and mobile phone banking, 70 percent said they were engaged in it. In addition, 52 percent said they actually preferred engaging in bank transactions through electronic means rather than going to bank branches.
Citi also reported that over 60 percent of Filipino respondents felt better off in 2011 than in 2010 as far as their finances were concerned. Furthermore, 80 percent reported they were either “very optimistic” or “optimistic” about their financial condition in future.
In the Asia-Pacific region in general, Citi reported that the financial quotient of consumers improved to 54.5 percent from the previous 53.2 percent.
Other countries covered by the survey were Australia, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, Citi said. — DVM, GMA News
Talk of the web


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BENGALURU : The Taiwan-based Wistron Corp., a contract manufacturer for Apple Inc., will sell its India unit to the Tata Group for $125 million, making the salt-to-software conglomerate the first Indian iPhone-maker.
The company will sell 100% stake in the unit Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Pvt. to Tata Electronics Pvt., following board approval.
The final transaction price will take into account the adjustments and be determined based on the settlement date, Wistron said in an exchange filing on Friday.
The deal has been finalised after strategic considerations in response to the reshaping of the group’s product strategy and global manufacturing layout, it said.
Tata Electronics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt., the promoter holding firm of the Tata Group. The group has sought to make inroads into electronics production and e-commerce.
EPL already operates a manufacturing facility in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. The Wistron Karnataka assembly factory is located near Bengaluru.
Congratulating the Tata Group on the deal, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Technology Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the government “stands fully in support in growth of Global Indian Electronics companies that will in turn support global electronic brands that want to make India their trusted manufacturing and talent partner”.
He thanked Wistron and complimented Apple in building a “global supply chain from India with Indian companies at its helm”.
In May this year, Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said India is an “incredibly exciting market” and a “major focus” for the company, as the iPhone maker highlighted that business in India “set a quarterly record, grew very strong, double-digits year-over-year”.
The company charted an ambitious retail expansion in India in April this year when it launched two retail outlets in Mumbai and Delhi during Cook’s first trip to the country in seven years.
he Wistron plant in Karnataka witnessed trouble in late 2020 after workers went on a rampage due to wage-related issues. The company then sacked its vice president overseeing its business in India, as it admitted that some workers were not paid correctly or on time, and had offered an apology.
Operations resumed in March 2021 after the state government intervened.
Other key Apple suppliers, like Foxconn and Pegatron, have also laid out plans to expand operations in India, in a shift towards diversification away from China.
Karnataka, along with Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, has seen investments by foreign semiconductor and electronics manufacturer soar as India rolls out lucrative incentives to build a local manufacturing industry.
The government has encouraged electronics makers to build factories in India for domestic as well as international shipments.


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Social Navigator exclusively offers its social media management capabilities to the marine industry on September,15 2017.
Social Navigator demystifies social media for business and goes beyond the basic press releases. Offering an innovative plan to get companies up to date, Social Navigator is the whole package for companies who have been thinking about going social, but don’t know how to begin or maintain a vibrant presence. They are experts at setting up and effectively running social media accounts such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, and more to bring your brand to the masses.
President of Atlantic Marketing Brandon Flack says, “ Social Navigator is the perfect fit for the Marine Industry of today. Social media is like a boat show every day. You get to connect with your buyers on an personal level, gain feedback on your products, and build customers trust in your brand.”
With the world embracing everything digital, the Marine industry must embrace the power of social media and use all of its capabilities to the fullest. More than 50% of Americans use a variety of media platforms on a daily basis. This brings a great opportunity for the marine industry to keep on top of the latest digital trends.
The challenge this poses is that digital professionals in the marine industry need to keep on top of the most popular trends in the digital space, every day. Social Navigator, the latest startup in the marine industry, wants to share its insights on the routes available to boating consumers by capitalizing on social media trends and platforms to get the information on new routes to boaters, instantly and on point with their destinations of interest and digital media habits.
Make your company stand out from the fleet with an innovative social media marketing plan by the on trend experts at Social Navigator. For more information check out Socialnavigator.net.


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Zambitious to deliver ICT skills
MOBILE| March 15, 2012, 3:14 p.m.
By Edith Mwale, Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia’s largest telecom operator, Airtel, has launched a campaign dubbed Zambitious, a platform set to empower youths through skills development programmes covering various areas, including ICT.
The company, is already running several promotions and campaigns aimed at adding and keeping subscribers in the face of stiff competition from South Africa’s MTN and Zamtel. However, this is the first time it will provide ICT training for youths.
The campaign will also deliver job creation to youths, helping them to play a key role in the development of the economy and develop their entrepreneurship skills.
Airtel managing director Fayaz King said youths play a critical role in the development of Zambia and take the economy to the next level.
King said at a press briefing in Lusaka that everyone needs to work together to create an environment conducive to enriching the youth in Zambia.
“We are happy to launch Zambitious, a platform designed for the youth. Zambitious = Zambia +Ambition. Under the umbrella of Zambitious, we are going to launch various programmes to empower the youth of the country.
“We are going to create an eco-system for the training and empowering the youths in various areas like. This will lead to job creation and development of our economy,” he said.
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Anything specifically related to video distribution on the internet
Netflix is officially expanding into mainland Europe, announcing its intentions to launch in six more countries by the end of 2014.
In doing so, it faces several new challenges in France, Germany, Austria, and others. Strong competition and localization issues being amongst the issues facing Netflix in these new countries.
There have been strong hints of a Netflix invasion of mainland Europe for some time, but the company has now made it official by announcing its intention to launch streaming services in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
The expansion will, all being well, happen before the end of 2014, but no launch date has been specified. This new expansion follows on from the American company hitting the UK and Ireland in January 2012, followed by Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland in October 2012, and the Netherlands in 2013.


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Social Commerce – selling through social media – is becoming the norm in China. Simply advertising through Tmall is not enough to attract young Chinese consumers. Every month, Dao Insights selects the brand that has used Chinese social media in an exemplary way to draw attention.
: June 2021
: “Change Destiny”
: Weibo and WeChat
Since launching its female empowerment series, “Change Destiny,” in 2015 in China, the P&G-owned Japanese luxury skincare brand SK-II has encouraged millions of women to take destiny into their own hands and break through stereotypes. The success of the “Change Destiny” campaign, focused largely on short films, even spurred the brand to take content creation in-house, with the announcement of the SK-II Studio earlier this year aimed at deepening the brand’s storytelling chops.
In this Olympic year, SK-II turned to sports for its global campaign. The animated “VS Change Destiny” series of films tells the stories of six well-known female Olympians, with Chinese swimmer Liu Xiang first in the lineup.
Each episode of the series focused on a specific pressure faced by women, such as judgments about appearances, behavioral expectations, online bullying, and gender stereotypes. In the films, each of the athletes is shown combating a demon that embodies one of these social pressures in order to change her destiny. The campaign sent strong messages encouraging women to overcome stereotypes and fight for their goals with lines such as:
Being a perfectionist turns us into a robot; a heartbeat will come from loving ourselves. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it’s a choice.
Commenting on someone’s appearance only takes one second, but talent and achievement will stay with you for your whole life.
: In June, SK-II shared two of the campaign videos on Weibo, drawing more than five million views and spurring conversations. Inspired by the videos, many Weibo users took to the platform to share empowering comments. The June posts were part of an investment in paid promotion on Weibo, which gave SK-II greater exposure and attracted higher levels of engagement than when the videos were first released in May.
The brand also created an ad page that showcased the six “VS” films and linked users directly to the SK-II website where they could browse its products. SK-II has clearly gone some way to change its own destiny in China through the ongoing campaign, with the “Change Destiny” hashtag (#改写命运#)” receiving a whopping 1.4 billion views on Weibo since its 2015 launch.
: SK-II made use of WeChat’s popular short-video and livestreaming function, known as Channels, by connecting it to its official WeChat account. After viewing the films on WeChat Channels, users were able to easily return to SK-II’s WeChat account to continue the customer journey. Those seeking an offline experience could track down the nearest SK-II store, while those more inclined to make an immediate purchase would be directed to visit SK-II’s JD.com flagship store, which is integrated into WeChat as a mini program and has nearly 16.2 million followers.
: Further expanding on the concept of online-offline integration, SK-II activated the “Change Destiny” campaign at its first social retail pop-up store that launched in the duty-free hub of Hainan in May. In addition to watching the “VS” films, consumers could take partake in some Olympic action via the brand’s WeChat mini program, with an interactive augmented reality (AR) battle pitting participants against Kaiju, a demon from the series while fighting alongside swimmer Liu Xiang.
Consumers seeking relaxation after the intense gameplay could try out SK-II’s Mini Magic Scan. Touted as the first skin analyzer that uses AR and facial recognition technology, the Mini Magic Scan takes three minutes to examine a consumer’s skin age, strengths, and potential, and sales associates offer personalized skincare solutions and products based on the results
Chinese Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who partnered with the brand posted about the store on WeChat Channels, while a number of other influencers and celebrities took to social channels to share their experiences, fostering increased awareness of the campaign.
: The ability to engage in virtual interaction with the campaign wasn’t limited to shoppers in Hainan. SK-II created an entire online “SK-II City” on its official website offering an immersive experience. Consumers exploring the virtual city were given opportunities to learn more about SK-II and the “Change Destiny” campaign and the “VS” films, including behind-the-scenes footage and a #ChangeDestiny cinema to screen the series.
With the animated “VS Change Destiny” films, virtual city, and social retail pop-up store, SK-II revitalized a much-loved and long-running campaign. Building on previous successes can give brands an opportunity to gain traction among consumers who are familiar with its messaging and are eager to see the latest developments.
SK-II integrated online and offline marketing with commerce to form a more interactive consumer experience and smooth the purchasing journey. In doing so, the brand highlighted the importance of using new technologies, such as virtual reality, to attract consumers’ attention.