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It’s one thing to write a strategic plan for your business. Creating one that actually works is quite another. Consultant Marion Reinson says that if you are serious about creating a workable plan, be prepared to spend about six months and an appropriate amount of time, talent, and money to do it.
“It’s a common sense approach,” Reinson says. “You create objectives and goals and outcomes for where you want to go and you create a realistic plan to get there based on your available resources, which is always time, talent, and money.” One of the keys, Reinson says, is not to just create a plan out of thin air, but integrate testing to see what works and what doesn’t so your plan can focus on what works.
Reinson will speak at an event held by the New Jersey Communications Advertising and Marketing Association and Startup Grind on Thursday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Tigerlabs at 252 Nassau Street. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.njcama.org.
Reinson has been developing such plans for more than 20 years. She grew up in Edison, where her mother was a schoolteacher and her father was in commercial building sales. “I always loved running a business,” she says. “When I was little, the other kids were playing with dolls, and I was playing business. I had a paper route, and I did babysitting, and I always had a job. I loved business.”
She is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she majored in psychology, but has been working in marketing since 1986. Her first job was with a startup called Seaphirm, which was an initiative partially funded by Seward Johnson. There she learned the tools of the trade, such as focus groups and trade shows. Later she ran a boutique ad agency together with four other women. Her approach was heavily influenced by Rita Gunther McGrath (U.S. 1, February 28, 2018), a professor of strategy at Columbia University, whom she worked with for five years. Today she has her own company, To The Point, where she helps companies create and implement strategic plans.
“It takes longer than they think,” she says. “It’s not a one-month process or two-month process.” Reinson incorporates modern data analytics tools in the process, but this does not eliminate the need for rigorous testing before a plan is finalized. “We take a structured, measurable approach,” she says. Reinson says she uses an approach for small businesses that is derived from the extensive process that McGrath designed for large enterprises.
Reinson says realism is an important component to the success of a strategic plan, keeping in mind the resources available. For example, if a company has a sales team that specializes in generating leads through real-life outreach, asking the team to start making cold calls is probably not going to work. Those personnel likely don’t have the talent to make that plan work. It might even harm the company by taking them away from something they’re good at.
“You have to look at the time, talent, and money that you have and work within those parameters,” Reinson says. “You have to figure out what’s going to work for you. Something might be a good idea, but might not be the right idea for you.”
Reinson says a good approach is to make small investments in time, talent, and money to learn about a business segment before diving in. One of Reinson’s clients was a technology firm that leased its software to businesses. They wanted to switch over to a subscription-based model that would be more profitable. Under Reinson’s advice, they tried out their approach with a small segment first. This trial gave the company valuable information: that every single client asked the vendor to explain the difference between the two payment models.
“They had been trying to avoid that issue,” Reinson said. But after the trial they decided to explain the difference to their clients up front and get it out of the way when they rolled out the change to all their clients. As a result, Reinson says, the company was able to successfully switch to the subscription model and the value of their contracts went up by 30 percent.
Another of Reinson’s specialties is helping companies deal with disruption from the digital revolution, which can affect businesses quite unexpectedly. Reinson likes to use the example of chewing gum: gum sales fell of a cliff starting around 2008. As it happened, this had nothing to do with the great recession beginning around that time. It turned out it was due to cell phones disrupting the traditional business model of chewing gum. Bored shoppers waiting in line now tended to play with their phones rather than browsing the impulse-buy racks by the register, where most of gum sales came from.
For many businesses ongoing technological change requires re-examination of every part of the business, through the entire process of the consumption chain from production to the customer experience. “We look to see if there are pieces of that process where there might be friction or noise,” she says. “Whether there is some problem that might cause them to lose clients, and if there is anything they could do to fix that.” The fix might involve a technological solution, outsourcing a part of the business, or reducing a cost. Like the above example, communicating changes to customers can also be a big part of the marketing message.
Reinson has seen numerous companies fail in their strategic planning efforts. Usually this is the result of inflexibility. “It happens where an organization will put together a plan and see it’s not working and continue doing what they are doing even though they know it’s not working just because somebody smart in the company said it was the smart thing to do.”
Good planning is not about creating the perfect plan and then following it to the letter. Instead, Reinson says, it’s about changing course when expectations do not meet reality. “And that takes a strong leader,” she says. “All of this only works if your leader is buying in and open to hearing bad news.”


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With barely a few days to go for the upcoming launch of the iPhone 6, Apple is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that no shipping delays occur once the smartphone hits the shelves.
To avoid inventory issues, Apple has apparently blocked all China-based shipping channels for itself. Per TechCrunch's sources, Apple has booked plenty of shipping space from China-bound cargo operators so that there is a smooth flow of supply of its impending devices from the company's manufacturing units. This action, however, has left other OEM's in a soup as the shipment of their products will get delayed this fall owing to space crunch.
According to reports, shipments of Apple are unprecented through major couriers like UPS and FedEx for the upcoming holiday quarter. This is due to the shipment of the iPhones and other iDevices that will be released by the company this fall. This surge clogs the shipment artery and makes life difficult for other manufacturer trying to roll out their products to other markets across the globe.
The volume of Apple shipments is so much that rival manufacturers are being intimated by shipping companies that their deadlines will be missed as they are catering to a "very important customer."
The high priority customer is likely Apple and this is not the first time that the Cupertino-based company is staying ahead in the race by occupying a high volume of shipment space, which is consequently putting rivals on the back foot. In 2012, Apple purchased pretty much all available space prior to its iPad 3 launch. The motivation behind this move was that the company can ensure timely delivery and not encounter low stock, which may give its rival products an edge.
With Apple's Sept. 9 nearing, a strong possibility exists that the company is getting the iPhone 6 and iWatch units shipped to different parts of the world in preparation of the release. If the volume of cargo space booked by Apple is anything to go on, then the company seems to be quite optimistic about the iPhone 6's sales.

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The EU has made no secret of the fact that it is now looking into
sourcing dairy products from Russia. Simon Pitman spoke to
the Russian Ministry of Agriculture to find out about how
under-utilisation of production facilities in both...
Parmalat, the financially-hit dairy group, has resumed control of
its Brazilain unit this week. Last month the group announced that
it is to sell around half of its assets as part of its
restructuring programme, however, it is unclear...
Russian ice cream producer AlterVest has bought up two major
production facilities, one in Germany and one in Poland, in an
effort to spread its business reach and to reduce the costs
associated with exporting its products.
In recent years the Russian dairy sector has undergone tremendous
upheaval, with the consolidation of old dairy plants changing the
face of the industry. We spoke to the Russian National Dairy
Institute to find out what impact these...
The Russian dairy market has seen phenomenal growth in recent
years, driven largely by the development of Wimm-Bill-Dann and
other western dairy companies. France-based dairy equpment supplier
Erca-Formseal shares its experiences...
Danone has announced plans to increase the production capacity of
two of its Russia-based dairies. The move has been influenced by
the company's increased Russian profits caused by the growth of the
Russian sector which is expanding...
Set against the backdrop of difficult trading conditions for
branded food manufacturers, raw material prices and a negative
currency impact played down first half figures for ingredients
The return of Unilever to the Russian ice cream market after a
two-year absence has helped push up volume sales in the first half
of 2003. Market Advice warn however the future is likely to be
As part of its strategy for regional expansion in Russia,
Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods has purchased Roska St. Petersburg Dairy
Company for about €12 million. The company plans to increase output
and modernise existing facilities.


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Tourist accommodation revenues drop sharply as July unrest worsens industry
The unrest in July strongly impacted the fragile accommodation market.
- Statistics SA released data on income from tourist accommodation in July of this year.
- On an annual basis it looks like there have been some good increases, but that’s because it is a weak base.
- From month to month, the situation is different, showing the huge revenue losses the sector is suffering compared to before the pandemic.
Income from tourist accommodation fell sharply in July month-on-month, according to the latest data released Monday by Statistics SA.
Investec economist Lara Hodes says this is likely due to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal – generally a popular tourist destination.
“The predominantly KwaZulu-Natal unrest, coupled with tighter lockdown restrictions, weighed heavily on the area already battered in July,” she said in a statement, adding that “the looting and social unrest that took place in July, combined with transport interruptions to the journey, would have dissuaded many holidaymakers from coming to the province â.
âThe occupancy rate of hotels fell to 12.7% in July, from 19.4% in June. of alcohol, will have further worsened the plight of many people in the tourism industry who are struggling to stay afloat, âHodes said.
On a year-over-year basis, data shows that in July, all types of accommodation saw strong positive growth in accommodation revenue. The largest year-over-year increase in accommodation income was reported by trailer parks and campsites.
In nominal terms, revenue from tourist accommodation grew 237.3% year on year in July 2021 – the result of a 226.8% increase in the number of nights sold and a 3.2% increase of the average income per night-stay unit sold.
Annual increases hit a very low base in 2020. Measured on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, accommodation sector revenues actually fell -36.8% to Rand 663.2 million in July, after the decline. -6.7% in June.
The largest negative monthly growth rates were recorded for guest houses and guest farms (-61.6%); hotels (-42.2%); and âotherâ accommodation (-29.6%).
Professor Kaitano Dube from the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communications at Vaal University of Technology said the latest data reflected the levels of movement restrictions the country is adopting.
It also reflects the outlook for the global market, including the “traffic light” system adopted by Europe, America and the UK, Dube said.
“While the results are encouraging and testify to the resilience of the tourism sector in general … [t]Current gains are largely driven by domestic tourism markets and there is still a need to tap into lucrative international tourism markets to achieve a significant positive market trajectory, âsaid Dube.
The roll-out of the vaccination locally has also had a positive impact, which hopefully would improve further, Dube said.
BDO tourism expert Lee-Anne Bac also claims that the unrest in July had a significant impact on the very fragile accommodation market.
âHotels that were trading at a very low average occupancy rate of 22% in June – which is less than half of what the industry achieved in 2019 – as a direct result of the pandemic, have seen their rate occupancy halved in July to an incredibly low level. 13%. The last time we say that the occupancy rate was so low, it was at the height of containment in 2020, âexplains Bac.
âNow consider that an average hotel typically needs an occupancy rate of 40% to 50% to break even. This means the industry has been bleeding money since March 2020. Now their limited market demand has been halved for the month of July. Yes. , our third wave has a big role to play in this, but the riots and looting made the problem worse. “
Bac points out that July was a holiday month in some provinces, but many people canceled their holiday plans, making KwaZulu-Natal a big loser in July. “But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Preliminary figures show that August is a much better month for hotels – almost double what they achieved in July, but not enough to cover their costs.” , said Bac.


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Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition trade association formed
A trade association has been established to represent the interests of Wisconsin's independent craft beverage producers.
Known as The Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition, the organization will be the not-for-profit trade association "whose mission is to promote, protect, and defend
Wisconsin's vibrant craft beverage industry," according to a statement announcing the formation of the organization.
"The founding members are comprised of three trade associations that collectively represent over 300 small and independent Wisconsin businesses that contribute a
combined economic impact of over $2 billion in Wisconsin," according to the statement.
The Wisconsin Winery Association, Wisconsin Brewers Guild and the Wisconsin
Distillers Guild are charter members of the organization.
"By uniting the small breweries, wineries and distilleries from across
the state, the Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition will serve as a
unified voice to help educate policy makers at the state and local level
about the economic, employment, and tourism opportunities that local
craft beverage producers provide to their communities," according to the statement.
"The Coalition will work to promote legislation that will allow
Wisconsin's craft beverage industry to grow and thrive and will raise
awareness of all legislative and special interest proposals that would
harm our small businesses," according to the statement.


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OnePlus TV 2020 – OnePlus’s Cheap new Smart TV is being launched in India 2nd July
Three new models of OnePlus TV 2020 will be launched in India today. The live stream will begin at 7 pm.
OnePlus is launching new smart TV models in India today. The company can launch three smart TV variants in India today. The company has already issued a teaser for this.
Pre-bookings for this smart TV have also started on the website of Amazon India. This smart TV will have Dolby Atmos technology. The base variant will be priced within 20 thousand rupees.
The launch event of OnePlus TV 2020 will be online and you can watch it through live streaming. It will start at 7 pm and can be seen live on the company’s official YouTube channel and Twitter handle.
The company has hinted about the prices some time ago. Recently, OnePlus has written in the teaser that the latest TV prices will start from 1X 999 and the top variant will be priced at 4X 999.
OnePlus’s latest smart TVs will come in three screen sizes. According to the report, 32 inch HD, 43 inches Full HD, and 55 inch 4K Smart TV variants will be launched.
At the moment it is not clear what the specifications will be in these smart TVs. However, the company has said that these bezels will be thinner and premium features will be given. Apart from this, there will also be some pre-loaded apps that will also have Netflix.
Significantly, OnePlus is preparing to launch a mid-range smartphone in India soon. The company has confirmed that it will be called OnePlus Nord and it will be launched soon. Its price will be less than the OnePlus 8 series.


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To celebrate Halloween this year,
Fanta took the virtual reality (VR) experience to terrifying new heights as volunteers stepped into an eerie elevator to face 360-degree views of spooks, zombies and creepy crawlies.
What you could win: A summer of unforgettable experiences from
- Discover Schweppes 1783: premium mixers
Share a Coke… and a Tweet? How Two Best Friends Earned a Year’s Supply of
- Supermodel Jourdan Dunn revealed as the new face of GLACÉAU Smartwater
- Honest co-founder Seth: We’re about connecting people to nature


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EPR laws continue to spread
Product Stewardship Institute CEO Scott Cassel believes when it comes to recycling packaging products there must be a balance between innovation and regulation."But the current system is inadequate, and the demand is greater than ever," Cassel told an audience at The Packaging Conference held Feb. 6-8 in Aria City Center, Las Vegas.
February 10, 2012
3 Min Read
Product Stewardship Institute CEO Scott Cassel believes when it comes to recycling packaging products there must be a balance between innovation and regulation.
"But the current system is inadequate, and the demand is greater than ever," Cassel told an audience at The Packaging Conference held Feb. 6-8 in Aria City Center, Las Vegas.
Nearly one-third of all municipal solid waste in the U.S. is packaging, which puts it at the forefront of the sustainability agenda for both the public and private sectors, according to the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a nonprofit organization based in Boston, MA.
Cassel said implementing a comprehensive extended producer responsibility (EPR) system in the United States would be a step in the right direction.
EPR policy holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of products and the packaging they produce. One aim of the policy is to reduce the amount of packaging, and to use environmentally preferable materials. Many of these laws are in place in Europe, and in parts of Canada.
Maine enacted the country's first EPR laws on electronics, thermostats, fluorescent lamps, and comprehensive framework. It also passed laws on automobile switches and batteries. In the U.S., there are now more than 70 EPR laws in 32 states on 10 products, according to PSI.
But Cassel feels the U.S. can do more.
"EPR is a game changer," he said. "We need to import some of the ideas from the EPR systems in Europe and Canada into the U.S."
For example, British Columbia enacted an EPR system where product producers are responsible for their post-consumer packaging waste, which must be recycled.
Cathy Cirko, VP of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, told PlasticsToday with the EPR system in place, it became the right time for the plastics industry to help expand the list of plastic products and packaging that potentially could be collected in BC's recycling program in the future.
"From a plastics industry point of view we don't want to see packaging material in landfill," she said in a phone interview. "Our objective is to help put in a structure that is efficient and cost effective."
While BC already uses a curbside system, it didn't include the collection of polystyrene foam and PE film. Cirko said the industry saw an opportunity to add these materials to the curbside policy.
To help drive this initiative, CPIA helped implement a curbside collection pilot project in the city of Langley for plastic PE film and PS foam. This is a "first of its kind" in BC, she said.
Eight hundred homes in Langley will take part in the 12-week test program, and on regular garbage pick-up days, the participating households can put out bags of wrap and foam.
The collected materials will be shipped to a plant, where it will be reduced to pellet form and eventually sold to manufacturers to use as recycled content.
Cirko said at the end of the pilot, they hope to find results that support an efficient way of collecting and recycling these materials.
"Our industry recognizes that it is a key element to recover efficient material," Cirko said. "At end of day, if you can recycle it and recover it that is better the way."
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A WA e-bike manufacturer with ambitions to be Australia’s micromobility answer to Tesla has released its first batch of bikes on the eastern seaboard.
The Fremantle start-up, Tiller Rides, has started delivering approximately 50 of its pre-ordered Roadster e-bike up and down the east coast, after previously supplying initial buyers in its home state.
Tiller began manufacturing pilot batches of the Roadster in March, on a dedicated production line in China, and is now building 60-80 bikes per month.
With the fifth batch due to arrive just before Christmas, Tiller launched its online sales platform this month, offering 14-day money back guarantees for the Roadster, along with a ride now, pay later finance offer.
“People can now order the Roadster from all over Australia and we’re looking to significantly increase our production levels over the next year,” Tiller co-founder and managing director Julian Ilich said.
Julian timed his visit to the east coast, to distribute pre-ordered bikes, to coincide with the inaugural Micromobility Conference & Expo, held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse on 25th and 26th November.
He was one of around 140 industry leaders, tech developers, government officials and advocacy experts at the conference. Many key figures have celebrated the event as a key milestone in bringing the sector together and fostering further vital collaboration among industry members.
At the same time, more than 900 people attended the accompanying expo. While numbers were down on expectations, organisers and exhibitors were optimistic the maiden event had set a solid platform for next year and beyond.
Clearer Picture of Australian Industry
Julian said the event had given him a clearer understanding of the current status of Australia’s micromobility industry.
“Everyone is impressed by what Tesla has done for the electric car industry but people generally aren’t investing in similar initiatives to progress micromobility here in Australia.”
“It’s not as advanced as I’d thought,” he said.
“We’re still at a stage where we have a lot of enthusiastic people calling for more expenditure on bike lanes but not really getting mainstream traction.
“At the same time, it seems the focus and investment are almost entirely on shared e-bikes and e-scooters, when there needs to be a similar focus and support for the private ownership sector.
“Everyone is impressed by what Tesla has done for the electric car industry but people generally aren’t investing in similar initiatives to progress micromobility here in Australia.
“We can be the Tesla of micromobility in this country.”
Tiller has attracted more than $5 million in a mix of equity crowdfunding and private investment since the company developed its first prototype in 2016.
Julian started tinkering with the idea of a fully integrated e-bike back in 2015 and partnered with two friends, a 3D modeller and a graphic designer, to pursue the idea.
Their business model is firmly modelled on the approach of Amsterdam e-bike company VanMoof, in seeking to have as much control over the production of its bikes as possible. That includes establishing a dedicated production line at a Chinese factory, as well as maximising the number of bike parts it creates inhouse.
It engaged two former Microsoft technicians to develop Tiller’s own electronics for the entire bike.
“We’ve also built the control switch the way we wanted it because that’s part of the alarm system. Once the alarm is on, it turns off the motor and there’s no way a thief is going to get it started again,” Julian explained.
“Whereas with other e-bikes, once they cut the cable, they can ride the bike away.
“Our electronics control the whole bike, so you don’t have an app to control your motor, then another app to control the lights and another for the GPS.”
The Roadster is powered by a Bafang 250-watt front-hub motor, which Tiller chose largely because it’s so quiet – part of Tiller’s quest to create an e-bike that is “like an Apple product”.
Tiller decoded the motor’s communications channel, in liaison with Bafang, so Tiller’s own system can control the front hub’s electronics.
“The Roadster’s equally distinctive monocoque design has been central to Tiller’s goal to create an e-bike that is fully integrated, stylish and a transportation option that has appeal beyond the traditional cycling community.”
“The whole electronics system works seamlessly. We can do diagnostics to look into our electronics, which pull fault codes out of the Bafang system,” he said.
They can do the same with the Roadster’s removeable lithium-ion battery, which has a range of 80km at full power and was developed by Tiller in collaboration with a leading manufacturer that also creates batteries for Honda.
In a further break from mainstream e-bike convention, Tiller chose to create a round battery that screws into the heart of the Roadster’s aluminium monocoque frame and complements the bike’s overall aesthetic.
Julian says the Roadster’s equally distinctive monocoque design has been central to Tiller’s goal to create an e-bike that is fully integrated, stylish and a transportation option that has appeal beyond the traditional cycling community.
While the majority of e-bikes adapt electronics to the standard bicycle design, the Roadster’s comparatively radical construction sought to capture the imagination of people who previously might not have considered e-bikes as a viable alternative to travelling by car.
Constructing the frame from pressed aluminium added some weight, compared to carbon fibre, but was incremental in an e-bike that weighed a total of 25kg.
“More importantly, it means the frame, like much of the bike, can be fully recycled,” he said.
“We’re driven by sustainability principles and carbon is currently not recyclable. And it’s unlikely to be, any time soon, because of its structure.”
“The monocoque frame also allows you to have heaps of integrated features and to hide them.”
The frame incorporates the bike’s keyless motion-sensing alarm system, all the electronics, a front light, a rear light with an automatic brake light, a built-in cable lock, sturdy double stand, rear carrier rack and USB port.
Tiller has also opted for a belt drive system to further create a low-maintenance bike suitable for riding in any clothing.
Julian says all those factors have helped make the Roadster particularly popular among women, compared to the general participation rate of females in cycling.
Around 50% of the pre-sold Roadsters were purchased by women.
Durable Fleet Option
He said that integration and the durability of the 3.2kg monocoque frame are also positioning the Roadster as a great fleet vehicle.
The RAC (Royal Automobility Club) WA has made Roadsters available for staff to travel to and from work and WA mining magnate Andrew Forrest has some for his Minderoo Foundation office.
A 55 & Over lifestyle village has a fleet of four Roadsters for its residents to share and Tiller is in discussions with other organisations keen to incorporate them into their fleets.
“We have a niche with higher-end businesses that want something that looks nice and is robust – apartments, hotels, that sort of thing,” Julian said.
“It’s the high-end look and they want as much built into the bike as possible. Otherwise, they have to supply locks, keys, lights, racks and other features to make the bikes practical for their users,” he said.
Tiller is currently selling the Roadster for $4,750 to encourage early sales and that price will soon revert to $4,950.
Julian said they were keen to keep the price under $5,000 and position the Roadster as an e-bike with “high end features for a mid-range price”.
“We should be able to get the price down to $4,500, maybe even $4,000, once we get to producing around 5,000 to 10,000 bikes build each year,” he said.
“We hope to get to those volumes within the next 12 months.”
Tiller is also optimistic Europe will be a strong market for the Roadster, which has undergone all the certification required to sell on the continent.
“Europe is a much more mature market for e-bikes and, after attending the micromobility conference, it’s apparent the market here is not as developed as I thought. But it seems to be changing quickly,” according to Julian, who is a behavioural change expert, as well as a designer and engineer.
“Mainstream thinking in Australia is the future is electric cars. Ninety-nine percent of people understand what’s going on with electric cars and the idea we’re going to be getting around with micromobility … that’s nowhere near mainstream yet.
“I’m thinking it could be a slow burn here in Australia.”


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The Midlands Crafter’s Association is hosting its annual Spring Arts and Crafts Market this weekend at the State Farmers Market on Charleston Highway in western Columbia.
The market is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Attendees will enjoy unique handicrafts from over 165 vendors. Local artisans and businesses from across the Midlands offer items such as jewellery, children’s clothing and accessories, pottery, artwork, photography, woodworking, handbags, Christmas crafts, ornaments, wreaths and handmade crafts that beautify the home and garden for spring. season.
According to Jamie Organ, senior event co-ordinator for the Midlands Crafter’s Association, the market’s aim is to help support small businesses in the Midlands and is one of three shows held each year. “We will have another show this fall and another during the Christmas season,” she said. Estimated total attendance for each show is nearly 9,000 attendees per show totaling over 24,000.
Those attending the market will have the opportunity to participate in a silent fundraising auction with proceeds going to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. A selection of vendor items and additional community donations will be part of the silent auction to benefit the hospital. The draw will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m.
Also featured on Sunday is a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny and Cousin’s Maine Lobster food truck, as seen on TV’s Shark Tank.
Visit midlandcrafters.wix for details.


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HEAD AND THE HEART
ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Tickets Go On Sale Friday, April 5 at 10am
San Francisco, CA (March 22, 2019) – The Head And The Heart have announced a North American tour for this spring and fall in support of their newly announced album Living Miragewhich will be released on May 17th via Reprise Records / Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Live Nation, the 38-city outing will include a stop in San Francisco on Friday, July 26th at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The show will include special guest Hippo Campus.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 5th at 10am at LiveNation.com
. Tickets for The Head And The Heart show in San Francisco are $49.50 plus applicable charges. Citi is the official presale credit card for the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, March 26th at 10am until Thursday, March 28th at 10pm through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com
. A special fan presale will also be available beginning Monday, March 25th at 10am until Thursday, March 28th at 10pm.
Every ticket purchased online for The Head and The Heart includes your choice of a CD or digital copy of the new album, Living Mirage, released on 5/17/19. You’ll receive instructions via email on how to redeem your album after ticket purchase.
In celebration of Living Mirage, The Head and The Heart performed a special sold out concert for fans at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles last night. You can stream the whole show on The Head and The Heart’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well as Live Nation’s Facebook page.
,” the first single from the new album, is now available to download, stream
the lyric video. Pre-order Living Mirage here


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There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of CBD and marijuana. Legislation in many states is changing, with many choosing to either decriminalize marijuana or legalize it altogether. Federal laws may be changing soon as well. Although marijuana is currently classed as a Schedule I drug, last year the Farm Bill was signed into law, making it legal to sell CBD-based products.
Users are hoping that marijuana, with its possible whole-plant benefits, will be soon to follow. To that end, marijuana is becoming very big business. As with most enterprises, there stands to be a lot of profit. However, marijuana insiders have become concerned. Smaller, lesser-known entities may become sidelined as a result of corporate honchos with deeper pockets and better PR reach.
As companies rush to get in on the ground floor, marijuana proponents are wondering just how the incipient march of the more monied and well-connected businesses will do when stacked against mom and pop shops. Many individuals feel that those with little money and clout will be the ones to lose out.
Entering the nation-wide discussion is Canopy Growth, a company originally founded by Mark Zekulin and finance maverick and media darling Bruce Linton. Linton was ousted after executives from the Fortune 500 company Constellation Brands found his performance in terms of return on investment to be lacking. Constellation Brands is a premier agency dedicated to the strategic marketing and distribution of beer, wine, and spirits.
Canopy Growth has been poised to make a splash in the deep waters of cannabis. How will this company’s growth affect smaller companies? Will Canopy’s continued proliferation have a larger effect on the world of cannabis? Answering these questions requires a deeper understanding of Canopy Growth and who they are. In this article, we’ll uncover Canopy Growth’s ascent, who they are and how they may impact the future of cannabis.
Behind the Scenes of Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth began in 2013 as a joint venture between Bruce Linton and Chuck Rifici as Tweed Marijuana Inc. Mark Zekulin also signed on, and he, along with Rifici and Linton, began the company in an abandoned Hershey’s chocolate plant right outside Smiths Town, Ontario. Rifici was then dubbed “The Willy Wonka of Weed” for his role in pioneering the company early on.
The company went public in 2014, and later Rifici either stepped down or was ousted. Either way, he was no longer in an executive leadership role. After his separation from the company, it was renamed “Canopy Growth Corporation,” and Rifici was able to retain majority stock.
Rifici’s relationship with certain government interests suggests that one hand washes the other, with his deep ties to Canada’s Liberal Party as a board member and his continued prospects with the cannabis company. Legislation has proved favorable to Canopy Growth and there is some speculation that Rifici’s membership in the party may be a conflict of interests.
Linton had the idea that a cannabis company should be a one-stop-shop. He integrated all aspects of processing into the company’s infrastructure, including growth, packaging, and shipping, rather than using a third-party.
This move boded well for the burgeoning company as they saved on costs and reaped the profits. It helped that Canada has a much more relaxed stance on medical marijuana. In fact, in 2001, medical cannabis was legalized nationally under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations. Canada has since become one of only a few industrialized nations to completely legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes with the passage of the Cannabis Act.
Linton has served on the boards of many other executive firms and in industries far more disparate than cannabis. He is the co-chairman of Newbridge Networks, a telecom company, and has a track record of working in tech. Mark Zekulin, on the other hand, landed the position of co-CEO from his prior experience as a lawyer and political advisor. He studied mathematics as well.
The two founding members come from wildly different backgrounds and skillsets. Despite this, theirs was a collaboration that made not only dollars but logistical sense. The two hit the mother lode by publicly trading the company sometime in 2018 when the company saw its potentially dramatic rise from a valuation of $100 million to an explosive 15 billion dollars in under a few years.
However, the company missed its earnings mark, prompting shareholders to call for a change in leadership; namely Linton’s separation from the company. Though they have named Zekulin as the sole CEO, Zekulin states that he plans on stepping down amidst dropping stock prices and speculation that growth could be slowing.
Despite these developments, Linton has stated that he has continued to buy shares of Canopy Growth. He projected that stocks would double in price and that it was worth it to be a part of the enterprise.
What Does Canopy Growth Do?
Canopy Growth’s fundamental function has been cannabis. However, their approach has been a vertical one, with little room for middlemen and others. Canopy Growth’s factory houses all of the cannabis that they produce. Canopy Growth employs master growers and cultivators and has onsite customer support, as well as a system of processing and packaging medical marijuana to well over 270,000 clients across Canada.
Canopy Growth is intent on cornering the market in growing niches of the marijuana market while leveraging their growth with onsite operations. Their company states that they ship from their distribution centers at least half a million products per day. They also employ several distribution specialists, logistical experts, packers, and drivers.
Who Does Canopy Growth Own?
Canopy Growth makes a variety of products under several product brand lines. These product lines include:
- DNA Genetics
- Van Der Pop
- Tokyo Smoke
Many of these brands feature not only cannabis products such as capsules, oils and concentrates, but containers for loose herbs, pipes, and even a line of t-shirts, hats, lighters, and skateboards.
Since partnering with Constellation brands for a cool, $4 billion-dollar stake, Canopy is intent on acquiring more capital and more space. Earlier this year, Canopy Growth acquired the American-based company Acreage Holdings LTD. on the basis that legalization will be imminent in the United States. This move will allow Canopy Growth to move more into the American market.
Canopy Growth’s Impact on the Small Grower
Some may think that it’s game over for small growers, and for many, it may be. Big businesses like Canopy Growth have not only the manpower but also the financial backing to move large amounts of product, test and implement the latest innovations, and they may even be able to influence laws and other legislation to their benefit. For small growers hoping to capture even a fraction of the ever-expanding market, this can spell sudden death. Large companies can become valued at a higher price on the stock market and in board rooms, driving up prices and effectively shutting out the reach of small shops, businesses and organizations.
The problem is that many of the valuations of companies such as Canopy Growth are based on speculation and projections, not real-time revenue. Former NFL legend and current cannabis investor Tiki Barber states, “…these valuations that just didn’t make sense. I mean, right, it was, [Canopy Growth]’s an $8 billion company and you’d have $10 million of revenue.”
As valuations soar, investors are often set to do exactly as Brue Linton has done in his tenure at Canopy Growth – acquire. The company has been quickly gobbling up shares of companies across Canada and have begun their march onto U.S. soil.
This can feel a bit monopolistic to those smaller entities hoping for a fair shake in a system built for robust competition. There is also worry that companies with the buying power could purchase patents and licenses and severely limit burgeoning research on weed and its benefits.
The Future of Marijuana with Canopy Growth
Canopy Growth is well poised to become a gargantuan force in cannabis. It has the backing of powerful entities like Constellation Brands and is set to acquire a large share of companies as the year drags on. However, this mode of growth has investors worried, and many of them are redesigning their business model after the ousting of CEO Bruce Linton.
Whichever way you slice it, Canopy Growth’s valuation is high and is on the fast-track to taking up more space on the marijuana scene. This could easily eclipse the efforts of smaller companies and many are worried – and quite rightly – that Canopy Growth’s expansion, if left unchecked, could lead to a blueprint of the future where those with deep pockets and connection can control cannabis.
As legalization looms in the U.S. it’s yet to be seen how Canopy Growth will fare. They have been setting up shop in New York, and pending favorable legislation, may extend that reach to other states. Canopy Growth’s shares have become unstable lately with gains and losses fluctuating heavily in the last few weeks.
Investors and analysts are remaining hopeful, as marijuana is projected to continue its upward trajectory. Canopy Growth is expected to also continue its ascent and their revenue may rise to the tune of nearly 650 million Canadian dollars in 2020. This could translate to a proliferation of diverse marijuana and CBD-based products on the market – but all under one corporate umbrella.


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Germany-based Merck KGaA provided an update on its objectives up to 2018 at the company’s 2016 Capital Market Day.
At the Healthcare business, the company aims to obtain approval of one medicine or indication every year starting 2017. Through 2022, Merck expects to generate sales of €2 billion from the products in its pipeline.
Moreover, the company anticipates filling for avelumab for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma this year. Note that avelumab is being developed in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. (PFE - Free Report) .
The Life Science business segment is benefitting from strong demand in the biopharmaceutical space and efficient integration of the Sigma-Aldrich acquisition. The company has realized substantial synergies from this buyout much earlier than planned. By 2016 end, it now expects to leverage €105 million in comparison to the originally planned annually recurring cost synergies of €90 million.
The company has also announced its plans for growth beyond 2018. It expects to generate sales of €4 billion from new products by 2022.
Stocks to Consider
A couple of favorably placed stocks in the health care sector are Incyte Corporation (INCY - Free Report) and Geron Corporation . Both the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Incyte’s earnings estimates for 2016 and 2017 were up a respective 29.4% and 9.8% over the last 60 days. The company has beaten earnings estimates thrice in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 335.16%.
Geron has delivered a positive earnings surprise in each of four trailing quarters, bringing the average beat to 20.78%.
Confidential from Zacks
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The growing popularity of cruise holidays amongst Australians is putting incredible strain upon Sydney Harbour, according to Carnival Cruises. The cruise line is calling for Government investment to ensure Garden Island can accommodate an overflow of ships during peak periods.
The cruise line is concerned that, unless sufficient action is taken, the entire Australian cruise industry could be compromised and growing popularity may be reversed in the face of stressful congestion and increased embarkation times.
A spokesperson for Carnival Cruises explained: “Carnival Australia has long advocated shared use of Garden Island to accommodate the overflow of visiting cruise ships. While there has been some progress in this regard, we are simply seeking the certainty of long-term access to Garden Island… bearing in mind that cruise itineraries are developed over a two-year horizon.”
The necessity for a speedy resolution was demonstrated earlier this month, when three ships were forced to wait mid-harbour at Athol Buoy before arriving at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Tourism Minister, Andrew Robb, explained there is a two-year agreement with the Australian cruise industry to currently allow three ships to stop at the island every year. There are plans to discuss the potential of increasing this number.
“The cruise industry is a high-yielding segment of the tourism industry, growing at an average rate of 20% per annum.”
The tourism spokesperson for the opposition, Steve Whan, agrees that an expansion of Garden Island’s responsibilities is necessary: “The Prime Minister should understand how important a vibrant and productive harbour is.”
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Travis Simon and Michael Fowler


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|Once viewed as a mere 'novelty act,' Jamaica's bobsled team is searching for a sponsorship deal that will allow it to train and equip for a serious shot at Olympic gold.
The team has signed the Cincinnati office of promotion shop CoActive Marketing Group to secure $1 million in sponsorship support by next year. It plans to use the money to get a top-ranked coach and better equipment, reach the finals of the 2006 games in Torino, Italy, and win medals in the 2010 games in Vancouver.
Jamaican bobsledders, now in their fourth generation, have competed in every Winter Olympics since 1988. But while the sprinters who make up the team excel at the break of each race, they've never been serious contenders down the stretch because of sub-par sleds and driving.
"Those are things money can fix," said Anders Vestergaard, a former U.S. bobsledder and agent for the Jamaican team. The athletes are already scheduled for bobsled driving lessons in Europe, and Mr. Vestergaard hopes to sign a new coach by winter.
He e-mailed Rod Taylor, vice president of sports marketing and promotion for CoActive, last month, and Mr. Taylor agreed to take the unusual pitch to clients.
Shedding novelty act image
"They were a novelty act in 1988," Mr. Taylor said, but the novelty has worn off. So he said he told Mr. Vestergaard he wouldn't participate "if you're going to be marketing yourselves as the cute team that's the great underdog. If you're serious about being on the podium, I'll talk to you."
That was exactly Mr. Vestergaard's plan. And having raised, according to executives familiar with the matter, nearly $1 million from Coors Light for the Virgin Islands bobsled team in 1994, the agent figured a similar amount for the original Caribbean contenders was reasonable.
"He hit a home run in the first at bat," said Mr. Taylor, who doubts a single sponsorship will hit $1 million but believes five or six combined will. CoActive isn't looking to make much money brokering sponsorships. Rather, it's hoping to develop "activation" programs for the sponsors.
New team logo and graphics
To that end, CoActive is creating a new logo and sled graphics, new promotional items and a team Web site to sell them, which will supplement two stores in Jamaica and one in Utah that already handle team gear.
The Jamaican Bobsled brand, if you will, clearly has legs, Mr. Taylor said. "Everybody I talk to about these guys, they smile."
To allay concerns that supporting the Jamaican team will seem unpatriotic, Mr. Vestergaard and Mr. Taylor have reached a joint marketing deal that will allow Jamaican sponsors to simultaneously support the U.S. bobsled team.
Even though the Jamaican team is looking to move beyond gimmick status, its heritage will still help the team appeal to sponsors and consumers, said David M. Carter, president of Sports Business Group, Redondo Beach, Calif. "It's very vivid and positive imagery with some nostalgic value," he said, but the promotion "will really only work if they're taken seriously."
Brands looking for a whimsical association are likely to be interested, Mr. Carter said, but he sees a potentially big promotional payoff for sponsors, too. "I think there's potential for a huge groundswell of popular support globally for this team," he said. "This is one of the few real feel-good stories in all of sports."


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Logic4Training launches competition inspired by The Apprentice
Logic4Training said it has launched a new competition inspired by BBC TV show The Apprentice
HPM Festive Giveaway 2022
Finish the year on a high by entering the HPM Festive Giveaway competition 2022 and winning one of these fantastic prizes
Will you form part of the heat pump revolution?
HPM has combined with industry partner NIBE to launch a comprehensive 2022 Heat Pump Survey this week
HPM Festive Giveaway 2021 goes live
With the festive period upon us the time has arrived for HPM’s annual Christmas competition
Entries now open for the BCIA Awards 2022
Entries for the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association Awards are now open, with nine categories available to enter.
Installers can win a new electric van through Wolseley Plumb
Baxi is giving the chance for installers to win a Nissan e-NV200 when they buy any Baxi boiler from the 200, 400, 600, 800 and Platinum plus ranges in branch or online.
Entries open for £20,000 Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition
Screwfix has announced the return of its national search for the best tradesperson in the nation
Win a £100 Amazon voucher through Checkatrade
Checkatrade has teamed up with HPM to give you the chance to win six months free membership along with £100 to spend on Amazon
Baxi Works members target electric van prize
Baxi has given installers the chance of winning a brand-new electric van as part of a new competition
HPM festive giveaway: Your chance to end 2020 on a high
2020 has been a challenging and difficult year for readers but HPM hopes you can finish on a festive high by entering our annual...


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2014-04-11 12:13:43 - Sri Kalishwari Fire Works Launched a new range of fireworks and safety matches, the outcome of research and development.
Sri Kaliswari Color Matches is one of the better known and well established safety matches and fireworks manufacturers in South India. Its products are known for quality and innovation. The company recently launched a new range of safety matches and fireworks.
Announcing the launch a company representative said, “For years there has been virtually little change in the design or composition of safety matches, still in large use in cities and rural areas of India. Manufacturers follow the same pattern of using the same box packing, the same composition for the tip and for the stick. Some of the chemicals and processes are not eco-friendly at all. We have done considerable research and have come up with innovative safety matches
that are inherently safe, better in comparison to other matches in that they can resist highly damp moisture laden air and strike easily. We have also made changes in the choice of materials and these are now eco-friendly, less polluting and better performing. Even the packaging and strip at the side is better and improved.”
“That same approach to research and innovation is reflected in our range of fireworks. We have a whole new range of ground charkas, atom bombs, charkas, confetti, fancy twinkling stars, rockets, mini shooters, aerial grand repeaters, garland crackers and other products. Chinese products have made heavy inroads in the Indian markets with their variety. We have now developed similar, if not better, products that are also safer and cost far less than imported varieties,” he went on explaining about developments in the fire works division.
These changes, he said, can be seen in the flower pots that shoot our multi color sparkles that dazzle and enthrall onlookers. Besides, the company has developed various sizes and types of flower pots with different durations, a far cry from the cheaper ones that barely last a second or so. Families and event organizers can have a wonderful time putting up a breath taking exhibition of fireworks when they use Sri Kaliswari products.
The fancy aerial fireworks are to be seen to be believed. Thoughtfully, the company has posted videos of these amazing fireworks on its website to give buyers a preview of how each one looks once it has been ignited. As in safety matches, products that go into the making of these fireworks are eco-friendly and can be stored for a long time without losing their properties unlike cheaper ones. The variety is astounding and stand up against any of the imported ones. The best thing is the price. Made in India, they are affordable and hence anyone can buy more and have more fun at a lower outlay. The remarkable progress and achievement is possible since the Kaliswari Group manufactures color matches, metal powders and runs an Institute of management and technology. The company has its own in-house printing facility for packaging and transport company, both of which add up to lowered cost of final products.
About: Sri Kaliswari Color Matches has its main fireworks unit in Sivakasi and a number of other units in the same area to manufacture different products.
Contact them at -
5A Chairman A Shunmuga Nadar Road, Sivakasi,
Phone 0091 4562 227825


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The “Parts Specialists” are back at work. In the new video, this time it is all about replacing the alternator of a truck because on the way to the workshop, it has stopped working. The “Parts Specialists” of DT Spare Parts show what you have to look out for in such a replacement. That is
The NGK-sponsored M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s reigning World champions, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia secured their sixth FIA World Rally Championship for drivers and co-drivers – coming out on top after a dramatic final-day showdown at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.
Exol’s Optima C2 C3 LSGM 5W-30 engine oil has been approved to Mercedes-Benz specification 229.52.
Autoelectro Managing Director, Tony Bhogal delivered a comprehensive insight into why accurate fault diagnosis is crucial during the Federation of Engine Remanufacturers (FER) annual conference and AGM.
Rotating electric specialists, Rolling Components has become the latest member to sign up to the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), as membership numbers continue to grow month on month.
Global OE manufacturer, TMD Friction has made a key promotion within its technical team to bolster its training resources on a global scale.
Autoparts Express and Carcessories are extending the joint promotion with Trico wiper blades: for every €100 spent on wiper blades, customers will receive a ticket that could win them a share of more than €10K worth of prizes until the end of November!
2018 has proved to be a great year for Elta Automotive Ltd, as over its course, the company has celebrated 25 years of trading, launched its solely owned Pro brands range and, at the beginning of Automechanika Frankfurt, concluded a management buyout.
The G360 from Farecla is a revolutionary new polishing system, widely acclaimed by bodyshop professionals, and being hailed by some as a ‘game changer’.


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Trading 212 introduces FX conversion fees, losing its commission-free status
A slim 0.15 per cent conversion fee will be added for equities and ETFs in other currencies.
Free trading no more? Trading 212 looks set to introduce a conversion fee for all FX trades.
In a post on Trading 212’s community forum, the trading platform revealed that, from early April, it will be implementing a 0.15 per cent fee on all trades of stocks or ETFs that are in different currencies from the currency on a customer’s account.
So, when a user is making a trade in a currency different from that of the currency loaded into their account, then a 0.15 per cent fee will be added.
While the move is perhaps a controversial one as Trading 212 can no longer claim to be commission-free, it still has one of the lowest FX fees in the UK.
Questions have now been raised about the integrity of these commission-free trading platforms pivoting to add chargers, however small.
Matt Leibowitz, CEO of rival investment app Stake, which doesn’t charge FX fees on trades, said: “With Trading 212 announcing on its community forum, not publicly, that it is now going to be charging an FX conversion fee on every foreign trade".
“The GameStop saga empowered retail investors to take on the big hedge funds, Trading 212 is essentially capitalising on the new interest in retail investing as an opportunity to rinse inexperienced investors of more money...retail investors deserve better.”
The decision to add fees, however small, to what was marketed as a commission-free platform seems to have ruffled a few feathers, let’s wait and see if the move pushes Trading 212’s users to look for other avenues.
AltFi reached out to Trading 212 for comment, but it didn’t respond in time for publication.
This article was amended on [19.07.2021] to remove misleading references to Freetrade. We apologise for the error.


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Texas Legislators Propose New State Data Privacy Laws
The proposed bills, like the California Consumer Privacy Act that will take effect next year, would create additional requirements at some businesses collecting and storing consumers’ data.
5/10/2019 11:00 AM
Texas is one of the latest states to see proposed legislation related to consumer privacy and protection, Ballard Spahr LLP reports in an article for its CyberAdviser blog.
The Texas Consumer Privacy Act (Texas CPA), H.B. No. 4518, and the Texas Privacy Protection Act, (TPPA), H.B. 4390, “bear a strong resemblance” to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which takes effect in January 2020.
According to Ballard Spahr, the proposed Texas CPA if adopted, would take effect Sept. 1, 2020, and generally “applies to companies that do business and collect consumer data.”
“The Texas CPA would also apply to entities owned by companies that would be subject to the law. Similar to the California CPA, the Texas CPA contains express provisions governing rulemaking, implementation, and enforcement of the law,” Ballard Spahr reports.
The proposed legislation focuses on consumer rights such as the right to disclosure of personal information collected by a business and a consumer’s right to have the information collected by the business removed.
The second proposed legislation in Texas, the TPPA, focused on regulations on how a business manages and retains (or deletes) consumers’ personal identifying information. If approved, it would go into effect in September 2019.
Read more on the proposed legislation on Ballard Spahr LLP’s CyberAdviser.
Follow ACA International on Twitter @ACAIntl and @acacollector, Facebook and request to join our LinkedIn group for news and event updates. ACA International members are welcome to submit news items for possible publication to firstname.lastname@example.org. Visit our publications page for news submission guidelines and subscriptions to ACA Daily, Collector magazine and Pulse.
Advertising is available for companies wishing to promote their products or services. Be sure to visit the ACA Events Calendar on the Education and Training page to view our listing of upcoming CORE Curriculum and Hot Topic seminars featuring critical educational opportunities for your company.


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Tata Starbucks announced expansion into smaller cities of India. On Thursday it announced entry into six new cities. With such an expansionary vision company has expanded to 26 cities and it has a total of 252 stores across India.
The new outlets will be opened in the city of Guwahati, Nashik, Siliguri, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram, and Bhubaneswar.
The love for coffee is growing at a very fast pace in the country. With the latest announcement, Starbucks will be seen for the first time in the states of Goa, Assam, and Odisha.
It will be the largest expansion in a year.
Sushant Dash, CEO said, “Tata Starbucks is grounded in growing with its partners and customers together, and thus expanding our footprint in India is a matter of great pride for us.”
Sushant also said, “The stores are a fusion of the signature warm and welcoming design and the city’s local culture and craftsmanship, serving as an extension of the neighborhoods we serve.”
History Of Tata Starbucks
Tata Starbucks is a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Corporation and Tata Consumer.
In January 2011, Starbucks Corporation and Tata Coffee announced plans to begin opening locations in India. Despite a false start in 2007, in January 2012 it finally announced a 50:50 joint venture with Tata Global Beverages, which would own and operate outlets branded “Starbucks, A Tata Alliance”. The company had previously attempted to enter the Indian market in 2007. Starbucks did not cite any reason for the withdrawal.
On 19 October 2012, Starbucks opened its first store in India, measuring 4,500 sq ft in Elphinstone Building, Horniman Circle, Mumbai. Starbucks opened its first roasting and packaging plant to supply its Indian outlets in Kodagu, Karnataka in 2013.
It expanded its presence to Delhi on 24 January 2013 by opening 2 outlets at Terminal III of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and later one in Connaught Place.


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While taste and quality may spur some consumers to purchase organic fruits and vegetables, it appears their benefits to the natural world are clearly less appealing. This, according to a new study by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which noted that after reviewing more than 150 organic products there is quote “no evidence that organic farming provides any overall environmental advantages.” The 200-page report found that organically grown tomatoes, for example, use six times as much space to grow, nearly double the energy, and generate 100 times more carbon dioxide. With similar findings for milk, chicken and other organic items, it appears that nature itself isn’t necessarily so hip on consumers going all natural.
May 25, 2007 by Craig Rucker,
Craig Rucker is president and co-founder of CFACT.


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Generative Growth LLC of Findlay has reportedly agreed to purchase 15 of the stores at a cost of $8 million.
During a Wednesday morning hearing in US bankruptcy court in DE, attorneys for the Rhode Island-based pharmacy giant said they no longer objected to the store acquisitions, after the two buyers agreed not to open pharmacies in the stores until at least January 31, 2018.
It's unclear what will happen to the remaining stores that no one offered to buy. Generative Growth II is set to spend $8 million on 15 Marsh locations across IN and Ohio.
Fresh Encounter will acquire stores in New Palestine; Marion; Indianapolis (2 stores: Fox Road and New Jersey Street); Columbus; Hartford City; Elwood; Tipton; Pendleton; Richmond and Greenberg, Ind.; as well as stores in Troy; Van Wert; Middletown and Eaton, Ohio.
Oil drops, roiled by bearish USA crude inventory report
US crude futures fell by 1% to trade at $45.97 a barrel after the report was released. Distillate inventories were the only one, which saw a fall of 1.451 million barrels.
The supermarket chain said their decision to close their stores "was exclusively the product of the hard competitive environment and in no way reflects on the efforts of the great associates working in these stores".
And the deal with Kroger and Fresh Encounter isn't sealed yet.
The sales had hinged on whether the buyers would be able to reopen pharmacies in the rebranded stores. As a condition of the purchase, CVS negotiated that the Marsh stores where a pharmacy operated be precluded from operating another pharmacy for five years. CVS has filed an objection to the sale plan.
Objections to the winning bids will be heard in the DE bankruptcy court system prior to a final sale approval hearing on Thursday.


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“The prepaid plan also offers unlimited local and STD call benefit and 100 SMSes per day”
Bharti Airtel has today announced a new prepaid plan for Rs 168 in India. This is the second tariff plan the telco has launched within a week. Along with data and calling benefits, the new scheme also offers a subscription to caller tunes.
The recharge offers 1GB 3G / 4G daily data to its customers for 28-days. The tariff also comprises unlimited voice calling to any network — including both local and STD calls without any FUP limits. Users can also sent up to 100 SMS per day free of charge as part of the Rs 168 plan. The Hello Tunes subscription will be activated within four hours after the recharge. It’s worth mentioning that Airtel has only launched the scheme in circles of Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana as of now.
In a related news, Airtel also rolled out a slew of prepaid plans under its First Recharge (FRC) scheme, a couple of days back. The plans are targeted at new subscribers, and hence, valid for first / second recharge only. The tariffs start from Rs 178 and go up to Rs 559 to offer free voice calls, SMSes, and a total of 126GB data for the validity period.
Airtel recently fell to the third position in terms of the number of subscriber additions in the month of July as per TRAI’s latest report. Reliance Jio led the charts by adding 11.7 million new subscribers, followed by Vodafone and Airtel with 5 million and 3.1 million subscribers, respectively.


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Last week was full of exciting business news, which may or may not fall under the category of exciting regular news. Anyone involved in the business world was on the edge of their seat with a rising then falling Dow, mergers and attempted takeovers galore, IPOs, lawsuits and scandal.
IN PICTURES: 20 Tools For Building Up Your Portfolio
But there's more! There were also some surprising and hope-inspiring earnings releases, and in consumer news, it looks like drivers will get a break at the pump by the end of the summer, just in time to drive around and look at those fall colors. (Did you miss last week's news? Catch up by reading Water Cooler Finance: Billionaire Pledges and Other Positive Press.)
The Diving Dow
The week started off well enough, with Dow's seven-day losses ending on Tuesday, only to return again on Thursday. The reason for the 1.4% loss on Thursday was mostly attributed to the nine-month record high weekly jobless report that reared its ugly head, letting everyone know (in case they didn't already) that the recovery is going to be long and unpredictable.
The new jobless claims rose by 12,000 from the week before, to 500,000, according to The Department of Labor. The Dow ended down on Friday, marking two straight weeks of losses amid increased investor skepticism regarding the ever-tenuous economic recovery. (Should you care about the Dow's movement? Find out in Why The Dow Matters.)
In business news, things were a bit more upbeat, as some earnings announcements were positive, especially in tech, and there was more than one exciting takeover announcement. Computer stalwarts Hewlett-Packard and Dell both reported increased profits, by 6% and 15%, respectively. This is good news for those hoping for a steady recovery, as it means that both personal and business spending has gone up; HP is the largest personal computer seller in the world, and Dell makes a large portion of its income from selling to businesses.
Takeover Triumph and Trouble
Also in the tech world, Intel is buying security-software company McAfee for $7.68 billion. Intel is ready to expand out of its computer chip dominance, and is making its first big move in possibly becoming a tech conglomerate. A less successful takeover was announced by BHP, as it made an unsolicited bid to buy Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan. PCS felt the bid was severely low and the company's board refused the offer.
Government Motors No More
General Motors filed its IPO registration on Wednesday, meaning the company will return to being a publicly traded stock, after its bankruptcy and subsequent government bailout in 2009. The U.S. Treasury currently has a 61% stake in the company, but will begin to unload some its stock during the IPO. This may mean that the G in GM may no longer be jokingly said to stand for government. In the next few months it will be determined just how big the IPO will be, and what the stocks will be valued at.
Lawsuits, Recalls and Some Good News
For those not enthralled by hostile takeovers, IPOs and struggling stock markets - there was also some drama! The Bank of America's ex-CEO Ken Lewis and consumer banking chief Joe Price are being sued by the New York Attorney General on accusations of fraud. The accusations stem from the bank's takeover of Merrill Lynch, and the alleged concealing of losses from Merrill Lynch's fourth-quarter. Lewis and Price maintain complete innocence.
Something stinks in the state of Iowa as a salmonella egg recall has now reached a half-billion. The eggs were sold between April and August throughout the U.S. under the names Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, Sunny Meadow, Wholesome Farms and West Creek. There have been no deaths, but around 2,000 illnesses. We'll have to wait and see if the recalls widen and how much it hurts the U.S. egg industry. (What are companies thinking when they issue a recall? Find out in Finessing A Recall.)
Consumers and businesses have a bit of good news going forward, however, as Associated Press article suggested that gas prices should fall after Labor Day, due to supply and demand. The article claims that "one expert says prices could drop as much as 15 cents a gallon." That could lead to better prices overall, and can free up a bit of money to spend on getting the economy going again. Or at least we can hope.
The Bottom Line
With the GM IPO, the ongoing PCS drama, the Bank of America court case and the developing egg recall, things are going to be pretty exciting in the business world over coming weeks and months. And if the price of gas actually does go down after Labor Day, there could even be some exciting news for consumers.


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New release date to be announced in “the coming weeks”
Samsung’s new device, Galaxy Fold, is no longer launching April 26. The company decided to postpone the launch after receiving the feedback from many reviewers, as some of them shoved serious flaws the innovative foldable smartphone has.
This includes incidents with the Samsung’s $2,000 smartphone’s plastic screen, such as a screen bulge, and flickering display.
To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold. We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks. Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance. We will take measures to strengthen the display protection. We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold
Those who preordered the device received messages from the company saying that Samsung will update them with more specific shipping information in two weeks.
SEE ALSO: Samsung launch a new line of devices: pics & review


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Steven Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow, comments on the surge in middle-class consumption of Apple products in the past year.
Read the full article in the July 24, 2015, edition of Yahoo! Finance.
David R. Brockman
Oct 22 2021 | Religion & Public Policy
Luz Maria Garcini
Oct 22 2021 | Center for the U.S. and Mexico


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As more and more countries change their legislation in favour of online sports betting, sportsbooks are beginning to lose their traditional advantage of tapping unexploited markets.
Unsurprisingly, the need to seek a technological edge over the competition to gain advantage is now more important than ever. As technological advancements and their industry-wide adoption grows faster, companies that leverage those innovations have it all to gain.
Technology Drives Sports Betting Further
The introduction of disruptors such as blockchain-based sports betting, as well as VR technology are just a small part of the extensive innovations we are expecting to see in the industry over the coming years. Of course, when it comes to collaborating on these technologies, there’s no better place than Betting on Sports to talk about the latest industry news and tech disruption.
Taking place on 17-20th September in London, it’s a headline event in the sports betting world, with more than 3500 delegates from around the world coming to participate, do business and network with senior executives from the industry’s largest betting and gaming companies.
Digitain on Betting on Sports
This year, Digitain is set to participate, displaying its latest in tech and innovation, as well as discussing business opportunities with its friends and future partners.
Some of the more outstanding products in Digitain’s offer include the Digital iGaming Platform, Sportsbook software, payment gateway, casino aggregator, skill-based games, and much more.
The Digital iGaming Platform is developed using cutting-edge technologies to provide a novel approach and boosted services. It also enables monitoring and management of players’ accounts, a thorough behavior analysis, and tracking online revenue for lifetime player value optimization, by supporting online and offline channels.
Digitain’s sportsbook software is developed to cater for the needs of international, European, American, African and Asian agent-based operators. It also provides comprehensive support, and a customizable interface that can be easily integrated with an existing platform through the API.
Alongside, skill-based games and bet on games are always a staple fixture in the gaming community. Digitain offers their partners access to the latest skill-based games which enable brands to reach a wide variety of player demographics. All of Digitain’s P2P games are not only easily integrated, but they also provide a hassle-free frictionless accessibility to more content. P2P games two-player games that start with one player creating the game and the second one joins.
As part of its extensive portfolio, Digitain offers the following skill based games: Belote, Backgammon, Dominoes, Game 21, Pasur. And for bet on games, Digitain has: Keno, Crash, and Hi Lo.
Create the Future
The upcoming decade will see sports betting businesses face a raft of changes and challenges, and those that fail to adapt to the latest in innovation that their customers expect will fall behind. Staying ahead of the game is crucial, and there’s no better place to do it than Betting on Sports. Providing operators, sportsbook developers and iGaming software with the latest insight into industry trends and innovation is one not to be missed. So, mark the date, join Digitain there and we’ll help you stay ahead of the competition!


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Tesla’s bigwigs across the
pond, after removing their rose-tinted spectacles may be about to
realise to their horror how much greyer this year’s electric European
skies look. Seven months through the year, West Europe’s Tesla
registrations already trail last year’s comparative levels by almost a
quarter. But according to AID’s exclusive figures, it was
a more than halving in Tesla’s July registrations in Western Europe that
finally drove home the message that in Europe Tesla’s cars appear to
have lost much of their earlier attraction as the year progressed. AID
In Norway, throwing a timely spotlight on Tesla sudden European
predicament, and where Tesla quickly emerged as the darling of the
initially flourishing e-movement, July’s Tesla registrations took a
headlong 70 per cent dive to just 66 units.
Telling the same sorry tale, Norway’s seven months Tesla
registrations to July more than halved to just 1,314 units from 2,896
during the same period last year.
A problem shared is a problem halved.
Those responsible for Tesla’s previously promising
looking prospects in Europe’s electric car market may derive some
soothing comfort from the realisation that not only Tesla’s sales have
lurched into reverse.
After a promising-looking brief interlude of
buoyancy during last year’s closing months, suggesting that West
Europe’s still tiny electric car market may finally be seeing at least a
moderate pickup in sales, since the beginning of this year these weak
green shoots have started wilting again....more
Far from picking up speed, in Europe electric car demand
lurched into reverse 26 Jul 2016
Rosier glow to Europe’s hybrid car market, thanks chiefly to PHEVs
28 Jun 2016
In Europe PHEVs already outsell electric cars 27 Jun 2016


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Herald Square is getting a rather large glimpse of the Bronx and it’s coming to the iconic Macy’s windows on West 34th Street.
Windows of Hip Hop collaborated with the department store, Bulova and artist Nicholai Khan to design an iconic Bronx display window for all Manhattan passersby to see for Macy’s special ‘Back to School Season.’
The designed window celebrates the two elements of hip-hop and education, featuring two portraits etched onto chalkboards in addition to Bulova watch sculptures atop student desks along with other street art and of course a tagged ‘Hip Hop Boulevard’ street sign beneath a large ‘Back to School’ spray painted print.
“I want everyone to come down to Macy’s Herald Square and get a small taste of what we cooked up with Mr. Khan and Bulova,” said legendary Bronx rapper Grandmaster Caz, a founder of WoHH.
Part of his mission is constructing a music studio at C.S. 55 school in Claremont, which is referenced in one of the decorated chalkboards.
“The school is honored to have Bulova support the vision of its educators as well as the creation of the new music studio,” said C.S. 55 principal, Luis Torres.
“We are happy to announce that C.S. 55 was chosen by Bulova and Macy’s for a window display dedicated to the school, “the elementary school principal added.
WoHH will continue the festivities with a event featuring special hip hop workshops and open mic for kids at the Mall at Bay Plaza Macy’s from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.


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Recently, Hon Hai pulled in NT$30.39 billion which is around $998 million, this was in net profits during the March quarter, which The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Facing pressure from asset manager BlackRock, which they increased their dividend payout from NT$1.80 per share to NT$3.80, or from roughly 6 cents to 12 cents.
Close to half of Hon Hai’s revenues come from Apple orders. The company has been looking to change stuff up with things like an online retail platform and partnerships with U.S. medical device makers, particularly in light of growing competition for Apple contracts, and slowly-rising Chinese labor standards which are pushing wages higher.
Hon Hai saw profits grow 33% during the December quarter, and analysts told the The Wall Street Journal that recent trends are expected to continue into the June quarter, again based on iPhone sales.
Daiwa Capital Markets analyst Kylie Huang recently said that “A lot of consumers are still in the process of replacing their old phones with large-screen iPhones.”
High sales of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have often been credited to pent-up demand for larger screens. As recently as 2011 iPhones were still using 3.5-inch displays, and that only improved to 4 inches in 2012, despite Android smartphones approaching or exceeding 5 inches.
Last year’s iPhone 6 grew to 4.7 inches, while the 6 Plus leaped ahead to 5.5. Some Android phones are now even bigger, one example being the 6-inch Nexus 6 by Google and LG.


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Nike China has unveiled the Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club 2020 home kit.
The new shirt will be worn by the eight-time Chinese Super League and two-time AFC Champions League winners when professional soccer resumes after the Covid-19 crisis.
The Guangzhou Evergrande 2020 home jersey is based on a new Nike shirt design that features a ribbed v-neck. The kit is in the customary light red of the South China Tigers with tonal tiger stripes on its front and back.
Evergrande’s secondary yellow adds detail at the collar, sleeve cuffs, upper back and inside neckline.


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Cleco rolls out new self-service payment kiosks in customer service offices
Customers can make payments inside local office with a credit or debit card or check
PINEVILLE, La. – May 12, 2021 – Today, Cleco announced the installation of new self-service payment kiosks at its 13 customer service offices across the state.
“Many customers have asked for an option to pay their bill in-person with a credit or debit card. Now, customers can go into a local customer service office and make a payment using this self-service option,” said Ron Smith, director of customer experience. “This new payment option is secure, easy to use and convenient.”
The kiosks are for payments being made with a credit or debit card or a check. Customers cannot use the kiosks to pay with cash or perform other tasks such as starting, stopping or transferring electric service.
“Our customer service representatives will be available to assist customers who wish to pay with cash or who need other services,” said Smith.
Cleco partnered with KUBRA to install the kiosks. KUBRA processes customer credit card, debit card and bank payments made online and by phone.
To make a payment, customers will need their account number and service address zip code, both of which are located on the monthly bill.
“When customers enter their account number and service address zip code, their current account balance will be displayed on the screen,” said Mary Lee, manager of customer service offices and training. “There will be step-by-step instructions on what to do next. The last step is to submit your payment using a credit or debit card or a check. It’s that easy.”
The kiosks use touch-screen technology, so disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will be next to each kiosk to help keep employees and customers safe.
Overview of Cleco KUBRA Kiosk:
- Kiosk located in all 13 customer service offices.
- English and Spanish language options are available.
- Complete account number and service address zip code required.
- Payments accepted with credit card, debit card or check.
- KUBRA standard processing fee of $2.50 per transaction.
- Payments posted to customers’ accounts immediately.


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Today, June 15, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released two lists of imported Chinese products to retaliate against China’s unfair trade practices, based on the USTR’s Section 301 determination that “China’s acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are unreasonable and discriminatory, and burden U.S. Commerce.” The administration is targeting retaliatory duties on $50 billion in imported Chinese products.
The first set of products subject to 25 percent retaliatory duties is scheduled to be implemented on July 6, 2018. This first list of products is a subset of the USTR’s original proposed list that was subject to notice and comment over the past several months. As a result of comments received, the USTR reduced the initial list from 1,333 to 818 tariff lines, with the revised list covering an estimated $34 billion in Chinese imported products. The products removed from the initial proposed list appear to be largely pharmaceutical products and consumer goods.
The second set of 284 tariff items is a new list of products not previously identified by the USTR. This list, representing approximately $16 billion in Chinese imported products, will undergo a public comment period similar to the period for the initial list. Details on when the public comment period will commence, the period of review, and scheduling of any public hearings before the USTR has not yet been made available. Duties for these additional products will not go into effect until the USTR completes the comment and hearing process and publishes its final list of additional products.
Implementation and Potential Challenges
A. Implementation for First List of Products
USTR has announced that 25 percent retaliatory duties for products in the first set will be implemented on July 6, 2018. Importers should carefully review the new tariff list to identify whether their products are included in the subject merchandise, and consider the potential duty exposure. Companies should carefully review the tariff classification of any potentially subject merchandise to confirm that any potentially subject products are correctly classified.
Further, importers should evaluate whether changes in companies’ supply chains may be implemented, either to affect the tariff classification of the imported products or to move assembly and production activities outside of China that would result in a change of the origin of the imported product under United States Customs and Border Protection’s substantial transformation test. Further, importers should consider revisions to their continuous entry bonds in light of the additional duty exposure.
B. Procedures for the Second List of Products
The second set of products published today contains 284 new tariff lines not previously identified by the USTR. This new list is designed to compensate for those items removed from the initial list while allowing the administration to hit its targeted retaliatory level of $50 billion in Chinese imports. This set will undergo further public notice and comment, including a public hearing, in order to allow the public and other stakeholders a chance to voice their comments to the USTR. While the USTR has not officially announced the dates for the notice and comment period, it is expected that the period and further details will be announced within the next few weeks. Companies with products that are identified in the second set, as well as those companies and investors that have interests in China, or may be contemplating potential tie-ups or investments with Chinese companies, should consider commenting on these proposals. It is important that companies organize quickly to submit comments and to prepare for USTR hearing when those dates are announced.
C. Proposed Exclusion Process
The USTR has noted that it will implement a formal process to allow for exclusion requests for certain products impacted by the additional tariffs. Details regarding such a procedure will be issued within the next few weeks.
China has announced that it will swiftly retaliate against these additional tariffs. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that “[i]f the United States takes unilateral, protectionist measures harming China’s interest, we will quickly react and take necessary steps to resolutely protect our far, legitimate rights.” The U.S., however, has threatened additional duties if China retaliates against the duties announced today.


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AMD is set to close out the year on a high note. As promised, the company will be delivering its latest 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X processor, built with two 7nm TSMC chiplets, to the consumer platform for $749. Not only this, but AMD today has lifted the covers on its next generation Threadripper platform, which includes Zen 2-based chiplets, a new socket, and an astounding 4x increase in CPU-to-chipset bandwidth.
In the course of our reviews, when we get a chance to get hands on with random processors, we run our test suite and add the data to our...95 by Ian Cutress on 1/14/2019
AMD has announced availability of the Athlon 220GE and Athlon 240GE processors it announced back in September. Based on the Zen microarchitecture and featuring built-in Radeon Vega graphics, these...26 by Anton Shilov on 12/21/2018
Everyone likes discussing headlines: the latest mainstream processor, or super 32-core behemoth, are topics ripe for deep discussion. Despite this, a lot more volume occurs in the mid-range and...44 by Ian Cutress on 9/6/2018
In this interesting world where processors are released but not formally announced, it means that when diving through the lists of supported CPUs on certain motherboards, we might find...27 by Ian Cutress on 5/26/2018
As part of today’s launch AMD released two new Kaveri based APUs as part of the FM2+ platform, the A10-7860K and the A6-7470K, as well as clarifying the way...43 by Ian Cutress on 2/2/2016


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Week in TechMore details on the Google/Motorola phone, Zynga swiped a scalp from Xbox, and we all said goodbye to a legend.
We know that the Apple TV represents terrific value for money – but only if you live your life through iTunes. For those of us who have photos and video outside of Apple's walled garden, an Apple TV alternative such as the Iomega TV with Boxee we have here is a better bet.
Soon we won't just be watching TV passively, we'll be interacting with it, searching for our favourite content among the millions of offerings on TV and film-streaming services including YouTube, iPlayer and paid-for facilities.
Spruce up Windows Mobile, improve Outlook, make Media Center more powerful, get the lead in web search – what Microsoft could achieve with a little strategic shopping


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Best New Accessory
The biggest category at the EFTTEX Best New Product Awards is also the most diverse. Nominations range from Hobie Kayak’s new Mirage Pro Angler 12 to a new smartphone app aimed at predator anglers to the latest innovations in tackle boxes.
This year’s winner came from the German-based Anda Technologies for its Anda Bite Alarm, while the runner-up was Vipmedia Publishing & Services with a predator fishing app.
The Accessory category traditionally attracts smaller, specialist companies but this year a number of major brands announced exciting launches. They included Daiwa’s Sokkou Knot Tool, a hybrid bite indicator from Prologic, new rod tubes from Sage and the latest development in American Tackle’s highly-rated MicroWave Line Control System – winner of the Innovation of the Year Award.


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Intellian demonstrates flat panel user terminal and confirms production for OneWeb
At Intellian’s Advanced Development Center (ADC) in Maryland, the demonstration showcased an integrated, small form-factor Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) user terminal, operating in a live commercial network environment facilitated by OneWeb. The Intellian ESA user terminal achieved the maximum download and upload speeds supported by the OneWeb system in full duplex mode operation, with seamless beam hand-overs and satellite hand-overs.
This milestone validates Intellian’s innovative core technologies ahead of production in Q4 2023. Intellian’s ESA user terminal production will take place at their state-of-the-art factory, providing a streamlined process with exceptional product value, quality, diversity, and scalability.
The highly specialized and experienced team at Intellian helped to deliver and deploy the very first OneWeb commercial service user terminals at rapid speed. With a unique and innovative technology and strategy, Intellian brings to market a diverse portfolio of ESA user terminals designed to address user requirements across Enterprise, Land Mobility, Military, Government and Maritime at unparalleled speed.
Eric Sung, President and CEO Intellian Technologies Inc, said: "Our strategic partnership with OneWeb has been further strengthened as we once again achieve another fantastic milestone together. This over-the-air demonstration validates the strength of our ESA technology and brings us one step closer to launching truly integrated products that all of OneWeb’s commercial customers can benefit from. With our new manufacturing campus also launched in Korea during 2022, we can deliver incredible scale and quality assurance to our partners.”
Massi Ladovaz, Chief Technology Officer at OneWeb, added: “Our partnership and collaboration with Intellian continues to grow and we are excited about the future potential of today’s demonstration. OneWeb’s network is ideal for flat panel user terminals and this has the potential to provide customers with unique benefits that match their connectivity needs. The technology is well suited for residential, government and commercial markets, land-based industries, helping to achieve OneWeb’s ambition to bring low latency, high speed connectivity to our customers globally.”
Drawing on decades of experience, Intellian supports partners and their customers by providing world-class support, global distribution and supply chain capabilities. Intellian’s value proposition is founded on a collaborative approach, working with distribution partners to serve customers globally. By working together, Intellian delivers end-to-end solutions that address the unique needs of regional and vertical market segments, ensuring continued mutual success with their distribution partners.
OneWeb continues to make rapid progress in launching its global coverage network. The company has launched more than 80% of its first-generation constellation, which will offer high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions. OneWeb has connectivity solutions active today with its distribution partners in Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland and wider Arctic area, with expanded services coming online soon across the U.S, southern Europe, Australia, Middle East and more.


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This September 12 – 18 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, an immensely important time of year not only for us at SambaSafety but the industry as well.
Taking a Moment
We wanted to take a moment to thank those in the trucking industry. Whether you’re behind the wheel day in and day out, managing routes or even working to ensure regulatory compliance on behalf of truck drivers, your job makes up part of the larger ecosystem that keeps America moving.
Although the team at SambaSafety believes that showing truck driver appreciation extends year-round, we wanted to recognize and thank those for the sacrifices they’re making day in and day out.
When Staying Home isn’t an Option
We know that some jobs cannot be done from home and that, for many truck drivers, their cabs are like their second home. We also understand that it’s never easy being away from family, especially during such unsteady times as now.
The sacrifices continuing to be made every day for the public are not going unnoticed or unappreciated, whether through the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain shortage or even natural disasters. Efforts and exemptions made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association to keep the flow of goods moving only further solidify the importance of trucking.
The Lifeblood of this Country
To those in trucking – you make up the lifeblood of this country. Without your efforts and continued dedication to the job, we wouldn’t have critical supplies, stocked shelves, medications, vaccines, groceries and so much more.
This past year has been just as hectic as the last and continues proving to be a very busy time for all in the trucking industry. So, thank you from the entire team at SambaSafety. We appreciate that trucking truly moves America forward and recognize everything being done to make a positive difference in such unpredictable times.


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Sharp Electronics has launched a dedicated commercial audiovisual (AV) division to help it break into the digital signage market.
Peter Unsworth, product manager at the division launched last week, told CRN: “The commercial AV market is so diverse that there is a range of applications and technologies we could concentrate on. But to start with we have decided to concentrate on the digital signage market.”
The new division has identified the hotel, leisure, betting and corporate sectors as key verticals to target.
Among Sharp’s current portfolio of products suited for the new division are its LCD displays, ranging from 20in to 65in in size, and a line of high-performance data and video projectors, which are suitable for business applications.
“We will launch more products in the next 12 months,” Unsworth said.
He added that Sharp does not want to provide just the hardware for digital signage.
“We want to work with content providers, designers, installers and resellers, so that we can offer our customers a complete digital signage solution,” he said.
The commercial AV division’s route to market is 100 per cent indirect. Unsworth said that he hopes to set up a reseller programme in the next six to 12 months.
Andrew Smith, senior associate at AV analyst firm Sandy Brown, said: “This is a positive move for Sharp, which obviously recognises the potential value in the professional AV market. It is seeking to capitalise on this high-growth area.”
Smith added that it would be interesting to see if its approach was volume-sales led or an application-based approach.
“The latter would represent the far better approach in the professional AV market because people need to talk application and integration, not box-shifting numbers,” he said.
UK-based MSP snaps up Qunifox, bolstering its Benelux arm to 125 employees
Credit guru Eddie Pacey emphasises that good credit control is vital as he reminisces on a case involving an Essex-based reseller
Customers offered trade-in discount of up to 30 per cent as part of vendor's new channel recruitment programme
From whaling and USB attacks to third-party exploitation, what will be the biggest threats facing end users next year? We asked execs at eight cyber-security resellers and consultancies to name their picks