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The U.S. healthcare system is in really good shape for its size. In fact, the healthcare system is probably the best in the world. It’s not perfect, of course. The fact is, people in the U.S. aren’t just getting the best care they can get, but they’re getting the best care you can get with the best infrastructure.
Provident is a company that’s been trying to do this for a few years now. They have all the pieces in place now and are doing great business.
Provident is a company that has a ton of experience creating all sorts of innovative solutions for the healthcare space. One of their recent projects is a new way of providing health care called “healthcare as an app.” The fact is, healthcare as a concept is a really powerful one that makes sense when you think about it.
Provident is doing some really cool things in healthcare right now. They’ve been using Blockchain technology to set up a system that would allow all sorts of health care providers to easily share information and even pay for the services they provide. The blockchain technology is also allowing Provident to take their system and move it to the cloud, so they’re essentially using the cloud as their own Blockchain.
I would say this is some of the best healthcare promotion and advertising that Ive seen. They have been doing their own digital marketing to get more people to sign up for their system. They also have an app on their website that allows consumers to get free access to a number of services, like health checks, blood analyses, medical treatments, all kinds of things.
With the cloud there are benefits not just for the company but for their customers too. They can use the cloud to store and access their customer’s health info, and use these services for marketing. Provident was also previously in the media when it was announced that they were moving their system to the cloud, but that was because of a company legal dispute. Now, theyve got a new system and a new platform that allows them to offer the cloud as well.
Provident is a health service company that offers health insurance, medical services, and pharmacy services. They’re also in the media when it was announced that they were bringing their cloud system to the cloud, but that was because of a legal dispute. Now, theyve got a new system and a new platform that allows them to offer the cloud as well.
The cloud is a new technology that is widely utilized by some consumers, and it is in a similar way that the health care industry is used by many companies as a service. Provident is a new technology that is widely utilized by some consumers, but it also has a lot of potential. Provident uses cloud computing in a variety of ways, including cloud-based services such as the online health insurance marketplace.
Provident is a lot more than just a health insurance marketplace, the company has a lot of plans for health care providers. The company also offers some really exciting software and services.
The company is already in the business of selling health insurance to individual consumers, but the company is focusing on the provision of insurance benefits to other end-users, such as providers. The health insurance marketplace is one of the first to offer these benefits, but Provident is currently in the early stages of developing some of its own plans, such as the online health insurance marketplace.


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The Seattle-based company reportedly paid just £8.6m in corporation tax in 14 years of trading in Britain.
It recently revealed it paid no corporation tax for the past three years, despite sales of £1.2bn in the UK.
Now, the coffee chain has revealed it is in talks with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Treasury over its tax affairs as part of a bid to "build public trust".
"Starbucks is committed to the UK for the long term and we have invested more than £200m in our UK business over the past 12 years," the statement said.
"Starbucks has complied with all the tax laws in this country but has regretfully not been as profitable as we would have liked.
"We have listened to feedback from our customers and employees, and understand that to maintain and further build public trust we need to do more.
"As part of this we are looking at our tax approach in the UK.
"The company has been in discussions with HMRC for some time and is also in talks with the Treasury."
The firm is one of many multinationals to have the amount of tax they pay in the UK put under the spotlight.
Chancellor George Osborne is set to address the issue in his Autumn Statement on December 5.
On Sunday Mr Osborne announced extra investment to help clamp down on the multinational companies' tax avoidance.
Last month, the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is charged with monitoring government financial affairs, questioned senior executives from Starbucks, Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG - news) and Amazon on why they pay so little tax in the UK while racking up millions of pounds' worth of sales.
"I assure you we are not making money," Troy Alstead, the chief financial officer of Starbucks, told the committee .
"It's very unfortunate. We're not at all pleased about our financial performance here. It's fundamentally true everything we are saying and everything we have said historically."
His comments came despite operating more than 700 UK stores and employing nearly 8,500 people, along with plans to employ another 6,000 staff and open 300 outlets.
Companies are able to sidestep the taxman legally by conducting different operations in different countries, and constructing complex global frameworks that allow them to move money through offshore subsidiaries and locations.
More From Sky News

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Shoppers in the Moorlands have helped to spread some goodwill.
Central England Co-operative has said ‘thank you’ to customers and members across the region after they donated over 75,000 items in support of the Christmas Food Bank Appeal.
The retailer hosted a special five-week appeal in an effort to bring a little festive cheer and provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis and the appeal helped to create more than 30,000 meals for people in need.
Over 15,000 items a week were donated and, in total, over 75,000 were collected in just a matter of weeks.
This allowed for the creation of special food parcels that were handed out to provide over 30,000 meals during the festive period.


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Facebook launched instant articles that give popular outlets a rich and quick way to deliver articles to readers. Initial partners include The New York Times, National Geographic, BuzzFeed, ABC News, The Atlantic, The Guardian, BBC News, Spiegel Online and Bild. The articles are hosted on Facebook, and are interactive along with load times much faster then any publishers site.
Facebook said the articles will be engaging than a regular article. “Zoom in and explore high-resolution photos by tilting your phone,” the company said. “Watch auto-play videos come alive as you scroll through stories. Explore interactive maps, listen to audio captions, and even like and comment on individual parts of an article in-line.” The content will come each publisher who can sell ads onto the platform. They’ll keep 100% of that revenue if they make the sell, but Facebook will keep a portion if they sell ad space.
I haven’t experienced the new instant articles, but I feel like Facebook is picking the best of the best with this. If the company does open this up to everyone it could be a platform where more publishers post their content. It’s similar to how most sites post their video to YouTube and post them to their own site through their own video players. I don’t see a lot of publishers jumping on this ship for a few reasons. While Facebook does drive traffic, it won’t stop doing that anytime even if publishers are only posting links into users news feeds. The other reason is because the money involved and sharing of profits with Facebook could scare a large portion of already struggling publishers away.
Tell us what you think about instant articles on Facebook in the comments below!


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GRAND JUNCTION (KREX) — You’ve probably used a bullet or blender to juice fruits and vegetables to get your day started, but can you imagine the process a business has to go through to juice up their profits?
Our Khira Isaacs talked to a professional juicer who turned her hobby into a business and travels the state juicing fruit on a grand scale.
“I had been in the restaurant business then I spent 25 years in banking. And then I decided I didn’t really want to be in banking anymore so then I decided to start making hard cider,” says Summit Mobile Juicing owner, Jennifer Seiwald.
Cider, one of the many products, made with the help of “Helga”.
“She’s both strong and temperamental,” continues Seiwald.
Jennifer’s talking about her mighty mobile trailer equipped with a giant stainless steel juicer.
“We process between 500 thousand and 800 thousand pounds of fruit,” continues Seiwald.
Fruits, farmers and orchards throughout Colorado contract with Jennifer to juice.
“We take it and run it through Helga and then we produce these boxes that we give back to them for them to sell at their fruit stands and events throughout the course of the year,” she says.
While the end result is a neat box with a label, the process to get there requires a little effort…
“Right now, we’re pumping them into totes and then they go through the pasteurizer,” continues Jennifer.
The fruits are placed in the bin dumper, filled into the washtub, travels up the elevator, is broken down in the grinder, before sliding through a tubed system — linked to the pasteurizer. And then boxed and binned.
Nothing goes to waste including skins.
“It goes to feed live stock. Hogs, sheep, turkeys,” says Jennifer.
Jed Murray of “Triple M. Orchards” says his partnership with Jennifer has been fruitful.
“I heard about her, about three years ago .. thought well why not try a couple hundred boxes and see how that goes,” says co-owner of Triple M Orchards, Jed Murray.
Three years later, a couple hundred boxes turned into 2500.
It’s a crushing 12 hour shift, but the fruits of their labor are sweet.
“Hard cider, non-alcoholic cider, brandy, peach beer, you name it,” laughs Jennifer.


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With the end of 2020 — a complicated year in many ways — expectations of better times to come have been renewed. However, the timing still calls for some caution, as one of the only things we know about 2021 is that it will be a year full of challenges. In this context, the sales leader plays an even more relevant role for the company.
Changing the calendar year is always good for reviewing mistakes, re-planning and aligning strategies, but this time it was a little different. 2021, in fact, has arrived, but it still has many “backlogs” from the previous year.
We still have a long way to go before the Covid-19 pandemic recedes significantly and the country’s economy begins to show signs of recovery. To better manage their team in this scenario, the sales leader must look at the 2020 learnings and focus on improving the behaviors that were fundamental for survival in the period.
Sales spreadsheet kit to plan, motivate your team and not lose information
3 types of a spreadsheet with ready-made formulas to put your business routine in order without much effort.
The challenges are numerous and range from the need to lead and motivate the team from a distance to closely monitor the results and make the necessary adjustments according to circumstances. In this article, we’ll talk a little more about the economic situation and bring up some important points regarding the sales leader’s performance in 2021.
The crisis scenario shows that 2021 will be of great challenges
According to data released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), inflation closed 2020 at 4.52%, the highest since 2016. The Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) was driven by the rise in food, housing and articles of residence.
In addition, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had a very significant drop. According to the Central Bank bulletin (Focus Report) of January 11, the forecast is for a decline of 4.36% in 2020. And 2021, what will it be like?
Well, the first quarter of the year should still be very difficult for the economy. Largely because the government’s vaccination plan indicates that it will take more than a year for the entire population to be immunized.
Therefore, in the meantime, given the absence of more restrictive measures and the “tiredness” of the population in relation to social isolation, transmissions should continue to increase. The end of emergency aid should also have a negative impact in these first months of the year and the expectation is that unemployment will continue to grow.
This means that, even though financial market specialists are predicting a 3.41% increase in GDP in 2021, we will face many challenges until all sectors are able to demonstrate a good recovery and the situation, as a whole, improves.
What is the role of the sales leader in this context?
The importance of leadership in the sales process is indisputable. It is a fact that to be successful, a sales team needs effective management, that is, a sales leader capable of guiding salespeople to achieve the expected results.
We’ve already talked about the characteristics of a good manager and brought tips on how to be a successful leader. However, the truth is that in 2020 all these professionals were challenged to deal with a situation they had never experienced before, which, in addition to hitting the economy and sales in full, was also very challenging for everyone in personal terms.
Sales leaders had to face issues such as downsizing, spending cuts, changes in consumer behavior and even the mental health of salespeople. And that’s just to mention a few situations that the sales leader faced throughout the year.
How the sales leader can manage successfully in 2021
In view of all this, in order not to drop the shuttlecock, the sales leader had to adapt, shape and, in certain cases, even reinvent himself. This new way of acting required the development of some behaviors that, in 2021, will continue to be essential for running the boat.
Empathy to deal with the team
As we mentioned, the pandemic moved people a lot, both because of the need for social isolation and the home office, as well as the direct or indirect losses suffered. In addition, many professionals had to completely change their routine with their children at home.
In this context, the commercial manager needed to develop greater empathy with the team. So, in addition to showing more understanding of personal matters, he can also find ways to help salespeople better organize their day-to-day work.
Lead and motivate in person or at a distance
Remote work brought a series of challenges and remote management certainly requires another type of attitude from the sales leader. However, given the forecasts, at least for the first half of the year, developing aspects of leadership in this regard will be essential.
In addition to not losing control of the team and the progress of sales, the manager must always be focused on motivating the team’s professionals, even if far away. Holding regular meetings, both individually and collectively, is very important, as is the use of motivational strategies.
Relationship with sellers and customers
What we’ve talked about so far indicates that the sales leader must be careful to maintain a good relationship with his team. And not just that: customer relationships have become even more important.
Designing strategies to create a sense of partnership and closeness — in times of distance — can yield great results. And you can’t forget that this relationship needs to be “cared for” at all stages of the sales process.
Take care of yourself to be able to face what’s next
Of course, it wasn’t just the team that felt the effects of the pandemic and the crisis on mental health. The sales leader also needs to take care of his own health, physical and mental, to keep up with the year ahead.
Getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and having leisure time (even if reading a book or watching a series at home) are essential factors in this regard.
Watch the behavioral profile-based sales and leadership webinar:
Results monitoring and ability to adapt
It is not enough to elaborate a super business plan if the tasks and results are not monitored weekly. More than ever, in the face of an economically unfavorable scenario, this control has become essential.
That way, at any sign that the plan isn’t working, it’s possible to quickly adapt the strategy and reverse the bad results before it’s too late.
Attention to the external scenario and strategic vision to succeed in 2021
As it is still a year of many uncertainties, 2021 will require the sales leader to be very attentive, not only in relation to his team but also to events and how they can impact sales. In addition, looking outside is also a crucial exercise to identify hot markets to prospect and even new business opportunities


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, a franchise brand specializing in burgers, salads and smoothies has announced a change in its leadership team. According to a recent article in Fast Casual
, the brand has announced that Brent Feldman will take on the role of Chief Marketing Officer.
Feldman is a seasoned veteran of the franchise industry. His experience includes time at McDonald's
and Dunkin' Brands
, among others. This expertise will be channeled towards new efforts to grow the B.Good brand.
The new CMO has expressed excitement for the opportunity, saying, "B.Good is an amazing brand with so many admirable attributes and amazing stories."
Read the full article here


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Middletown woman charged with identity theft
A 29-year-old Middletown woman is accused of stealing electronics from stores and returning them for credit, Middletown police said.
Police were called to Kohl’s, 601 S. Ridge Ave., about 4 pm. Monday because woman was being held on suspicion of shoplifting, police said.
After an investigation, police discovered that Nicole Peters attempted to use fraudulent store credit from Nov. 29 to obtain more than $1,300 in merchandise. Police allege she has been doing this since 2011.
A later search of her residence found Peters had several Delaware licenses and a California license that was not obtained legally.
She was charged with identity theft, theft by false pretense, theft and criminal impersonation. Peters was being held on $24,000 secured bond.


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As you might have heard before, this year’s iPhone lineup will be a minor upgrade over last year’s models. According to a new note by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 2019 iPhones will also get a new ultra-wideband or UWB technology. Of course, this wouldn’t necessarily excite the masses. However, it’s the 2020 iPhone design that sounds more interesting.
Next Year, Apple’s Rumored to Release Three iPhone Models With OLED Screens
According to Kuo, next year’s models will deliver a significant upgrade over what we saw the last year. This year though, the models are expected to retain the same design as the last year models. The analyst says that the 2020 iPhone design will include a new form-factor and previously, he had said that the OLED-touting versions will be available in 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.
Other than that, Kuo also says that the next year’s models will get 5G support. This is hardly breaking news, as now that Qualcomm and Apple are doing business again, there is no reason for 2020 iPhones to not get the next generation of wireless connectivity.
Kuo also believes that apart from the 2020 iPhone design change, the camera will also feature an upgrade next year. Although he didn’t go into details in his new note, he had claimed some time back that the newer models will get rear Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors. These will supposedly help with image quality and also pave the way for new augmented reality features. Together, the 2020 iPhone design, the 5G support, and camera enhancements are expected to push year-over-year iPhone growth to unprecedented levels.
As for the 2019 iPhones, Kuo says that the lineup will also get UWB support. He expects new iBeacons to use the short-range radio tech for better indoor navigation. For those that don’t know, UWB is a low-power, short-range radio technology that offers more precise indoor positioning than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE. However, the new UWB tags will supposedly work in conjunction with Bluetooth-powered iBeacons for a better experience.
The 2019 iPhones will be unveiled by Apple on Tuesday, which means in a few days time, all this rumors frenzy will stop and we will finally know what they actually have to offer. To get to know what Apple is expected to announce on its ‘By innovation only’ keynote, be sure to check out our detailed roundup.
News Source: 9to5Mac


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LAKE LUZERNE, N.Y. — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently visited River Bend Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Luzerne for the annual tree cutting to promote New York’s Christmas tree farms and encourage New Yorkers to shop at local agricultural businesses this holiday season. New York State tree farms offer families a fun and safe way to celebrate the holiday season. By purchasing from any of the 750 local tree farms in the State, New Yorkers can support this important agricultural industry, which has an economic impact of $13.8 million, according to the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York.
Commissioner Ball said: “I encourage New Yorkers to shop early this year and choose local New York farms when looking for that perfect tree this holiday season. Visiting a tree farm this year to cut your own tree is a great, socially distanced, and fun way to celebrate this season of giving while supporting your local farmer and the agricultural economy.”
Gene Knudsen, President of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, said: “Thank you to Commissioner Richard Ball for cutting down the first New York State Christmas Tree of the year at River Bend Christmas Tree Farm. This tradition marks the start of the holiday season across New York State. We invite the public to visit a New York State Christmas Tree farm, support a local farm family, enjoy the great outdoors, and bring home the freshest Christmas tree!”
Jim Carpenter, Owner of River Bend Christmas Tree Farm, said: “We are grateful and excited to welcome Commissioner Ball to cut the first Christmas tree of the season at River Bend Christmas Tree Farm. Our family looks forward each year to helping families of every type celebrate the holidays in style with a real New York Grown Christmas tree.”
With approximately 300,000 New York-grown trees sold by more than 750 farms in Upstate New York, the State ranks sixth in the U.S. for the number of acres dedicated to growing Christmas trees.
To promote the industry and provide a boost to farmers statewide, the Department is sponsoring displays of local trees and handmade wreaths in all of New York’s Welcome Centers and Taste NY stores statewide.
The 8-foot-tall Canaan fir provided by River Bend Christmas Tree Farm will be prominently displayed for the holidays at the Adirondack Welcome Center in Queensbury. River Bend Christmas Tree Farm is a proud member of the New York State Grown & Certified program, which highlights New York’s agricultural producers and growers who adhere to food safety and environmental sustainability standards. 47 Christmas tree farms across New York State are now NYS Grown & Certified.
Find your local Welcome Center and Taste NY store at Taste.ny.gov. To find the New York-grown Christmas tree vendor nearest to you, visit the NYS Grown & Certified website and the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York website.
In addition, New York State will also be featuring New York grown trees at the Empire State Plaza, the Capitol building, and the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. office building in Harlem.
New York State Office of General Services Acting Commissioner Jeanette Moy said: “There is nothing quite like the scent of pine on a cold winter day, and New Yorkers can be proud of the beautiful trees grown in this state and the farmers who produce them. We at OGS are pleased to display New York State trees at our facilities. I welcome the public to attend our holiday tree lighting events at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on December 5 and at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in Harlem on December 9.”
Specialty Foods, Beverages, and Gifts
In addition to local Christmas trees and wreaths, this holiday season, Welcome Centers, Taste NY locations, and the ShopTasteNY.com marketplace are featuring a wide variety of gifts and gift sets filled with local products made and produced by New York farms and food and beverage producers. From local gourmet food items and locally produced craft beverages to New York made novelty items, and even bath and beauty products, gifts range in size and price and can be customized. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Taste NY location or visit ShopTasteNY.com for specific offerings and details. Find out more here.
About Taste NY
The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, creates opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. It has also helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. Taste NY’s food and beverage businesses also support the state’s farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.
For a complete list of Taste NY locations, hours of operation and contact information, visit the Taste NY website. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
–NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets


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A motion made by the former CEO of the defunct Arrow Trucking to have his prison sentence reduced has been denied. James Douglas Pielsticker is serving a 7.5-year prison term for using company money for lavish personal purchases, embezzling millions from the company over a course of years.
He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and tax evasion in February 2015. Pielsticker’s gross abuse of company money contributed to the carrier’s demise in 2009, when the fleet abruptly shut down and left its trucks, drivers and freight stranded nationwide.
Pielsticker filed a motion in November to have his prison sentence reduced. However, the judge overseeing the case dismissed the motion, saying Pielsticker’s request “relies on a gross misreading” of a separate court decision that Pielsticker said was applicable to his case.
He was sentenced in 2015 and faced up to $50 million in fines.
Pielsticker, as CEO of the company, created fraudulent invoices that he sent to a company creditor, Transportation Alliance Bank, and pocketed money from the fake invoices. He also used company funds to pay for his wedding and three luxury cars — a Porsche, a Bentley and a Maserati. He also paid personal credit cards and deposited money into his wife’s personal account with company money.
In sum, he stole $15 million from Arrow over the course of his scheme. He owed $10.6 million to the IRS, according to court documents, partially due unreported income embezzled from Arrow.
Affected tractors are equipped with an automated Eaton UltraShift Plus or Eaton Advantage Transmission with right hand stalk shifter. In the affected trucks, the display on the instrument panel can indicate “N” when the shifter is set into “D” or “R,” causing the truck not to move.
The new “health-based requirements” will need to be met before a driver is allowed to register his or her truck through the Department of Motor Vehicles, CARB says. For older vehicles, CARB says they must be either replaced with a 2011 or newer vehicle or repowered with a 2010 or newer engine.


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- WHITE PAPERS
From an Under Armour installation that tests athletic ability to a Warby Parker photo booth experience, interactive customer experience was the order of the day at the inaugural Interactive Customer Experience Summit, held June 28-30 at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower.
During "Tablets: When, Where, Why and How" at the ICX Summit in Chicago, Dickey's discussed its custom-developed business intelligence service called Smoke Stack that analyzes data to help the restaurant connect with customers and increase sales.
More and more big name restaurants and chains are creating one-to-one, unique website experiences for visitors to drive higher user engagement and customer conversions based on the time of day, visitor location, number of previous visits and more.
While many restaurant operators may be in good shape when it comes to meeting the caloric-labeling deadline of Dec 1, not all have considered the (print) execution efforts for menu boards, to-go menus, catering menus and related signage
The CEOs of Groupon's Breadcrumb and PeachWorks discuss how their technology can help restaurants and retailers stay relevant.
The technology that fuels digital menu boards and ordering kiosks within restaurant locations today is being used to maintain nutritional disclosures in real time.
Exactly how is IT automation helping restaurants?
Pizza is the go-to meal for almost every occasion. Normally there are only a few options to purchase pizza such as frozen, carryout or delivery. However, kiosk manufacturer A1 concepts has crafted a new pizza kiosk which will allow consumers to purchase a fresh pizza on the spot.
Today, forward-thinking restaurant operators are using modern video technology to measure virtually everything from shift readiness to inventory control.
The restaurant of the future is here, with technological innovations that enable faster, more efficient and more profitable operations than ever.
Online ordering, and mobile ordering in particular, is no longer simply a nice add-on for consumers,it's an expectation.
Not sure where to begin? Here are eight things eateries should consider before starting the website building process.
Managing your restaurant digitally has plenty of advantages and with the rapidly changing workforce, it may even soon be necessary.
Patent trolls could cost restaurants money and slow innovation. Here's what operators need to know about patent trolls.
For independent operators, it's important to understand futures and have a good relationship with distributors and manufacturers to best manage food costs.
A majority -- 88 percent -- of restaurant patrons indicate a preference for self-service technology at their table, while 12 percent indicated a preference for a kiosk upon arrival.
The upswing in the economy means competition for talent will heat up in 2015. That means employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting and retaining the best team members.
A handful of businessmen and women have come up with new concepts specifically to solve restaurant operators' biggest problems.
Restaurants are opting for fully integrated digital menus, which speed up service, educate customers easily and tap into inventory and POS systems.
Technology in food engineering and processing equipment coupled with better logistics has given companies the ability to specialize.


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GST: Lower tax rates would not solve the problems of small businesses entirely
The truth is the government and its ministers are clueless about the nature of difficulties faced by the small businesses under GST
The Group of Ministers (GOM) led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam's Finance Minister, has on Sunday recommended a few more reliefs for small businesses -- hike in turnover threshold for composition scheme to Rs 1.5 crore from the recently hiked Rs 1 crore per annum plus a uniform rate of goods and services tax (GST) of 1 percent under the composition scheme as opposed to the current rates of 1 percent, 2 percent and 5 percent respectively for traders, manufacturers and restaurateurs. Smallness would be coveted like never before if these recommendations are accepted.
Even the current dispensation provides the much-needed gravitas for smallness. On air-conditioners, the GST rate is 28 percent but not so on the entire amount if you purchase it from a small trader eligible for composition. He gets away with 1 percent and so do you even though he is not allowed to charge GST in his invoice to the ultimate customer just as he is not entitled to input tax credit hitherto paid by the supply chain.
The denial of input tax credit may not mean gloom and doom in a country where the last-mile retail margin is heavy, in the region of 30 percent to 40 percent in a vast majority of cases with medicines enjoying top-of-the-mind recall among the cognoscenti. In other words, the retailer’s margin which is value addition of anything between 30 percent and 40 percent would get away with just a rap on the knuckles -- 1 percent tax.
Etailers would be hit badly because supply to and through online portals such as Amazon or Flipkart does not qualify for composition. ACs may witness sale only through small traders with annual turnover of not more than Rs 1.5 crore that converts into a monthly turnover of Rs 12.5 lakh that in turn converts into a monthly sale of 50 ACs assuming an average price of Rs 25,000 per AC. That should leave everyone happy, including the small trader and the ultimate consumer except the online portals who may have the mortification of seeing their turnover taking a dip in favor of the bricks and mortar small traders who dot our rural and urban marketscape. ACs is just a metaphor for high tax GST items.
The result would be two-fold -- tremendous loss of revenue to the exchequer should the smallness frenzy grip our trade with even the big ones courting and contriving it. And what happens to your eloquent Hawaii chappals - BMW dichotomy, Mr. Jaitley? Finance Minister Arun Jaitley never tires of reminding us the need for 5 rates of GST as opposed to a single rate of 18 percent written into the Constitution as canvassed by the Congress. He says the lowly Hawaii chappals must be taxed lightly and the swanky BMW car must be taxed stiffly much to the Communists’ delight. But aren’t you taxing AC, the metaphorical BMW, at 1 percent on as much as 30 percent of its turnover assuming the last-minute retail margin on it to be 30 percent and further assuming people thronging in droves to small shops for purchasing ACs? Indeed the one-size-fits-all norm of 1 percent GST might come to haunt the government if the country witnesses the smallness mania like never before. The 1 percent tax that he is not able to pass on to the customers won’t be a burden at all given the huge retail margins the country is famous for.
The truth is the government and its ministers are clueless about the nature of difficulties faced by the small businesses. Their difficulties do not center around rates because the GST imports is in any case passed on to the ultimate consumer but around procedural and implementation hassles. These need to be eased. India boasts just a 40 percent internet access unlike 100 percent by countries like Sweden. And even this 40 percent is irrelevant because a lion’s share of it is through mobile networks whereas GST uploading presupposes and requires robust broadband network across the country.
These three leaders have, much like Narendra Modi in his Gujarat days, combined their administrative track records with shrewd and ruthless politics
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a virtual conference with deputy commissioners and asked them to provide relief and ensure the rehabilitation of affected people at the earliest
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during the day, visited Silchar in Cachar district, which is among the worst-affected areas, and assessed the damage caused by flood waters in the Barak valley city


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MYOB partners with The ai Corporation to launch world class payments gateway, providing 1.2m customers with more security than ever
Omni payments protected by state of the art, self-service fraud and analytic solutions, supporting multiple risk models.
14 Dec 2018
MYOB Snapshot: small businesses sacrifice health for work 80% of small business owners losing sleep at night
While the weather has improved and many Aussies are getting outdoors to be more active, MYOB has released research on the health and wellbeing of small businesses in Australia which shows small business owners are putting their health last and losing sleep.
28 Nov 2018
Accounting software company MYOB has released new figures showing it is now the fastest growing cloud-accounting business in Australia and New Zealand with 205,000 new subscriptions added in the 12 months to September 2018.
15 Nov 2018
MYOB and Mastercard today announced a strategic partnership to bring innovative new ways of managing cashflow to hundreds of thousands of small business owners across Australia.
15 Nov 2018
MYOB, Australia’s leading cloud-based business solution software, today announced that it would be expanding its MYOB Portal to all MYOB Partners, effective immediately. This provides unrivaled access for all MYOB Partners to have one consolidated view of their client’s files.
20 Sep 2018
MYOB has today launched its Women In STEM research which shows that while more than 50 percent of Australians agree that women’s lack of STEM skills will impact the gender wage gap in the future, only 14 percent of people plan to up skill in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
18 Sep 2018
MYOB and TwoSpace are addressing one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face - access to capital. Together they have taken the elevator pitch to the next level, giving a select group of entrepreneurs one spin of the ferris wheel at the iconic Luna Park in Sydney to pitch their idea to investors.
28 Aug 2018
The most inspirational conference for entrepreneurs, Startup Grind presented by MYOB, comes to Asia Pacific for the first time
Melbourne will be the first city in Asia Pacific to host the world-class Startup Grind Conference on 6 and 7 December 2018
24 Aug 2018
MYOB today released its financial results for the half year ending 30 June 2018, reporting record online subscriber growth, up 61 per cent to 492,000, and on track to surpass 1 million online subscribers by 2020.
24 Aug 2018
Australian technology company, MYOB today revealed its new creative platform Done by in-house creatives The Purple Agency.
21 Aug 2018
MYOB’s industry leading conference for accountants and bookkeepers lands in Melbourne this September. The jam-packed agenda features a keynote from Shark Tank’s Janine Allis, a host of world-class speakers and thought leaders as well as masterclasses to set every attendee up for success.
20 Aug 2018
Since the mandatory reporting deadline on 1 July 2018, MYOB has successfully helped more than 16,000 employers navigate Single Touch Payroll.
13 Aug 2018
MYOB’s ‘SUCCESS: The Podcast’ launches second season featuring female entrepreneurs and their startup journeys
MYOB’s SUCCESS: The Podcast is back for season two, focusing on entrepreneurs and their different perceptions of “success”. This time the podcast exclusively features female entrepreneurs from She Starts, a six-month accelerator program sponsored by MYOB.
09 Aug 2018
Australia’s leading plumbing and bathroom distributor Reece has integrated MYOB’s cloud-based business solutions into its digital sales channels, streamlining bookkeeping for its customers.
06 Aug 2018
A culture of innovation and setting staff up to be “future makers” has seen accounting software business MYOB place 8th on the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Most Innovative Companies list.
31 Jul 2018
MYOB’s latest survey has highlighted the burden of superannuation and EOFY tax payments on small business owners. Many struggle to make payments due to cashflow issues and are forced to prioritise tax payments in lieu of superannuation contributions and future financial security.
30 Jul 2018
MYOB provides free education and work placement opportunities to prospective bookkeepers facing barriers to employment.
MYOB has today announced its latest initiative I CAN with MYOB, a program that provides free training and employment support to eight Victorians who have experienced barriers to education and/or employment.
17 Jul 2018
MYOB Business Monitor reveals Australian businesses looking to employ more full-time staff as confidence continues to grow
MYOB’s latest Business Monitor survey of more than 1000 SMEs has highlighted continued growth and confidence going into the new financial year.
24 Jun 2018
Following a successful pilot, MYOB Advisor was today launched to thousands of accountants and bookkeepers. The groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technology makes giving business advice, and scaling advisory services, easier than ever.
13 Jun 2018
MYOB moves forward with acceleration plans Strategy to continue without acquisition of Reckon’s Accountant Group assets
MYOB Group today advised it would no longer pursue the acquisition of Reckon’s Accountant Group, announcing it will continue with a planned investment strategy to drive the accelerated delivery of its ‘Connected Practice’ vision.
31 May 2018
As part of MYOB’s commitment to increasing the number of women in technical roles, the developher program provides successful candidates with a fully paid, full-time internship. Each participant who successfully completes the program is offered full-time employment with MYOB as an associate developer.
21 May 2018
MYOB, a leading provider of business management solutions in Australia, has praised the Black Economy Taskforce in their findings to combat the black economy. “MYOB welcomes the recommendations outlined in the Government’s Black Economy Taskforce report. It’s great to see these recommendations leverage some of the good Government policy work already in place.
21 May 2018
Australia’s mid-sized businesses are not geared for growth and it could seriously impact the nation’s economy, reveals a new report by MYOB.
20 May 2018
MYOB has collaborated with BPAY to add a new payment option to its Invoice Payments solution. The collaboration will see MYOB, one of Australia’s leading providers of business management solutions, offer BPAY payments solutions to small businesses, in addition to the existing credit card payment option as part of its online business solutions.
15 May 2018
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping businesses succeed, MYOB today announced it is a major sponsor of Shark Tank on Network Ten, commencing 15th May 2018.
15 May 2018
Budget delivers some high notes for SMEs: Further investment needed for Australia’s innovation future
MYOB, a leading provider of business management solutions in Australia, has praised the 2018 Budget for the delivery of key priorities for Australian businesses including the extension of the popular $20k Instant Tax Write-Off.
08 May 2018
MYOB reveals 7 in 10 small business owners want $20K instant tax write off made permanent in upcoming Federal Budget, still strong support for company tax cuts
The latest MYOB SME Snapshot surveying Australian business owners has found that making the $20K instant tax write-off permanent is the highest priority for small businesses in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, with company tax cuts rated second-highest.
26 Apr 2018
MYOB today announced the launch of MYOB Advisor, a unique artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tool designed to revolutionise the way accountants and bookkeepers advise their clients.
12 Mar 2018
Only one year out of university Jake Deakin, a designer with MYOB, is already making his mark on the Australian design industry with a nomination for the Victorian Young Achiever Awards for 2018.
06 Mar 2018
MYOB expands its footprint to become largest corporate resident in Cremorne, announcing move into iconic Nylex clock new development, The Malt District.
01 Mar 2018
MYOB delivers solid financial results and record online subscriber growth, moves forward on delivery of ‘Connected Practice’ vision.
MYOB today released its 2017 financial results to the market reporting double digit growth across all key financial measures, together with record online subscriber growth of 60 percent, driven by new small business customer wins and increasing online migration.
23 Feb 2018
MYOB has today launched its first podcast series ‘SUCCESS: The Podcast’, featuring interviews with Australian business and field leaders from organisations including Thankyou, Spaceship, Startup Victoria and Starward Whisky.
09 Feb 2018
Celebrating all things tech, MYOB is hosting the 8th official Silicon Block Party on Thursday 8th February 2018, in conjunction with some of the country’s most prominent digital thinkers.
08 Feb 2018


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In today’s top retail news, BJ’s Wholesale Club has named Bob Eddy as its new president and CEO, while Advance Auto Parts is forecasting comparable-store sales growth amidst demand from DIY and pro shoppers. Plus, lululemon has become part of the secondhand clothing trend with its “Like New” reCommerce division.
Bob Eddy has been named the new president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club. Eddy joined the firm in 2007 and was appointed to the role of interim chief executive officer this month following the passing of Lee Delaney. The company also announced that Laura Felice has been appointed to the position of executive vice president, chief financial officer.
Advance Auto Parts, the aftermarket auto parts retailer, said it forecasts comparable-store sales growth to range from 22 percent to 24 percent for Q1 2021. “We continue to see strong demand from both DIY omnichannel and professional customers, with robust sales growth to start 2021,” President and CEO Tom Greco said in a press release.
lululemon has revealed its inaugural venture to resell gently used apparel. The merchant will become part of a growing movement inside of the clothing and footwear space to cut back on waste and lengthen product life in announcing its “Like New” reCommerce program. Moreover, lululemon will roll out a limited-edition “Earth Dye” collection of apparel.
TryNow is challenging industry norms and reshaping consumer behavior by letting people try on their purchases in their residences to decide if they want to purchase them prior to being charged. “Our contrarian idea is that high return rates can actually be healthy for your business,” TryNow Founder and CEO Ben Davis said in a previous interview with PYMNTS.
Read More On Retail:
- Afterpay, New Entries Keep BNPL Sector Moving Forward
- lululemon Joins Secondhand Clothing Trend With ‘Like New’ reCommerce Unit
- Emerging Trends In Retail And Dining
- As ‘Try Now, Buy Later’ Return Rates Rise, So Do Sales And Profits
Selected by EFXA


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Since November last year, Sony has outdone Microsoft in the console race. In fact, the sales figures of February were the closest that Xbox One got to PlayStation 4, and still lagged behind.
Yet, Sony Entertainment Canada found reason to try and cash in more than what they already are through raising the PlayStation 4 price in Canada to $449.
Fluctuations at the hands of the retailers are a commonplace issue, but it is as surprising as it is unwelcome to see Sony marking up the price of their console. I need not to remind you that one of the major reasons that turned the table in the favor of Sony is the PlayStation 4 price which is lower than Xbox One.
According to an official statement of Sony Canada that Toronto Sun has, the company took the decision to raise the PlayStation 4 price in Canada “to respond to changes in the market environment.”
When the clock ticks 12 tonight, the changes will take effect, apart from the $50 increase in the console’s price, DualShock 4 and PlayStation 4 Camera will also get a raise of $5 each.
One of the reasons we can assume behind the move is the limited supply of PlayStation 4 in the region. However, there could be other reasons too for instance, the worth of Canadian Dollar has been declining against the US Dollar, and Sony might not want to lose at the hands of foreign exchange.
They have done so with the PS3 back in 2007.
I find it troublesome that the Canadian gaming community will have to face the inflated rates; it is a disappointing step. Do you think the increase in PlayStation 4 price in Canada is fair to the end users?


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As per a report from The Information, OpenAI, the organization responsible for developing ChatGPT, is contemplating the creation of an AI marketplace. This proposed 'app store' would enable companies to purchase and sell customized AI models specifically designed to meet particular requirements.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, revealed the concept of an AI marketplace during a meeting with developers in London last month. According to Vlad Eidelman, the CTO of FiscalNote, based on OpenAI's roadmap, it seems the company is interested in establishing an app store.
Why Choose An App Store?
The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the practicality of advanced chatbots across various industries. By offering a platform where businesses can access tailor-made chatbots, these AI solutions can serve a range of purposes, such as providing real-time responses to industry-specific queries using up-to-date data.
OpenAI's potential marketplace could bring about competition with its existing partners like Salesforce and Microsoft, both of which run their own stores to sell AI chatbots built on OpenAI's technology.
However, by establishing its own marketplace, OpenAI would have the opportunity to reach a much larger customer base and gain a competitive edge over other AI companies like Anthropic and Cohere.
This move highlights the delicate balance that arises between technology partners when they start to become competitors. Currently, OpenAI relies on collaborations with companies like Salesforce and Microsoft to expand its market presence. Nonetheless, the company might now be considering selling its tools directly, which could lead to higher profits for OpenAI.
According to The Information's report, CEO Sam Altman allegedly informed developers about the company's intentions to create an AI marketplace. However, OpenAI has clarified that, as of now, there are no ongoing or active efforts to build such a marketplace. It's possible that discussions or considerations were made in the past, but the company has not yet initiated any concrete steps towards its implementation.
How Is This News Being Perceived By The Public?
Pretty well, actually! At the conceptual stage, OpenAI's potential AI marketplace has already attracted the attention of two companies: Aquant and Khan Academy.
Aquant, a company that offers software for guiding customers through device repairs, took OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot and made modifications using data from customer support tickets and feedback from their employees.
As a result, Aquant now provides this customized chatbot on two existing platforms, namely the Salesforce AppExchange and ServiceNow Store. However, they are open to the idea of utilizing an OpenAI marketplace if it becomes available, as it would allow them to extend their reach to an even broader range of clients.
Khan Academy, a non-profit organization with an educational focus, has taken an innovative step by creating its version of ChatGPT called Khanmigo. This AI chatbot serves as an AI tutor for both teachers and students.
To fine-tune Khanmigo, Khan Academy utilized content from its test preparation and academic resources. Additionally, the organization implemented filters to prevent cheating and ensure the chatbot provides appropriate responses in the classroom environment.
Now, Khan Academy is exploring options to make Khanmigo more accessible to a broader audience. One potential avenue they are considering is distributing the AI tutor through an OpenAI store, which would enable them to reach a wider range of users and facilitate its integration into various educational settings.
What About ChatGPT Plugins?
Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT plugins, which allowed users to interact with specific websites like OpenTable, Shopify, or Expedia using the AI model.
However, these plugins didn't gain significant popularity, indicating the necessity for additional product development and market research.
To create a successful AI app store that appeals to corporate customers, OpenAI must focus on delivering practical and useful solutions for various industries, such as retail, finance, and healthcare.
The offerings in the app store should be capable of handling critical tasks, seamlessly integrating with existing company systems, and demonstrating tangible business value, making them a compelling choice over established alternatives in the market. By meeting these criteria, OpenAI can increase the chances of widespread adoption and acceptance of its AI marketplace.
Since its launch in late last year, ChatGPT has gained significant traction, with numerous businesses integrating it into their operations to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Additionally, companies are competing to provide their customers with innovative tools and features utilizing the power of ChatGPT's advanced large language models (LLMs).
SO, WHERE DO YOU FIND THIS PARTNER?
Well, aren’t we glad you asked! We at DigiCom are obsessive data-driven marketers pulling from multi-disciplinary strategies to unlock scale. We buy media across all platforms and placements and provide creative solutions alongside content creation, and conversion rate optimizations. We pride ourselves on your successes and will stop at nothing to help you grow.


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In addition to GS Industries, Bain Capital paid $10 million to buy another South Carolina company - Holson Burnes Group, a photo-album maker based in Gaffney. The prospectus shows Bain Capital's partners made more than twice their investment - earning $22.6 million, according to the prospectus - between 1986 and 1992, when Holson Burnes Group went out of business and 150 people lost their jobs.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
This is from an interesting McClatchy article about Mittens the Vulture Capitalist:
Posted by Steve J. at 8:37 PM


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Please enter your username or the email address associated with the account so we can help you reset your password.
Publix Super Markets Charities Donates $3 Million
Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) is committed to building stronger communities through a $3 million donation to housing and shelter programs. The donation will support 121 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the Southeast, including funding for a total of six full houses at six affiliates. In addition, 104 nonprofit organizations providing housing and shelter services will also receive funding.
“There are far too many individuals and families in our communities without roofs over their heads. We’re committed to helping them find the support they need to one day achieve the stability and independence that comes from having a place to call their own,” said PSMC Executive Director Kelly Williams-Puccio. “We’re honored to continue our support of organizations focused on housing and the well-being of our communities.”
Pret a Manger Uses Eagle Eye to Pilot Loyalty Program
Eagle Eye, the global marketing technology company, announced that Pret A Manger’s new trial loyalty scheme, Pret Perks, is powered by its Eagle Eye AIR platform.
This innovative loyalty beta programme builds upon the success of Pret’s Coffee Subscription scheme and utilises more of the features and capabilities of the AIR platform. Pret Perks is currently available to Pret Coffee Subscribers during this trial phase with aims to roll out further.
EG America Announces $4 Billion In Fuel Sold With Smartpay Rewards
EG America, a leading gasoline and convenience retailer, announced that it has sold $4 billion in fuel through its SmartPay Rewards program since its launch in January 2013. Over the last four years, fuel sales from SmartPay rewards have doubled from $2 billion, making the program one of the most preferred methods of payment at the retailer. The program is free to join and free to use – and users automatically save 10 cents on every gallon of gas, every day at EG retailers throughout the country including Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N' Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill.
"We are thrilled that SmartPay makes such a difference in the lives of our Guests – and we are proud to celebrate the $4 billion sales milestone for the program" said George Fournier, President of EG America. "Since launching SmartPay, we have saved our customers almost $200 million on gas, and enrollments have increased significantly as we launched the program in all of the other banners this past year. At EG America we're dedicated to providing value to our customers, and we look forward to continuing to provide our SmartPay Rewards Guests with significant savings on their fuel purchases."
UFC and Timex Announce Major Global Sponsorship and Licensing Partnership
UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, and Timex, a global leader in watchmaking for more than 165 years, announced a major global sponsorship and licensing partnership that provides an ideal marketing opportunity for each brand to reach more fans and consumers.
Timex will become an "Official Licensing Partner of UFC" and will offer a wide variety of UFC-branded products, including wristwatches, health and fitness tracking-enabled watches, watch straps, clocks, and more. Each piece will be made with the same craftsmanship, quality, and innovative design that has made Timex the most famous watch brand in the world.
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Bella Hadid not only kills the catwalk, she sprays.
During Paris Fashion Week, the supermodel caused a stir at the Coperni runway show on September 30 when she strutted topless down the runway, covering her breasts with her hands while wearing nude underwear and heels.
Reaching center stage, Bella stood erect and still while a team of three technicians painted a layer of white latex onto her naked body.
As they sprayed the paint, the 25-year-old raised her arms one at a time as her work slowly transformed into a mid-length dress with a high slit. When the artwork was complete, Bella rushed wildly down the runway showing off her new, made-to-measure ensemble.
The dress was made from Fabrican, a sprayable fabric invented in 2003 that cures into clothing. According to the company’s website, Founder Manuel Torres “envisioned a material that magically conforms to the body like a second skin, yet looks like clothing. With years of research and experimentation culminating in the realization of a sprayable substance from an aerosol can, Fabrican was born.”


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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV suggested a merger with Renault SA in order to create the world’s third-largest carmaker as producers struggle for scale so as to tackle the costly move to autonomous driving and electrification.
Fiat stated that the contract, through a Dutch holding company, would be designed as 50-50 ownership. Shareholders at Renault would get an implied premium of nearly 10 percent. Renault’s board has stated that they would go over the “friendly” offer.
Fiat and Renault are planning to proceed without Nissan Motor Co., Renault’s 20-year partner, and also the Mitsubishi Motors Corp. On the merger talks with Renault, Fiat has agreed to not pursue a short term contract with Nissan, according to sources. It would be acceptable for Nissan, the Japanese company, to join the merged forces later on.
The elaborate plan would succeed in making Exor NV, the Agnelli family’s holding company (founding shareholders of Fiat), the biggest investor in the merged entity. John Elkann, chairman of Fiat, would most probably hold his position whereas Jean-Dominique Senard, the chairman for Renault, would be termed as the chief executive officer, say related sources.
Shares for Renault rose to about 16.7%. For Fiat, they surged to nearly 19.5%, the greatest they have risen. Merged, their total market value was approximately 35 billion euros.
These plans are a response to the extreme pressure carmakers are currently facing to spend greatly on novel technologies. Both Fiat and Renault hope that their joint yearly synergies would sum up to be more than 5 billion euros.
Juergen Pieper, the analyst at Bankhaus Metzler, stated that while the proposal for a merger between Fiat and Renault looks to be very promising on paper, its execution would not be a simple matter without hurdles.


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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the salmonella egg outbreak has now spanned to several states. Illnesses began in November 2017 and are still causing people to be hospitalized with serious health problems. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers have purchased the contaminated eggs. In some cases, diarrhea associated with salmonella infection can be so dehydrating as to require prompt medical attention. Life-threatening complications are possible if salmonella spreads.
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually live in animal and human intestines and is shed through feces. Consuming contaminated water or food spreads the infection to humans. Symptoms last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, however, it may take several months before bowels return to normal. Salmonella can develop into typhoid fever. This is a deadly disease. About 300 people get typhoid fever in the United States each year. About 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 related deaths occur worldwide each year.
Salmonella Egg Outbreak
On April 13, Rose Acre Farms recalled over 206 million eggs that were sold in many states under different brand names. There are 35 people with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup. No deaths have been reported. More than a third of the victims have had such severe symptoms that they were admitted to hospitals.


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TeleType has released a new portable GPS system aimed at professional truck drivers that ensures routes will follow roads suitable for truck travel, taking into account bridge heights, clearances and load limits, the company said.
According to TeleType, the Commercial Truck WorldNav portable GPS system offers 10 levels of hazmat routing, an extensive POI database, flexible routing options, and weigh station and truckstop locations.
The touch-screen GPS is available in two screen sizes, 3.5-in. and 7-in. diagonal.


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Just when you thought you couldn’t add another art fair to your calendar, the Downtown Armory Fair has announced its inaugural edition (May 8-11, 2014), to take place at the 69th Regiment Armory, at Lexington Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets. The fair will coincide with the third outing of Frieze New York (May 9-12, 2014).
Fifty international exhibitors, to be selected by New York dealers Nancy Hoffman and Yossi Milo and St. Louis’s William Shearburn, will be announced in January.
The fair director is New York-based Lisa Hatchadoorian, who was most recently the curator at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, in Casper, Wyo., and holds a master’s in curatorial studies of contemporary art from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Not to be confused with the Armory Show, which started out as the hotel-sited Gramercy Art Fair and is now on two Hudson River piers, the Downtown Armory Fair will take place in the building that housed the 1913 Armory Show, where European artists such as Marcel Duchamp were introduced to a scandalized American public.


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Dean Foods (DF) Getting Somewhat Favorable News Coverage, Report Shows
Media stories about Dean Foods (NYSE:DF) have been trending somewhat positive on Thursday, Alpha One Sentiment reports. The research group, a service of Accern, identifies negative and positive press coverage by analyzing more than 20 million news and blog sources in real time. Alpha One ranks coverage of publicly-traded companies on a scale of negative one to positive one, with scores closest to one being the most favorable. Dean Foods earned a daily sentiment score of 0.15 on Alpha One’s scale. Alpha One also assigned media stories about the company an impact score of 25 out of 100, indicating that recent press coverage is very unlikely to have an impact on the stock’s share price in the near future.
Here are some of the news articles that may have effected Alpha One’s rankings:
- Dean Foods and KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Announce Pure Love Partnership – The Daily Meal (thedailymeal.com)
- Analysts See $0.31 EPS for Liberty Sirius XM Group (LSXMK), Dean … – UtahHerald.com (utahherald.com)
- Quarterly Financial Watch for Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) – The Newburgh Press (newburghpress.com)
- Dean Foods and KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Announce Pure Love … – PR Newswire (press release) (prnewswire.com)
Several research firms have recently commented on DF. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Dean Foods from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and increased their price objective for the company from $21.31 to $22.00 in a report on Thursday, January 19th. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Dean Foods from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. Morgan Stanley raised Dean Foods from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, March 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Dean Foods from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and set a $22.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, March 17th. Finally, Vertical Research upgraded Dean Foods from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Dean Foods presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $22.00.
Shares of Dean Foods (NYSE:DF) traded up 1.68% on Thursday, hitting $19.95. The company had a trading volume of 1,098,290 shares. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $19.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $19.32. Dean Foods has a 1-year low of $15.69 and a 1-year high of $22.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.21 and a beta of 0.28.
Dean Foods (NYSE:DF) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 16th. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.03. The business earned $2.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.01 billion. Dean Foods had a return on equity of 24.87% and a net margin of 1.37%. Dean Foods’s revenue was down .2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.36 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Dean Foods will post $1.40 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 20th were paid a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, March 16th. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.80%. Dean Foods’s dividend payout ratio is currently 31.30%.
In other Dean Foods news, Director J Wayne Mailloux sold 3,033 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.50, for a total value of $56,110.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 105,073 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,943,850.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 2.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.
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About Dean Foods
Dean Foods Company is a food and beverage company. The Company processes and distributes fluid milk, and other dairy and dairy case products in the United States. It is engaged in manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing a range of branded and private label dairy and dairy case products. It offers branded and private label dairy case products, including fluid milk, ice cream, cultured dairy products, creamers, ice cream mix and other dairy products to retailers, distributors, foodservice outlets, educational institutions and governmental entities across the United States.
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Averitt Express has opened a new distribution and fulfillment center in Atlanta, GA. Located just minutes from downtown and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the facility encompasses nearly 140,000 square feet of enclosed space to receive, manage, and distribute freight and inventory.
“We are excited to increase our presence in this vital freight market to better serve the growing needs of our customers,” says Wayne Spain, Averitt’s president and chief operating officer. “Whether it’s moving cargo to or from the Port of Savannah or managing inventory for order fulfillment, this new facility will expand our ability to assist our customers at every turn in their supply chain.”
The opening of Averitt’s new facility adds to the number of locations the company currently operates in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Two other locations are service centers that are part of Averitt’s less-than-truckload and truckload distribution networks.
The new facility is part of Averitt’s branded distribution and fulfillment network that consists of more than 1 million square feet of freight and inventory staging space across more than 20 locations in the Central and Southern U.S.
“Atlanta is one of the most diverse hubs for freight flow in the country,” says Eddie Adkins, director of Averitt Distribution and Fulfillment. “Our new facility will enable us to better leverage our various logistics and transportation services to deliver complete solutions to shippers that have a footprint in Georgia.”


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Vizeum lands Warner Music European brief
Warner Music International has appointed the Aegis Media network Vizeum as its first pan-European digital media agency.
Fleetwood Mac: signed to Warner Music
Vizeum's initial task will be to work on planning and buying media for a Christmas and new year marketing drive.
The network was appointed after a review that was called in September by Warner, whose artists on its roster include Muse, REM and Fleetwood Mac.
Vizeum's appointment is not expected to affect Warner Music's relationship with ZenithOptimedia, which will continue to handle UK media buying across non-digital channels. The bulk of Warner's digital UK media was previously handled in-house.
Winter activity for Warner will include a digital campaign to promote recent new releases such as Phil Collins' first solo album in eight years, Going Back.
The network will deliver digital planning and buying across mobile, online video and social media channels in ten countries including the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Nordic region.
Ritch Sibthorpe, the director of digital marketing and content partnerships, Warner Music Group International, said: "The gifting season remains a hugely important time for the music business and this campaign will help strengthen our marketing footprint across a variety of interactive channels."
This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk
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Gadzooks serves customized enchiladas that have bold and unique flavors, and textures. Owner Aaron Pool says that enchiladas are his passion and that “literally every day of my life, I think about enchiladas.” Gadzooks is a locally-owned business that is expanding. The restaurant is counter service so each enchilada is prepared in an assembly-line fashion and then put into the open flame oven to warm. Customers can choose from a variety of vegetables, meats and other toppings.
The new series and nationwide campaign ask readers to choose “America’s Best-Loved Book.”
2018 marks the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day, which was first commemorated as Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, Arizona PBS marks the occasion with the annual "National Memorial Day Concert" and other special programming.
“Nature” shows the world from an animal point of view each Wednesday at 7 p.m.


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“We’re focused on improving the customer experience quarter-over-quarter,” Hyman says. The idea is to make the improvements feel “tangible and obvious” so the customer feels like they’re getting an increase in value.
To this end, last month, Rent the Runway permanently added an extra item to every shipment of its subscription programmes without a price change. Consumers who received eight items a month now receive 10 (one in each of two shipments). As the most popular subscription, this impacts the majority of the platform’s users, Hyman says. The aim is to boost loyalty by encouraging existing customers to rent more items. This is in keeping with the platform’s focus on rentals for everyday utility, rather than one-off events. In 2022, 80 per cent of customers used Rent the Runway for everyday use cases, the company says.
Most churn in the business (55 per cent) happens in the first three months as consumers learn the rental ropes, Hyman says. With more items, there’s more wear, and a higher probability consumers will like the items they receive — and come back for more. “Retention, in our business, drives organic growth,” Hyman says.
There’s been an uptick in the first quarter. As of 8 April, Rent the Runway reached 141,000 active subscribers, its highest to date, following the extra item programme launch. “We’re seeing the benefits come in an improvement in our loyalty rate, in customers who had formally churned rejoining our programmes and a reduction in our pause rate,” Hyman says.
Looking forward, for fiscal year 2023, Rent the Runway expects to achieve revenues in the range of $320 to $330 million, and grow subscriber count by a minimum of 25 per cent. “Our growth margins are healthy, the cost structure is right-size, this is really the time to focus on growth,” Hyman says. This subscriber growth would bring the total to approximately 176,250 — just shy of the 185,000 Hyman says are needed to reach free cash flow and break even.
“The company is at this inflection point right now where that is well within reach. We believe that our strategies, which are all about delivering improvement to the customer experience, are the very strategies that will bring us from the 141,000 subscribers we have today to 185,000 subs.”
The company isn’t providing a concrete timeline for reaching profitability. Instead, it says it is highlighting the consumer experience-focused tools for the investment community to understand how the company plans to get there — whenever it may be. “[Today], I’ve given more information and financial transparency than we have since our IPO,” Hyman says. The company plans to cut cash consumption by at least half. “We’re showing people how the 25 per cent subscriber growth is translating into a business that is driving towards being self-funding.”
“We feel that the strategy of investment into customer experience and innovation will drive growth in our business and bring [it] to free cash flow profitability.”
Correction: 44 percent refers to gross margins, not growth margins.
Clarification: Distinguishes between the 2022 layoffs and 2020 subscription pauses and cancellations.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
Rent the Runway’s post-IPO plans: Profitability, more brand partners
With Amazon tie-up, Rent the Runway faces sustainability questions
Amazon to sell new and pre-worn designs from Rent the Runway


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MARIETTA, GA. (Dec. 9, 11:55 a.m. ET) — Graphic Packaging Holding Co. has combined its multiwall bag and specialty plastics packaging unit with Delta Natural Kraft LLC and Mid-America Packaging LLC to form a new company.
Marietta, Ga.-based Graphic Packaging will own 87 percent of the new firm, officials said in a Dec. 9 news release. The combined business will have annual sales of about $150 million.
The remainder of the new firm will be owned by Capital Five Investments LLC, a Twinsburg, Ohio-based investor that already owns Delta Natural Kraft of Pine Bluff, Ark., and Mid-America Packaging of Twinsburg.
“The combination will allow us to better serve our customers through the expanded operations … and position us well for a rebound of the end markets served by these products,” Graphic Packaging President and CEO David Scheible said in the release.
Publicly held Graphic Packaging posted sales of almost $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2011 — an increase of about 2 percent vs. the same period in 2010. The firm posted nine-month profit of about $11 million after losing almost $9 million in the year-ago period,


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We are seeing a seismic shift in the American automobile market; GM is idling five car plants, and consumers’ shifting taste buds are certainly part of the problem. More so than ever are consumers choosing not only crossover utility vehicles to haul their family and things around, but the pickup truck is once again becoming a popular choice for families.
Not just any old pickup trucks, though, luxurious, well-appointed pickups are gaining a foothold. The report comes from The Detroit Free Press, which compounded sales data showing Americans have no problem showing the money for a big, luxury truck.
Large pickup sales were up 9.3 percent in November, an alarming figure knowing the overall market rose 3.7 percent. Truck sales are also three percent higher year-over-year against flattening car sales. However, buyers are ponying up for the good stuff, and that makes for well-padded bottom lines at General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler.
“Luxury half tons will continue to sell well and make huge profits,” predicts Mark Williams, editor of PickupTrucks.com. He says the segment is “definitely getting hotter,” driven by safety and technology improvements.
The pickup truck had its heyday in the early 2000s at the turn of the century. However, sky-high gasoline prices and a sickly economy wiped the stars from consumers’ eyes when it came to loaded trucks.
However, here we are again, seven years since the economy officially bottomed out and Americans once again love their big trucks. Time will tell if history repeats itself, or if luxury pickups are here to stay. In the meantime, if GMC and Chevrolet have anything to say about it, either would love to show you into a Sierra Denali or Silverado High Country.


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After unveiling its collection of all conditions gear for the 2017 summer season earlier this week, we recently received a closer look at NikeLab’s ACG.07.KMTR footwear model. With assistance from Errolson Hugh of ACRONYM, NikeLab created a silhouette truly made for the urban commuter. The ACG.07.KMTR features a laceless upper constructed of a water-resistant textile material which gives the shoe reliability in various types of weather. While a magnetic heel closure and bold lockdown toggles continues the functional aesthetic and rounds up the design of the silhouette.
Take a closer look at the NikeLab ACG.07.KMTR above and make sure to also check out NikeLab’s new City Knife 3 Flyknit model.


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Recently, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida gave a statement to The Independent, casually mentioning the controversy surrounding PlayStation’s lack of cross-play between Xbox and Nintendo Switch. “On cross-platform, our way of thinking is always that PlayStation is the best place to play. Fortnite, I believe, partnered with PlayStation 4 is the best experience for users, that’s our belief.” As you might imagine, his response didn’t go over too well. Games journalists and fans flocked to social media, expressing their frustration for Sony’s increasingly apparent refusal to co-operate with other consoles.
This isn’t shocking news – Sony has been blocking access to cross-play on other platforms ever since Microsoft and Nintendo opened the gates to online cross-console-play last year. Xbox One and Switch owners can play Minecraft, Rocket League, and the previously mentioned Fortnite together through cross-play with no problems, while PS4 owners are still locked behind the iron curtain Sony has constructed. What’s worse, if you try to login into a Fortnite account that has been previously used on a PS4 on another console, it blocks you. Refusing cross-platform play is one thing, but blocking users from playing elsewhere is something else entirely
Why does Sony insist on keeping their fans limited like this? Well, they can afford it. This console generation has been very profitable for Sony – the PlayStation 4 has far outsold the Xbox One by more than double the units. At the moment, the PlayStation has an install base of more than 80 million users, making it the eighth-highest selling console of all time. Sony isn’t hurting for console sales, so they don’t necessarily need to convince on-the-fence consumers to buy a PS4 anymore. Sony is number 1 – a position that Microsoft and Nintendo can’t lay claim to. Perhaps that’s why the latter two are pushing cross-play in the first place.
Sony is in a powerful spot, so they can afford to stay secluded. But can they keep that up forever?
This debacle with refusing cross-play is clearly hurting Sony’s reputation. Tom Marks, a writer for IGN, believes that “the truth of the matter is that this decision benefits no one. […] [The lack of cross-play on PS4] hurts Sony by making the PS4 a less appealing choice for gamers that are considering their options for multiplatform games.” (Source). Sony’s intent may be to lure more users to play games on PlayStation to play with their PS4-owning friends, but the reality is that it’s doing the exact opposite. PS4 has become the place NOT to play online games. And while Sony may not be hurting too much right now, no doubt, there will be plenty of repercussions down the road…
Games industry history has proven that the developers who refuse to move forward get left behind. Take Nintendo, for example. In the late 90’s, as Sony themselves pioneered the CD-based game format, Nintendo refused to do the same. The result? The PS1 sold more than 100 million units, and the competing Nintendo 64 sold just over 30 million. You could also look at Sega and its messy history of commercial flops in the late 90’s/ early aughts. While you might point to a few specific examples, ultimately, the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast failed hard because of Sega’s inability to adapt to the market. They didn’t create many compelling reasons for the average consumer to buy a Saturn. So by the time the Dreamcast came around, the damage had already been done.
But we can go even further back to find an example. Atari, once the biggest video gaming company on earth, is now a mere shell of its former glory. Back in the day, they single-handedly launch video games into mainstream popularity with Pong. They were also responsible for the creation of Activision, the first third-party developer. Most importantly, they created the first mainstream video game console, the Atari 2600. So Atari was hugely influential! But as time went on, they proved incapable of adapting to the market and marketing compelling reasons to buy an Atari 5200 or Jaguar. They lost support, both from developers and consumers, and eventually lost their share in the market. They fell at the reign of Nintendo, and they’ve never been the same since.
Companies who refuse to move forward get left behind. Sony is no exception.
I want to put this plainly – Sony cannot succeed with their current approach to cross-platform play. The negative effects may be small right now, but as time passes and they still refuse to adapt, they’ll start hurting. There will be fewer PlayStation 5 sales, fewer subscriptions to PlayStation Now, fewer fans to back them up – whatever it may be. They’ll lose support – support from their fans, support from their stockholders, and most importantly, support from their developers. Don’t believe me? It’s already started.
Bethesda, developer of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, is the first leak in the dam of Sony’s support. The upcoming Fallout 76 will not support cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation, and Bethesda isn’t at all happy about it. CEO Todd Howard has stated his annoyance with Sony publicly, saying that they’re “not as helpful as everyone would like.” (Source). But Bethesda is lashing back against Sony. The Elder Scrolls Legends, a free-to-play themed card game coming to consoles this fall, will not be making its way to PS4 unless Sony opens it up to crossplay. Of course, Legends is no Skyrim in popularity, but this is still significant. If Bethesda is willing to hold back their games to put pressure on Sony, then other developers have the potential to do the same. Will they? We can only hope.
The surmounting pressure on Sony is rising to blazing heat-levels. Let’s hope they jump out of the fire and embrace a cross-platform future.