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On Friday, the CFPB announced that it had expanded its public Consumer Complaint Database to include complaints about credit reporting and money transfers. Simultaneously, the CFPB announced that complaints in its public database are searchable by state.
The CFPB uses complaints its receives to prioritize and prepare for investigations and examinations. The public database now contains complaints about credit cards, mortgages, student loans, bank accounts and services, other consumer loans, credit reporting, and money transfers. Debt collection complaints are due to be added to the database in the near future. The CFPB does not verify the facts alleged in a complaint before making it public (but it at least confirms that the consumer has a commercial relationship with the company).
The complaint data, which was searchable by zip code previously (among other ways of sorting the data), is now also searchable by state, including, in keeping with the CFPB’s efforts to protect servicemembers, military APO and FPO addresses. The ability to sort and acquire complaint data by state will be welcomed by state regulators, attorneys general and plaintiffs’ attorneys, who appear to be using the database to generate ideas for enforcement actions and litigation.
As of this writing, the public database contains about 113,000 complaints, with more than 6,700 credit reporting complaints, but only 63 money transfer complaints. The money transfer complaints were filed against banks as well as non-banks. Credit reporting complaints have been filed against creditors, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies.
Credit reporting complaints are categorized in one of five ways by the consumer and are searchable on the same bases: “Incorrect information on a credit report;” “Problems with a credit reporting company’s investigation;” “Improper use of a credit report;” “Not being able to get a credit report or credit score;” or “Problems with credit monitoring or identity protection services.”
Money transfer complaints are categorized and searchable in six ways: “Money was not available when promised;” “The wrong amount was charged or received;” “There was incorrect/missing disclosures or information;” “Other transaction issues such as an unauthorized transaction, cancellation, or refund;” “Other service issues such as with advertising, marketing, pricing, or privacy;” or “Other fraud or scam issues.”
The addition of credit reporting and money transfer complaints was expected. The CFPB has stated that once it begins accepting complaints about a financial product or service, it will add those types of complaints to the public database “in the near future.” The CFPB began accepting money transfer complaints on April 4th, 2013 and credit reporting complaints on October 22, 2012.
Last month, Ballard Spahr held a webinar to discuss ways that companies can mitigate risks associated with the complaint database while ensuring good customer experiences and positive outcomes. The webinar recording and slides are available to clients and members of the financial services industry by emailing email@example.com.


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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to increase federal excise duty (FED) and regulatory duty on cigarettes and other items in order to overcome Rs 40 billion shortfall in revenue collections and fulfill the requirements of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for next tranche of $502 million, sources said.
They said that FBR would increase duty rate on butter, tomatoes pastes, chocolates and guava, adding that anti-dumping duties would also be imposed to meet the shortfall.
It may mention here that federal government has already increased 5 percent regulatory duty on 282 luxury items in the current budget owing to the conditions of the IMF.
It is also important to mention here that FBR had remained failed to achieve the Rs 640 billion revenue collection target during first quarter of current fiscal year 2015-16. Therefore, IMF emphasized the government to impose new taxes or to increase existing tax rates.

domain: news


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Ultrabooks are supposed to help breathe new life into the PC market, but they may be falling short, judging by the latest figures from IHS. The market research firm has cut its forecast for 2012 ultrabook shipments from 22 million units down to just 10.3 million. IHS also expects fewer ultrabooks to ship next year—only 44 million, down from the previously anticipated 61 million.
IHS analyst Craig Stice sums up the problem as follows:
There once was a time when everyone knew the 'Dude you’re getting a Dell' slogan. Nowadays no one can remember a tag line for a new PC product, including for any single ultrabook. . . . So far, the PC industry has failed to create the kind of buzz and excitement among consumers that is required to propel ultrabooks into the mainstream. This is especially a problem amid all the hype surrounding media tablets and smartphones. When combined with other factors, including prohibitively high pricing, this means that ultrabook sales will not meet expectations in 2012.
Now, high prices and low enthusiasm aren't the only reasons IHS has revised its forecast. The research firm points out that, because of Intel's "increasingly stringent" definition of what constitues an ultrabook, vendors have reclassified some of their ultrabooks as "ultrathins." The firm doesn't say how big an impact that little semantics play has had.
Still, ultrabooks are reportedly failing to woo consumers. For more folks to be drawn to ultrabooks instead of the latest gizmos from Apple and its copycats, IHS reckons prices need to slip from their current level—roughly $1000—down into the $600-700 range. The research firm believes adding new features like touch screens and motion sensors could also boost demand.
I think offering high-quality systems at lower prices will probably help more than piling on features. The idea of a notebook with a touch screen doesn't particularly appeal to me, but I'd love to be able to get an ersatz MacBook Air for $600 or so. Perhaps Windows 8 will change my mind, though. The Metro interface has clearly been designed with touch in mind, and I might find myself swayed by some slick convertible ultrabooks like the Asus Taichi.
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Local news media, including the NZ Herald, Stuff, The Spinoff and the Otago Daily Times, is seeking Commerce Commission approval to collectively bargain with Facebook and Google. The Spinoff founder Duncan Greive explains why.
Over the past two decades, technology has transformed the global economy and our lives, bringing huge changes that have both profoundly positive and highly destabilising impacts.
We can communicate with friends and whānau around the world instantly, set up and promote businesses and causes easily and have access to an enormous amount of information and culture, all at very low cost – often for free.
At the same time we’ve seen divided communities, online environments that have produced unspeakable hate crimes and had the rollout of a life-saving vaccine badly stymied by misinformation.
At the centre of all this are two businesses unlike any the world has ever known: Google and Facebook. Together they own and rule vast chunks of the internet, with a…


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A Beijing court has overturned a ruling that Apple’s iPhone 6 violated a Chinese manufacturer’s patent which saw the US tech giant ordered to cease selling the smartphone in China.
The decision by a handful of high-profile consumer brands to pull advertising from Google’s YouTube over offensive content could threaten the site’s long-term strategy of stealing ad dollars from television, analysts and ad industry professionals.
Twitter Inc is considering whether to build a premium version of its popular Tweetdeck interface aimed at professionals, raising the possibility that it could collect subscription fees from some users for the first time.
U.S. space agency NASA said Wednesday it’s moving ahead with a long-term demonstration of laser communications that eventually “could become the high-speed internet of the sky”.
BREAKING NEWS as of March 26, 2017 1:28 am China win for Apple as court overturns iPhone ruling YouTube's bid to grab TV dollars imperiled by advertiser revolt Twitter explores subscription-based option for first time USERS BEWARE | Public Wi-Fi may be free but risky NASA moves ahead with mission to build high-speed space 'Internet' Next-gen platform extends security from network to the cloud Emerson Network Power rebrands as Vertiv in PH Autodesk forecasts emerging high tech jobs in 2017 and beyond HP Enterprise buys US software startup for $650 mn Oracle opens start-up accelerator in Israel for cloud innovation GADGETS | Quick review: Vivo V5Lite GADGETS | Quickie review: Samsung WAM R1 Sony's α6500 mirrorless camera is an exceptional all-around performer WATCH | Apple strategy in 'smart home' race threatened by Amazon
While a number of folks have already been using the iPhone 5 thru grey market channels, the official introduction of the iPhone 5 will definitely bring that number into the tens of thousands this month alone.
Many tablets have tried make a dent at Apple’s dominance in the tablet market but all of them failed. So, Google is taking the lead by partnering with Asus to build what could be potential contender against the iPad.
Sony’s latest flagship handset, the Xperia Ion, was launched this week. This Android smartphone with a 4.6-inch display is among the few handsets out there that has a variant that supports the much faster LTE network. Obviously, the Xperia Ion …
Announced back in 2011 during the Consumer Electronics Show, the Asus Padfone is a one-of-its-kind Android device: a smartphone, a tablet and a netbook all-in-one.
Asus Technologies unveiled several new tablets and ultrabooks during this year’s Computex 2012, Asia’s biggest computer technology trade show. YugaTech reports directly from Taipei.
After more than two months of waiting since it was revealed back in March, Apple has finally released the new iPad locally. So, is it time to step up? Yugatech tells us why you should, and should not pull out the cash right away.
The HTC One X is the very first Android smartphone to release a quad-core processor under its hood in the Philippines — and that alone has attracted a lot of attention to the handset,
Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S3 smartphone in London on May 3 (that’s May 4 in Manila) and we were there to witness the unveiling of the successor to the most popular Android handset by the Korean manufacturer.
Samsung is finally unveiling its latest Galaxy powerhouse, which is rumored to be running on the company’s quad-core processor.


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The Cablevision Systems Corporation, New York's largest cable television company, posted a wider third-quarter loss and cut 1,300 jobs at its Wiz consumer-electronics chain as part of a plan to lower expenses.
The net loss expanded to $79.5 million, or 26 cents a share, from $77.1 million, or 27 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales rose 4.3 percent, to $951.1 million from $911.5 million, the company said.
Cablevision's shares rose 54 percent this week after the company took more steps to address its debt and a projected cash shortfall next year. Investors said their concerns had been eased after Cablevision said it would sell the Bravo channel to NBC of General Electric for $1.25 billion and that a private equity firm had agreed to invest $75 million.
The company also said it had accelerated the introduction of digital cable and would be able to offer the service to all customers by the middle of next year, after lagging other large cable operators. Cablevision also raised its full-year forecasts for digital cable and high-speed Internet subscriber growth.Continue reading the main story


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Motorists in America have never seen anything quite so small. The tiny Smart car has arrived in a land weaned on a diet of enormous automobiles, prompting bemusement and enthusiasm in equal measures.
The first few American buyers are due to take ownership of Smart cars on Wednesday - and Daimler, the brand's German owner, hopes to tap into a new-found environmental awareness among drivers.
"If you go 10 years back, neither you nor I would ever have dreamed of bringing Smart to the US," Smart's global boss, Anders Jensen, told the Guardian at the Detroit motor show. "This was a country where big was beautiful, where trucks and pickups dominated, where gas was cheaper than water."
But, he said, the US market is changing dramatically: "The environment is now part of the agenda. Americans are learning very, very quickly that small vehicles are safe, that small vehicles are comfortable."
Familiar on streets across Europe, more than 770,000 Smart cars have been sold since the idea was conceived by Nicolas Hayek, the founder of the Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch who initially co-developed it with Daimler.
The vehicle's launch in America has created a buzz - some 30,000 people have put down $99 (£50.39) deposits and the company says it is sold out until the end of the year. The US media has lapped up Smart, describing it variously as a "breadbox on wheels", a "cuddly cartoon character" and a "funky charmer".
Daimler sees the Smart car as a potential competitor to conscience-friendly vehicles such as the hybrid electric Toyota Prius, which has sold more than 500,000 units in America and boasted growth of 69% last year.
"The Prius shows people are willing to make a different choice," says Jensen who points out that, at $11,590, his vehicle is substantially cheaper than a hybrid - even if its emissions are less favourable.
Analysts are positive about the Smart's prospects. Michael Robinet of consultants CSM Worldwide, told USA Today that there is "a market for tight parking", although he added that consumers needed to be aware that Smart "is not exactly a cross-country vehicle but an urban traveller".
The car even passed muster when tested by Udonis Haslem, a 6ft 8 forward for the Miami Heat basketball team who succeeded in folding his frame inside satisfactorily.
Not everybody, however, is convinced - when the New York Times took a Smart out for a testdrive in Manhattan, a policeman advised the paper's reporter to "get a real car". Others have questioned the car's safety among America's thundering herd of automobiles - the Smart FourTwo's weight of 1,600 pounds is barely a quarter of a Hummer's 6,400 pounds.
Jensen is unmoved: "It's fine to have a vehicle which polarises a bit - it shows it's got personality."
Smart USA's president, David Schembri, maintains that positive reactions far outweigh the negative ones. He has been driving a Smart around Los Angeles for months: "I'm not sure how many other consumer products are validated by so many smiles and thumbs-up signs."
He points out that 80% of commuters drive alone and have no need for a large vehicle on a daily basis: "If you go to a restaurant alone for dinner, you wouldn't order a meal for five."
Aware that the car may be less practical in the endless plains of the midwest, Smart is concentrating its marketing efforts in urban centres such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami where congestion is at its worst.
But a few areas have proven unexpected hotspots. Of 74 Smart dealerships, several will be in smaller population centres where online enquiries have been brisk.
"We'll have one in Omaha, Nebraska," said Schembri. "We were a bit surprised about that."


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Passing along an update to our Covid and macro related trend trackers in the US. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Open Report:Bespoke – US Covid and Macro Update (July)
Key Takeaways and Charts:
Covid Specific Trend Feedback
- Concerns persist but consumers increasingly think the pandemic will be with us for an extended period of time and the percentage who are taking measures to avoid catching the virus has been declining sequentially.
- Consumers are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s response to Covid so far.
Unemployment Benefits and CARES Act Boost
- Respondents currently receiving unemployment benefits remain more likely to say their most recent check was higher than usual compared to those who say lower than usual. They are also much more likely to say their most recent check was high than the weekly pay at their job when they were most recently employed. Respondents who said they are receiving benefits that are higher than their most recent paycheck at their last job have been more likely to save the money than spend it, but the % who said they spend the extra money has trended higher m/m since May.
- The percentage of respondents who are employed and working fill time has declined and is at series lows (not employed and looking for work is at series highs). Fears that employed respondents will lose their jobs are double what they were a year ago. To the positive, new business formation among employed respondents is higher than normal levels.
Personal Finance Trackers
- Though respondents feel net-worse toward personal finances compared to a year ago, they have been generally consistent with their evaluation of their personal financial standing throughout this pandemic.
- Discretionary spending sentiment took a significant hit at the beginning of the pandemic, but it has been recovering in the months since then. Intentions to purchase a new home or a car have increased and are above seasonal levels. Intentions to start a home improvement project popped higher from March through May. It dropped like it does seasonally in July, but remains higher than it was one year ago in July 2019.
Credit Card Debt and Delinquencies
- A declining percentage of consumers report having made a credit card payment in the past month.
Medical / Healthcare Trends
- After dropped in April/May, doctor’s office visits recovered some in July (though still a good deal below normal levels). Dental visits are following a similar pattern (improved relative to April/May, but still lower than normal).
- Interest in the stock market is at all-time highs in our survey, as is the % who have investments in Gold.


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It was the best of times, it was the worst of…
Ah, the never-ending quest to validate something known as the smartwatch market.
That, and the broader wearables category, were among tech’s biggest letdowns of 2016. At least by analyst forecasts. What happened? Smartwatches and sensors on clothes and fitness trackers tethered all over our bodies were the next Big Thing. Oh, right, VR… virtual reality… on to the next shiny thing…
Yet us Pebble survivors actually have a glimmer of hope.
Pebble Savior or Satan (depending on your Reddit sensibilities) Fitbit (NYSE: FIT) managed to simultaneously release a bit of unsurprising news and surprising news yesterday.
First, the piece that didn’t catch any of us off guard: Fitbit is struggling. Management is laying off staff (110 employees). Given the demand for fitness trackers hasn’t quite met expectations, this correction is likely a long-time coming. Whereas many saw wearables as a massive new market opportunity, the reality is suggesting it is actually a small niche. Even Apple is having trouble selling smartwatches.
Which, brings us to the second piece of Fitbit news:
Fitbit is doubling down on smartwatches.
Right. That failing, shrinking market? Ripe for investment apparently. Either that or this is what desperation looks like. This is, after all, a company who has acquired the remnants from the mobile payments and smartwatch scrap pile including Coin (May 2016), Pebble (December 2016), and, most recently, Vector (January 2017). It would seem that somehow, some way, Fitibit could piece part a killer Frankenstein-inspired smartwatch should it choose to do so.
And it looks like Fitbit will indeed do exactly that.
“We believe we are uniquely positioned to succeed in delivering what consumers are looking for in a smartwatch: stylish, well-designed devices that combine the right general-purpose functionality with a focus on health and fitness,” said CEO James Park in Fitbit’s Q4 2016 earnings release.
Fitbit Q4 2016 Earnings Summary
Devices sold: 6.5 million
Estimated revenue: $572 to $580 million
Previous guidance: $725 to $750 million
Net loss per share: ($.51) to ($.56)
Stock: NYSE: FIT – current market capitalization $1.12B
Source: Fitbit investor relations
IDC (should we trust yet another wearable prediction?) does, at least somewhat, validate the move. Though there are less players in the space, the analyst firm notes in this report, the ones that survive will “evolve and innovate further” presumably leading to growth opportunities.
Meanwhile, Fitbit stock is trading at 70% below its IPO price of $20.
The real winner, though, might be us Pebble loyalists — us Pebblers who continue to use our anime-like smartwatches despite the fact that they will no doubt eventually stop working.
Also See: Is the Pebble smartwatch a goner? All eyes on Fitbit… (Update: Yes, it’s over/refunds issued)
After the Fitbit acquisition we all wondered what would become of the Pebble brand. Would it live on as a sub-set of Fitbit? Would it be killed off completely? Or, would Fitbit use its assets along with some of its other IP and produce a newly branded Fitbit smartwatch?
It now looks like the latter scenario is possibility: a Fitbit smartwatch in 2017 is imminent.


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Black Restaurant Week launches in Baton Rouge and Shreveport
Guests invited to experience local eateries featuring Black, African, and Caribbean cuisine
Black restaurants in Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier are gearing up for a week-long influx of customers celebrating Black Restaurant Week—an annual, multi-city culinary experience of Black, African, and Caribbean cuisine.
Black Restaurant Week Baton Rouge hosted the first annual observation in 2018 after founder Walter McLaughlin noticed an absence of Black-owned restaurants included in the annual Baton Rouge Restaurant Week hosted by Dig magazine.
This week—Friday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 17—Black Restaurant Week LLC Baton Rouge joins the No Crumb Left Behind campaign with a nationwide tour and showcase. In Shreveport-Bossier, the celebration is from Monday, Oct. 18 to Saturday, Oct. 23.
To successfully pull this city-wide event off, it takes intentionality. The Baton Rouge organizers and the Shreveport-Bossier African-American Chamber of Commerce individually partnered with Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and cafes to provide curated dining experiences and events throughout the week. Black mixologists, chefs, and caterers are also showcased.
“Restaurants were hit hard by the pandemic and the capacity restrictions over the past year. Some owners are still facing hard times and are still recouping from last year’s losses,” said Jada Duren with the Shreveport chamber. “We want to increase the visibility of Black-owned restaurants in hopes of increasing their average customer per day.” In Shreveport-Bossier participating restaurants offer $10 lunches and $20 dinners, along with exclusive dining events. However, Baton Rouge restaurants are not required to sign up or offer specials to participate. The objective is the stimulate growth for the local businesses.
Likewise, neighboring cities in Mississippi and Alabama are hosting Black Restaurant Week Oct. 8-17, in conjunction with the national organization.
Where will you experience Black Restaurant Week? Share your photos.


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BravoCon is coming back for another year — but this time it’s moving from New York to Las Vegas.
For 2023, the convention will take place Nov. 3-5.
As per the press release:
Caesars Forum will serve as the epicenter for the ultra-exclusive weekend, promising more VIP experiences and behind-the-scenes access to the best of all things Bravo. “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” will also bring the Clubhouse to life under the neon lights where audiences can savor every drop of tea spilled in Sin City.
“BravoCon is about celebrating our Bravoholics, whose impassioned commitment and loyalty continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a fan,” said Ellen Stone, EVP, Consumer Engagement & Brand Strategy, NBCUniversal. “In fact, their invaluable insight and devoted engagement drives us to come back stronger and smarter. You can bet this will be the best BravoCon yet.”
If you’re interested in staying where all the action is during BravoCon weekend with exclusive perks and surprises, the best places to stay are Caesars Palace, Harrah’s and The Linq — BravoCon’s official hotel partners.
To book and receive the best available rates, discounted resort fees and more, visit https://book.passkey.com/go/SCBRV3 or call (888) 458-8471 and mention the group name “BravoCon 2023.”


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Cautionary news articles, growing industry concern and bare supermarket shelves – from basic pantry staples to potatoes, dairy, pork and beef – are causing concern about the security of the U.S. food supply chain. Many maintain the U.S. food supply is plentiful and safe, but manufacturers have now sounded the alarm, with Tyson Foods even taking out full page ads in national papers warning that the “food supply chain is breaking.”
There’s no question that the U.S. food industry is under unprecedented pressure from a pandemic and public health crisis that threatens multiple points in the national supply chain. So, how can they best navigate through this pandemic and prepare for another wave?
Companies that had anticipated the pandemic and its corresponding supply chain risk could have taken multiple steps that would help them during this COVID-19 crisis. From stockpiling personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees to varying supply chains geographically, keeping raw materials in stock and revising sick policies to incentivize people to stay at home when they had been exposed – in hindsight, companies will realize much could have been done in advance. A good pandemic plan could have helped them to consolidate the number of items they would sell in a crisis and vary their supply. Proper pandemic planning can seem daunting to those without experienced providers or guidance. Today, the value of allocating resources and priority to proper planning has become abundantly clear.
Some companies were clearly better prepared than others. Food manufacturers typically run tight supply chains due to the cost benefits that accrue, but COVID-19 has forced them to make rapid and previously unheard-of adjustments. It’s not too late for any producer to prepare for what is still ahead and take proactive action.
The chain starts here
The farming industry is under severe pressure in the best of times. They are now struggling to cope with excess supplies of highly perishable goods that they are unable to get to market. The widespread media images of farmers destroying milk, potatoes, and other crops coupled with forewarning that farmers will have to “depopulate” livestock – all while food shortages spread and hunger increases for many Americans – only heightens the national concern.
Consumers can still generally buy the food they need, if not the specific brand or cut of meat they want. Unfortunately, retailers and online sellers did not impose item limits early on, which led to consumer stockpiling that has compounded our demand issues. It’s also likely to result in consumers creating their own personal stockpiles to see them through the lockdown, and lead to much less consumer brand loyalty due to outages. When faced with dwindling supplies, economic constraints and growing unemployment, consumers will take what they can find and what they can afford. If they’re happy with that alternative product or brand they’re likely to stick with it when things return to normal.
The two biggest problems facing the supply chains now are employee illness and shortages of raw supplies. While these are certainly challenging issues, action can be taken, and it’s imperative that the industry prepare for a second, perhaps steeper, wave that could hit once social distancing rules are relaxed.
Some 18 or more U.S. meat processing plants have been forced to halt production in recent weeks. While many other industries and companies have the luxury to move their employees to remote work, the crucial employees that staff our food supply facilities must physically work on those production lines. Similarly, retail employees who sell us our food are also on the front lines every day and risk contact with thousands of people who could transmit COVID-19.
To secure the U.S. food supply chain, protect employees and allow them to return to work, companies must be able to conduct immediate and consistent workforce testing, ensure every employee has PPE and strictly enforce social distancing mandates. Employers throughout the supply chain will undoubtedly need to incentivize employees to not work when they are sick, and ensure the proper accommodations are made for those employees who are in high risk categories. Employers must also factor in accommodations for those employees who have had possible exposure to the virus, accounting for extended self-quarantining periods beginning at the moment of contact.
Rethinking supply lines and raw materials
Producers and retailers typically run tight supply chains to keep expenses in line and margins tight. But, just-in-time supply chains only work efficiently and contain costs during business as usual conditions. This also makes it more difficult for those companies who have treated vendors like commodities to feel incentivized to prioritize them when they have alternate buyers competing for their attention.
Producers and retailers who are producing non-perishable materials can proactively map out their supply chain weaknesses, attempt to identify alternative supplies and work with their existing vendors to understand how solid their supply lines are likely to remain. Sometimes the shortage is due to geography, as some regions are more heavily impacted than others, and sometimes it’s a result of having to substitute alternative ingredients for harder-to-find ones – so flexibility will be key. For those producing perishable materials, they will need to calculate a minimum supply of material to maintain and pin-point alternative markets.
In many cases, there’s an abundance of raw ingredients that were previously being used in commercial operations such as hotels, restaurants and schools. Companies would do well to thoughtfully maximize these supplies according to demand, negotiating to repackage commercial supplies and ingredients for consumer sales. Retailers also must be prepared to limit purchases of sought-after goods in the early phases, as product availability will calm consumers and prevent hoarding, which is a normal reaction to shortages.
Planning for the future
While many companies were caught off guard by the severity of the crisis and its impact on our food supply chain, those that had a proactive, tested plan were able to quickly pivot and will better weather the crisis. This pandemic will fundamentally change business operations going forward, and we all need to focus not on returning to normal, but on adjusting to a new normal that finds us better prepared for a future pandemic.
The saving grace for the meat industry may be their large stores of frozen meat. And while it’s expensive to maintain, many manufacturers and retailers will opt to proactively increase their stores of essential ingredients, products and employee PPE so they are not caught unprepared again. The overarching lesson this pandemic has taught all businesses is that running tight supply chains with little to no excess may be the most inexpensive way to operate day-to-day, but it will never be the way to mitigate risk.
Without a doubt, a re-evaluation of supply chain planning to effectively weather future pandemics will require a thorough inventory of all risks to employees, customers and operations. This is the time to be vigilant and implement strategic business resilience planning to ensure the issues we're facing today don’t multiply in the future. Let’s hope that businesses have now come to realize that investing more on effective planning and mitigation will pay off exponentially in the long run.


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Lisette Montgomery was thrilled to hear that Mattel recently released a Game Developer version of its classic Barbie doll. But when she went to the store to buy one, she left disappointed and empty-handed: The doll only came in a single light skin tone that looked nothing like hers.
Lisette’s husband, Marcus, knew his wife wanted a black version of Game Developer Barbie. And since it didn’t exist, he decided to make one.
He purchased a Game Developer Barbie and a Fashionista Barbie with a skin tone that better matched Lisette’s. He took Game Developer Barbie’s clothes, put them on the Fashionista Barbie, and repackaged the doll as a gift for his wife. He posted photos of the process Facebook, where they have been shared hundreds of times.
It’s a loving gesture — and a powerful statement on the toy aisle’s historic lack of diversity.
Here’s Montgomery’s full post:
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According to The Associated Press, some pet CBD products on the market contain almost no CBD at all—just one reason why it’s CRUCIAL to choose a CBD manufacturing service partner that stands by their word and adheres to good manufacturing practices.
While there still remains grey area regarding cannabidiol’s place in the supplement sphere, companies are selling CBD products for people and pets, and some are proving the compound’s capabilities it was hailed for from the beginning, like anxiety and pain relief. Though not successful for all, many consumers are grateful to have found a solution that works. For example, take Amy Carter of St. Francis, Wisconsin, whose epileptic Yorkshire terrier-Chihuahua mix continued experiencing seizures even WITH expensive medications. Amy decided to administer CBD recommended by a friend to treat Bentley. She reports “It’s amazing. Bentley was having multiple seizures a week. To have only six in the past seven months is absolutely incredible.”
What Matters in CBD Manufacturing
Since the 2018 Farm Bill passed, Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council, claims “The growth is more rapid than I’ve seen for any product in 20 years in this business. There’s a gold rush going on now. Probably 95 percent of the industry participants are responsible, but what’s dangerous is the fly-by-night operative that wants to cash in.”
Here’s the thing: Because there isn’t much established by the FDA about the production and selling of CBD, brands have been rushing to get products to market, sidelining quality, safety and effectiveness. Three factors that can either help or harm both people and pets. Three factors your brand should never compromise, should you want to succeed. Choose a trustworthy partner like Stock CBD Supplements that ONLY creates products which are third-party lab tested, containing exactly what is on the label.
There are tons of success stories with CBD that are, according to the cannabis research firm Brightfield Group, contributing to the $400 million market that grew more than tenfold since last year and is projected to hit $1.7 billion by 2023.
Cornell University veterinary researcher Joseph Wakshlag, who studies therapeutic uses for CBD, said “You’d be astounded by the analysis we’ve seen of products on the shelf with virtually no CBD in them […] There are plenty of folks looking to make a dollar rather than produce anything that’s really beneficial.” Stock CBD is the first to attest to the importance of Wakshlag’s words. We are well aware of other providers’ ways. Cheaply sourced product will not only fail your customers, but it will discredit your brand’s reputation. Don’t cut corners and assume your material contains the federally-compliant CBD level, and don’t just hope for the best when it comes to contaminants such as heavy metals. Don’t be like other companies. Be the company that cares about its customers’ satisfaction and what goes on the shelves with your name on it. Why settle for less when you have a solid full-service provider just a ring away?
Call today to speak with a product specialist. 1-844-933-6223.


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In a shocking turn of events, a 55-year-old man residing in Vasai has been swindled out of a staggering ₹37 lakh in what appears to be an elaborate airline ticket booking fraud. The victim, whose identity is being protected, fell prey to scammers who promised lucrative returns on engaging in prepaid tasks related to airline ticket reservations.
The Tale of Deception
The incident unfolded on September 24 when the unsuspecting victim was scrolling through his Facebook account. A strategically placed advertisement caught his attention, promoting an airline ticket booking company that claimed individuals could earn between ₹500 to ₹1000 per day by booking tickets for various companies. Intrigued, the victim decided to explore this apparent opportunity and contacted the advertisers.
Upon reaching out, he was informed that the company specialized in promoting airline companies by facilitating ticket bookings on their behalf. In return, a commission would be granted to those who participated in this seemingly straightforward task. With the promise of earning extra income, the victim agreed to join the venture.
The First Signs of Deception
The very next day, on September 25, the victim was assigned a trial task by the company – booking airline tickets. Upon successful completion of the task, he received ₹800 as a commission, further reinforcing the legitimacy of the operation. However, the plot thickened on September 26 when the company officials requested the victim to recharge ₹10,000 for another round of ticket bookings.
Trusting the process, the victim complied with the instructions, only to discover that the amount was not reimbursed in full. Instead, he received ₹7,990 as commission, raising some eyebrows but not enough to ring alarm bells.
The Unraveling Scheme
As the victim became more entangled in the web of this seemingly profitable venture, the scammers increased the stakes. They coerced the unsuspecting man into making a series of transactions, totaling a whopping ₹37.47 lakh. These transactions were ostensibly required to unlock higher commissions and greater earnings.
It was only when the victim eagerly sought the commission he believed he had earned that the truth began to surface. The scammers, revealing their true colors, demanded more money instead of releasing the promised earnings. It was at this point that the victim realized he had fallen victim to a sophisticated fraud.
Frustrated and betrayed, the victim decided to take matters into his own hands and approached the local authorities. The police, recognizing the severity of the situation, swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 420 for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Additionally, charges were filed under the Information Technology Act, specifically Section 66C for identity theft and Sections 66D for cheating by personation using a computer resource.
The Investigation Begins
With the FIR in place, the police have initiated a thorough investigation into the scam, aiming to trace the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The victim’s account of the fraudulent scheme is being used as a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing probe.
In the wake of this unfortunate incident, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountering online advertisements and lucrative schemes promising quick financial gains. The Vasai police are actively working to raise awareness about such scams, educating the public on how to identify and avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the victim is left grappling with the emotional and financial aftermath of the scam. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous awareness and vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats and scams that prey on individuals seeking additional sources of income.
In conclusion, this cautionary tale sheds light on the increasing sophistication of online scams and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of seemingly lucrative opportunities. The authorities, in collaboration with the community, are committed to unraveling the intricate web of deception that has left one man in Vasai grappling with a significant financial loss. As the investigation progresses, the hope is that justice will be served, and lessons will be learned to protect others from falling prey to similar scams in the future.


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‘It will be the family day out’ - Christmas tree farm gears up for rush
PUBLISHED: 06:30 17 October 2020
The festive season is starting early in Norfolk, with decorations going up and a Christmas tree farm gearing up for demand sooner than usual.
With the nation feeling gloomy at the prospect of a socially distanced festive season, some are reaching for the tinsel two months early and photos of people’s homes decorated for Christmas - even before Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night - are being posted online.
In Norwich, John Lewis opened its Christmas shop at the end of last month, with Richard Marks saying it was “a bit of sparkle to brighten up your lives”.
Also in the city, the annual pop-up charity Christmas card shop is opening early this year, due to launch for its 55th outing next week at a new venue, the St Peter Mancroft Church.
Even firms selling real Christmas trees are gearing up for early sales. At Salle Farm, near Reepham, which has 34 hectares for growing Christmas trees, manager Tom Barwick said trees were being supplied for retailers as early as November 2. The shop won’t open to the public until November 28.
“I wouldn’t want our trees going out to people for use in their homes earlier than November 28 unless you want a carpet full of needles for Christmas Day,” he said. “People always used to buy trees just a few days before Christmas but now it’s often at the beginning of December.
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“We don’t recommend having a real tree in a house for longer than around four weeks before Christmas because of the temperature of most people’s homes.
“I do think people may want trees earlier this year and the ones we are supplying to retailers are for outside displays. It’s a tradition to come and choose your tree and we think we will be very busy in the two middle weekends of December, it will be bedlam, we will do half our entire trade in those four days. With pantomimes not being on, it’s going to be the family day out.”
He said they were going to ask people to wear masks, despite it being outside, and would be setting up a one-way system.
On Twitter, photos were posted of homes already decorated for Christmas. One tweeted: “So my family has put up the Christmas tree in October, anything goes in 2020, I suppose.”
If you’ve got your Christmas tree up already, we’d love to see it. Please tweet @edpbusiness or email firstname.lastname@example.org
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Dereham Times. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Mahindra & Mahindra has released another teaser for the highly anticipated third-generation Scorpio SUV. “The New Mahindra SUV Makes Even The Crash Dummy Feel Safe,” says the latest teaser, which includes a poll with 94 percent voting yes and 6% voting no. It seems that the new Mahindra Scorpio would prioritise safety, with a 5-star safety rating expected in crash tests. Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, rear disc brakes, cruise control, and a reverse parking camera could be included in the SUV’s new model.
The new Mahindra SUV will also have “future technology” and “quick even in slow motion,” according to the automaker. The Scorpio is expected to be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa, as well as a semi-digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, an electric sunroof, and flat bottom steering with mounted controls this time around. There could possibly be a dual-tone leather inside and an 8-speaker 3D Sony audio system (derived from the Thar).
The new Mahindra Scorpio will be lighter than the current generation car, thanks to a redesigned platform. It is thought to weigh between 100 and 150 kilogrammes. Aside from that, the SUV will be available with two more powerful engines: a 2.0L turbo petrol engine and a 2.2L turbo diesel engine. The oil burner is said to have two separate power outputs: 130 horsepower with 300 Nm and 155 horsepower with 360 Nm. Lower diesel variants will get the 130bhp engine, while higher diesel variants will get the more powerful engine.
The new Scorpio is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. According to reports, the 4X4 drivetrain would be available with both petrol and diesel engines. The SUV model selection will be available in 6- and 7-seat configurations, with the former offering captain seats and third-row jump seats.


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After a barrage of teaser videos, Mazda has quietly released the first image of the 2014 Mazda6.
The company declined to give details, but the car features a Kodo design that is heavily influenced by the Takeri concept. Notable highlights include a prominent grille, bulging fenders and distinctive headlights. While some of the styling cues have been diluted, the production model remains pretty faithful to the Takeri and doesn't look as busy.
As we have previously reported, the Mazda6 will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and feature a variety of SKYACTIV technologies. It will be launched early next year.


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News by Topic
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- Trends & Ideas
- Internet Marketing 101
Study: Shoppers want better online support
Customer service doesn't count only in brick-and-mortar stores. According to a recent study from Inquira and ServiceXRG suggests that online customer service is failing many consumers and nearly half of consumers feel the information provided by most company website is not adequate.
Nearly three-quarters of the consumers surveyed for the report said they click through to company websites to get more product information. However, only about 44% felt that the product information provided was what they were looking for.
Why is this?
The reason seems to be the interfaces most companies are using online. Less than 40% of companies surveyed said they had an advanced search function for consumers to use. Businesses are also not providing online support. According to the study less than 20% of companies said they offered some type of customer service - like live chat - for consumers to receive specific answers.
The good news is that companies are taking notes of what consumers want. More than 30% of the companies surveyed said they plan to increase the search functions available online and more than 90% said content enhancements were among the first improvements to be made to their online hubs.
Mike Murphy, CEO of InQuira said, "The results of ServiceXRG's study reinforce our philosophy that a good customer experience boils down to the basics – providing quality information and easy-to-use, intuitive tools to help consumers access it."
- How predictive tech may simplify engagement
- Survey: Mobiles look to devices before, during, after shopping
- Study: Live TV still trumps time-shifted
- Brands: How to make the most of ad placement
- Avoidance a big reason for blocking calls
- App Annie: App stores' revenue gap closing
- Marin study reveals the effect of integrating search and social campaigns
- Reports: Ad spend up on Bing, consumers still heavy on Google
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Oct 29 2019 / argus News
Some Chinese steel producers with Australian coking coal cargoes arriving at ports in Guangdong province and Fuzhou in Fujian province have been prevented from undergoing customs declaration, a likely prelude to similar restrictions eventually being imposed at more ports across China.
At least two Chinese steel producers, one in the east and another in south China, have confirmed that customs declarations at all ports in these two regions will be halted starting today afternoon.
“Our cargo has just arrived at the port today,” one of the steel producers said. “Hopefully it will be able to clear customs just before the halt takes effect.” Importers of Australian thermal coal were informed of the clearance halt as early as 25 October, although Fuzhou port was still understood to be accepting coal cleared through other customs authorities.
The largest coking coal import port of Jingtang, as well as Caofeidian in Hebei province, have blocked coal import clearance as of July because import quotas for the year were rapidly depleting.
Checks with major steel producers in the north and northeast region revealed that similar restrictions have not yet been imposed at ports there. The northeast ports were known to have had one of the strictest port restriction policies in the first half of this year, resulting in more leftover import quotas and allowing for restrictions to be considerably looser in recent months.
But the enhancement of coal import controls at ports across China is not expected to have a major impact on Chinese demand as most of the restocking for the year has already been completed. Argus assessments for premium hard low-vol coking coal delivered on a cfr China basis averaged $164.69/t cfr from August-September, spurring Chinese mills to restock aggressively and pushing August imports to an all-time high of 4.49mn t. Such prices are low compared to an average import price of $195.64/t cfr China from June-July, while premium domestic prices above the $190/t ex-mine level continue to generate arbitrage opportunities.
Chinese imports of coking coal fell by 12pc last month to 7.96mn t from an all-time high in August, according to customs data. This trend likely has continued through October and may be repeated in November as steel producers complete their restocking requirements and coal import restrictions raise new obstacles.


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December 12, 2017
Right on schedule, the new Zaxby's restaurant opened in Southern Pines, NC
The popular Georgia-based chain is part of the growing "fast-casual" market and offers prepared-to-order chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and fresh 'Zalads'
This is the eleventh Zaxby's store for licensee Chris Carnes and partners Zoe and Rod Pass, Danny Sangster and Ben Fields. Their other locations include Lumberton, three stores in Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Harrisburg, Asheboro, Whiteville, Sanford, and now at 160 Partner Circle in Southern Pines.
"We looked at this exact same property seven or eight years ago. We've had our eye on this property for a while," said Rod Pass. "This area is affluent and it is a really nice community. People come from all around the world to experience the golf and ambiance and we just wanted to get in before someone beat us to it."
In October 2016, the Southern Pines Town Council gave its blessing to the architectural review of the new store and Zaxby's planned its opening date for the week of Thanksgiving 2017.
"I would never have believed that it would happen, but it did. We are right on schedule and we appreciate everyone's excitement," he said, noting there has been a daily buzz of cars circling the lot checking to see when the restaurant would open.
Zaxby's hired a staff of 80 employees who had been undergoing training in preparation for the grand opening held on Monday, Nov 20.
The chain is best known as a chicken and wing restaurant, Pass said, with sandwiches, salads and their famous chicken fingers and 'Zak sauce.'
"As a thriving, family-oriented community, Southern Pines is exactly the type of market that fits Zaxby's model," said co-owner Chris Carnes. "We had been searching for the perfect location in Southern Pines, and after four years, we finally found the ideal spot. In addition to providing locals with a new dining option, we are excited to create more than 80 new jobs and look forward to establishing long-term partnerships with local organizations.


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Not all wearables will monitor your heart rate accurately. But out of the many devices out there, the Apple Watch (the 2015 version, at least) is one of the better ones, according to a study featured in the peer-reviewed medical journal, JAMA Cardiology.
The research was conducted by Cleveland Clinic and compared four popular wearables on the market, the Apple Watch (2015), the Fitbit Charge HR, the Mio Alpha and the Basis Peak. Researchers took a sample size of 50 healthy participants and then measured their heart rate while walking, jogging and at rest. The heart rate readings of the four wearables were compared to the readings of a chest strap, and an electrocardiogram (EKG), which is considered the most accurate heart rate monitor. Compared to the EKG, the chest strap matched up 99 percent of the time, putting it ahead of wrist-worn wearables. The Apple Watch and Mio Alpha showed 91 percent accuracy on average, the Fitbit showed 84 percent and Basis Peak was about 83 percent accurate. This means that even the best wearables tested were wrong about 10 percent of the time, while others were off by about 20 percent.
"If you get a bizarre or almost unbelievable reading, don't worry about it," Marc Gillinov, one of the authors of the paper, told USA Today. "Check it once or twice more."
Some of the lack of accuracy can be attributed to the nature of wrist-worn sensors. A heart rate sensor needs to make contact with the skin, so if it's too loose, it can move around and return an inaccurate reading. Conversely, wearables use blood flow for measurements and having the device strapped on too tight will constrict the user's veins also resulting in inaccuracy.
But despite the solid findings, the study could be expanded in a few ways. There are a lot more than four wearables on the market, and perhaps companies' watches that didn't make the list give more accurate readings. Additionally, the wearables tested were all purchased in 2015 and since then many new wearables come out. Maybe the heart-sensor technology in newer devices has improved.
If you own one of these wearables, keep in mind that the heart rate data you see is "mostly" accurate. If you're looking to get your monitoring on, check out CNET's reccomendations for the best wearables of 2016.


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Video Review - Hyundai Tucson
We sample the Hyundai Tucson 2.0l diesel automatic and return impressed
The Hyundai Tucson is back in India, this time in its third generation avatar. Hyundai has managed to price it competitively between Rs 19-25 lakh, which slots it between the popular Creta and the promising Santa Fe. Hyundai is offering the car with two engine options - a 2.0l Nu series petrol that we have already seen on the
Next-generation Hyundai Tucson coming to India in October
After the launch of the new 2017 Hyundai Elantra, we now finally have some news about the next-generation Hyundai Tucson and it's headed our way this October.
2016 Hyundai Tucson 2.0-litre diesel automatic first drive review
Hyundai is in for another success story
Next generation Hyundai Tucson to launch in India today; bookings already open
Bookings for Hyundai Tucson SUV opened up more than month ago with dealerships accepting bookings on payment of Rs 25,000.


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Taking a break from assembling his cabinet, the president-elect took his two girls, Malia and Sasha to a nursery near their home on Chicago's South Side where they picked out their tree for this year
Photo: ę Rex
Monday December 15, 2008
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He’s already predicted that Amazon is going to kill brands outright, and now US marketing professor Scott Galloway has delivered yet another startling analysis of the tech and retail giant.
In a recent YouTube video for his research company, L2, Galloway said Amazon’s acquisition of supermarket company Whole Food Market for US$13.5 billion “will be what Instagram was for Facebook”.
“[It’s] a genius acquisition that gives them an unbelievable growth vehicle,” he said.
“Amazon’s gonna lay their operational expertise across Whole Foods, bring down prices and also put in place their hurdle rates for profitability – i.e. zero.
As a result, we’re about to get a Mercedes for the price of [a] Toyota.”
Galloway then went on to predict that Amazon will become the first one trillion-dollar market capitalisation company by July 2020.
Furthermore, the marketing guru said Amazon was about to become the fastest-growing media company in the world.
“And they’re going to get sports. They’re already streaming some NFL games. Look for them to capture the Olympics, March Madness or the Super Bowl with their infinitely cheap capital, which will only expedite the incredible fall that broadcast television is going to register when they no longer have sports as their fireball of viewership erosion.”
In adding to Amazon’s behemoth status, Galloway also noted that it is the fastest-growing company in the cloud services sector, and could soon take over Apple as the most innovative hardware company in the world.
However, Galloway warned that Amazon’s meteoric rise wouldn’t be without consequences.
“Soon after, a district attorney will realise that the fastest blue-line path to the governor’s mansion will be to go after Amazon and break them up, as we begin to connect the dots and realise this amazing company is destroying jobs faster than we can recreate them,” he said.
With around 12 million addressable, opted-in, privacy-compliant emails of Australians, carsales doesn’t see itself as competing with other online auto classifieds businesses, instead it sees itself as in the fight with Meta, TikTok and the other global tech giants. Davor Vilusic, executive general manager – media carsales, and Stephen Kyefulumya, general manager – media product […]


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99 Cents Only Hires New Merchandising Exec
Source- Retailing Today
Growth prospects for the food and consumables business at 99 Cents Only just improved considerably following the appointment of a former Walmart EVP of merchandising to a key role.
Jack Sinclair was named chief merchandising officer at 99 Cents Only in a move that signals the retailer’s growth aspirations. Sinclair left Walmart earlier this year as part of larger senior leadership change but not until after he had spent seven years leading Walmart’s U.S. grocery business as executive vice president of merchandising. Prior to Walmart, Sinclair spent 14 years at U.K.-based Safeway holding a variety of merchandising, marketing and operations roles.
“Jack’s significant experience in retail merchandising will be an asset to 99 Cents Only Stores as we continue to improve the execution of our core business plan that emphasizes a strong mix of seasonal, grocery, and close-out products,” Giancamilli said. “His deep knowledge of the grocery and fresh food category will be particularly valuable, given the importance of these categories to our customers and for driving traffic in our stores.”


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Transport and logistics group Toll Holdings has warned of lower earnings in 2012, sending its shares plummeting.
Toll on Wednesday announced writedowns on its freight operations in Japan and some of its Australian property assets; and the sale of part of its automotive business in Australia.
It insisted that most of its businesses were performing well, but said the soft retail sector in Australia had hurt Toll's domestic business.
Weakness in the global apparel sector had also affected volumes and earnings in Toll's global forwarding business.
Toll said it expects underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to fall to about $400-$420 million, excluding one-off items but including associate earnings.
The company reported EBIT of $436 million for the 2011 financial year.
Shares in Toll plunged in early trade and were 83 cents, or 14.8 per cent, lower at $4.75 at 1303 AEST.
"Despite the challenges in the external environment, the vast majority of our businesses have continued to perform very well and are still providing a very strong contribution to overall group earnings," Toll managing director Brian Kruger told reporters.
The global forwarding business was still an attractive sector in the long term despite the difficulties it faced.
Mr Kruger said Toll would review its troubled Footwork Express, Toll Marine Logistics Asia and Toll Refrigerated businesses.
Footwork Express is an express freight operator in Japan, delivering small volumes of goods - less than one truckload - from business to business across many sectors.
Toll Marine Logistics Asia is a bulk handler and transporter of coal, steel, iron ore and pellets, sand and aggregate. Two-thirds of its business is exposed to moving coal out of Indonesia.
Toll said the customers of Footwork Express were wanting lower volumes of goods moved, reflecting Japan's weaker economy in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Toll Marine Logistics, which had been performing below expectations for more than 12 months, had suffered from some adverse contract structures and softness in the spot charter market.
The Toll Refrigerated business was experiencing significant margin pressures in its interstate linehaul and warehousing operations.
Toll said it would write down the value of the Footwork Express business by between $146 million and $166 million.
It is expected to make a loss of up to $10 million this financial year.
Toll also decided to write down the value of four sites in its property portfolio by $56 million (pre-tax) to reflect falling commercial property values in Australia.
Toll's container hub at Villawood in Sydney had been hurt negatively affected by the exit of BlueScope Steel and the federal government's decision to support development of a government-owned freight hub at nearby Moorebank.
Toll also said it had finalised the sale of its finished vehicle distribution service to PrixCar, a 50:50 joint venture between Toll and K-Line Automotive.
The sale will deliver to Toll a one-off gain of about $47 million.


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Yorkshire Food Finder has been tasked with creating a bespoke 12-hour tour of Yorkshire’s best bites for the renowned International Wine & Food Society (IWFS).
The unique February 20th trail, which will pack in two food producer visits, two meals with tutored tastings and a host of cocktails and ciders, has been organised by Yorkshire Food Finder founders Sue and Aidan Nelson for the 80-year-old society, which has more than 130 branches in 30 countries across the world.
“We couldn’t believe it when the society called out of the blue and told us they wanted us to organise their special visit to Yorkshire,” says Sue. “We are delighted that they felt we were the right tour guides for the job.”
Up to 22 IWFS trailblazers will be taken on a 9am to 9pm food trail around Yorkshire, starting at Shepherds Purse Creamery with lunch at The Star Inn at Harome and a cider and cheese pairing led by Shepherds Purse founder Judy Bell. After lunch, the foragers will be treated to an orchard and cider press tour at Ampleforth Abbey and pre-dinner cocktails back at The Star, followed by a three-course menu cooked by top chef Andrew Pern that showcases the produce enjoyed on the day ““ all topped off with a tutored wine tasting.
“This is the first trail in our packed 2014 schedule and it’s a fantastic way to kick start our season,” said Sue. “The fact that the world’s most prominent wine and food society want to make a special trip here proves the extent to which people are interested in Yorkshire’s fantastic producers and hospitality. Yorkshire has truly become a gourmet destination.”
Stephanie Shepherd from the IWFS said its members were very excited about the opportunity to meet the faces behind some of Yorkshire’s famous foods.
“It’s the first time we have used Yorkshire Food Finder and we’ve found them a pleasure to work with,” she said. “It is a busy schedule, but the sort of thing our members are well used to!”


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2 months ago
Today saw the launch of the new Roland TD-25 electronic drum kits, packing a brand new module.
We were sent one ahead of the launch and had a chance give it a go. Watch the video for a close look and to check out the sounds and key features. You can also read our first impressions at http://bit.ly/rolandtd25
Look out for a full review in a forthcoming issue of Rhythm Magazine.
Find out how to subscribe to the magazine in print or digitally at http://bit.ly/rhythmmagazine


text: We're feeling good about the market. The U.S. was very healthy in the last quarter. We're seeing strong demand for IT. One thing that was a pleasant surprise was the uptick in PC sales. A lot of that was from the end of Windows XP support. That was a big plus. But we're also seeing demand for new touch-based systems, and those new PC sales have a lot of drag-along with other products and services for our VARs.


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The automotive titan has proclaimed that the much-awaited model of its product line- an electric SUV- will soon embark its journey in India by 2020. The company has already confided the details of its first product slated to be launched in the second quarter of 2019.
“MG will launch a globally-competitive pure-electric SUV in India, to make our contribution to India’s energy and environmental strategies. The pure electric SUV will be a breakthrough chapter in the EV space in India, being one of its kind in the market. This is in addition to the first SUV which we plan to launch in the second quarter of next year,” Michael Yang, Executive Director of International Business, SAIC Motor & President of SAIC Motor International Company said.
It is highly likely that the electric SUV will be highly localised, however, details of the electric SUV have still not been revealed. Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India said, “All our products will be designed and engineered in UK and China with the support of Indian engineers. These vehicles will be heavily localized, built at our plant in Halol by our engineers conforming to global quality standards and validated and customized for India to suit the Indian road and driving conditions.”


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ANN ARBOR, Mich.–Con-way Inc. announced hat Joseph M. Dagnese has been named President of Con-way Truckload, the company’s full truckload subsidiary, succeeding Saul Gonzalez.
Dagnese, a 31-year veteran of the transportation industry, joins Con-way Truckload from Menlo Logistics, Con-way’s global logistics and supply chain management unit, where he most recently served as vice president – International. He will be based at Con-way Truckload’s headquarters in Joplin, Mo.
“Joe Dagnese is a respected transportation and logistics executive who has made significant contributions in leadership roles throughout his career,” said Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to have him assume this new role and I’m confident his leadership skills and lean operations expertise will be a key asset to Con-way Truckload’s future growth and success.”
Stotlar noted that Gonzalez, a 22-year veteran of the company, will remain with Con-way Truckload in an executive staff role.
“I want to thank Saul for his stewardship of Con-way Truckload during this transitional time in the company’s history,” said Stotlar. “We are fortunate to continue to have Saul’s experience and insight as a resource for the organization.”
Dagnese has led Menlo’s International operations since September 2013 and also was responsible for company-wide deployment of Menlo’s Global Lean Strategy. Prior to that, since September 2008 he directed Menlo’s Automotive & Government Services Group, which provides a full range of logistics and transportation management activities for Tier 1 and 2 OEM’s and suppliers in the United States and internationally.
From 2005 to 2008, Dagnese served as vice president of Menlo’s Consumer, Retail & Industrial Group. In this role, he oversaw the development and deployment of strategic solutions to improve customers’ supply chain reliability, responsiveness and effectiveness. He joined Menlo in 1995 as director of transportation and in 1999 became vice president of operations.
Before joining Menlo, Dagnese spent 14 years with The Procter & Gamble Company in a variety of transportation, logistics and customer service positions, including manager, North American transportation operations.
He is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and transportation.


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By Margarida Correia
A small winter squash was stirring a big debate one afternoon this month in a
Lower East Side community garden.
“It’s a Delicata,” someone said.
“No,” argued another, “it’s a Hubbard.” Whatever variety of winter squash it was, all agreed it would taste great when baked.
Thesquash lovers were among 35 neighborhood residents who flocked to the garden to pick up their share of fruit and vegetables produced by a local farmer, Ted Blomgren, owner of Windflower Farm in Easton, N.Y. People emptied their boxes of produce — each containing parsnips, beets, carrots, onions, garlic, green cabbage, winter squash, bags of salad mix, arugula, scallions and apples, and a half-gallon of apple cider — into canvas bags, shopping carts, backpacks and even baby strollers.
“It’s always fresh and eliminates shopping,” said Rainer Keller, 43, of his share of winter produce, as he walked away with one of two bags slung over his shoulder. For three years, Keller has been bypassing supermarkets and buying his produce through Community Supported Agriculture or CSA.
As the locally-grown food movement takes off, CSA communities such as this one — the Stanton Street Settlement CSA — are popping up throughout the city. Through community supported agriculture, New Yorkers deal directly with a farmer, who provides them with seasonal produce fresh from his or her own farm. This new concept in food production has been catching on as people look for a connection to the harvest cycle and to the farmers who grow their food.
“There’s been a surge of interest in local food,” said Paula Lukats, CSA program manager at Just Food, a New York-based non-profit that helps organize CSA groups. “People are looking for alternative ways of getting their food and supporting local farms.”
Currently four CSA groups covering 21 communities in the city are participating in winter CSA programs, and many of them are sold out for the season. The winter shares consist primarily of storage crops, like potatoes and parsnips, but also include kale and winter greens that are grown in greenhouses.
CSA groups bloom in the spring and summer. According to Just Food, more than 11,000 New Yorkers bought produce through 50 CSA groups from May to November last year, up from 30 CSA groups in 2004. And the interest shows no sign of slowing down. Just Food anticipates that seven to 10 new CSA groups will be formed in the spring, bumping the number of farmers supplying the New York market to 22, from 18 last year.
What’s more, CSA groups are getting filled faster than ever. All but two of the 50 CSA groups were sold out last year, with most sold out by May and some even earlier. Typically CSAs close by mid-June for the regular season, according to Lukats.
“We have waiting lists at every one of our sites,” said Blomgren of the six communities his farm is serving this winter. “We’re beginning to recruit for the springtime.”
In a CSA, members pay a farmer in advance to produce their food for a season. A winter share in Blomgren’s Windflower Farm, for instance, costs $130, which covers four monthly deliveries of produce at the community garden from December to March. Summer shares, in contrast, are delivered weekly and vary in price depending on the content and duration of the share. A 24-week vegetable share in Long Island-based Garden of Eve Farm, for example, goes for $495, while a fruit share costs $255.
While farmers aim to supply their customers with a variety of seasonal produce, nothing is guaranteed. The crux of community supported agriculture is that members share in both the bounty and risks of the farm. Customers, for example, may eagerly await the arrival of brussel sprouts, but if the crop is delayed or destroyed, customers may wind up with carrots or rutabagas instead.
“If one thing doesn’t do well, we give extra of something else,” said Dan Machin, 26, farm manager at Garden of Eve Farm.
The element of surprise is precisely what appeals to Joseph de Dominicis, 55, a member of the Stanton Street Settlement CSA. “That’s the fun of it,” he said. “You feel like you’re on the farm.” Dominicis, a vegetarian, is an avowed locavore, buying all but limes and bananas from local growers. He shops at a neighborhood farmers market to supplement his CSA food.
The desire to eat seasonal food is only one reason New Yorkers buy CSA shares. Many appreciate the taste and variety of vegetables available locally and the chance to learn about new crops. Andrea Wershof Schwartz, 26, became a huge fan of beets as a result of her membership in the Tuv Ha’Aretz CSA on the Upper West Side. “It’s really important for my husband and me to support local farms and eat local foods that are in season. It tastes better and it feels better,” she said.
CSA members especially value the personal relationship they have with farmers, important given growing skepticism over the quality of mass-produced food. Members like the give and take with the farmer and having a say in what’s grown.
Stacey Ornstein, a member of the Astoria CSA in Queens, noted that the group had asked its farmer, Matt Kurek of Long Island’s Golden Earthworm Organic Farm, to plant vegetables ranging from artichokes and asparagus to heirloom tomatoes, squash blossoms and Tuscan kale. Members even had T-shirts made up asking, “Who’s your farmer?”
“The food I eat is no longer about a nameless, faceless mass producer,” wrote Ornstein in an e-mail message. “I can look my farmer in the eye and ask him about what he is putting in his fields or how he is treating his workers.”
The relationship is just as important to farmers, who go to great lengths to build good rapport with their customers. Farmers typically invite CSA members to their farms once or twice a year, take surveys of what they want more and less of, and distribute newsletters with updates on the farm. “We’re in contact all winter long with 180 people,” said Blomgren. “We tailor what we grow and what we include in the feed box based on feedback from our customers.”
Environmental concerns are another reason why New Yorkers join CSAs. Because the food is grown locally – within a 250-mile radius – it doesn’t leave as large a carbon footprint as food that travels from afar. And because most, if not all, of the food in a CSA share is organic, it is easier on the earth. While the farms supplying New York CSA communities are organic, farmers – to diversify their shares – sometimes procure fruit from local growers that are not. There are only a handful of fruit farmers in the Northeast that are organic, explained Blomgren of Windflower Farm.
In terms of price, CSA organic food holds up well against conventional food in a supermarket. CSA members pay about the same as they would in a grocery store for conventional produce, according to Lukats. When compared to organic food at grocery stores, CSAs provide a better deal.
“It’s hard because you pay pre-season all at once and it’s like, OK, here’s $500, I hope there’s no tornado,” wrote Ornstein of her CSA’s summer share program. “But when the season comes along you’re no longer paying for vegetables over a six-month time span. I spent a lot less time in supermarkets in 2007, which meant less time waiting in lines, under those horrible lights, and less plastic bags accumulating in my apartment.”
For small farmers near metro areas, community supported agriculture is a way to remain economically viable. Because they have a guaranteed market for their produce, they’re able to plan better when planting for their growing seasons. They also avoid the cost of having to borrow from the banks for seed and equipment because they get paid up-front.
“We have a customer base that is established, which is a stabilizing thing for a farm,” said Kurek of Golden Earthworm Organic Farm. “It takes a whole aspect of worry about the market out of it.”
Winter's Weird Veggies
Winter participants in CSA programs often find their monthly deliveries filled with hearty vegetables, like onions, carrots and sweet potatoes, but sometimes more unusual veggies come, too. “It’s really more of a treat each month – you get a box and look in and see what you get,” said Just Food CSA in NYC Program Director Paula Lukats. Here are some of the odder options you might find.
Romanesco Cauliflower: Pale green and cone-shaped cauliflower.
Daikon: A mild, white Asian radish.
Celaric: “It’s an ugly, knobby root vegetable that’s very tasty,” said Lukats.
Rutabaga: A root vegetable that originated as a cross between cabbage and turnip.


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Moneris Solutions Saves Over US$10m in Two Years with ACI Acquirer
Moneris Solutions, the world’s eighth largest processor of debit and credit card transactions, has transformed its merchant management service and saved more than US$10m in just two years with the implementation of ACI Acquirer. The company has also implemented ACI Proactive Risk Manager and reduced merchant fraud by 25% year-over-year.
In 2005, the Canada-based Moneris Solutions decided to move away from its existing in-house processing system and bring in a solution that would enable it to respond to the constantly-changing requirements for its 300,000 merchants, and provide scalability and stability for the future. The project integrated with the existing implementation of ACI’s BASE24 for transaction processing, and now processes more than three billion transactions a year.
Jim Baumgartner, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Moneris Solutions, said: “ACI has helped revolutionise the way we work with our customers, through improving all aspects of customer service from the way we handle calls to the data that we are able to provide them. This has directly improved our customer satisfaction levels. Coupled with the reduction in fraud losses and the efficiency savings of more than US$10m, this just shows how much of a trusted partner ACI Worldwide is to our business.”


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Music industries of all countries are booming the music revenue all around the world and all the country artists are doing the superb job to take their music at some level.
Why is the YouTube Entertainment the biggest Entertainment in the world?
Here is the Top 10 list of all countries which are famous for their extraordinary music and country artists:
- The United States
The music market in the United States is more than triple the size of any other’s countries, coming in at a projected $15.1 billion for 2016. Live music ticket sales make up the largest share of the market, home to six of the 10 highest grossing. Madison Square Garden in the New York city regularly welcomes more than 18,000 concert-goers. Katy Perry is one of the US biggest country artists.
- The United Kingdom
British songbird Adele was the most popular recording country artist in the world in 2015, according to IFPI, with four more Brit artists – Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Coldplay and Sam Smith – claiming spots in the top 10. The U.K. music market, projected to be $4.3 billion in 2016, has not seen any steady growth. The British Phonographic Industry the music Export Growth Scheme in 2013, offering grants to the U.K. – registered music companies to help with the international market. Coldplay is one of the biggest country artists in the UK.
Digital streaming and physical sales of vinyl records are both strong in the German music market, which is projected to reach $4.5 billion in 2016. The country has a unique balance of old and new; continued interest in traditional classical works keep the average age of a music buyer above the global norm, according to the IFPI, while the capital city Berlin became home to a burgeoning club scene centered around the modern house and techno music. Nena is one of the US biggest country artists.
While physical sales of music are on the steep decline all over the world, the Japanese remain smitten with their CDs, the price of CDs is legally fixed and physical sales are the expected to compromise half of the $4.3 billion music market in 2016. Local acts, like J-pop girl group AKB48, heavily weight the tops of music charts in Japan.
Music is important in France, where the average person listens to nearly two and half hours of music each day, according to a government website. The market is projected to be $1.8 billion in 2016. DJ David Guetta was most successful in terms of music exports in 2015 and former first lady Bruni’s album “Little French songs” went platinum. Alizee is one of France biggest country artists.
Three Canadian recording artists Justin Bieber, Drake and the Weeknd – were among the top 10 global recording artists in 2015, according to the IFPI. The city of Calgary has declared 2016 the year of music and British Columbia has a new $15 million music fund, helping the country on its way to a music market projected to reach $1.2 billion 2016. Justin Bieber is one of Canada biggest country artists.
India’s recorded music business will nearly double over the next five years, bringing in an annual income of 18.9bn Indian Rupee (The US $300 mln) in 2019.
That’s according to projections from KPMG in a new report based on information from the Indian music business in association with FICCI (the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry).
If India achieved this level of growth today, it would be elevated from its current position of 20th in the world’s biggest music markets by value. It would take a comfortable spot in the Top 10, ahead of the likes of South Korea, The Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, and Sweden.
KPMG’s figures place India’s music industry value for 2014 at 9.8bn Rupees ($155 mln).
That’s higher than the trade value estimate in the IFPI’s Recording Industry in Numbers 2015 – which pins India’s 2014 industry revenues at 6.1bn Rupees ($100m). Arijit Singh is one of India biggest country artists.
The Russian music market has seen significant transformation since pop duo t.A.T.u broke into international charts in 2002. It is projected to reach $1.1 billion in 2016, with even greater potential for growth left untapped in the country’s large population. The live market is expected to grow despite political conflicts – brought to the forefront by punk rock protest group Pussy Riot and others – that have deterred touring artists and spurred government restrictions.
2014 Spending rises to 149.9 million euros in a market ruled by “the absolute domination of music in Spanish.” Spain has achieved its first year-over-year gain in music sales in more than a decade. In 2014, consumer spending on recorded music reached 149.9 million euros, according to a report released Tuesday (Feb. 10) by Spanish music industry association PROMUSICAE.
Spanish pop stars Pablo Alboran and David Bisbal led artists in album sales, while Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando” topped downloads and streaming on Spain’s end-of-year charts.
There’s a big growth in mobile music revenues in China, according to one forecast, which estimates that after 42.5% revenue growth last year, 2016 earnings will be up a further 41.4%. Mobile Music Revenues in China, 2013-2018 (billions of Chinese yuan renminbi and % change). Analysis International Enfodesk estimated that mobile music companies made RMB6.14 billion ($985.7 million) from downloads, subscriptions, shows and so forth, excluding revenues from the sale of ringtones. That was almost double revenue levels from just two years earlier, and rapid growth is far from over. This year, the forecast expects mobile music revenues to reach RMB8.68 billion ($1.39 billion), a figure that will again nearly double in two more years, to RMB16.50 billion ($2.65 billion). Faye Yong is one of China biggest country artists.
Share your views in the comment box below, and if you have a new list of top musical countries and country artists, then send us and we will add it to our lists.
so much good information on here, : D.


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This story originally appeared on Zacks
We expect Chico’s FAS, Inc. CHS to register growth in its top and bottom-line performances from the respective year-ago reported figures when it releases third-quarter fiscal 2021 earnings on Nov 30, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fiscal third quarter currently stands at a loss of 3 cents, which shows an improvement from a loss of 42 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. The consensus mark has been stable in the past 30 days.
A glance at its performance in the trailing four quarters shows that it delivered an earnings surprise of 70.5%, on average.
The consensus estimate for quarterly revenues is currently pegged at $426.1 million, indicating an increase of about 21% from the year-ago period’s reported figure.
Key Factors to Note
Chico’s FAS’ quarterly performance is likely to have benefited from steady progress in its turnaround strategy. CHS is focused on efficiently managing expenses and boosting its margins. Also, it constantly experiences strength in its brands, thanks to continuous enhancements in product and marketing. CHS’ Chico’s and White House Black Market brands continue to gain from its efforts to elevate styling and quality.
On its last earnings call, management had projected third-quarter consolidated net sales growth of 18-22% from the prior-year reported number. It anticipated a gross margin rate increase of 13-15 percentage points and SG&A, as a rate of net sales, improvement of 500-600 basis points from the respective year-ago levels.
On the flip side, supply-chain disruptions, including elevated freight costs, extended transit times and product supplier handover delays, stemming from the pandemic cannot be ruled out. In addition, headwinds comprising cost pressures from logistics, sourcing, fulfillment and the labor market remain deterrents.
What the Zacks Model Unveils
Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Chico’s FAS this reporting cycle. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Chico’s FAS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of +0.09%.
More Stocks With Favorable Combination
Here are some other companies worth considering as our model shows that these too have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this season:
PVH Corp. PVH currently has an Earnings ESP of +12.38% and a Zacks Rank of 1. PVH is expected to register a top and bottom-line increase when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2021 numbers. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues is pegged at $2.4 billion, which suggests a rise of 13.2% from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PVH Corp.’s quarterly earnings has moved 1% up in the past 30 days to $2.06 per share, suggesting growth of 56% from the year-ago reported number. PVH delivered an earnings surprise of 177.5%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Costco COST currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. It is likely to register top and bottom-line growth when it reports first-quarter fiscal 2022 numbers. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly earnings has moved 2.8% north in the past 30 days to $2.59 per share, suggesting an improvement of 13.1% from the year-ago quarter’s tally.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco’s quarterly revenues is pegged at $49.6 billion, which suggests growth of 14.8% from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter. COST delivered an earnings surprise of 7.7%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.
Kroger KR currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.70% and a Zacks Rank of 3. It is likely to register a top-line rise when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2021 numbers. Although the Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly earnings has increased 1.5% in the past seven days to 66 cents per share, the same suggests a decline of about 7% from the year-ago period’s tally.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kroger’s quarterly revenues is pegged at $31 billion, suggesting an improvement of 4.4% from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter. KR delivered an earnings surprise of 18%, on average, in the trailing four quarters.
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QUANTRON Supervisory Board confirms QUANTRON’s successful road to success and internationalisation strategy.
The QUANTRON executive board confirms sales guidance of EUR 45-60 million to the supervisory board – also based on more than 70 million positive funding decisions from QUANTRON’s customers with strong traction for the fuel cell products
- QUANTRON can use its position as “consolidator” in the conversion business and win additional orders
- Stifel as lead financial advisor supports the next round of capital increases for equity & debt raise
- Successful launch of the US truck at the ACT Expo in Anaheim, California with significant customer demand
In the meeting on May 24th 2023, the supervisory board of Quantron AG confirmed the current course of business activity and the internationalisation strategy of the clean tech company and noted the positive development with satisfaction.
Since the beginning of 2023, the specialist for sustainable passenger and goods transport has already exceeded the bid volume of the whole of last year and recorded over 70 in concrete orders with a total value of 26.8 million Euro. The demand for innovative and technologically advanced zero-emission solutions for the transport of goods and people is increasing significantly. QUANTRON can meet this demand with the widest range of climate-neutral vehicles on the market from 3.5t through to 44t.
Start of the next round of capital increases: collaboration with Stifel
QUANTRON was able to gain the support of Stifel for the current financing round, with a focus on attracting institutional investors from the USA. The aim of the financing round is to raise additional capital – both in the form of equity and debt. Stifel’s financial experts will support QUANTRON in raising additional capital in its role as exclusive financial advisor and make its entire platform available to attract both European and US investors.
Focus on internationalisation
At the beginning of May, QUANTRON presented its concept for the US market for the first time at the largest trade fair for climate-friendly commercial vehicles in the USA – the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) trade fair in Anaheim, California. Centre of attention was the first prototype of QUANTRON’s hydrogen-electric Class 8 truck. At the start of production, QUANTRON anticipates a range of around 750 to 850 miles for the heavy Class 8 truck with a tank capacity of 100 kg of hydrogen. As a result, QUANTRON can offer a real alternative to diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks in the USA. The truck will be developed and manufactured at QUANTRON’s US facility near Detroit in Michigan. A team of specialists is already working there under the leadership of Rick Haas – an ex-Tesla manager. The truck was built in record time and, with its 100 kg capacity, is already the “Range Champion” of all Fuel Cell Class 8 trucks currently available in the USA.
The supervisory board has taken a very positive note of the current product development and status. The focus in the coming years will be on the development and market launch of the 3-4 fuel cell core products – with the target markets being Europe, USA and the Middle East. Furthermore, the development of the H2 ecosystem, Quantron-as-a-Service (QaaS), is now being accelerated in close partnership with currently more than ten network partners. A key investor will be announced within the next days.
After the successful launch of the US truck in California, QUANTRON continues to work on its internationalisation strategy and plans to be actively present in at least 15 countries by the end of 2023.
Klaus Schmitt, Quantron AG Supervisory Board Chairman: “The successful launch of the US truck at the ACT Expo trade show in California is an important milestone for the internationalisation of QUANTRON. With the support of Stifel, we are confident that QUANTRON will achieve its growth targets for this year and continue to expand its position as a leading provider of zero-emission mobility.”
Andreas Haller, founder and CEO of Quantron AG: “2023 has started really dynamically, three key events within four weeks in Augsburg, California and Munich have given us an offer volume in the triple-digit million euro range. The team has done a great job and the dynamic product experience has given our customers confidence in our technology leadership.”
About Quantron AG
Quantron AG is a platform provider and specialist in sustainable mobility for people and goods; in particular, for trucks, buses and vans with all-electric drive trains and H2fuel cell technology. As a high-tech spin-off of the renowned Haller KG, the Augsburg/Bavaria-based company combines more than 140 years of commercial vehicle experience with the very latest e-mobility know-how, and positions itself globally as a partner to existing OEMs.
With the Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem (QaaS), QUANTRON offers an overall concept that includes all facets of the mobility value-added chain: QUANTRON INSIDE includes a wide range of new vehicles as well as conversions for existing and used vehicles from diesel to battery and hydrogen-electric drives with the highly innovative QUANTRON INSIDE technology. With a Europe-wide network of 700 service partners,QUANTRON CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS guarantees digital and physical after-sales solutions along with a range of services for maintenance, repairs and spare parts, telematics and in-cloud solutions for remote diagnosis and fleet management. Customers receive individual advice on, among other things, tailored charging and tank solutions, rental, financing and leasing offers. Training courses and workshops are also offered in the QUANTRON Academy. In future, QUANTRON ENERGY & POWER STATIONS will realise the production of green hydrogen and electricity as a platform. To this end, Quantron AG has teamed up with a number of strong global partners. At the same time, this Clean Transportation Alliance is also an important building block for supplying vehicles with the required green charging and H2 tank infrastructure.
QUANTRON stands for the core values RELIABLE, ENERGETIC, BRAVE . The team of experts at the innovation driver for e-mobility is making a significant contribution to sustainable, environmentally friendly passenger and freight transport.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks


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The video advertising company recently appointed leaders for Asia-Pacific and Japan and aims to take advantage of growing concerns from brands around placement quality.
Mobile now accounts for 68 per cent of social ad clicks and 50 per cent search ad clicks, according to new data from Kenshoo's third quarter snapshot. Please see the related-article link below for more information.
SINGAPORE - Mobile is the dominant driver of growth in both social and search advertising, according to the latest quarterly global data from Kenshoo.
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Digitain has solidified its C-Level department as the igaming software solutions supplier appoints Armine Sirunyan as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer.
Following an eight year tenure at the company, Sirunyan also held positions as the Deputy COO and Director of Analytics for Digitain. On her new duties, Sirunyan hopes to help drive innovation, improve quality and enhance customer experiences.
She noted: “I’m delighted to take up this exciting new role and to continue my journey with Digitain. We are a renowned market-leader with a widely acclaimed range of igaming products and I’m immensely proud to be appointed as their Chief Operating Officer.
“I look forward to helping the Digitain teams consolidate their remarkable achievements to date, and to continue to help them to drive innovation, improve quality and deliver best-in-class customer experience.”
In addition, Vardges Vardanyan, Digitain’s Founder, added: “Armine has been an exceptional colleague and I’m very pleased to appoint our new Group COO from within the Digitain family.
“I am sure Armine will continue to help drive our business forward to even greater success.”