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On provided a progress update on its sustainability and social initiatives on Monday in its second annual impact report.
A key highlight from On’s 2021 Impact Progress Report include increasing the company’s use of recycled materials. At the end of 2021, 53% of the polyester and 63% of the polyamide used was recycled, and 95% of the cotton used was organic, recycled or petrol-free, On said.
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In June 2022, On joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The company said that this move allows it to collaborate with like-minded brands, and to streamline requests to its suppliers using industry-common tools such as the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM). It has also teamed up with Carbios and other industry partners to accelerate the introduction of a new fiber-to-fiber technology for textiles.
What’s more, the Zurich-based athletic company said it met its goals to use 100% recycled, FSC-certified cardboard and 100% recycled HDPE in its apparel packaging by May 2021, and has further redesigned it to remove “unnecessary” items.
On also said in the report that it is on target to reach its goal to reduce its scope 3 carbon emissions by 55%, which account for 99% of its total impact, by 2030. The company plans to do this by replacing all the gas vehicles in its European fleet with electric models by 2030. Additionally, On Labs, the company’s new office in Zurich, is using 100% renewable electricity. On said that this contributes towards its goal of sourcing 80% of the energy for its offices and stores from renewable sources by the end of 2022.
“We envision a future where every On product is fossil-free, and is returned to us so that the materials can be reused, recycled or repurposed,” Caspar Coppetti, co-founder and executive co-chairman of On, said in a statement. “We have made it our environmental mission to make high-performance products with the lowest possible footprint, that are also engineered for circularity.”
Courtesy of On
Another major sustainability milestone came in June when the company delivered the first fully recyclable subscription-based running shoe to customers in the U.S. through its Cyclon program. The subscription includes a pair of the new Coudneo sneaker. Described by On as “the running shoe you will never own,” customers will receive a new pair of Cloudneo sneakers once the original pair becomes worn out. When they receive a new pair, they return the old shoes in the bag the new pair came in. The old shoes are collected at On’s supplier’s facilities and ground into pellets and is then compounded into new components to be used in shoe production.
“Our goal is to change the future of running shoes: to make returning old products the norm and dramatically reduce waste,” the company said in the report.
As for its social impact, On launched “Right to Run” in 2021, a program aimed at bringing together grassroots communities and organizations in the realms of safety, access, awareness, and inclusion, in running and movement. On is now partnering with 17 organizations globally and has reached 43,000 community members, aiming to reach 100,000 members by the end of 2022.
The company is also working on being more transparent within its ranks as it continues to grow and hire more staff. Since its last report, On has grown by more than 50% – from 744 team members in December 2020 to 1,158 in December 2021. In its North American team, On reported an 6.8% increase of the overall staff, and an 8.9% increase of its leadership in the region, were people of color.
The company has done this by partnering with Scope of Work, a talent development agency for young BIPOC creatives, as well as worked with Tidal Equity, a couching series focused on inclusivity in storytelling and content creation. On also noted that it joined the Stonewall Institute Diversity Champions Programme and built a partnership with GLAAD – both have provided training and resources on accelerating inclusion and increasing LGBTQ+ community representation.
“On social impact, we strive to make diversity and inclusion second nature; a habit infused in the way we live, which positively impacts the world around us,” Coppetti added.
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Retailing in India is not just about only offline model or online, there is a huge gap between the two models that e-tailers are trying bridge by going hybrid- a combination of online & offline retailing.
Over time a handful of online portals like HealthKart, FabFurnish, Firstcry and others have taken their business offline as well, adopting the hybrid model to their retail strategy. But is it here to stay or is it just a passing fad? Are the economics of offline retail sustainable?
Only 0.2% of the $490 bn Indian retail segment is online*, and it would take much effort and different approaches to change the nature of Indian consumers and move them online, says Pragya Singh of Technopak, a consulting firm which focuses on the retail industry.
Hybrid Model Is The Future
One of the major advantages of going offline is the ability to improve customer engagement, brand presence, brand credibility and also bridge the virtual gap between the offline online experience.
Recently online health and fitness store, HealthKart opened its fourth offline store, HealthKart Fit, in Bangalore. The company already operates one store in Chandigarh and two stores in the NCR region.
The Healthkart Fit store offers features like customer consultation, product sampling and a kiosk to browse through their online catalogue and product review.
Showrooming is another trend, that is picking up amongst urban buyers in the country. It is the opposite of the research online purchase offline trend which was prevalent earlier. Shoppers visit offline stores to check out products and then go online, where they might get better deals and prices, to purchase them. This is being primarily driven by the deals and discounts offered by online stores and is perhaps not sustainable. But it signals the need for buyers to touch and feel certain products before they buy it.
“There is a big offline market to tap into and offline stores are at times more convenient for customers. An offline store can help improve the customers experience and engagement by providing hands on experience and educating them on products,” says Sameer Maheshwari, Co-Founder of HealthKart.
Pune based kids and baby store Firstcry started out as an online only store and soon realised the potential of the offline market and tapped into it. Today the online store follows a hybrid model and has opened multiple offline stores across 17 states and the list is expanding.
Online eyewear retailer Lenskart have also adopted the hybrid model by opening up kiosks at mall across Delhi and the NCR region for its customers who prefer the look and feel experience.
Earlier last month the company also launched a ‘Home eye check-up program’, for people who want to get their eyes tested before buying eyewear, using a specialised mobile checkup van.
Mid 2013 Rocket Internet backed online furniture store FabFurnish opened its second offline store in Bangalore, bringing the total number of offline stores it operate to 4. the company already has 2 stores in the Delhi-NCR region and one other previous store in Bangalore.
Some retailers have also opened up to the hybrid model just to improve brand presence and experiment with customer experience like in the case of tele shopping ecommerce company Homeshop18, who earlier last year launched a ‘Virtual shopping wall’ at the Delhi International Airport’s domestic terminal of bringing a different user experience to the offline model.
Economics Of Going Offline
The economics of going offline is not a simple as one may think. It involves maintaining a well stocked brick and mortar store with rental overhead costs, inventory and other legal & commercial procedures.
Ashish Goel, Co-Founder of Urban Ladder says, “Off-line stores involve high capex, and the high rentals in India lead to high operating expenses. In the furniture category, an offline store will suck up as much as 25-30% of store revenues as store expenses.”
Some of the online stores that have gone offline have adopted the franchise model thereby offloading a lot of the economics onto the offline store owners. In June last year online marketplace Craftsvilla had announced that it will adopt the franchisee model for its offline presence.
“Large format brick and mortar chains are having trouble expanding so it’s not worth going after. When it comes to real estate, there are legal issues as well as higher costs that come into play. It doesn’t serve the purpose for us,” says Sachin Bansal, CEO of Flipkart one of India’s largest e-commerce companies.
Horizontal E-tailers Say No To Offline
Most stores that go offline tend to be operating on a particular vertical market. It is not practical for online stores that operate on a horizontal space to go offline, except in some cases where offline kiosks and stores have been opened for customer experience.
Inspite of being a vertical space e-tailer, Urban Ladder Co-Founder Ashish Goel thinks that sticking true to the ‘e’ in e-commerce is the way to go and the hybrid model is only a passing fad.
“If you are an e-commerce company, focus on the “e” part. The world’s largest and most successful retailers have no stores, whether Amazon or T-Mall in China. Online/offline hybrid models are a passing fad,” says Ashish Goel.
Many of the horizontal e-commerce portals have started with the idea of reducing the problems of offline retailing like variety, transportation, convenience etc.
Flipkart’s Bansal says
We decided to solve the problems of offline retail by going online. So we’ve never given going offline a serious thought.
Also in the case of certain niche vertical markets, offline doesn’t work at all. Take for instance a lingerie store. Richa Kar, who runs the online lingerie store Zivame told NextBigWhat that the very intent of starting the business was to solve issues like the embarrassment faced by women while buying from physical stores as well as the lack of variety in physical stores.
“What will I stock? One piece of merchandise each?” she asks. “Unless we figure out a viable way to solve the problems we set out to deal with, it doesn’t help to setup a physical store.”
Due to high costs, with many changes occurring the the growing Indian online e-tailing segment, questions can be raised about the reliability of the hybrid model in the long run. But by the overall picture it looks like the model might work, at least for the vertical players.
What do you think? Is the hybrid model here to stay or just a passing fad?
With Inputs from Jayadevan PK

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Expects big increases in online shopping
E-commerce will obtain big market shares in the Norwegian grocery industry in the future, says Professor Tor W. Andreassen. Speaking at NHH's FOOD conference 13 March, he predicted that e-commerce would account for 30 percent of sales in the grocery market already in 2025.
NHH's FOOD conference, with Professor Frode Steen in the lead, has already established itself as a popular and significant conference for decisionmakers in the industry.
An informal survey among a selection of participants shows that the conference is an important arena for discussing the challenges and opportunities in the grocery industry.
"One day here is well worth it”, were typical comments during the conference.
NHH Professor Tor W. Andreassen warned that the grocery industry is facing major changes in the future. He does not doubt that online shopping will be a major part of sales.
Therefore, it is important to be first, even if it is expensive. The professor predicted that internet trade will take 30 percent of the market by 2025.
According to Andreassen, today's logistics system is optimally adapted to today's business model. Those who are successful in e-commerce must dare to challenge this model and go all in. The grocery chains need to look more at what the customers want - rather than focus on cost-effectiveness. It's more important to get better than cheaper!
Andreassen argues that time is the scarcest resource for families with children, the industry’s most attractive customers. If you solve the “time squeeze” for this group of customers you will be a success, but to do that you have to offer online trading and home delivery, concludes the professor.
"The grocery industry should learn from the media industry, but should not ignore the network effects for too long," concludes Andreassen.
Full speed in the Norwegian economy
Øystein Thøgersen, Macroeconomist and Rector at NHH, opened the FOOD conference. He is not anxious for the macroeconomic picture. Norway is doing well and it's in a good position, both as regards to the world, both in Europe and the United States.
The big question, however, is what will happen to future growth? According to Thøgersen, growth can only come from productivity increases, i.e. through better technology or better organization.
For Norway's part, it is crucial how to change the conversion to a less oil-driven economy. Does the labor force enter highly productive industries or industries with lower productivity? That will determine much of economic development in a longer term, concludes Thøgersen.
CEO Stein Rømmerud in Coca Cola Norway does not hide the fact that he is very disappointed with the introduction of the sugar levy that hit the industry last year.
– It's also not a sugar fee, but rather a tax fee, on finished non-alcoholic beverages. It contributes to increased border trade and reduces the industry's willingness to invest in future-oriented production, argues Rømmerud.
Coca-Cola Norway has ambitions to cut sugar in its products by 19 percent by 2025 and believes predictable framework conditions are crucial.
“It is important to choose the right tools and look upon the industry as partners in this process with the government, emphasizes Rømmerud,” and asks the government to use more carrot and less stick.
Rømmerud received support from the juice and marmalade producer Lerum, who also got many millions NOK in added taxes from 2017 to 2018.
“It's extremely demotivating when such jumps come like lightning from clear skies. The fee must be reversed as soon as possible,” emphasizes CEO Lerum Hjellhaug, and called for better and more predictable budget processes in the future.
Border trade increases
Professor Frode Steen from NHH disclosed that almost 60 percent of all Norwegians have shopped in Sweden during the last twelve months.
The percentage is as anticipated high in Østfold (90%) but surprisingly high also in regions like Vest-Agder, Rogaland and Hordaland (24-35%). Meat is the most popular product group, secondly, mineral water, cheese, sweets and beer.
Figures from Virke (The Enterprise Federation of Norway) show that turnover in Norwegian border trade has increased by 23 per cent in the last 12 months. It worries the grocery industry and Virke director Ingvill Størksen.
Hence, Virke and director Størksen calls for a better understanding among key politicians for the challenges the border trade represents, both for individual companies and for the Norwegian society at large.


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Chevy Reports Dramatic Growth In Small Business Sales
Written by Jenna Weiner
Chevy purchases by small business owners dramatically increase in the fourth quarter, potentially signaling economic growth.
Major automaker Chevrolet is the latest organization or business to offer hopeful news for small businesses, as the company has seen sales in this sector rise dramatically.
According to Chevrolet, sales rose by a total of 36 percent in the fourth quarter, nearly three times larger than the increase for the industry as a whole. In fact, the company saw sales increase in October, November and December by 15, 39 and 54 percent, respectively.
"Small businesses put off capital expenditures such as vehicle purchases in order to weather the economic storm," said Don Johnson, General Motors vice president of U.S. sales operations. "With the continuing improvement in consumer spending, and improving profitability of these businesses, we're beginning to see a significant influx of small business buyers to Chevrolet showrooms."
And this number may only continue to grow, as lending is expected to loosen up in 2011.
At a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation forum on small business lending last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that he expects the lending situation to improve this year as banks relax previously stringent funding requirements.
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Come back Suzuki, we miss you. Continue Reading...
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Like many things in life, not every vehicle becomes a hit. Continue Reading...
Out with the old, in with the new. Japanese automaker Suzuki is getting a fresh president and chief operating officer. Continue Reading...
Suzuki may no longer sell cars in North America, but that won’t stop us from wondering about what might have been. Continue Reading...
Some may call it cute, but the Suzuki Hustler is all business at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon. Continue Reading...
Suzuki is issuing a recall for two if its models in the U.S. Continue Reading...
Suzuki is no longer selling cars in North America, but the brand is still tasked with making sure that its existing cars are safe. Continue Reading...
Suzuki has announced a recall that affects 184,000 vehicles, all of which were manufactured by General Motors and rebadged as Suzuki products. Continue Reading...
A lot went down in 2013. It was something of a banner year for the automotive business. Products continued to get better, sales steadily improved and alternative propulsion, whether in the form of electricity or diesel gained significant traction. Continue Reading...
Suzuki has revealed five concepts that will be heading to the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, four of which will be world premieres. Continue Reading...
Everybody loves talking about millennials but nobody does anything about them. Roughly speaking, this demographic encompasses young – and not-so-young – folks born in the early 1980s to about 2000. With birth years spanning two decades, this is a huge group of very diverse people. Continue Reading...
Despite being defunct in the U.S., Suzuki is calling back roughly 194,000 Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles because of a potential problem with passenger-seat airbag deployment. Continue Reading...
A bitter dispute between Suzuki and Volkswagen remains unchanged despite recent media reports. Continue Reading...
The alliance between Suzuki and Volkswagen turned ugly a couple of years ago, but the two automakers are exploring options to once again cooperate with one another or at least to enter a settlement to end the legal battle. Continue Reading...
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning an investigation looking into malfunctioning airbag warning lights on 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. Continue Reading...
Sometimes, automakers have holes in their lineups bigger than Van Halen did in 1985. Continue Reading...
Suzuki of Wichita is switching brands rather than shutting down in light of the Japanese brand pulling out of the U.S. market. Continue Reading...
Suzuki Canada Inc. (SCI) has announced that it will realign its business operations in order to focus on long-term growth for its Motorcycle, ATV, and Marine Divisions, resulting in transitioning out of the automobile business in Canada. Continue Reading...
Suzuki announced its exit from the U.S. market late last year, but the brand’s cars are still selling in other countries – the latest of which it is teasing ahead of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Continue Reading...
Suzuki may no longer exist in America, but the Japanese automaker is still performing just fine in its home country. Continue Reading...
After checking out the top 10 best selling vehicles of last year, it’s now time to take a look at the worst performers on dealerships lots. It isn’t a huge surprise to see the Volvo C30 on the list at 10th place, considering the Swedish automaker decided to give the vehicle the axe at the… Continue Reading...
The number-crunchers have been earning their keep the last few weeks. With their mathematical weapon of choice in hand, be it a calculator, tally counter or even a trusty abacus, they’ve kept an exacting total of how many vehicles automakers sold over the past 12 months. How did things shake out? Which brand nearly doubled… Continue Reading...
As 2012 winds to an end, AutoGuide looks back at all the vehicles that received the axe this year, some that will be missed, while others surely won’t be. Starting it off is the Acura ZDX, a crossover that had a very tough time breaking into the market. Priced at around $51,815 including delivery, the… Continue Reading...
With a heavy heart the staff of AutoGuide.com say goodbye to 2012, along with its triumphs and tragedies. We await the New Year with open arms, and welcome its promise of a better world. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 was a year of the dragon, and it proved to be the stuff of legend,… Continue Reading...


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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are getting the plant-based treatment.
The Hershey Co. said Tuesday that Reese’s Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups, which go on sale this month, will be its first plant-based chocolates sold nationally. A second plant-based offering, Hershey’s Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt, will follow in April.
The chocolates are made with oats instead of milk, Hershey said.
The company said the chocolates are plant-based but did not label them as vegan. Plant-based food does not have to be completely free of animal products, but vegan food does.
READ MORE: Alberta could be global powerhouse for plant-based foods but more support needed
Hershey has experimented with plant-based chocolate before. It sold an oat-based chocolate bar called Oat Made in some test markets starting in 2021. But the new products will be the first sold throughout the U.S. under the “Plant Based” label.
Hershey said consumers want choice and are looking for products they consider healthier or with fewer ingredients, including reduced sugar and plant-based options. Hershey also introduced an organic version of Reese’s Cups in February 2021.
Younger consumers, in particular, are looking to reduce consumption of animal-based products, says Euromonitor, a market research firm. In a 2021 survey, Euromonitor found that 54 per cent of Generation Z consumers were restricting animal-based products from their diets, compared to 34 per cent of Baby Boomers.
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Is the Beyond Meat product line nothing but a fad?
Nestle has sold its KitKat V, a vegan KitKat bar, in Europe since 2021, while Cadbury sells a vegan chocolate bar in the United Kingdom. But so far, U.S. vegan chocolate options have generally been limited to premium brands, like Lindt, or organic chocolatiers like Hu Kitchen.
Hershey said it developed plant-based versions of Reese’s Cups and Hershey bars — some of its most popular products — because there’s a dearth of mainstream plant-based chocolates in the U.S. market.
Canadian pea producers see increase in demand with more new plant-based products
The plant-based versions will cost more. Hershey wouldn’t share details because it said retailers set final prices. But Rite Aid lists a 1.4-ounce package of two plant-based Reese’s Cups at $2.49; that’s about $1 more than consumers would pay for a regular package. Hershey charges a similar premium for organic versions of its Reese Cups, which went on sale in 2021.
And ditching the dairy won’t cut calories. While Hershey didn’t release all of the nutritional facts, the 1.4-ounce package of plant-based Reese’s Cups have 210 calories; that’s the same number of calories as a 1.5-ounce package of traditional Reese’s Cups.
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7 New Diet Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before (That Actually Work!)
There’s the age-old route to dropping pounds: Exercise a lot more and eat a lot less. But recent research has pummeled that formula and found all-new (and easier!) ways to live slim.
The approach to dieting is changing radically, and considering that it makes dropping pounds much more manageable and long-lasting than previous sweat-and-starve methods, that’s exciting news. “The way we’ve been told to lose weight has set us up for failure,” says David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at Harvard and the author of Always Hungry? “If it hasn’t worked for you, know that you’re not the only one struggling.” In fact, the more researchers learn about weight loss, the more they realize that certain supposed truths don’t always hold up in real life. (Like these Harmful Diet Lies You Probably Believe.)
So what does deliver? You’ll be happy to hear that easy habit changes are the ones that have profound, long-term effects. These are the smart, new strategies that actually pay off.
Delete the calorie-counting apps
Your body reacts to calories differently depending on the foods they’re from. So instead of obsessively calculating and cutting calories, focus on eating the right foods, Dr. Ludwig says. Consuming processed carbs makes your insulin level spike, which causes your fat cells to store excess calories. Protein, on the other hand, triggers a hormone that pulls calories out of storage,” he says. Even worse, carb heavy diets slow your metabolism. When Dr. Ludwig looked at the number of calories that people burned at rest on various diets, he found that those who cut carbs burned 325 additional calories a day compared with those who cut fat-without additional exercise. Get plenty of protein and swap processed carbs for foods high in healthy fat and for natural carbs like fruits, veggies, and beans and the pounds will drop off easily, no fancy math required.
Scale back your HIIT workouts
If you’re sprinting, Spinning, and going to HIIT classes like crazy but still not losing weight, you could be overdoing it. “Overtraining leads to an overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone that makes you crave sugar and store fat,” says Stephanie Middleberg, R.D.N., the founder of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City. Never quit the gym; just limit your high-intensity sessions to three days a week max (plenty to get all the health benefits) and work out moderately (lift weights, jog, take a yoga class) two days a week, she advises.
Have a.m. sex on the weekends
High levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone” that’s released when you’re intimate with another person) might help you eat less, according to research published in the journal Obesity. Since we consume up to 400 calories more on Saturdays and Sundays than on weekdays, getting busy between the sheets can help offset the diet damage. “Plus, sex can make you feel good about your body, which helps you make better food and exercise choices,” says Haylie Pomroy, the author of Fast Metabolism Food Rx. (Morning sex might even help you relieve stress.)
Turn the music down when you eat
People ate more pretzels when they were listening to sounds that drowned out the crunch noise of the snack, research conducted at Brigham Young University and Colorado State University found. Chalk it up to mindfulness: When you’re more aware of what you’re eating (such as when you hear yourself chewing), you’re more likely to stop eating sooner, says study author Ryan Elder, Ph.D. If you’re not eating crunchy foods, or you would rather chat with your dining companions than listen to every bite, take note of other details about your meal, suggests Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D.N., a Shape advisory board member and the author of The Flexitarian Diet. “Look at the food on your fork before putting it in your mouth, appreciate how it smells, and savor the flavors,” she says.
Listen to comedy during your commute
The hours you spend schlepping to and from work are often the most stressful parts of your day, which isn’t great for your waistline. “Stress prompts your adrenal glands to release cortisol, which may make you crave sugar and could lead to weight gain,” says Amy Gorin, R.D.N., the owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in Jersey City, New Jersey. In fact, research has linked longer commutes with higher BMIs. You may not be able to score a new job closer to home, but you can lighten your stress level with humor. “Even anticipating laughter has been shown to lower cortisol,” Gorin says. And if you’re less stressed when you get to work, it’ll be easier to say no office doughnuts.
Check your medicine cabinet
“Ten percent of obesity is caused by medication,” says Louis J. Aronne, M.D., the author of The Change Your Biology Diet and the director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. But the culprits are not always the more obvious ones, such as birth control and antidepressants. In fact, antihistamines are a common problem, Dr.Aronne says. “People take these drugs to reduce allergies and sleep better, but we find that they can increase appetite and cause weight gain,” he says. That’s because histamines, which your cells release in response to allergens, are neurotransmitters that help regulate pathways in your brain that relate to appetite and metabolism; popping antihistamines cancels this effect. See an allergist if you’re taking these drugs regularly, Dr. Aronne suggests. And if you use antihistamines to help you fall asleep at night, ask your doctor about natural sleep solutions like melatonin.
Reset your appetite clock
Making sure to start your day with breakfast is smart for a few reasons. A healthy morning meal helps set the tone for positive dietary choices throughout the day, and research shows that breakfast eaters tend to move more and eat less. Plus, you have the most willpower in the morning, so you’re more likely to choose healthy foods then, making it a smart time to consume more of your daily calories (unlike when you come home from work starving and stressed), Blatner says. But she finds that her clients often skip breakfast, claiming they just aren’t hungry in the morning. The thing is, you should wake up with the desire to eat. “If you feel full when you first get up, it means you either ate too much at dinner the night before or you ate too close to bedtime,” Blatner explains. The solution: Skip dinner for just one night or eat earlier in the evening, and the next morning you won’t be able to resist a healthy breakfast. This will reset your appetite clock, which will make all your meals healthier.


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Direct Mail for the Modern Marketer
Summer Gould | October 16, 2014
How can you get your direct mail to stand out in the mailbox? Have you considered using texture? Coatings do more than just protect the print from scratching damage in the mail. They can capture interest for your direct mail piece. With all the different types of coating available, you can now choose one that really emphasizes touch. By creating a unique textured feel, your response rate will increase. Think of all the different ways you can add texture to your piece to grab attention to it.
Chet Dalzell | October 13, 2014
With little fanfare, the Direct Marketing Association just published a "refresh" of its "Green 15" sustainable marketing practices first announced in 2007, via the good work of the sustainability team from the DMA Ethics Policy Committee.
Post & Parcel
October 15, 2014
Gareth Johnson MP visited Prologis Park Littlebrook in Dartford, to celebrate the start of construction work on the new 262,500 square foot site that Prologis is developing for Europa Worldwide Logistics.
Dead Tree Edition
October 11, 2014
Mail carrier was recently named the most endangered job in the U.S., but the U.S. Postal Service seems to have other ideas. Its plan to deliver groceries to households in major metropolitan areas is the latest among several strategic moves that would mean more work for employees who handle the "last mile" of delivery.Please, Mr. Postman, look and see,Are there some groceries in a tote for me?The Postal Service’s proposed market test of same-day grocery deliveries, apparently in partnership with Amazon, would require even more TLC on the part of USPS’s carrier force than normal deliveries, the agency revealed this


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HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- The customer is already the king in India's booming telecommunications industry, and announcements by the government last week are set to ensure that it will remain that way for a long time to come.
It will be a welcome, or even a heart-warming change for millions of mobile phone subscribers in the country, when mobile number portability -- which allows customers to switch to a different service provider without having to surrender their existing phone number -- is introduced in about a year's time. It will also be a sea change from the time, only about a decade ago, when they had to wait for weeks, if not months, to get a fixed line installed at home. And it will likely drag tariffs further down in an industry that already offers the lowest call rates in the world.
But at least some of the service providers in the industry, if not all, will suffer the effects of even more intensified competition, and they could be expected to do everything within their powers to retain customers. In the lead time that they enjoy up to the introduction of the number portability, market leader Bharti Airtel as well as others could be expected to launch new plans that lock-in customers for a certain period of time by offering a sweeter deal.
They will need to make extra efforts to retain their corporate accounts, as well as individual high-billing users, who will undoubtedly be targeted by competitors. Additional investments to improve network reach and service quality will be called for. And costs will inevitably rise, while average revenues per user could remain under pressure in a more competitive environment.
Of the 10 mobile service providers in the industry with at least a million subscribers, the smaller ones such as Spice Communications and state-run Mahanagar Telephone Nigam
Among the bigger companies, Reliance Communications has the greatest opportunity, but it also faces the biggest threat. Reliance currently offers a majority of its around 40 million customers CDMA services, while the rest of the industry offers mostly GSM services. Reliance has been looking at a far bigger presence in GSM as well, and the introduction of number portability offers it a big opportunity to steal GSM customers from competition. However, it is equally possible that its existing CDMA customers are weaned away by competition, and R-Comm will have to constantly watch its back to prevent that from happening.
Number portability, however, needn't be bad news for everyone in the industry. It is a great opportunity for a service provider to differentiate from the rest of the pack by offering a truly superior service that is customized to individual users -- something that few service providers seem to be doing today. And as Bharti's Chairman Sunil Mittal reportedly said, it opens the prospect of attracting high-end users from competitors. If managed well, the revenue upside from a higher number of high-end customers could even stem the continued fall in average revenues per user each quarter.


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The soft-landing scenario that investors see for next year points to further gains in US stocks. But it also dims the prospect of another stretch of wild outperformance for the technology giants that dominated in 2023.
One of the key themes behind the Magnificent Seven’s surge, which generated nearly two-thirds of the S&P 500 Index’s advance this year, appears to have faded in importance for investors: With recession fears swirling, the tech behemoths’ earnings growth, combined with robust cash flow and balance sheets, made them haven stocks.
With added fuel from the AI boom, the group rose almost 100% through mid-July, compared with roughly 20% for the S&P 500. But as confidence in the economy grew after the Federal Reserve’s July interest-rate hike, which investors now see as the last of this cycle, the tech titans’ gains became more muted. Since the end of July, the group is up almost 7%, while the broad market has risen around 4%.
There’s still a camp of economists predicting the Fed will trigger a recession as it battles inflation. But for now, investors are embracing the soft-landing view, broadening their horizons to smaller tech stocks and other sectors that had been beaten down for much of 2023.
“The only way they stay the Magnificent Seven is if we have less than a perfect landing,” said Rhys Williams, chief strategist at Spouting Rock Asset Management. “Still, from a portfolio-construction point of view, I think they’re good hedges, even if they pause for a while.”
Below is a roundup of where the seven largest stocks in the S&P 500 by market value — Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp., Google parent Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Nvidia Corp., Tesla Inc. and Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc. — stand heading into 2024.
Apple has soared nearly 50% this year to a record, pushing its market value to $3 trillion, greater than any other company in the world. The bulls say there’s still room to run, in part because of its market-leading position.
“Even though it seems incomprehensible at this moment, I think Apple will continue to grow until there’s a replacement for what they do, and I just don’t see any,” said Kim Forrest, chief investment officer of Bokeh Capital Partners LLC.
Of course, there are obstacles ahead. A recovery in its cyclical iPhone and personal computer sales may not come until the second half of 2024, and its growth also depends on the strength of China’s consumers. Apple has also been slower than other Big Tech peers on artificial intelligence, a crucial growth area.
Microsoft also set an all-time high this year on optimism over AI and cloud growth as it’s been able to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology into its products.
It’s likely the best-positioned of its Magnificent Seven peers to capitalize on the potential of AI, some investors say.
“We think Microsoft is going to be a big winner in this race,” because they’re starting to show how they can monetize the product, said Jamie Meyers, a senior equities analyst at Laffer Tengler Investments.
Amazon’s rise since October has left the shares up more than 80% this year. An earnings beat that showed stabilizing growth in its AWS cloud unit helped spur the stock.
“Amazon is almost like a late bloomer here,” said Ken Mahoney, president of Mahoney Asset Management. “But they also have a really great opportunity in AI, especially in the cloud.”
Amazon is well below its 2021 closing high of about $187 per share, giving investors a sense of the possible upside.


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CSJ says dog owners can turn New Year resolutions into reality whilst exercising their pet.
Now is the time of year when people turn over a new leaf and decide it’s time to take more care of their health and the answer could be with the help of the companion lying at their feet.
CSJ supports numerous canine events including sled dog racing, agility and flyball, but say the average pet owner can still get fit or lose weight by simply walking their dog.
Whilst most dog owners exercise their dogs to some extent not everyone does so every day or for long enough – so by extending the daily walk or making sure to get out every day can make a big difference.
Researchers recommend 150 minutes of weekly exercise to build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier so just a 20-30 minute walk each day easily accomplishes that target.
...and it’s not just physical health that benefits as dogs are a great ice-breaker so owners tend to interact more with other people and can build a great social network thanks to meeting other walkers and by members of the public stopping to chat.
The dogs get fitter too! CSJ have a large range of healthy and nutritious canine feed, treats and supplements – the ideal accompaniment for them and their owners is that daily exercise to help make those New Year resolutions count!
See more about the canine sports CSJ sponsor at www.csjk9.com
… and follow CSJ winners on:
YouTube: CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds


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The throne seats offer extra table space, direct aisle access, an added cubby with a mirror and LED light, and overall more privacy.
"Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care," Singapore's Ministry of Health said.
Singapore Airlines will fly the Airbus A380 on on a 60-minute flight as carriers continue to bring back the world's largest passenger plane
Singapore Airlines is set to operate the shortest Airbus A380 flight in service on a mere 60-minute hop between Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore Airlines is partnering with the ultra-exclusive Golden Door spa to redefine luxury on the world's longest commercial flights
Insider went behind the scenes with Singapore Airlines at Golden Door. A week's stay costs $9,950 and discerning guests include Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts.
Despite dismay about China, countries aren't saying "well, China bad, US good. We're all pro-America now," one expert told Insider.
Singapore sends out robots to search for 'undesirable' public behavior, like smoking or breaking COVID-19 rules
Singapore said the robots, called "Xavier," can report bad behavior to law enforcement and display messages to "educate" the public.
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance said it will limit products in Singapore dollars and will stop all online communication operations in the country.
Common varieties including golden, oyster, shiitake, and white button mushrooms were studied, as well as dried and canned mushrooms.
Job roles are dramatically changing now machines are here. These are 21 jobs humans may soon be doing instead.
Though the feeling that machines are "taking jobs" may cause some anxiety, the AI revolution actually opens up many new careers for humans to pursue.
I moved to the other side of the world during the pandemic — and now I'm moving back. Here's what I wish I'd known beforehand.
I moved to Singapore for work in December 2020, and my nine months in the city-state turned out nothing like I'd expected.
Singapore clocked a massive $24 billion in real-estate sales in the first half of 2021 — twice as much as NYC
Singapore's real-estate market has remained hot in the pandemic thanks to its "safe haven" reputation and low tax rates.
I walked down Singapore's most exclusive street and found it was a strange mix of mansions, embassies, and empty estates
Nassim Road has some of the most coveted real estate in Singapore, yet some of the mansions sit empty and in disrepair.
Singapore has seen a wave of interest from the industry as China's crypto crackdown has left many wary of putting down roots in Hong Kong.
The CEO of TikTok is reportedly in talks to buy a $64 million bungalow in Singapore — take a look at the street it's on
Shou Zi Chew, the 38-year-old who became TikTok's new CEO in May, is expected to rebuild the bungalow, which appears to be old and dilapidated.
The vice president's second trip abroad comes as the Biden administration makes countering China's growing global influence a top priority.
A Google executive in Singapore who has 40 hours of meetings a week told us how she avoids burnout, and it includes 5 pieces of 'calendar magic'
Stephanie Davis eliminates unnecessary meetings and prioritizes self care by doing things like scheduling breaks on her calendar.
In Singapore, 93% of people have heard of cryptocurrency, 66% of the young own some, and more plan on buying, thanks to the nation's pro-crypto stance, a survey finds
Most people in Singapore are positive about cryptocurrency regardless of age, according to a survey by Australia's Toluna, a consumer insights provider.
Singapore, the World Bank and others are offering a $150,000 prize to the winner of a global competition to create a workable central bank digital currency
Singapore is holding a global competition to design a central bank digital currency for retail use. The winner will get $150,000.
How 3 Singapore travel companies stayed afloat when their entire business model disappeared overnight
Singapore is the size of NYC, has virtually no domestic travel, and has been closed to travelers for over a year. How did its travel agencies survive?
A day in the life of a Twitter exec in Singapore, who fits in an hour of 'me time' during his workday and doesn't plan on going back to the office full-time
"Before the pandemic struck, I was on a plane almost every week," said Arvinder Gujral, Twitter's managing director for Southeast Asia. It led to "irregular sleep, an unhealthy carb-led diet, drinking during weekdays, and no time to work out."


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If you are planning to order that pizza tonight, wait! The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has banned a chemical commonly used in pizza boxes over health fears.
There’s a reasonable chance the chemical could cause harm to consumers’ health. Packaging for pizza and sandwiches will change once the new FDA rule takes effect
The change applies to three types of perfluoroalkyl ethyl (PFA), which is used in food contact substances (FCS) according to a report in Food Safety News. FCSs prevent paper products, like pizza boxes, from getting soaked when they come in contact with greasy or fatty foods by working like water and oil repellents.
Perfluoroalkyl ethyl is also present in microwave popcorn bags, waxy pastry bags, and countless other products, including tents and carpet cleaners. The ban will only apply to anything that makes contact with food.
Previous research has linked exposure to long-chain perfluorinated compounds with birth defects.
An October 2014 petition called for a ban of FCSs in common food packaging. It was filed by nine organizations: the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Food Safety, the Breast Cancer Fund, the Center for Environmental Health, Clean Water Action, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Environmental Working Group, and Improving Kids’ Environment. The FDA’s decision comes in response to the petition.
The environmental coalition’s petition referred to a safety review the FDA undertook in 2010 of long-chain perfluorocarboxylates, which are structurally similar to the three perfluorinated chemicals regulated on Jan. 4. The agency’s review raised concerns that the perfluorocarboxylates could harm the male and, possibly, female reproductive systems. The coalition said,
“Based on this conclusion, FDA took the unprecedented step of asking three companies with effective Food Contact Substance notifications (FCN) for perfluorocarboxylates to cease their sale and distribution in the United States. In 2011, all three voluntarily agreed,”
FDA is now saying that new information shows, “the toxicity of substances structurally similar to these compounds demonstrate there is no longer a reasonable certainty of no harm from the food-contact use of these [food-contact substances].”
This seems to be a delayed response as the science detailing the dangers of PFASs has been around for years.
The three banned chemicals are already rarely used, the FDA said in a statement, with most food packaging manufacturers willingly staying away from them. The Daily Environment Report says that the SPI–The Plastics Industry Trade Association seconded the FDA’s findings. In their statement, they said,
“It is the understanding of SPI’s member companies that the materials listed in FDA’s final rule are no longer manufactured for food-contact applications and represent an old technology. FDA’s action thus does not impact SPI’s members.”
Campaigning groups applauded the decision but hope to see the administration take further action on the matter. Erik Olson, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), said,
“The FDA’s ban is an important first step—but just a first step—toward improving the safety of our food supply. Now it should act on our petition to ban the seven other chemicals we believe—and government agencies such as the toxicology program at the National Institutes of Health have found—cause cancer.”
According to a report in Bloomberg Bureau of National Affairs (BNA), the Environmental Working Group sees the ban as a hollow one. EWG President Ken Cook said to BNA,
“Industrial chemicals that pollute people’s blood clearly have no place in food packaging. It’s taken the FDA more than 10 years to figure that out, and it’s banning only three chemicals that aren’t even made any more.”
The FDA’s decision will reportedly take effect 30 days after its filing Thursday in the Federal Register, the federal government’s daily journal.
[Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images]


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Though the indian tech and internet companies make million dollar profits, some indian online workers, investors are treated worse than slaves with the indian government agencies refusing to acknowledge the time and money they spend online, instead making fake claims about the goan call girl, cheater housewife, young cheaters like sindhi scammer pune axe bank manager nikhil premchandani, and other fraud raw/cbi employees like haryana fraud ruchita kinge, greedy gujju stock trader amita patel who do not spend any time and money online.
The online workers, investors from poorer communities are criminally defamed to force them to agree to identity theft, resume robbery, almost all their leads, orders robbed to cause financial losses.
Posting on forums is one way to make a small amount daily, to avoid the fake money laundering allegations with the resume robber raw/cbi employees are making.
Discussion bucks is a comparatively new forum started in 2023 which pays members for posting.Additionally registered users can also get paid posting work on other forums on different topics, like Automotives, cars, Linux, Artificial Intelligence.
Members can withdraw their balance through Paypal and other methods after they make $3 or more on the forum. Payments are processed every Tuesday, so members do not have to wait for long. One payment has been received.
Register at Discussion bucks for free.


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Samsung electronics has announced a two-year partnership with Quiksilver, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious surfing brands.
The partnership kicks off with Samsung presenting the Quiksilver Pro surfing competition which starts today on Queensland’s Gold Coast. It is claimed that that over 30 000 spectators attend the event and the live webcast is viewed by over one million viewers worldwide.
One out of every ten people in Australia surf more than once a week. Samsung’s initiative to partner with Quiksilver is a strong leap towards attracting the alternative sporting market which becomes more popular each year. Samsung claims to have enjoyed healthy growth in the mobile phone and MP3 markets and it’s that with these areas that drive the need for a youth-oriented partnership such as Quiksilver.
Samsung’s general marketing manager Kurt Jovais said “Quiksilver has always been a brand that’s been synonymous with the surfing community and Samsung is proud to be joining forces to support the best of the world’s surfing talent. Samsung’s partnership with Quiksilver, in both a global and local context, is a great collaboration of two lifestyle brands focused on young-minded people and innovative products”.


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Connecticut kicks off tax-free week for shoppers on Sunday
HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut's annual back-to-school, tax-free week is expected to save consumers almost $5 million.
Beginning Sunday, there will be no sales taxes charged on clothes or footwear priced at less than $100.
Many stores offer discounts on other items that week designed to match the cost of the sales tax.
The tax exemption applies to both in-store and online purchases by Connecticut residents.
This will be Connecticut's 19th tax-free week, which runs through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Stories that may interest you
Two University of Connecticut students have been charged after shouting a racial slur repeatedly outside the dorm room of a black student
The theater staging a play about the notorious late Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci says it has raised just $500 for the charity bearing his name, while collecting donations during the show's sold-out run
A Connecticut legislative committee has approved the use of medical marijuana for additional conditions
A man charged with wounding a New Hampshire church pastor and bride during a wedding has been accused of assaulting his attorney jail as he awaited a bail hearing


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The CEO of Kordbit answered questions from the community, many of which related to recent changes on the exchange platform and related to plans for the future.
The CEO of Kordbit confirmed the launch of futures trading products in September, emphasizing the emphasis in Kordbit’s work on the future development of staking services.
When asked about the euro-backed stablecoin, the top manager replied that the buyout would be difficult due to the fact that the euro is a fiat currency with a negative interest rate. However, there are many initiatives aimed at creating a euro-stablecoin in partnership with anyone.
When asked about emerging markets around the world, the CEO of Kordbit preferred not to name specific dates for the availability of the company’s services in new countries.
As for Kordbit, the CEO stated that the verification process was simplified due to the different basic social structure in Uganda. The exchange is working on adapted features for Uganda and other African countries, negotiating with a number of payment channels and service providers.


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Barcelona-based cycling shop SantaFixie has expanded its operations by opening a new store for UK customers.
The expansion is a bold plan to become Europe’s largest online Fixie cycling retailer with key markets in France, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium already under its belt.
SantaFixie’s founder, Xavier Clavería, said “The United Kingdom is a very important market for us. Every year, urban cycling becomes increasingly important; there are a lot of bike fans.”
Xavier launched the business from his parents’ garage, by buying and selling bicycles online, when living in London in 2010.
The company’s own line of bicycles and ‘Fixie’ components have generated in excess of two million euros since their launch, with the products being delivered to more than 30 countries and accounting for 60 per cent of total sales.
Considered one of Spain’s fastest-growing startups, the company recently purchased a new 1,000 square metre logistics centre in the heart of Barcelona as a main hub in order to consolidate orders across Europe.
The company currently has a headcount of 15.


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Car companies like Maruti & Honda talk of price hike amid discounts
Maruti Suzuki, the country's biggest carmaker, said it will hike prices of its vehicles "within a week" to factor in the impact of adverse foreign exchange fluctuation and rising input costs. The company is witnessing slowdown in sales of its petrol models. "There is a lot of pressure on our margins. We will increase prices within a week but the details are being worked out," a top Maruti Suzuki official said.
Honda also said it will raise prices from October 1 due to input cost pressures. The hike will be on the Brio and Jazz hatchbacks and the City sedan. "The prices have been revised due to inflationary pressures and increase in freight as a result of the increase in diesel prices," the company said, adding that the hike will be between 0.2-2.6%.
However, the talk of a price hike is difficult to believe considering that these companies are already offering massive discounts. Maruti's models like Alto, WagonR, A-Star and Estilo (all petrol) already carry discounts and incentives totalling Rs 30,000-35,000. These include cash discounts and free accessories. And if you exchange your car, you get an additional Rs 25,000 off.
Honda is also offering sweet deals to customers. The Brio compact has an incentive between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 that includes free insurance and a cash discount, while City sedan offers benefits of up to Rs 35,000. "Companies are under a lot of pressure to clear inventories and such gimmicks are common as they look to give a push to sales," an industry analyst said. A spokesperson for Hyundai said the company has not taken any decision on a price increase.
Companies have already said that the slowdown is making it difficult to attract customers without sweet offers. The desperation is such that some companies have thrown in "festive" discounts even before the festival season kicks in. Ford's Endeavour, which is facing massive competition from Mahindra's XUV500, comes in with a "festival accessory pack" that gives a Rs 50,000 benefit, including free insurance. The Figo compact model also carries an offer of Rs 25,000-28,000 which the company is giving as a celebratory offer following the sale of 2 lakh units of the model.
"There is not much excitement at the moment," Arvind Saxena, Volkswagen India new MD, said earlier this month.
Hyundai's i10 compact promises a saving of Rs 44,000, which includes a gift cheque and loyalty bonus/exchange offer. Eon gives you a benefit of Rs 24,250 that includes free insurance, exchange offer/loyalty bonus. On Santro, there is offer of Rs 40,000, including free insurance.
(This article was originally published in The Times of India)


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Soybeans are still the United States’ largest export to China, but higher-value goods are starting to close the gap.
US businesses are exporting more goods than ever to China. In 2013, US exports to China reached a new high of $120 billion, up more than $11 billion from 2012, according to the US-China Business Council’s 2013 state exports report.
But higher-value goods like passenger vehicles and airplanes overtook agricultural products to make up the largest share of US products exported to China in 2013.
China on the move
Increasing disposable incomes have changed how the Chinese spend and travel. In 2013, China became the first country to sell more than 20 million vehicles in a year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Foreign brands now sell more vehicles in China than Chinese companies.
Most American cars sold in China are made in China by American-Chinese joint ventures. But American automakers and foreign automakers with manufacturing facilities in the United States are also exporting some of their US-made vehicles to China. In 2013, US passenger vehicle exports increased to $8.5 billion—up roughly 50 percent compared to 2012.
The New York Times reported in December 2013 that Ford Motor Co. would export its 2015 Mustang model abroad for the first time. “We’re really excited to ship it to Europe and China and the Asia-Pacific countries,” Ford’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields told the Times.
Sales of civilian aircraft, engines, and parts to China also increased by roughly 50 percent compared to 2012, reaching $12.6 billion in 2013.
Boeing sold 120 aircraft to Chinese companies in 2013—up from 80 in 2012—and the company estimates that China’s market for aircraft will remain strong for the next 20 years. Boeing expects Chinese airlines to purchase nearly 6,000 airplanes worth $780 billion over the next two decades, equal to 40 percent of all the company’s projected sales to the Asia-Pacific region.
Agriculture exports still strong
A closer look at the data shows that soybeans remain the United States’ top export to China. Despite a 10 percent decline in 2013 numbers, US farmers exported $13.4 billion worth of soybeans to China. They exported nearly $15 billion worth of soybeans to China in 2012.
The drop in soybean exports was largely caused by higher soybean prices in 2013, according to Paul Burke, north Asia regional director for the US-Soybean Export Council. But Burke expects US soybean exports to China to rebound in 2014.
“We expect to export a record volume of soybeans to China,” he says. “We anticipate, based on what’s on order, that we’ll break a record this year.”
Soybeans are used for both cooking oil and animal feed in China. Demand for soybeans and other feed grains has been driven by China’s increasing meat consumption. China now consumes a quarter of the world’s supply of meat, or 71 million tons annually, according to the US Department of Agriculture. This is double the amount of meat consumed in the United States.
China grows the majority of its own corn, but the country still imports some corn from the United States and other countries. In 2013, US farmers sent roughly $1.25 billion worth of corn to China, a slight drop compared to 2012.
Demand for US corn has been strong due to the high cost of corn in China, according to Fred Gale, a senior economist at USDA. “China has a price support for corn and this year US corn prices fell because we had a record harvest.”
But US corn exports to China have remained limited for a few reasons. China imposes a quota on corn imports and has rejected shipments of US corn that were found to have genetically modified strains not approved for use in China.
Facing the high cost of domestic corn and limited imports, Gale says China’s feedmills and livestock producers have turned to corn feed substitutes, including US-produced sorghum, which was shipped to China for the first time in October 2013.
“It just came out of nowhere last year where the Chinese started ordering sorghum,” Gale says. “Traditionally sorghum has not been an export commodity.”
Indeed, US sorghum exports to China increased from nothing in 2012 to $97 million in 2013.
Scrap exports decline
In 2013, three of the top 10 US exports to China were various types of scrap material. The United States exported roughly $8.8 billion worth of recycled scrap material to China in 2013, down from $9.5 billion in 2012. The largest scrap export categories included copper ($2.8 billion), aluminum ($2.3 billion), and paper ($2 billion).
Scrap exports declined globally in 2013 by about 10 percent, while scrap exports to China were down 7 percent, says Joseph Pickard, chief economist at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.
“Scrap demand is closely tied to manufacturing,” Pickard says. “As growth slows, there’s going to be less scrap demand.”
Roughly two-thirds of the scrap the United States produces is processed in the United States, but China is by far the biggest overseas consumer of US scrap materials, Pickard says. It depends on the commodity—almost all of Americans’ recycled paper and plastic is sent to China—but overall 40 percent of US scrap sent overseas goes to China.
Pickard says the drop in exports to China in 2013 was likely caused by a combination of commodities prices and regulation. Scrap is a substitute for raw materials, and low raw material prices lead manufacturers to purchase raw material, like iron ore, instead of scrap.
But last year China also began its “Green Fence” campaign to enforce rules limiting imports of contaminated scrap materials that often end up in China’s landfills instead of being recycled. The campaign had a big effect on US exports of plastic scrap, which dropped 18 percent in 2013.
“[The Chinese] are really trying to balance economic growth with environmental protection,” Pickard says. “I think they recognize the value of using recycled materials and they’re trying to use domestic recycled materials.”
US Exports to China, 2013
Value: $13.4 billion
% change, 2012-13: -10%
2. Civilian Aircraft
Value: $12.6 billion
% change, 2012-13: 51%
3. Passenger Vehicles
Value: $8.5 billion
% change, 2012-13: 49%
4. Electronic Integrated Circuits
Value: $3.9 billion
% change, 2012-13: 23%
5. Copper Waste and Scrap
Value: $2.8 billion
% change, 2012-13: -6%
6. Telecommunications Equipment
Value: $2.3 billion
% change, 2012-13: 40%
7. Aluminum Waste and Scrap
Value: $2.3 billion
% change, 2012-13: -5%
Value: $2.2 billion
% change, 2012-13: -36%
9. Paperboard Waste and Scrap
Value: $2 billion
% change, 2012-13: -9%
10. Medical, Surgical, or Dental Instruments
Value: $1.6 billion
% change, 2012-13: 4%
Source: International Trade Administration; Based on 4-digit harmonized system classification
[author] Christina Nelson ([email protected]) is editor of the China Business Review, which is published by the US-China Business Council. [/author]


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By M&C Report team2002-09-10T00:00:00+01:00
McDonald’s has sued its former chief executive Steve Easterbook amid allegations that he fraudulently hid details of three “physical sexual relationships” with employees when he was fired last November, the Financial Times reports.
The number of restaurant sector job losses so far this year are nearly double those lost in the whole of 2019, according to the Centre for Retail Research.
Less than two thirds (62%) of the UK’s licensed premises were trading again by the end of July, with pubs reopening at a quicker rate than restaurants, according to the new Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and Alix Partners.
Landlords and operators have come together in a joint call for a government backed ‘property bounceback grant’ to facilitate in rent negotiations.
Managed pub, bar and restaurant operators saw a continued improvement in like-for-like sales throughout July, but were still almost 25% down on pre-coronavirus levels by the end of the month, the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker has revealed.
Kerb founder Petra Barran is a doer. Since she first originated the Kerb concept from a single ice cream van in 2010, the business has grown exponentially. It currently works with approximately 120 partner traders – a pool of street food ideas that is constantly expanding - has five permanent street markets across London, one foodhall, and a substantial corporate catering arm. So, as a business so well adept at evolving at pace, it’s no real surprise that after five months of closure, Kerb is itching to kickstart its recovery.
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Two new Nordstrom Racks in the works
Seattle -- Nordstrom announced that it plans to open a Nordstrom Rack in downtown Washington, D.C., at the 1800 L Street, NW building. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in spring 2013.
The retailer also plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at Columbia Crossing in Columbia, Md., a shopping center that is owned and operated by Kimco Realty Corp. The approximately 40,750-sq.-ft. store is expected to open in spring 2013.


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MSC Cruises has worked with business communications provider Marlink to develop new faster, more reliable and cost-effective internet and social media packages for guests.
Now live onboard MSC Preziosa and MSC Divina, the high bandwidth internet packages are available via the Marlink Sealink Cloud and will be rolled out across all 12 MSC ships over the coming months. The packages will also be available on the line’s next-generation ships that are currently under construction, including MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside.
“We are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and enhance the guest experience aboard what is already the most modern fleet at sea,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC’s CEO. “We know that staying connected while on holiday is increasingly more important to our guests hence we are rolling out state-of-the-art technology to allow them to stay connected whether they are looking to share experiences and memorable moments, stay in touch with friends and family, need to stay on top of work e-mails or simply catch up with daily news.”
Aimed at those who want to be connected 24/7 to social media, the Social Package allows guests to post pictures and chat with friends via popular social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Snapchat, WeChat and Pinterest. Prices start from €3.90 per day or €14.90 for a seven-day cruise.
The Surfer Package is designed for moderate internet users who want to read news, sports scores and catch up on e-mails. It also includes access to social media platforms as per the Social Package. Prices start from €9.90 per day or €29.90 for a seven-day itinerary.
Meanwhile, the Streamer Package has been created for heavy internet users who need access either for work or for personal use and enables full internet and social media access, including audio and video. Prices from €19.90 per day or €59.90 for a full seven-day voyage.
Guests will be able to select their package prior to embarkation and will be easy to upgrade or top up.


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LOS ANGELES Microsoft Corp. has released more details on its plans to enable a new class of home servers starting this fall. The company disclosed the basic hardware requirements, demoed software features and announced partners who plan to roll out systems and supporting software.
The Windows Home Server is essentially a four-drive consumer array of hard disks. It aims to help home users backup, manage and remotely access storage over a home network.
The server can restore any drive on the network that fails. A management console lets users control access to various systems, files and features or access data or media stored on a remote system.
To save costs the system does not implement the RAID array popular in servers. Instead it uses technology developed by a small Microsoft incubator company that ensures all data on a home network is stored on at least two independent drives.
"If you lose one drive, there's no problem. If you lose two, you are probably OK," said a Microsoft developer demonstrating the software on the show floor at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) here.
The home server requires a gigahertz-class processor and what's seen as a fairly heady 512 Mbytes DRAM. It has four USB ports and a built-in Gbit Ethernet port for linking to a home network.
Microsoft wants the box act as a "headless" server and deliver media without glitches. Thus it forbids OEMs from building in Wi-Fi or any kind wireless communication. Microsoft also prohibits a keyboard, mouse, serial or parallel ports or an optical drive.
Microsoft initially wanted a USB controller for each of the systems four ports, but backed down in the face of OEM concerns about hitting the lowest possible cost for the systems. In terms of noise, the software giant has specified the systems should generate no more than 30 dB.
"A lot of folks are a little concerned about hitting that," said Scot Schulte, a senior director of corporate R&D in the consumer group at Inventec, a Taiwan-based systems maker who displayed on the show floor two versions of such servers geared for OEM buyers.
Inventec will supply versions of its systems using both AMD desktop and notebook processors to determine what mix of low cost, noise and power consumption is of most interest to OEMs. AMD is delivering a reference design named Churchill for the home server, courting a broad group of companies including small system integrators.
Some 60,000 people are already acting as testers for the software which is in a beta version 2 release. Microsoft first announced the concept of a Windows Home Server at the Consumer Electronics Show, saying it was working with Hewlett-Packard on the system.
At WinHEC, Microsoft revealed it is now working with as many as 40 additional partners on the home server including Gateway Inc., LaCie and Medion International. At least eight companies said they will deliver applications for the Windows Home Server.
The home server aims to complement features in Windows Vista that makes it easier to set up a home network. Microsoft is courting consumer electronics companies to get them to support its so-called Rally software in Vista to make it easier to recognize their systems on a PC home network.
Vista "is going to drive innovation in peripherals," said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates in a keynote here Tuesday (May 15). "As of last week we've sold 40 million copies of Vista since the release about 100 days ago. That's twice as fast as our last major release, XP," Gates said.


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Two Fashion Designers SpaceX Should Consider For Its #dearMoon Project
Recently Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has revealed their first private passenger flight around the moon. Mr. Yusaku Maezawa is set to be this historic passenger. This man is known for his wealth and appreciation of art. Mr. Maezawa has decided to bring five artists with him on this iconic first flight. The initiative is part of the #dearMoon project, that is set to inspire these artists to come back and create a new collection after their space trip around the moon. “Some of Earth’s greatest talents will board a spacecraft and be inspired in a way they have never been before” – Yusaku Maezawa.
The two designers discovered at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia make perfect candidates for Mr. Maezawa inaugural flight and art concept.
The legendary brand boasts a history of more than 20 years on the Russian market. Her recent collection that was showcased during the 37th season of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia surprised its guests with a truly unusual and exciting presentation. Structured geometrical coats created from metallic fabrics and shiny plastic roamed the dark lit runway. Largely folded collars reflected the spotlights that trailed them, followed by shiny capes and coats of yellow plastics, followed by jackets with huge accentuated shoulder lines. The collection and show looked like an alien party, making Pisomani the ideal candidate for a moon inspired collection.
This talented designer is known for futuristic designs and an Avant-garde approach in her creations. The latest collection showed at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia, consisted of cosmic shapes and showcased YuliaKosyak‘s artful approach in fabric choices and alien-like styling. Perforated capes, arm and leg accessories that resembled a Star Wars-like extravaganza, impressed its visitors with creativity and a futuristic vision. You could shop YuliaKosyak and other designers this season at the Pop-Up Shop, a first-time-ever shopping event during a Fashion Week, organized by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, allowing its designers to sell their collections on hand.
These two designers truly presented a sight of the future with their recent collections. One can only imagine what these visionaries will create after a journey around the moon. Which one of these designers would you send as part of the #dearMoon project?
Thank you for reading and keep styling,


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Digital TV News: Bloomberg Media
Bloomberg TV+ 4K UHD channel launches on Samsung TV Plus
May 20, 2020 – Bloomberg Media has launched Bloomberg TV+, a premium video experience and first 4K UHD channel that combines the power of Bloomberg data and trusted business and finance programming, on Samsung TV Plus, Samsung's free Smart TV video service.
News categories: Bloomberg Media, Samsung, M. Scott Havens, Salek Brodsky, Apps, Digital TV, OTT, Smart TV, Worldwide
Bloomberg and Twitter to debut live video news network
May 1, 2017 – Bloomberg Media and Twitter have announced that they are partnering to create the first-ever 24/7 breaking news network that will be global, live, social and streaming.
News categories: Bloomberg, Twitter, Michael R. Bloomberg, Justin B. Smith, John Micklethwait, Jack Dorsey, Anthony Noto, Digital TV, Mobile, OTT, Social TV, Worldwide
Twitter announces more than a dozen content deals
May 1, 2017 – Twitter has unveiled a slate of live streaming content deals across sports, news and entertainment. A dozen new collaborations have been announced, bringing hundreds of hours of exclusive live content to the platform.
News categories: Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Anthony Noto, Leslie Berland, Matthew Derella, Digital TV, OTT, USA, Worldwide
Bloomberg Media and Twitter announce live streaming partnership
Jul 12, 2016 – Bloomberg Media and Twitter have announced they have partnered to live stream select Bloomberg Television programs and its markets coverage. The partnership extends the network’s reach to Twitter’s audience of over 800M people.
News categories: Bloomberg, Twitter, Justin B. Smith, Anthony Noto, Digital TV, OTT, USA, Worldwide
- Google's share of global digital media revenues declined in Q2
- First Media launches Android TV STB with Widevine CAS in Indonesia
- EBOX deploys Technicolor Android TV set-tops in Québec
- Conviva releases Q3 2020 State of Streaming report
- Realtek selects Allegro DVT H.266/VVC compliance streams
- Russian SVOD consumer spend to increase 1,000% by 2024
- A1 selects XroadMedia for content discovery and recommendations
- Skyworth and 3SS create Netflix-ready Android TV platform
- CANAL+ extends satellite agreements with SES for Europe and Africa
- European Connected TV Initiative to explore advertising opportunities
- Accessible TV Guide rolls out on Freeview Play
- Spain’s AgileTV migrates to Verimatrix Secure Cloud
- Promwad offers videoconferencing and 'watch party' solution for TV
- Phoenix Model Market gets ATSC 3.0 Single Frequency Network
- Magenta Telekom deploys Whip Media Content Value Management platform
- Pay-TV revenue in Philippines to grow at 4.0% CAGR over next five years
- Israel’s RGE chooses Kaltura to power Kids Cloud TV service
- Over 40% of video consumption hours now on mobile for U.S. Gen Z
- T-Mobile USA launches TV bundles and Android TV STB
- TenTime uses NexPlayer to launch Arabic SVOD service


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The owner of high street fashion brands include Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, says it is clear on a strategic direction that includes selling online, through stores and through third-party retailers, after “a challenging year” when “the retail landscape has changed dramatically” amid competition from both high street and online retailers.
During 2019 Sir Philip Green’s retail group businesses, which operate through holding company Taveta Investments, have used seven company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) to cut the size of its store network by 50 stores in order to reduce its costs. Those stores come from a base of 2,765 outlets operated at the end of September 2018 with a collective 6m sq ft of space.
Now, says Taveta Investments, it is making good progress for the future, with a new online platform that features digital delivery passes across its brands, while developing its wholesale supply relationships with third-party retailers from Asos, Very and Next through to Nordstrom in the US. The retail group trades through 39 brand-specific desktop websites and 28 mobile sites. “This is a key area of growth for the group,” said Sir Philip Green and his fellow directors of Taveta Investments in their full-year 2018 strategic report, “and our objective is to keep abreast of technological developments to ensure these websites allow us to provide the service and inspiration that our customers expect both online and in-store.”
On the high street, say the directors, investment will be strategic. “We are looking forward to investing in key stores within our more focused real estate to ensure we are able to continue to give our customers an exciting shopping experience on the high street,” said the directors.
They added: “We have some of the greatest brands in the fashion market and we are confident that we will deliver on our plan, improve the way we work and win the hearts and minds of more and more of our customers.”
The strategy update came as Taveta Investments published its figures for the 53 weeks to September 1 2018, showing that turnover reached £1.8bn during the year, down by 4.5% on the previous year, operating profits reduced sharply to £78.1m from £124.1m a year earlier, and at the bottom line pre-tax losses of £177.3m, after exceptional costs of £217.1m. were down from a profit of £53.5m a year earlier.
The group is moving brands to a new 1.2m sq ft £29.4m distribution centre in Daventry. Topman has already moved to the site, while Topshop is set to join next spring. “With state-of-the-art technology and automation integral to the operation, the distribution centre is already delivering efficiency and an improved customer experience,” said Taveta Investment’s directors.
A Brexit steering group has been monitoring events since summer 2018, with a strategy of minimising risk to the business despite uncertainty. Steps taken include developing and testing systems changes that allow the group to continue to trade across its UK and European stores, while developing contingency plans for sending goods through rerouted supply chains where needed. It added: “The impact on import duty and tariffs of a potential exit from the European Union with no deal in place is potentially significant and the group is continually reviewing its sourcing strategy and contingency planning to address potential risks to cost prices as new information becomes available.
The Arcadia Group businesses are Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Outfit, Topman, Topshop and Wallis.
Image: InternetRetailing Media


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Blockchain developers enjoy extremely lucrative careers in a variety of industries and roles, from cryptocurrency and supply chain networks to health care and medical records. Blockchain development requires a broad skill set, including a strong knowledge of fundamental programming languages such as C++, Python, and Java, as well as languages commonly used for blockchain engineering.
As it is a relatively new technology, data is still being collected on blockchain jobs salaries, and specific blockchain developer courses are not as ubiquitous as computer science, information security, business analytics, or other related courses. That being said, most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and a master’s degree will give you a leg up on the fierce competition for this high-demand job.
What Is Blockchain?
In simple terms, blockchain, also referred to as distributed ledger technology (DLT), is a digital ledger system that allows members of a network to access information stored across a variety of networks. The decentralized tracking and storing of data are possible with blockchain technology’s method of linking immutable — or unchangeable — blocks of information using cryptography.
Decentralization makes blockchain impervious to cyberattacks, which have become a significant threat to public and private institutions in recent years. And because the data in a block can’t be changed without affecting each subsequent block, the integrity of the data is never compromised.
Blockchain is becoming increasingly attractive to industries around the world as the technology offers global enterprises greater trust and efficiency than the conventional centralized models they’ve relied on for decades.
Researchers at PwC have found that, in our post-COVID-19 world, 61 percent of CEOs internationally are “placing the digital transformation of core business operations and processes among their top three priorities.”
The more businesses that adopt blockchain technology for purposes that range from saving time and money to deterring fraud and settling disputes, the more job opportunities there will be for blockchain developers here in the United States and abroad.
Job Outlook for Blockchain Developers
In her June 2022 newsletter, On Tech With Shira Ovide, The New York Times tech writer confidently announced, “The job market at technology companies, and for people with high-tech skills, is on fire and staying that way — at least for now.”
Pointing to the consistently high demand for tech workers and the rebound effect of hiring freezes early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Ovide noted that “tech pay has soared in the past couple of years.”
In September 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2020–2030 employment projections attributed the expected growth rate of computer and mathematical occupations to the high demand for new products to support the Internet of Things.
The advent of Web3 and the interest in cryptocurrencies and other decentralized technologies have created a wave of opportunities for blockchain engineers across a broad spectrum of industries.
The BLS is currently collecting data on wages and employment trends for blockchain developers and lists the profession under “Computer Occupations, All Other.”
In 2021, workers in this category — including blockchain developers and engineers — earned a median annual salary of $95,270 and accounted for 442,200 employees in the United States in 2020. The average projected growth from 2020 to 2030 is 5 percent to 10 percent, with an estimated 37,500 job openings for blockchain developers and related roles.
The top industry for blockchain developers in 2020 was professional, scientific, and technical services, which accounted for 27 percent of employees, followed by government, which employed 22 percent of the country’s blockchain engineers.
According to PwC’s Time for Trust report, which was released in October 2020, “[b]lock chain technology has the potential to boost global gross domestic product (GDP) by US$1.76 trillion over the next decade.”
Economists at the professional services network have identified the top five uses for blockchain technology in terms of their global economic value.
Top 5 Uses for Blockchain Technology
- Origin and tracking of goods
- Payments and financial instruments
- Contracts and dispute resolution
- Customer engagement
Blockchain developers will play an integral role in creating and maintaining the technology and applications needed to enable the infrastructures for these global business concerns.
Best Locations for Blockchain Developers
The PwC report also notes that the United States and China are likely to be the countries that benefit most from blockchain between now and 2030.
Blockchain Opportunities by Country
- United States
- The UK
The authors of the report attribute the boost to these countries’ GDPs to factors such as a favorable industry mix, existing technologies, and workforces that are equipped to optimize blockchain technology.
According to MyNextMove.org, the states with the highest number of job opportunities for blockchain engineers are:
- District of Columbia
U.S. Salary Data
ZipRecruiter’s 2022 data reveal that the average salary nationwide for blockchain developers is $149,999 per year. The popular career website suggests that there is significant career growth opportunities and salary increases for blockchain developers depending on their skill set, location, and years of experience in the field.
According to ZipRecruiter, the following cities offer higher than average salaries for blockchain developers.
Top Ten Cities for Salaries Above the National Average
- Atkinson, Nebraska – $193,530
- Frankston, Texas – $187,412
- Barnstable Town, Massachusetts – $182,303
- Inverness, California – $180,561
- Dimondale, Michigan – $175,456
- Manhattan, New York – $174,266
- Hooper Bay, Alaska – $173,175
- Skyline-Ganipa, New Mexico – $169,681
- Potomac Heights, Maryland – $169,402
- Cambridge, Massachusetts – $169,188
According to Hired.com, candidates who have built applications and prototypes using blockchain technology have a better chance of standing out in this fiercely competitive job market. Your Github profile’s popular repositories and contributions is a great place to showcase your unique skills and talents.
Salaries by Region
- Seattle – $174,228
- SF Bay Area – $171,615
- New York – $168,050
- Los Angeles – $163,346
- Austin – $163,081
- San Diego – $155,000
- Boston – $151,554
- Chicago – $149,218
- Dallas/Ft Worth – $148,706
- Washington D.C. – $147,704
- Atlanta – $147,333
- Toronto – C$139,691
- Philadelphia – $138,476
- Denver – $131,400
- Minneapolis/St Paul – $107,500
- Dublin – €98,142
- London – £83,737
- France – €72,000
How to Become a Blockchain Developer
To break into the world of blockchain technology, you’ll need to know more than what blockchain is and how it works. Building a rewarding career as a blockchain developer requires highly technical skills, a willingness to start in an entry-level blockchain job, and strong desire to expand your blockchain developer skills.
It’s important to note that blockchain is not synonymous with Bitcoin. Blockchain is the underlying technology for Bitcoin, but its uses go way beyond cryptocurrencies and the financial industry.
Industries of all types, including manufacturing, public service, retail, and health care, will use blockchain in some capacity to validate, document, and secure transactions. For this reason, a degree in business analytics can open doors to blockchain developer jobs in several industries.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline, particularly a discipline with a heavy focus on business operations and solutions will allow you to build a solid foundation for the complexities of scaling tech solutions to broad business problems.
Because the tamper-proof, information-securing characteristics of blockchain are at the core of its protocol, many of the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity are applicable to blockchain engineering.
Many business analytics master’s degree programs offer concentrations or electives in cybersecurity and cybercrime, including:
- Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business
- Boston University Metropolitan College
Most programs offer online and on-campus courses. One of the most appealing aspects of establishing a career as a blockchain developer is the versatility of the role. Once you’ve identified your area of interest, you can begin to chart your course to a rewarding tech career.
Blockchain Developer Job Requirements
Unlike job opportunities for software developers which often require experience in either frontend or backend developing, blockchain developer positions require that potential hires have backend software engineering experience.
Blockchain developers should have experience with the following programming languages:
Hiring managers and recruiters also look for blockchain developer candidates with a knowledge of chain code, Geth, NoSQL, Corda, Bluemix, AWS, Azure, Stellar, web3.js, and decentralized apps (dApps).
Blockchain developers should also be familiar with a variety of platforms. TechTarget named the following as the “Top 9 blockchain platforms to consider in 2022.”
- IBM Blockchain
- Hyperledger Fabric
- Hyperledger Sawtooth
- R3 Corda
- ConsenSys Quorum
With each additional skill you acquire, you make yourself more appealing to employers and improve your chances of advancing your career.
Primary Blockchain Developer Responsibilities
The Occupational Information Network offers a list of technical tasks a blockchain developer might undertake during a typical workday. These are only a sample of common responsibilities, as the job skills and responsibilities may vary according to the industry, blockchain use, and other factors unique to the position.
- Assess blockchain threats, such as untested code and unprotected keys
- Automate the deployment of software updates over geographically distributed network nodes
- Design and deploy blockchain design patterns to make transactions secure, transparent, and immutable
- Design and develop blockchain technologies for industries such as finance and music
- Design and implement dashboard and data visualizations to meet customer reporting needs
- Design and implement data repositories to integrate data
- Design and verify cryptographic protocols to protect private information
- Determine specifications for, or implement, logging
- Develop a maintainable code base using object-oriented design principles, practices, or patterns
- Discuss and plan systems with solution architects, system engineers, or cybersecurity experts to meet customer requirements
- Discuss data needs with engineers, product managers, or data scientists to identify blockchain requirements
- Evaluate blockchain processes or risks based on security assessments or control matrix reviews
- Evaluate new blockchain technologies and vendor products
- Implement catastrophic failure handlers to identify security breaches and prevent serious damage
- Run infrastructure tests to examine the behavior of large peer-to-peer networks
- Test the security and performance of blockchain infrastructures
- Update client and server applications responsible for integration and business logic
In addition to these duties, blockchain developers will spend much of their time designing software applications and integrated computer networks, implementing and testing information systems and computer system operations, writing code, analyzing data, and creating databases.
It’s easy to overlook the necessary soft skills needed for such a highly technical job, but companies and recruiters are looking for candidates who have solid problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team.
Even people who hold remote blockchain jobs must possess these essential soft skills, as the most effective blockchain technology infrastructure requires multidisciplinary and cross-functional collaboration.
Become a Blockchain Developer
Education and training, along with experience and a growth mindset, are the key to unlocking a fulfilling and successful career as a blockchain developer. Regardless of where your interests lie and the place you call home, you’re certain to find opportunities for blockchain developer jobs that align with your life and career goals.
Take the first step toward your dream job by enrolling in a program today.


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Carnival In Discussions To Sell Seabourn Brand To The Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund - CNBC Reporter Tweet
Carnival is in discussions to sell the Seabourn brand.
The cruise company is in discussions to sell the Seabourn brand to the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, according to a tweet from a CNBC reporter.
Carnival Names Operations Head Weinstein As Next CEO Of Cruise Operator
The above news followed news from last month that Carnival Corp CCL.N, CCL.L, the world's largest cruise company, has said that Josh Weinstein, its chief operations officer, would become the next chief executive officer, taking over the role from Arnold Donald.


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Old, unused retail units could soon be turned into residential housing in a bid to help save the high street.
According to thegrocer.co.uk, ministers plan to look into relaxing planning regulations, so housing can be built in place of empty retail units.
This plan comes after retail expert, Mary Portas, conducted a report into the state of the high street 18 months ago. The document aimed to solve problems the high street is suffering from, such as the rise in empty retail units, and hoped to increase the number of small independent businesses.
Now, a report on the progress that Mary Portas and her Portas Pilots team have made has been published. The study highlights the need to make sure empty retail units get some use. Turning these units into housing could increase footfall, bring vibrancy to the area and could even stop a period of decline, the report claims.
Not only would high street housing help improve city centres, it would also ease the housing demand and could even boost estate agency recruitment, it added.
Local growth minister, Mark Prisk, said: “Today’s report sets out the wide range of measures we’ve taken to help communities breathe new life into their town centres. Since coming into government, we’ve lifted planning restrictions to bring empty properties back into use, cut business rates for thousands of small businesses and scrapped the unfair rules around parking charges,” reports guardian.co.uk.