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US-China Trade War Escalates As Further Measures Are Taken
– Trade war between two superpowers continues to escalate
– White House likely to impose steep tariffs on aluminium and steel imports on ‘national security grounds’
– US may impose global tariff of at least 24% on imports of steel and 7.7% on aluminium
– China “will certainly take necessary measures to protect our legitimate rights.”
– China is USA’s largest trading partner, fastest-growing market for U.S. exports, 3rd largest market for U.S. exports in the world.
– If the U.S. continues to escalate its trade actions against China, experts say retaliation is likely.
– Global markets are unprepared, investors should invest in gold to protect portfolios
President Trump has long accused China of ‘one of the greatest thefts in the history of the world’ and he campaigned hard on the issue during his run for the White House. So, it is no surprise that his administration are doing something about what they view as an unfair trade set-up.
Last week commerce secretary Wilbur Ross announced the possible ‘global tariff of at least 24% on imports of steel and 7.7% on aluminum after investigations into trade in both metals determined that import surges seen in recent years “threaten to impair [US] national security.”’
Unsurprisingly China have responded, calling the US reckless and confirming that they would take steps in order ‘to protect our legitimate rights.’
There is a lot at stake here both financially and politically. In 2016 the two countries did $578.6bn worth of trade and both are seen as global super-powers competing for hegemony in an increasingly polarised world.
Brewing for some time
At the end of 2017 Trump warned that he would be taking tough measures on China who he sees as an existential economic threat on his country, “We are declaring that America is in the game and America is going to win,”. At that point Trump had done more talking than actually doing anything to impact trade with China.
The China Foreign ministry responded:
“We urge the United States to stop the strategic intention of deliberately distorting China and abandon the outdated concepts of Cold War thinking and zero-sum game, or else it will only harm itself.”
2018 has been quite different with two separate sets of announcements regarding tariffs and trade with China. The first focused on solar panels, the latest on industrial metals. Both are major exports and sources of income for the Communist country.
With this in mind, it is unlikely that the Chinese super-power is going to take these moves lying down or that global financial markets will not be affected. But, in the meantime they will likely bide their time:
“China has lots of cards to play but is in no rush to play them,” said Xu Hongcai at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, a government-affiliated think-tank in Beijing. “For now there is small-scale trade friction, not a trade war. Our moves have always been defensive. We will not escalate the situation.” As reported in the FT.
Trade war or war of words?
For now the trade war is unlikely to go too far past a war of words, on China’s side. They have other tools up their sleeves which could impact the US economy but not be seen as a full on defensive against America’s trade policies.
For now, all they have done is announce that it is investigating U.S. exports of sorghum and imposing measures on styrene, which is used to make plastic products. These measure are unlikely to go too far, for example Chinese farmers need American soybeans to feed their livestock.
But there are other areas China could make things sting a little too.
The country is one of the top five buyers of US cars, currently. By 2022 it is expected to contribute to over half of the world’s car market growth. The government could easily instruct Chinese citizens to no longer buy US cars, hurting the latter’s automotive industry.
We also see huge spending from China when it comes to tourism. By 2025 Chinese tourists are forecast to spend $450bn on vacations abroad. The US is increasingly benefitting from the 130 million Chinese tourists that venture into the world each year.
However the biggest tool they have up their sleeve, away from trade policies is the selling of US debt, of which it owns more than $1tn. As Jim Rickards reminded us, last week:
China leaked an announcement last month that the People’s Bank of China was considering allocating its reserves away from additional purchases of U.S. Treasury securities. That should be taken not as an immediate threat but as a shot across the bow indicating how China could retaliate for U.S. tariffs or other trade penalties.
This new trade war will get ugly fast and the world economy will be collateral damage.
Whilst the US begins to fight against globalisation and China tries to embrace it, both are forgetting how intertwined it makes the world. A trade war between the two countries will not only impact them but also emerging countries in Asia.
Consider the steep 30% U.S. tariffs on imports of solar panels and washing machines, announced at the end of January. Capital Economics issued a stark warning about how this could affect the rest of the world’s emerging markets:
Countries in Emerging Asia export more to the US than most other emerging markets (Chart 2), and more generally have been among the biggest beneficiaries of globalisation in the world. Any moves towards protectionism would deal a blow to the region’s most trade-dependent economies such as Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Korea would also be badly hit if instead of trying to renegotiate the Korea- US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), the US completely withdrew from the deal.
There have been multiple warnings and theories from experts about how a trade war between China and the US will end. Possibly the most insightful is from Edward Wong, the New York Times’s former Beijing bureau chief. In a recent essay, he concludes:
“[China’s] Communist Party embraces hard power and coercion, and this could well be what replaces the fading liberal hegemony of the United States on the global stage. It will not lead to a grand vision of world order. Instead, before us looms a void.”
Be prepared for the unprepared
In truth no-one knows how the trade war between the US and China will escalate. Both countries need one another but they are also both led by men who believe in the singular power of thei


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Now a days, consumers looks for every features in the smartphones and the camera became the important part of the device – high-end camera with more megapixels and more features is equal to more chance of buying. In this post, let’s see the rumored camera features of Google’s Nexus 6 as well as Apple’s iPhone 6, where both are much awaited smartphones of the year.
Now we can see many smartphone-makers focusing more on best configurations for cameras. There are already plenty of camera-centric smartphones available such as Nokia Lumia 1020, Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phones as well as HTC One, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5 Android phones too. The last device from Apple, iPhone 5s had also a decent camera, but the dedicated camera chip makes it distant from other players. As we have premium Apple iPhone 6 and affordable Nexus 6 smartphone rumors wandering around, we will compare these two device’s rumored camera features.
Both Google Nexus 6 and Apple iPhone 6 to be launched in 2014, may be the first one to be come with a different name called as Android Silver. Both the devices has garnered much attention from its own fan-base. There are high expectations from these handsets, especially, the camera configurations. There are no official specifications of these devices has been revealed yet.
iPhone 6 camera can do the magic this time?
Apple has been showing its premium and innovative technology throughout its mobile phones since the inception. No matter how large the other brands’ megapixels, Apple played a nice game by retaining the megapixels and adding a separate dedicated processor for iPhone cameras, especially in its last model. Apple fanboys were expecting a 13MP to 16MP camera in iPhone 5s, but the company has delivered only 8MP camera with dedicated camera chip and some additional camera features.
As per the current rumors roaming around the market, Apple will be implementing a really smart camera to its upcoming iOS smartphone, which could beat all other Android smartphones.
As we have seen in a iPhone 6 concept video, Apple will be adding a optical zoom feature with optical image stabilization and that could bring the resolution of the output as crisp and clear like taken from a DSLR cameras. Apple iPhone 6 to be come with 13-megapixel camera with this OIS technology. This time, the Cupertino will be adding a much powerful dedicated camera chip and it might be using the dual-camera technology in the 2014 flagship.
If Apple launches two different iPhone models based on the size, it might also experiment by inserting two different version of the camera configuration on both devices.
Google Nexus 6 – Will it be a camera-centric smartphone?
Android Silver (if not Google Nexus 6) will be a best shot from Google to lure budget-minded as well as premium smartphone users. Google is expecting much more from its next-generation Nexus smartphones. It’s not clear who will be manufacturing the Nexus 6 smartphones, but our sources says that the LG G3‘s affordable version will become the Nexus 6.
Rumor mills has got their own views on the upcoming Nexus device’s camera configurations. Some says that it would be coming with 13-megapixel camera and some says that 16-megapixel camera. There are also some rumors suggests that the Google Nexus 6 to be featuring a 20-megapixel camera with 5-megapixel front camera with a “selfie assistant” feature as well as a HDR mode for primary camera. After selling its Motorola smartphone unit to Lenovo in a $2.91 billion deal, now it’s a do or die situation for Google in smartphone field. So, the company will definitely add a powerful camera that could take really impressive photos soon.
As far as the marketing capture concerned, both Apple and Google will try its best to come up with a best smartphone with impressive specifications. And the smartphone camera will be the key player to change the decisive ability of the consumers. As we, the fanboys has to rely on rumors and speculations before seeing the actual launch, it will be hard to conclude the comparison with a verdict. One thing is clear, Apple iPhone 6 will be a premium device, as usual and the Google Nexus 6 will be an affordable device with premium specs sheet.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest smartphones. Which one of these are your most preferred choice – premium or affordable?

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According to a new report from mobile analytics firm AppsFlyer, Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) update caused a 35 per cent decline in in-app mobile games purchase revenue.
In its State of Gaming App Marketing report, AppsFlyer analysed the effects of Apple’s new privacy features that require developers to ask users for permission to collect their data.
In comparison, Android figures remained consistent and increased by 10 per cent by the end of 2021. Furthermore, AppsFlyer reported that in-app ad revenue increased 55 per cent on Android devices, driven by hypercasual and hardcore mobile games. This is comapred with a two per cent fall for iOS.
Another outcome from Apple’s privacy changes is that iOS user acquisition (UA) spend suffered a fall of 13 per cent, whereas Android UA spend jumped 35 per cent, leading to an 18 per cent rise overall. AppsFlyer noted that 10 per cent of user acquisition budgets shifted from iOS and Android.
Furthermore, the total number of mobile games installed on iOS fell 6 per cent in 2021, compared with the previous year. AppsFlyer stated that this may be due to the limited data available to scale and optimise "marketing-driven" instals, which it stated contributes a "key portion" of mobile games downloads.
In line with the current findings, a new report from NPD Group indicated that the total number of mobile gamers in the US and Canada fell 4 per cent in 2021 to around 228 million.


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Move over Jersey Mike’s. Subway is coming for ya!!
Subway has announced that they are no longer going to serve pre-sliced lunch meats, and I’m shook — in a good way.
They’ve been doing it the same since — well — as long as I can remember. Probably before.
The delish sub sandwich shop is in the process of installing automatic meat slicers in all of their stores, and this is going to be a game changer.
How do you make a sub sandwich even better? Freshly slice the meat!!
This is the latest move in Subway’s effort to move forward with their “Eat Fresh” campaign, and I’m definitely for this move, 100%.
We were one of the few, if only, sub shop that didn’t slice in restaurant. Not only does it give the guest a better perception of seeing the nice, fluffy meat, but we save a lot of money since we were paying a lot of money to have it sliced upstream.John Chidsey, Subway CEO
According to Today, Subway employees are going to batch slice the meat first thing in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
So, it will still appear that they are still serving pre-sliced meat, but it’s actually been sliced the same day.
As part of Subway’s ongoing transformation journey, we are rolling out deli meat slicers to restaurants across the U.S., elevating the quality of our protein offerings even further — Our goal is to have freshly sliced meats in all U.S. restaurants by summer 2023.Subway Spokesperson
I can’t wait!! Yet another reason to look forward to this summer — FRESH sliced Subway.


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Mobile World Congress 2018 (MWC 2018) has always been much more than just a launch pad for the latest handsets and gadgets, and 2018 didn’t disappoint. Of course, new cellphone models were released — including Samsung’s long-anticipated Galaxy S9 — but the focus of MWC was on major trends that are transforming the industry, and what innovations we can expect in the next 12 months.
There were three key topics that stole the show: data security, the dawning of 5G, and mitigating the challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Here’s a quick-fire overview of the highlights from the Mobile World Congress 2018–
Tightening Data Defenses
With the globally- applicable General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) almost upon us, it’s no surprise that data security was high on the agenda. By now, most companies are nearing compliance — or should be — so conversations about GDPR revolved around how newly-adjusted data processes can be used to enhance campaigns, and the mobile experience.
For example, to meet requirements — such as providing a copy of all data held about individuals on request — many organizations have embraced consolidation: merging fragmented online, offline and cross-device insight in one place. But these central stores don’t just allow marketers to disclose data rapidly.
By collating all insight related to specific consumers, they also provide the basis for building a 360-degree view of individuals and their journey across every screen; mobile included. The result is a comprehensive understanding of each consumer that marketers can use to deliver tailored, engaging, device-appropriate, and impactful messaging.
But, alongside this emphasis on legislative benefits, there was also a focus on strengthening mobile data security. In particular, a session that brought together telecoms giants, as well as Vice-President of the European Commission, Andrus Ansip, put a spotlight on the need for robust transatlantic digital policy.
Centering on the importance of adapting regulation to fit evolving economic, political and citizen needs, it took an in-depth look at current challenges and the effect future laws might have. Was this a small step towards global data policy? Maybe.
Forging an Ethical AI Future
As with any tech event, there was palpable enthusiasm for AI and its efficiency driving potential. At a presentation led by Rob High, IBM Fellow, VP and Chief Tech Officer for smart system Watson, attendees were captivated by examples of practical AI; with tangible results used to demonstrate how effective it can be in the mobile environment.
VineSleuth Founder and CEO Amy Gross spoke confidently of the human benefits of AI, commenting, “We’ve seen an increase in the use of effective Artificial Intelligence, making lives better and creating — not taking away — jobs.”
Yet this enthusiasm was balanced by anxiety around AI ethics. In a discussion featuring experts from IEEE and the UK’s Oxford University, fears were raised about whether tech development is moving more quickly than our ability to manage it responsibly — especially regarding areas such as social profiling and privacy.
Although the advantages of AI were recognized, session leaders called for action on AI governance before possible issues become real and present dangers; advising that flexible standards are urgently required to keep AI useable and safe.
These sentiments were closely echoed in a conversation dedicated to adapting and updating the digital rulebook for a new age of AI, Robotics, and Big Data Analytics. Taking a truly global view — with participants including Argentina’s Minister of Modernization and the Minister of Posts, Telecomms and IT for Bangladesh — the panel covered how policymakers around the world are creating dynamic guidelines to protect the mobile industry and sustain its future growth.
Future proofing proved to be a consistent theme across various MWC discussions; many businesses are keen to raise the data quality bar now so that AI tools will be continually fuelled by premium value insight that guarantees a reliable output.
The Possibilities of 5G
The next revolution in Mobile Connectivity has been an imminent promise for several years, but it looks like 5G may finally be on its way — and it might arrive faster than anticipated, with T-Mobile announcing its ambitions to build a 5G platform able to serve 30 cities across the globe.
As a result, the buzz at MWC was all about the massive impact the fifth generation network would have. During a keynote on the economics of 5G, speakers suggested it would change the way users engage with content, as rising adoption of 5G-enabled mobile devices drives higher consumption and an expectation that operators will be able to manage the traffic increase. This means there will be more pressure on telecoms firms to upgrade if they want to minimize latency issues.
The possibilities for 5G to improve the user experience – superfast speeds and immersive, creative ads, powered by detailed data insights – were hot topics. Yet companies should be making the most of existing connections – from Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G and NB-LTE – instead of waiting for 5G to improve user experience, as explained by Sue Siegel, CEO, Business Innovations, GE.
For some, updating tech is only the first step — at a session investigating the effect of 5G on Chief Information Officers (CIO), speakers argued upskilling would be essential to move with the tide of digital transformation.
For CIOs to successfully implement 5G and influence strategic goals, they’ll need a higher level of tech capability. This is supported by research by Gartner, which forecasts 100% of IT roles will require an intermediate level of business acumen by 2020.
Progress often brings challenges, and at MWC 2018, the focus was squarely on recognizing future issues — and resolving them. While better security, AI-powered data analytics, and 5G will open new opportunities for mobile, we must create standards and processes to ensure they contribute to growth, not hinder it. The next few years will be a time of vast transformation: the industry needs to be ready to meet and harness each change.


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- The youngest billionaire in all the international at the moment has a German drugstore chain to thank for his fortune.
- Which is according to Forbes’ once-a-year billionaire score, which used to be introduced on April 6.
- The teenager, 18-year-outdated Kevin David Lehmann, is worth $3.3 billion and inherited his prosperity from his father.
It may be nice to be Kevin David Lehmann.
Lehmann, 18, is worthy of $3.3 billion instantly after inheriting stakes in German drugstore chain dm-drogerie markt from his father, Guenther Lehmann. This is in keeping with Forbes’ thirty fifth once-a-year billionaires file, which used to be launched on April 6.
Dm-drogerie markt, the supply of Lehmann’s wealth, is the highest drugstore chain in Germany. It used to be began in 1974. According to the company internet website, it employs in far more than 41,000 other folks throughout additional than 2,000 shops during Germany.
According for Forbes, neither Lehmann nor his father is actively concerned within the company, and small is known about them. Insider has accomplished out to Dm-drogerie markt for statement. Lehmann may just now not immediately be attained for statement for this story.
The No. 2 position between the sector’s youngest billionaires in 2021 is held via 24-year-old Wang Zelong of China, who’s worth $1.5 billion. The No. 3 and four spots are held via Norwegian sisters Alexandra and Katharina Andresen, who’re 24 and 25 a number of years elderly respectively and almost about each and every worthy of $1.4 billion. They similarly person part in their family corporate, Ferd, a multibillion-greenback funding company.
The very low profile of the present youngest billionaire in all the international — who has no discernible life on any giant social platform — stands in stark distinction to the previous titleholder. Within the 2020 version of Forbes’ billionaire place, the identify used to be held via reality Tv megastar and fashion wealthy person Kylie Jenner. While 23-One year-old Jenner has fallen off Forbes’ 2021 billionaire ranking totally, she used to be — controversially — named the sector’s youngest self-made billionaire in 2019 on the age of 21.
Forbes’ list pulls collectively information at the international’s wealthiest other folks making use of inventory charges and change charges as of March 5 and most effective considers the ones other folks individuals whose internet worths are greater than $1 billion. According to the tick list, there at the moment are 2,755 billionaires within the atmosphere, much more than there have ever been prior to.
Even following the pandemic One year of 2020, the sector’s billionaires also are richer than they have got at any time been, even supposing estimates in their collective good points range. In keeping with Forbes, the collective fortunes of the sector’s billionaires higher via $8 trillion to a whopping $13.1 trillion. Within the period in-between, a document from the Institute for Coverage Clinical assessments noticed that the sector’s billionaires additional $4 trillion — considerably significantly lower than Forbes’ estimate — to their wealth from March 18, 2020, to March 18, 2021.


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Florists, hair stylists, photographers, caterers, and the many other types of vendors it takes to make a wedding come to life will gather Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park to showcase their wares. The event is sponsored by the Louisville Wedding Network.
Anyone interested in these services is encouraged to attend the free, public event, which is slated from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2201 Lakeland Road in the Louisville park.
The trade show will feature the many types of talent, products and services required to pull off a successful wedding, according to Tiffany Emerson, sales representative for the property.
Sawyer Hayes Community Center is a wedding venue set in 580 acres of parkland that plays host to dozens of local weddings each year, Emerson said.
“We set the stage for the best day of your life and are thrilled to welcome the vendors who are our business partners in this work,” she said.


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ALDI is releasing a mouth-watering breaded camembert this week to make those winter nights in extra cheesy.
The German supermarket says the “rich and creamy Cornish camembert” is best served with a sweet and tangy red currant chutney.
The breaded camembert is being added to shelves as a seasonal fixture and will cost £2.15 for a 160g pack.
The cheese, which can be cooked in 16 minutes, comes with a sweet and tangy redcurrant dip and contains 293 calories per camembert.
We shopped around and found that other UK supermarkets are selling breaded camembert, with the closest alternative being Sainsbury’s permanent addition of own-brand cheese.
It's more expensive though at £2.50 for a 200g pack, although you will be getting slightly more per pack.
Waitrose is also stocking its own permanent addition two breaded Cornish camemberts in a 200g pack, costing £3.49 - an extra £1.34 compared to Aldi's version.
Sadly, you won’t be able to buy them online so you’ll need to visit your nearest Aldi to buy your camembert.
Aldi currently has 830 stores in the UK and you can find your nearest one by using the online store finder.
More from Money
This isn’t the only cheesy treat to come out of Aldi this month - the discounter just released a new Halloumi burger and brought back its sell-out fries.
Meanwhile, the supermarket has also dropped its festive sarnie range featuring a hog roast sandwich and a turkey and trimming wrap.


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The 124-page July issue of Toy World magazine, which contains the latest and most relevant news from across the toy industry is available to read in print and online.
Landing on desks and doormats bang on schedule – just in time for the start of its designated publication month – the July issue of Toy World is out now.
This issue contains a wealth of information pertinent to UK toy retailers, buyers and manufacturers. Our comprehensive category features this month cover Tech Toys, Construction Toys, Stationery, and Dress-Up & Role Play, and are bolstered by expert opinion and insight from leading manufacturers including Lego, Connetix, Blue Sky, Rubies UK, Bandai and many more.
Toy World caught up with Paul Reader, chair of the DreamToys selection committee, and Natasha Crookes, director general of the Toy Retailers Association, to find out more about this year’s major changes to the format of DreamToys, from the venue to the final selections. Assistant editor Marianna Casal also interviewed a selection of Toy World advertisers to get the latest on their business plans for the year: find out what Reydon Sports, Commotion Distribution and Funko Games had to say in this issue.
Passionate toy retailers and unlikely friends Dave Middleton (Midco Toymaster, Midco Toy Planet and Freak Treats) and Rick Derr (Learning Express Lake Zurich) sat down with Rachael Simpson-Jones to compare and contrast the Toymaster May show and the American ASTRA Marketplace & Academy events – and what they’ve learned about the US and UK toy markets following the completion of their latest ‘exchange programme’.
And last but by no means least, John Baulch caught up with Sanjay Luthra, Mattel’s executive vice president and managing director EMEA, to hear how Mattel EMEA will be delivering its largest-ever campaign of retail activations in the UK and EMEA to coincide with the launch of the Barbie movie in July.
If all that isn’t enough, we also bring you a raft of new product launches in Fresh, the latest company, marketing and appointment news, fascinating columns from the likes of Circana, Toy Barnhaus and Generation Media, and our popular retailer feature, Talking Shop.
To read the July issue of Toy World online, click here.


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SENATE FARM BILL:
Good morning I’m Clinton Griffiths. The Senate spent yesterday debating amendments to its version of the Farm Bill. Members say they expect a vote could happen later today.
RON KIRK RUSSIA:
US Trade Representative Ron Kirk is urging Congress to grant Russia permanent normal trade status. He says the measure should be approved without tying it to other legislation.
The AG industry has a close eye on what's turning out to be another volatile weather situation this summer. Mike Hoffman has details in this morning's crop watch.
NATIONAL BEEF FINE:
In our Beef Today report, Kansas City based National Beef has fines to pay. The packing company was fined more than 32 thousand dollars by the USDA's Gipsa Arm. The feds say the company was giving wrong information to livestock sellers, made mistakes on freight charges and used an inaccurate scale to get carcass weights. National Beef calls the incidents isolated. It says its paid back cattle suppliers and put checks in place to prevent the issue in the future.
On down the food chain, feed lots continue to struggle. High priced calves, high feed costs and falling demand are squeezing the industry. Market watchers say don't expect things to get much better in the near future.
GROUND BEEF PRICES:
Feedlots aren't the only one's paying high prices. Consumers are now shelling out $3 a pound for ground beef. That's a new nationwide record. Three reasons are behind the jump. Fewer cattle, higher exports, and less supply especially after many companies moved away from lean finely textured beef trimmings.
Raising cattle in the subtropical climate of Louisiana can present some challenges.
LSU AGcenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports on research helping improve the quality of herds in the region.
The popularity of Farmers' Markets has been on the rise in the past decade. Missouri is no different. The Missouri Department of AG says they've seen a 55% jump in these markets across the state. Agday's Tyne Morgan shows us one market that's in a unique spot to cash in on the growing appetite for buying local.
ORGANIC AUTHORITY BILL:
How do you know that the USDA certified organic sticker on fresh produce is accurate? New legislation has been proposed in the US House of Representatives to ensure organically labeled items meet organic standards.
Meanwhile a new study shows fewer people are buying fresh produce because of the fear of pesticides. The Alliance for Food and Farming, which is a nonprofit group representing both organic and conventional farmers, found 60% of consumers are highly concerned about pesticide residues on produce. To help ease concerns, the alliance has created a new pesticide calculation tool to see how many servings an adult or child can consume without any adverse effects from pesticide residues. You can view the tool by visiting Safefruitsandveggies.com.


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Why Therefore Many Asian-American Women Are Bleaching Their Hair Blond
вЂњWeвЂ™re the group that is constantly told to return where we originated in, also itвЂ™s partly we all get bundled in regardless of whether weвЂ™re fourth generation or first вЂ” to everyone, you look like a foreigner,вЂќ said Erin Khue Ninh, associate professor of Asian-American studies at UC Santa Barbara because we have a very strong immigrant population, so.
If itвЂ™s the way it is, the obvious and quickest option to donate to Western ideals of beauty is always to lighten your own hair. For Liz Rim, a stylist during the IGK Salon in the Chelsea community of Manhattan whom started processing her strands five years ago, blond hair had been her method of fitting in.
вЂњI was raised in Georgia where everybody was blond haired and blue eyed, and I also constantly had this image of myself being A asian barbie,вЂќ Ms. Rim stated. вЂњNow it is crazy because one-third of this Asians we see in nyc or Los Angeles are blond.вЂќ
While Japanese superstars have already been changing their hair color dating back to the 1960s to emulate manga and anime characters, it had been a couple of years back, in the heels of this ombrГ© trend, that salons in this nation started initially to notice a increase in Asian consumers looking to get complete platinum.
Ritsuko Hotaka, a colorist at Hair Kuwayama within the East Village, said that nearly 20 per cent of her consumers are asking to get blond. Kelly Su, the creator of Sonder Hair https://onlinedatingsingles.net/badoo-review/ Studio in NoLIta, stated that of all of the her Asian clients, about 50 per cent are getting lighter. (Both salons have mostly Asian client base.)
вЂњIt has a great deal related to how many Asian-American bloggers who have become increasingly visible,вЂќ said Greta Lee, an actress whom went platinum for the half that is second of 12 months. вЂњThereвЂ™s an army of Asians who’re increasing into the fashion globe.вЂќ
As soon as an alleged look that is editorial by a choose few, such as the popular Korean-American model Soo Joo Park, who discovered popularity along with her trademark ultralight hair, the visual has paved the way in which for a-listers, street-style stars and much more to adhere to suit. Which includes the blogger and model Irene Kim, the designer Yoon Anh and also the social-media influencers Vanessa Hong, Tina Leung and Margaret Zhang.
Only some of them went blond utilizing the sole desire of mirroring beauty that is western.
Ms. Hong had been going right on through a significant minute in her own life and desired a change that is drastic. Ms. Leung, after seven years having a Skrillex side shave, felt just as if she had been lacking an edge.
вЂњI experienced been seeing all of these amazing girls that are asian blond locks, and IвЂ™m a sucker for advertisement,вЂќ she stated, laughing. вЂњIf I see something repeatedly, I form of need it.вЂќ
This demand could be attributed in component to the 2014 invention of Olaplex, a dynamic ingredient added to bleach to fix breakage from chemical damage, making the entire process of raising 10 amounts of pigment an even more feat that is achievable. And 18 months ago, as soon as the West Village hair hair salon Whittemore home introduced its Hair Paint formula that safeguards, strengthens and treats locks through the lightening procedure, its quantity of Asian customers doubled.
Despite these improvements, it is still difficult to get platinum. Normally it takes up to 12 hours, with up to six applications of bleach and a bill that may begin at $400. That doesnвЂ™t look at the maintenance required, which includes a regime of deep fitness remedies, toners and purple shampoos, and a diligence about month-to-month touch-ups that will run upward of $200 a trip.
вЂњYouвЂ™re stripping your hair down seriously to the follicle, to the level for which you have this Brillo that is wiry pad on the head,вЂќ Ms. Lee said. вЂњThat sort of rebellion, that is not a thing to just just take gently.вЂќ
An extension of the вЂњmodel minorityвЂќ stereotype вЂ” conservative, quiet and hard-working for those who do, it may serve, symbolically, as an act of rebellion against the Asian good-girl trope. And since вЂњAsian locksвЂќ has a brief history to be exoticized, usually associated with descriptors like вЂњlong, silky smooth and jet black colored,вЂќ flipping it completely on its mind becomes a way of using back ownership and of reclaiming identification.
вЂњStriving to provide only 1 sort of hairstyle not merely accommodates slim and fetishized expectations, in addition freezes the capacity to experiment artistically with look,вЂќ said Laura Miller, a teacher of Japanese studies in the University of Missouri-St. Louis. вЂњBleached hair is oftentimes associated with other types of human body modification, such as for example piercing and tattooing, and so reflects a rejection of conventional and conventional femininity norms. Exactly What better means to signal convinced that is significantly diffent from oneвЂ™s parent generation than with a radically various look?вЂќ
Dr. Miller, for just one, hopes this might be a trend by which young Asian-Americans are pulling design and social cues from parts of asia.
It’s possible to make the argument that locks race and color are, or ought to be, mutually exclusive. вЂњCaucasians have the ability to leap around, plus itвЂ™s perhaps perhaps not a problem us,вЂќ Ms. Lee said for them to be blond, a redhead or brunet, whereas those same rules donвЂ™t apply to. вЂњIt could be so empowering to help you to simply take to such a thing how a rest of the world is apparently able to without the issues.вЂќ
Even when the intention would be to easily fit in, having hair that is pale an Asian has unpredictable results. Ms. Leung stated she’s got noticed more stares that are head-swiveling. Ms. Rim discovered that it is an socket for imagination. And Jessica Wu, a stylist, producer and model, credits her six-month-old icy blond hair as the main reason she actually is landing more modeling jobs, like the present Glossier Lidstar campaign.
вЂњHaving blond hair has forced us to reassess the way I desired to provide myself towards the world,вЂќ Ms. Wu stated. вЂњItвЂ™s provided me more confidence, it impacts the way in which I dress while the means we perform as a model, plus itвЂ™s permitted me to be much more experimental in regards to my style that is personal.
This freedom of phrase seems right based on the values of millennials and Gen Z-ers whom prioritize experiences and authenticity above anything else. вЂњi recently wished to shake my look up, but i believe with any modification, it is some slack in tradition, and I also think weвЂ™re more brazen now using what we do,вЂќ Ms. Leung stated.
Although itвЂ™s very easy to write this down being a beauty trend, this growing community points to stirrings of modification on a much bigger scale, just like the shaping of a fresh Asian-American identification.
вЂњMaybe it is one section of unlocking the requirements weвЂ™ve been imprisoned by,вЂќ Ms. Lee stated. вЂњIt might seem such as a ridiculous, frivolous act, an work of vanity, but Asians and Asian-Americans have actually a brief history to be marginalized and ignored, therefore no matter what governmental declaration is, perhaps insurance firms blond locks, it is an easy to use declaration: вЂ right Here i’m. Focus on me. See me personally.вЂ™вЂќ


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Crowdcube-funded Pizza Rossa will close its Leadenhall site at the end of the month as the company ceases trading.
Writing to investors on Monday, founder Corrado Accardi said that the board decided last week to close down the company after 30 March.
The company revealed that street works near the store in Whittington Avenue, behind Leadenhall Market, resulted in a 40 per cent drop in sales last summer, and the effects were felt until November.
It also blamed the opening of new food operators in the Leadenhall area, as well as the proliferation of food markets in the City.
The company had raised £600,000 across two equity crowd raises on Crowdcube.
Rob Murray Brown of equity crowdfunding advisers ECF Solutions commented: "We told anyone willing to listen that Pizza Rossa was going bust as soon as they funded for the first time on Crowdcube. Their model was a classic example of a business plan designed by MBAs on a laptop with minimal experience in or reference to, the real world. As it turned out, we were right again. Even in collapse the CEO is still in denial about the real reasons – the concept was fatally flawed and the execution was very poor."
The company will now try to sell the brand to someone else, or to pay off all creditors and strike off the company, giving any left over money to shareholders.
If that fails it could go into liquidation.
The company said the final straw came when it was told to vacate its Leadenhall Court site by the end of March. The building is set to be knocked down to make way for the newest City skyscraper, with the beginning of the demolition process scheduled for early April.
"We decided that leaving the City would be essential for the survival of the company," Accardi wrote. But attempts to open another branch in Lower Marsh failed.
"Whilst we know that this news is frustrating, disappointing and unexpected, we gave Pizza Rossa our best," he said.
"I personally worked full time and was 100 per cent dedicated to Pizza Rossa since December 2013. I did not receive any salary or other compensation for the first approx 18 months, I was remunerated with less than £1,000/month for the following two years and I further supported the company’s cashflow by freezing payment of the last six months of my salary."
It follows the closure of nearby Bel Air, which folded after failing to secure funding and calling off a Seedrs round.


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Take a tour of Top 5 Travel Attractions of Seattle, Washington – part of the World’s Greatest Attractions series by GeoBeats.
Hey, this is your travel host, Naomi. I would like to guide you through the top 5 attractions of Seattle.
Number 5: Pioneer Square. Relive Seattle’s history in the city’s oldest neighborhood. It’s packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries.
Number 4: The Seattle Aquarium. Located on Pier 59, the Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colorful marine species.
Number 3: Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most popular attractions. The farmer’s market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavor.
Number 2: Mount Rainier. Towering over Seattle, it is 50 miles from the city. There’s a national park with camping and hiking activities.
Number 1: The Space Needle, an iconic feature of Seattle’s skyline. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle’s most famous landmark.
Keep watching our travel series. Ciao.
More info on Seattle, Washington – Top 5 Travel Attractions Travel Guide
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OK. The revolution is here and good times are back —at least in makeup. So now what?
The U.S. prestige beauty business came roaring out of 2015 with a strong overall sales gain of 7 percent, and the digital revolution has firmly taken hold, transforming the entire dynamic of an industry once ruled by Boomers and now obsessed with Millennials.
As more major companies turn to the younger generation, capped by Estée Lauder’s planned launch of the Estée Edit, tremors can be felt across the market. It is logical to ask what challenges managers see on this year’s horizon.
There is plenty of optimism for the new digital order. Jane Hertzmark Hudis, group president at the Estée Lauder Cos., sees “not a challenge, but incredible opportunity.”
“It’s about the velocity of growth because the beauty business is thriving,” she says. “It’s about the velocity of change and disruption because the business is changing at the speed of light and it’s also about the velocity of opportunity.
“Makeup is on fire globally,” she continues. “There is velocity in change in terms of the consumer looking for not just products but experiences,” she says, adding that the media scene has also been disrupted. “We [once] lived in a land of TV and print and now we live in a land of influencers. Some of the fastest-growing brands in prestige beauty have no advertising whatsoever.”
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Thanks to the power of social media, the playing field has been leveled, she maintains, noting that “Indie players have low barriers to entry and can be as compelling as the bigger players, all based on imagination and creativity.
“What 2016 is about is who leads the change,” Hertzmark Hudis says. “It’s about the velocity at which everybody changes their strategies, evolves them and creates a new path.”
While innovation and transformation are imperatives of the moment, there also seems to be an undercurrent of caution, particularly when it comes to guarding hard-won brand equity.
Carol Hamilton, group president of L’Oréal Luxe USA, asserts that the mushrooming growth of online shopping has reached “a critical point” and the brick-and-mortar business, the bedrock of beauty marketing, needs to be reinforced so that both sides of the brand experience—online and in-store—remain viable and balanced. “I’m not gloom and doom,” she says. “It’s a wake-up call to just make sure that we ratchet up and elevate one more time the overall experience for the consumer—making sure that our service is really great—beauty advisers, or any kind of service you can provide—is better than going online. We are not competing against each other, but we need to complement each other more.”
JuE Wong, president of the Elizabeth Arden brand, advocates making shopping less confusing and helping consumers make choices more easily—guide her through “the paradox of choices”—principally with the help of technology, like virtual makeup apps.
“When you have too many decisions to make you end up being very flustered,” Wong says.
Hamilton also reiterates her earlier concern over the erosion of skin-care growth. “Makeup grew 13 points last year,” she points out. “Skin care grew only 2.4 percent.” She, among others, agrees with an observation made by Karen Grant, global industry analyst at the NPD Group, that part of the explosive growth in makeup is attributable to women using cosmetics to achieve skin-care effects such as countouring, making themselves look younger. While Hamilton argues that these are shortcuts and an added benefit, at best, that cannot replace an actual skin-care product, she nevertheless is concerned: “Rebuilding the consumer trust in that area is something that keeps me up at night.”
Marc Rey, the recently named chief executive officer of Shiseido Americas, says he senses three factors continuing to worsen. With the explosion of media, consumers experience a plethora of touch points with a brand and its message, making it “even more challenging than before to be relevant and above all to be consistent.”
Another factor is the obsession with value, as seen in the proliferation of off-price outlet stores, gift-with-purchase deals piling up and the ubiquity of promotional offerings. “I know it is prestige beauty, but it is starting to give the feeling of a market that is trading down,” Rey says. The third factor is a concern shared by Jill Scalamandre, senior vice president of Philosophy and Coty Prestige Skin Care, who asks how to feed retailers’ appetite for innovation with successive product launches from one year to the next, while also achieving incremental growth and minimizing cannibalization during the anniversary process. “The race for new launches does not allow you to establish solid pillars,” Rey says, underscoring the danger of simply substituting one product with another.
“You have to have programs that build the core, so you do not launch and leave,” adds Scalamandre. Instead of resorting to the unprofitable practice of resorting to promotion, companies “have to find new ways of engaging the consumer with media.”
One challenge that has caught the eye of retail guru Paco Underhill is the competitive threat from Korean brands, which have excelled with a deeper understanding of beauty, well below the “peaches and cream” issues of complexion.
“It’s a recognition of where’s the new money in the world,” he says. “It is looking at skin lighteners. . . at women whose diets are different than ours. [It is] that synergy between looking good and feeling good.


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Malta’s enlightened approach to cannabis has set it on course for a cannabis boom which could increase the total value of its exports by 30%.
Australian firm MGC Pharmaceuticals is the latest company to sign a deal with the government in Malta which will see it create an 11 million Euro medical cannabis manufacturing plant. The company says it also plans to use its Maltese base for research and development and it will act as a gateway to European and international markets.
20 Projects Approved
Malta decriminalized cannabis in 2013, and legalized medical cannabis in March, 2018 and has since made significant strides in becoming a leading player in the emerging European market. In an interview with Health Europa Marion Zammit of Malta Enterprise confirmed that 20 projects had been approved by Malta Enterprise up to the end of May this year.
She went on to say these included Canadian, Australian and U.S. companies. In June, last year Aphria’s Malta subsidiary, ASG Pharma, received an import license from The Malta Medicines Authority. Malta Enterprise has granted Canadian firm Aurora approval for a seed-to-pharma operation in partnership with local firm Cherubino.
Massive Boost To Exports
Whilst Toronto firms MPXI and Supreme and U.S. firm Columbia Care, are also amongst the 20 approved projects. Ms Zammit went on to say that once all approved projects are in operational it ‘will supplement exports by an additional 30%’, adding: “We are creating a new sub-niche in the manufacturing sector and this in turn will make our economy more robust.”
Malta, a small Mediterranean island with a population of less than half a million, has a strong advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical base which fits well with the cannabis industry. It promotes itself as being in an ‘ideal geographic location capable of bridging continents’, with English being the language of choice for business.
A European Cannabis Beacon
MGC Pharmaceuticals founder and director Nativ Segev said its move allows it to be a ‘part of Malta’s drive to become a beacon in Europe for the growth and development of this industry’. Economy Minister Chris Cardona said the investment was only possible thanks to the recently enacted legislation which allows for cannabis to be produced for medical and research purposes.
“Having been the first country in the E.U. to provide a regulatory framework, we have been able to attract the best investment to our country, with the sector already contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Learn more about CBD advertising.


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No matter what the season, tea can be a tasty beverage since it can be served iced or hot.
But its benefits go far beyond refreshment. There is plenty of research showing that drinking tea can actually improve your health.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of tea:
Antioxidants work to prevent the body's version of rust and thus help to keep us young and protect us from damage from pollution.
Herbal blends have no caffeine, while traditional teas have less than 50 percent of what typically is found in coffee. That means you can consume it without those pesky effects on your nervous system, says Leslie Bonci, nutritionist and owner of Active Eating Advice.
"There's a lot of literature out there on tea and heart health," says Anna Ardine, clinical nutrition manager at Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "This is a health effect for which there is the strongest evidence."
In fact, a study published earlier this year that combined data from a host of earlier reports found a nearly 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 35 percent reduced risk of stroke among those who drank one to three cups of green tea a day. Those who drank four or more cups of green tea daily had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of having a heart attack and lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
Research on this isn't as strong, Ardine says, adding that studies that have shown an effect have depended on consumption of large amounts of tea, often in pill form.
Data from recent animal studies has shown that green tea may prevent bone loss.
"Japanese researchers have found that tea can decrease tooth loss," Ardine says. "It changes the pH in your mouth when you drink it and that may be what prevents cavities." Beyond that, tea, unlike many other beverages does not appear to erode tooth enamel, Bonci says.
Studies have shown tea can tune up immune cells so they reach their targets quicker.
Studies on this are currently mixed, which means more research is needed, Bonci says. But, in the meantime, "if you've got a strong family history of cancer and you want to do anything you can, you might increase your tea consumption," she adds.
"Herbal teas, in particular chamomile, can be good for people with irritable bowel syndrome because it is an antispasmodic," Bonci says. "And ginger teas can calm nausea."
"It's a great no-calorie alternative to water," Bonci says. "It provides so many options for flavor and versatility. You can have it hot or cold. And you don't have to put anything in it, though you might want to add a cinnamon stick or some ginger. That means you're able to hydrate with something other than water alone."
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If you are wondering whether India is becoming a leading country for the SaaS economy, then the past week’s stories put it to the rest. Whether it’s funding or staying in the news, the last 7 days witnessed some notable Indian companies. On the other hand, the stock prices continue to tumble for major companies in the space. All that and more in the latest edition of the SaaS weekly roundup.
News of the week
Unity and IronSource’s $4.4B merger is now complete
While it’s difficult to fathom what’s common between a game engine (Unity) and an ad-tech company (IronSource), their proposed merger is now complete. Together, the combined entity will provide a turnkey platform for building and monetizing games.
Atlassian plummets more than 20 percent on weak earnings report and disappointing forecast
The parent company of Jira and Trello saw its shares fall 22 percent after it announced lower-than-expected quarterly earnings. In the quarter ending September 30th, its revenues were $807.4million. For the second fiscal, it’s expecting revenue between $835million to $855million – lower than analysts’ expectations of $879.2million.
Twilio shares plunge 34 percent on light guidance
Cloud communications software company Twilio witnessed an even sharper decline after announcing its quarterly results. It achieved revenue of $983million, which was slightly higher than the expected $972.2million, and yet, its stock price fell by 34 percent.
Related read: Atlassian and Twilio show the downside of SaaS stocks
Freshworks’ latest legal tangle raises red flags over growth claims
While Freshworks is among the biggest SaaS success stories out of India, it continues to be involved in legal issues. The latest is that it’s misled investors about its NDR (Net Dollar Retention Rate) in its IPO prospectus. Worth noting that its IPO was a blockbuster, but now the share price has dropped significantly.
SaaS companies that got the funding this week
Contract lifecycle management vendor Icertis secures $150M in debt to stave off rivals
Icertis has closed a mega funding round of $150million. It last raised $115million in 2019, and now it has gotten $75million and a $75million revolving credit facility. While it’s being categorized as contract lifecycle management (CLM) software, its CEO Sameer Bodas highlights that it has several additional functionalities.
Amagi raises over $100 Mn in new round led by General Atlantic
Amagi turned unicorn earlier this year, and it has now raised $82million from PE firm General Atlantic. In addition to that, General Atlantic has purchased additional shares from existing investors worth $27million. With this fund infusion, the PE firm will have an 8 percent stake in the company.
Former Yext CEO launches Roam to provide a virtual HQ for distributed teams
With remote work taking over the world, there are several startups trying to make it more effective. Roam, billing itself as a “cloud HQ” has just come out of stealth with $30million Series A funding. Led by IVP, the startup is valued at $95million. It’ll be utilizing the funding towards GTM efforts in the US and other markets.
Profiling the Indian SaaS landscape – a US $1trillion opportunity for businesses
32 SaaS KPIs every company should track
How embedded finance can increase the profitability of SaaS startups
How to fundraise in late 2022 with SaaStr CEO and Founder, Jason Lemkin
In this podcast, Founders Fund Partner and former Brex CRO Sam Blond talks about how the pandemic has democratized startups. He also shares his learnings from Brex and what startups should be focusing on in the current VC winter.
Attest: growing a SaaS from zero to first million ARR in 7.5 months – with Jeremy King
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Two things you MUST do in your SAAS demo
SaaS demos are a great way to convince prospective clients to buy your product. In this video, the host shares the exact process of how to structure your demo along with an example and some tips to improve it.


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In what could be an ominous trend for Greek hotels, despite growing interest by investors in building luxury accommodations and resorts, tourists want to use short-term rentals of apartments and homes such as Airbnb and Homeaway for their stays.
The number of beds in apartments available for short-term leasing is now higher that that at the capital’s hotels, statistics show, said Kathimerini, driving up rent prices even in low-income areas and the anarchist hotbed of Exarchia, a filthy, graffiti-covered area of concrete buildings but close to downtown and attractions.
A survey on Attica hotel traffic in the January-August period conducted by GBR Consulting for the Association of Athens-Attica and Argosaronic Hoteliers in the first eight months saw an increase of 2.2 percent in hotel occupancy rates and an 8.5 percent rise in the average room price, the paper said, with interest rising fast in short-term rentals that offer whole apartments and homes instead of hotel rooms.
The data were presented Sept. 29 at the association’s annual general meeting by the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Alexandros Vassilikos, whose industry has been hit by additional overnight stay taxes.
With several consecutive record years of tourism, the pace of visitors preferring not to stay in hotels is also picking up. Despite the big numbers of visitors, hotels showed only a marginal increase.
“It is clear that either homesharing or illegal hotels absorb a major number of visitors,” said Vassilikos, with hoteliers pressing the Radical Left SYRIZA-led coalition to stop the competition as it did for the taxi industry, putting conditions on Uber and other ride-sharing services making it impossible for them to operate. “Data on those rooms have not been formally recorded,” he added, saying the short-term stay market had an unfair advantage.


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EC approves Slovenian-Czech rail freight JV
Photo by photos by keith / Shutterstock.com
The European Commission said on Wednesday it has approved the acquisition of joint control over a newly created joint venture by Slovenian state-owned railway company Slovenske Železnice (SŽ) and Czech company EP Logistics International (EPLI), according to a report by Slovenia Times.
The Slovenian rail operator and EPLI, which offers rail freight transport services in several EU countries, plan to create a new joint venture (JV) which will be composed of SŽ, Tovorni promet (TP) and Fersped, which both currently belong to SŽ.
EPLI is owned by Energetický a průmyslový Holding (EP Holding), a Czech vertically integrated energy utility company offering rail freight transport services in Czechia, Germany, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, and freight forwarding services in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.
Public broadcaster RTV Slovenija reported in December that Slovenske Železnice and Prague-based EP Holding signed a deal to set up a 51/49 joint venture company, aiming t o become a leading player on the freight and logistics market in Southeast Europe. Under the deal, EP Holding will invest EUR 60 million in the new company, while SŽ will transfer to it the assets.
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Two-hundred and forty three companies received an award this year, recognising results in innovation, international trade and sustainable development. Inciner8 Limited was one of six small and medium sized companies which achieved double recognition – for innovation and international trade.
Businesses Secretary Sajid Javid commented: “The Queen’s Awards are a great way of celebrating the best of British business. Whether you’re a disruptive start-up making life easier for your customers or a large company with a blockbuster product, these awards recognise your contribution to enterprise.
“We are a country full of exciting and innovative businesses that deserve to be celebrated. I’d like to commend all the winners for their hard work in creating jobs for people and driving our growing economy.”
Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF) exporter Andusia Recovered Fuels Limited has achieved the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade – the first such award given to a business in the RDF export sector.
Established in 2012, the Hertfordshire-based firm, in its first year of trading exported around 13,000 tonnes of RDF. By 2014, it had become the third largest exporter of RDF in the UK.
Primarily exporting to Scandinavia and Germany, the company offers a collection and delivery service for RDF, from UK producers to energy from waste (EFW) combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Europe.
Andusia’s director Stewart Brackenbury commented: “We’re proud to gain such a prestigious award as recognition for expanding and developing this sector – but also honoured that this accolade is unique for our industry.
“We’ve worked extremely hard on building international relationships, being environmentally aware and sustainable – so I guess this is our reward for those first four years.”
Southport-based Inciner8 has been honoured with two awards, in International Trade and in Innovation.
Established in 2003, the UK incinerator manufacturer has received the International Trade award for its high growth and level of UK exports – currently exporting to 172 countries worldwide, the company claims.
The Innovation award was given as recognition of the company’s latest product – a container based incinerator, which converts the energy used in waste disposal into hot water and heat.
Working alongside the US military, British Foreign Office and the UN, it has been widely used in conflict zones and areas of natural disasters which house large refugee camps.
The incinerators use a two stage process – firstly burning waste and then capturing the energy with a heat exchanger, which can then be used to heat water.
Chairman of Inciner8, Vince Ferguson said: “This is the second time we’ve picked up a Queen’s Enterprise Award and to win two this year is such a rare honour. We are all delighted here to receive recognition both of our business success and the innovative products we are developing to deal with crises in countries around the world.”
Compostable food packaging company Vegware has received an Innovation Award for their eco-packaging describing it as a ‘huge honour’.
Founded in 2006, the Edinburgh-based firm, supply compostable products, including hot cup lids and soup containers worldwide and clients of the firm include food distributors, government offices and hospitals.
“When we started, the only option for used takeaway packaging was to go to landfill or incineration – But we changed that by creating the widest range of genuinely compostable plastic-free catering disposables.”
Managing director Joe Frankel
Managing director Joe Frankel said: “Winning the Queen’s Award again is a huge honour. The journey has been fantastic – when we started, the only option for used takeaway packaging was to go to landfill or incineration, as most still does. But we changed that by creating the widest range of genuinely compostable plastic-free catering disposables, and working closely with the waste sector across the UK.“
The company has also created the Food Waste Network – a free consultancy service a mapping service using all the UK food waste recycling services and matchmaking UK business with its suitable composting and AD options.
Elsewhere, Premier Workplace Services has achieved a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development for their sustainable office furniture services.
Particular recognition went to the company’s Renew Centre – which, according to the company, is the UK’s only independent commercial facility solely dedicated to remanufacturing, refurbishing and repairing desks, chairs and office furniture.
In 2011, the company set up Premier Sustain, offering sustainable workplace solutions for furniture in the waste hierarchy that may otherwise end up in landfill.
Jerry Marks, managing director at Premier said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. We are committed to delivering our services fairly and responsibly and attaining the best financial, social and environmental outcomes.
“It’s great to be recognised for our achievements and leadership in sustainable development.”
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, established in 1965, are given by the Queen on her birthday. As well as the year of the Queen’s 90th birthday, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary for the winners of the Queen’s Awards scheme. Winners are visited by a Royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl – also invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in July 2016.


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What began with a single restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, Chick-fil-A now operates over 1,700 locations in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company’s culture has long been influenced by the founder and his family’s strong Southern Baptist beliefs. To this day, the company still shutters its businesses on Sundays, but it was Dan Cathy’s (Truett’s son and CEO) remarks in 2012 in opposition to gay marriage that brought the company’s culture to the forefront of the political discussion.
Chick-fil-A Founder’s Anti-gay marriage remarks
Among other things, Cathy said, “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit,” adding “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
The remarks at the time sparked both protests of outrage and support nationwide with politicians like Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and Fox News host, calling for a “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” after he grew tired of “vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry” aimed at Chick-fil-A.
Politics aside, though for many its not that simple, the company clearly has well loved chicken sandwiches and despite of being closed on Sundays, surpassed KFC in sales as a result of the rapid growth the company has demonstrated in recent years. In 2000, the company first reached a billion in sales while 2009 saw Chick-fil-A post sales of $3 billion. Sales have grown by $1 billion every two years since to 2013.
Cows say “eat chicken”
The company has enjoyed tremendous success with a marketing campaign it launched in 1995 that shows cows conspiring to promote chicken consumption that continues to this day. In addition to encouraging employees to courteously use the expression “My pleasure!” in dealing with customers, the chain also came to prominence by embracing the self-contained shopping mall when they started going up all over the United States.
Cathy’s death was announced by Chick-fil-A, which said in a statement, “He died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.”
Chick-fil-A’s sales numbers suggest that the company will continue to thrive without its founder.


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[digg=http://digg.com/soccer/Germany_adidas_World_Cup_2010_Home_Kit_Jersey_Trikot]The Deutschland Fussball Bund (DFB) has officially launched the Germany adidas World Cup 2010 home kit (or jersey or trikot if you prefer).
According to the DFB’s website:
The jersey in traditional white, for the first time including three stripes in black, gold and red on the sleeve , was introduced during an event in Herzogenaurach, the home of DFB equipment supplier adidas. DFB coach Joachim Löw, Captain Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Franz Beckenbauer unveiled the jersey to the public.
“The new jersey gives us an extra spark for the upcoming preparation for the 2010 World Cup”, said Ballack.
The new Germany adidas World Cup 2010 home kit will see action on the field for the first time on November 14th and 18th when Die Mannschaft host Chile and Ivory Coast in friendly matches.
Notable features of the Germany adidas World Cup 2010 home short include:
- Germany’s new home kit pays tribute to their World Cup successes of 1954, 1974 and 1990.
- The 11 lines represent 11 players and one team which highlight the important of Teamgeist (team spirit).
- The away kit features a simple black design with special trim details that commemorate the first German team from 1898.


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Four seniors from the University of Minnesota Crookston took home top honors at the Mid-American Collegiate Horticultural Society (MACHS) competition held Oct. 3-5 at the University of Wisconsin River Falls.
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Oct 28, 2018
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Recently, IDC presented its top 10 technology predictions for 2015. The predictions encompass IT categories such as wireless, mobile, cloud computing, data-as-a-service, and more. In a Forbes article called “IDC: Top 10 Technology Predictions For 2015,” author Gil Press gives us his take on IDC’s predictions. Below I’ve listed the 10 technology predictions and supported it with a piece of data from Gil Press’ article that I thought was most compelling.
+ Check Out a Free 2015 Business Intelligence Tools Buyers Guide
Here’s my edited version of IDC’s 2015 predictions:
1) New technologies will account for 100% of growth
Worldwide IT and telecommunications spending will grow 3.8% in 2015 to more than $3.8 trillion.
2) Wireless data, the largest segment of the telecommunications sector, will also be the fastest growing
Wireless data will be the largest ($536 billion) and fastest growing (13%) segment of telecom spending.
3) Phablets will be the mobile growth engine
Phablet sales will grow 60%, cannibalizing the tablet market.
4) New partnerships to redraw cloud computing’s landscape
Spending on the greater cloud ecosystem (public, private, enabling IT and services) will reach $118 billion (almost $200 billion in 2018), $70 billion ($126 billion in 2018) of which will be spent on public clouds.
5) Data-as-a-Service will drive new big data supply chains
Worldwide spending on big data-related software, hardware, and services will reach $125 billion.
6) The IoT will continue to rapidly expand the traditional IT industry
Internet of Things (IoT) spending will exceed $1.7 trillion, up 14% from 2014 (and will reach $3 trillion by 2020).
7) Cloud service providers will become the new data center, redrawing the IT landscape
By 2016, over 50% of compute and 70% of storage capacity will be installed in hyperscale data centers.
8) Rapid expansion of industry-specific digital platforms
The new technologies combine to create a business innovation platform, not just a technology platform, helping transform “every industry on the planet.” One-third of market share leaders in every industry will be disrupted by vendors selling new IT products and services.
9) Adoption of new security and printing innovations
Securing the edge: 15% of mobile devices will be accessed biometrically (over 50% by 2020). Securing the core: 20% of regulated data will be encrypted by year-end 2015 (80% by 2018).
10) More China, everywhere
China will have a “skyrocketing influence” on the IT and telecomm market in 2015 with spending that will account for 43% of all industry growth, one third of all smartphone purchases, and about one third of all online shoppers.
Click here to read the full Forbes article and get more information on each technology prediction for 2015.
Check out these additional resources:
- What’s Changed: 2015 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Business Intelligence and Analytics Platforms - October 13, 2015
- Hitachi Data Systems Announces Intent to Acquire Pentaho - February 11, 2015
- Public Service Announcement: Best Practice Guide for Big Data in the Public Sector - January 28, 2015


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General Motors Co. is considering a $1.3 billion expansion of its Arlington, Texas, assembly plant to boost production of its large sport-utility vehicles, an indication the company sees the revival in demand for the profitable vehicles as potentially long lasting.
The auto maker would add another 1.2 million square feet to the plant, resulting in the creation of 589 new jobs, according to the plan outlined in Arlington documents. GM
The 61-year-old plant is home to the GMC Yukon. Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, along with the Cadillac Escalade. SUVs are the hottest vehicles in the U.S. market as gasoline remains below $2.50 a gallon.
GM has had some trouble meeting demand for its larger SUVS, especially for the Cadillac Escalade.
An expanded version of this report appears at WSJ.com.


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Maghull Support Our Shops campaign got the backing of Labour's Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government this week.
Helen Jones MP gave her support to the Maghull campaign while on a visit to the town.
Helen joined Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson, Sefton Council's Labour leader Cllr Peter Dowd, Maghull Labour Action Team's Cllr Steve Kermode, Lynne Gatherer and Cllr Gwen Kermode to discuss the campaign with shopkeeper Steve Maxwell.
The Support Our Shops campaign was launched by Maghull shopkeepers in partnership with Maghull Labour Action Team members Lynn Gatherer, Maghulll Town Councillor Steve Kermode and Cllr Patrick McKinley.
Steve Maxwell told the meeting: "We launched the campaign to look into ways of how we can improve the shopping centre in Maghull.
"We want to create an experience for the shoppers. To give them a reason to come in to the square and along Westway.
"We obviously can't compete for variety with the likes of Liverpool, there's just not enough shopping units in Maghull for that, but we want to give people something unique, a reason to visit and a reason to stay a while and enjoy what we have to offer.
"That's the point of the campaign and what we are all driving towards."
Helen Jones said she was very impressed by the Support Our Shops campaign.
Helen said: "Town centres have to set up something new and give people a reason to come in and enjoy an experience. You have to create an experience for shoppers that people want to come back to again and again.
"I have been very interested to hear what Steve and members of the Maghull Labour Action Team have had to say about the campaign and about how they are working towards improving the shopping experience for the people of Maghull and the visitors to the town.
"People complain when their local shops close, but the simple fact of the matter is, we've got to use them or we will lose them.
"What I've heard today will be fed into the policy discussion we have in the Labour Party.
"It's about building communities. Communities must come first. And that is exactly what the Maghull Support Our Shops campaign does."
Maghull Labour Action Team's Lynn Gatherer was delighted Helen Jones had backed the campaign.
Lynn said: "The Shadow Minister made the visit to Maghull specifically to hear what we were doing as part of the Support Our Shops campaign.
"She was impressed by what she heard and what we are doing as part of the campaign will go back to the Shadow Cabinet team.
"This is about building Maghull up, promoting Maghull and getting the best for the town and the people who live, work and visit us."
Maghull Town Council Labour Councillor Steve Kermode said he was encouraged by the Shadow Minister's support.
Cllr Kermode said: "The Support Our Shops campaign is about regenerating our community. I was very pleased to hear Helen Jones as Shadow Communities Minister share that view."


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Insider sources are claiming that the personal hotspot feature introduced with the Verizon-compatible iPhone 4 on Tuesday will make its way to the rest of the iPhone world with the release of iOS 4.3. The feature will let iPhone users share their 3G wireless data connection with up to five devices via Wi-Fi.
Word of the hotspot feature in iOS 4.3 came courtesy of unnamed sources in the telecommunications industry, according to iPhoneClub (translation). Boy Genius Report followed up with its own confirmation of the feature.
Personal hotspot tethering coming to the iPhone
Adding personal hotspot support to the iPhone doesn’t necessarily, however, equate to being able to take advantage of the feature. It will still be up to cell service providers to decide it they want to support personal hotspots, and whether or not they will charge extra for the privilege.
U.S. iPhone customers are already familiar with waiting for feature support. After Apple added tethering support for single device 3G sharing, AT&T left its iPhone customers waiting for months before finally enabling the feature.
AT&T is at least acknowledging the personal hotspot feature is on the way, and is evaluating its options, according to Business Insider. So far, the company has only stated that is has “no plans to announce today.”


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Looking at its initial stage and various forward looking engagements, it will be crucial to see how member nations adapt to the key objectives of this partnership
By Aishwarya Nautiyal
Indo Pacific strategy has not only shown a new synergy among QUAD partners but has given a footprint towards the new Indo Pacific Economic Framework recently launched by US President Joe Biden allowing 12 nations as the participating member also opening doors for any new nations willing to join in future. Among major economic powers like the US, Australia, India, South Korea and Japan, interestingly ASEAN member countries like Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have been in the forefront of this newly documented framework. It is crucial to understand that the collective economy of member nations represents nearly 40% of the world’s GDP. This opens the door for an opportunity for countries in the Pacific and Indian Ocean region who are also involved in various economic and security partnerships towards a collective effort to “grow faster and fairer”. Although it is interesting to see that it isn’t an official trade pact, trade has become a “pillar” in this whole framework along with other key elements.
Though at the initial stage many later negotiations and amendments can be discussed among member nations, the key scenarios have been focused upon certain themes such as Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Green energy, decarbonization, tax and anti corruption and flow of free and fair trade. Thus this can be seen as a counterbalance to RCEP which is a free trade agreement as it outweighs both population and GDP. ASEAN countries that have not been included are Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Whereas China has raised its criticism for further economic decoupling perhaps it has also been excluded in this partnership. Interestingly countries such as the United States and India who have not participated in RCEP have been in the forefront in this new framework. India’s vision towards “Look East Policy” has brought ASEAN members to its core of foreign policy thus this new initiative brings the cooperation between India and ASEAN with a vision for strengthening a multilateral framework with other major economies to Pacific Ocean region.
Looking at future geoeconomics and geopolitics, the key pillar lies towards a resilient and fair economy which was also a highlight of President Biden’s statement during the East Asia Summit. This can also be seen as a possible replacement of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Interestingly launch of IPEF just a day before QUAD summit in Tokyo, Japan has brought two platforms where economic base along with QUAD partners has initiated a new American led engagement to redesign partnership in various level among regional and global partners extending from East China Sea to South China Sea and further to Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Bay of Bengal is a very crucial juncture between India and ASEAN nations. The crucial Strait of Malacca is a key for various goods and energy trade. Apart from India-ASEAN partnership IPEF gives a chance to expand beyond regional to global cooperation.
Economic integration by creating new technological innovations also creating an industrial supply chain in which India is actively looking to become a new focal point with the future participation of various ASEAN nations in several industrial and technological investments such as semiconductors. Whereas India has been keenly working on enhancing economic connectivity by boosting investments in various infrastructure projects connecting ASEAN nations with the North East part of India. On the other hand US’s willingness to extend cooperation to strengthen the digital based economy and trade inclusive of purchase, sales, data flow enabling global value chain and smart services through several platforms and applications. The key idea is to ensure downstream costs for businesses and enhance the ability for processing of data and analysis, securing a secure platform for business continuity whereas access to key raw materials such as semiconductors, minerals and energy technology boosting the key pillars of IPEF is supply chain resilience.
On the other hand, decarbonization and building new infrastructure to overcome key issues of global warming and rising levels of pollution by providing finances and technology to share technical assistance and mobilize concessional finances by adopting durable infrastructure for renewable energy. Tax and anti corruption is aimed to promote free and fair competition overcoming issues of taxation, money laundering and bribery through multilateral standards and agreements adopted by the members of IPEF. Looking at its initial stage and various forward looking engagements, it will be crucial to see how member nations adapt to the key objectives of this partnership and the level of confidence building with various engagements in near future ensuring regional and global geographic and economic obligations by creating new opportunities and avenues for future nations willing to be a part of comprehensive economic cooperation of IPEF.


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Tesla is reportedly in talks to build a research and development center in India — a market that Tesla has had difficulties entering in the past.
Back in 2016, CEO Elon Musk said that Tesla had plans to enter the Indian market, but those plans have been delayed.
Jay Vijayan, who was then Tesla’s Chief Information Officer and was born in India, went to the country to investigate the possibility of Tesla starting to import cars in India.
After that, there was some confusion over Tesla’s ability to even import its vehicles in India in 2016.
At the time, Musk expressed concerns about local regulations forcing foreign retailers to source 30% of their parts locally that could prevent a launch.
The commerce and industry ministry responded to Musk telling him that he was wrong, but they actually assumed that Tesla would open a factory in India in order to sell cars in the country, but like almost all markets outside the US, Tesla first planned to import vehicles.
Last year, Tesla was rumored to be showing interest in a battery factory project in India.
Now, a new report came out stating that Tesla held talks with the Karnataka government in India to establish a research center (via India Times):
“Tesla held exploratory discussions with Karnataka government officials on September 10, who are seeking a possible investment by the world’s most valuable carmaker in a research facility in Bengaluru, people familiar with the development told ET. A followup meeting is expected later this month, they said, during which the state officials are expected to present a detailed proposal to the Tesla executives.”
Bengaluru is a big industry center in India with already several automakers there.
Tesla could be trying to tap into the local talent or local activities could also help the automaker entering the market with its vehicles.
India’s automotive market is hungrier for smaller and cheaper vehicles than is available in Tesla’s lineup.
However, Tesla has recently been talking about producing a smaller and cheaper electric hatchback.
This new vehicle is supposed to be designed and manufactured in China.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tesla brings the vehicle to market in China and it proves to be successful, it would then try to replicate the success in India.
It would solve the problems with regulations and having a vehicle that matches the market.
Tesla would have local production and a vehicle that is cheaper and better fit for the Indian market.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section.
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Mina and Vanarama join forces on complete EV charging solution
Vanarama is working with EV charging specialist Mina to ensure its electric lease customers benefit from a complete EV charging solution.
Vanarama already offers its customers a free charge point installation in their home and, under the latest deal with Mina, customers can now also pay a fixed monthly fee for their EV home energy costs and get access to thousands of public charging stations, all on a single bill.
And an initial launch offer means EV drivers can power their vehicle at home for free for the first three months when they sign up to a 24-month subscription.
Chris Dalrymple, co-founder of Mina, said: “I think it goes without saying how excited we are to be working with a brand like Vanarama. Through this partnership we’re offering a brilliant service to EV drivers, where they can pay a fixed monthly amount to get a shiny new EV on their driveway, and all the energy they need to keep the battery topped up. It’s brilliantly simple, and unique in the market.”
The partnership is particularly aimed at SMEs making the switch to electric vehicles, who can benefit from easy forecasting of EV ownership costs, a reduction in administration thanks to the lack of requirement for expense claims for home energy charging costs, and easy reclaim of VAT.
Paul Kirby, Vanarama’s head of electric vehicles, said: “One of our core values is ‘If it’s right for our customers it is right for us’ and this offer is fully aligned to this!”


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Four out of five Connecticut voters support the direct sale of electric vehicles. It’s time to listen to them.
For years, Connecticut has prohibited electric vehicle manufacturers from selling their cars directly to consumers in the state. Ending the prohibition on direct sales will allow us to help the environment while creating new jobs —as it already has in states where direct sales are permitted. The unintentional policy whiplash of incentivizing electric vehicle sales on the one hand, while punishing consumers for exercising their choice to do just that on the other, must finally end. The time has come for our colleagues in the General Assembly to join us in passing Senate Bill 127, An Act Concerning the Sale of Electric Vehicles in the State.
A recent opinion poll conducted by GQR illuminated the depth of support among voters for direct sales, indicating that 83% of regular voters support passage, while only 7 percent totally oppose it. The public hearing in the Transportation Committee yielded similar results: About 89% of those providing testimony on the bill supported it. The only opponents were representatives of the dealerships.
Right now, a typical consumer trying to purchase a popular electric vehicle has to deal with confusion, trips out of state, inefficient use of time and resources — all because of an outdated ban on the direct sale of electric vehicles to consumers in Connecticut.
We say that we have these laws to protect consumers, and that may well have been the case in the early days of auto sales. Now, though, the law is misaligned with the modern state of the economy, and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of electric vehicles.
The companies that are blocked from selling to consumers in Connecticut are offering different electric vehicles than traditional manufacturers, and national auto manufacturers have shown no interest in developing direct-to-consumer channels in recent decades. Electric vehicle makers like Tesla and Rivian choose the direct model specifically to ensure consistency of brand experience from purchase through the product life cycle. Our local franchised dealers care about the same things. What’s wrong with some healthy competition?
Passing S.B. 127 would make our statewide goal of deploying 150,000 EVs on Connecticut roads by 2025 achievable. We currently stand at just over 13,000 EVs in the state, and at this rate, we will run out of time.
We must do better for the people of Connecticut in delivering a fair playing field. It goes against the principles of our economy, and our democratic system to continue to block consumers from buying the vehicles they choose when there is no articulable state purpose, nor tangible benefit achieved for the public. Connecticut isn’t flying blind here; we have the collective experience of states that have allowed EV makers to sell directly to consumers to inform us.
According to annual reports published by the National Automobile Dealers Association in 2012 and 2019, 17 of the top 20 states for overall franchised dealer growth were states that allowed direct sales by electric car manufacturers.
State Sen. Will Haskell, a Democrat, represents Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. State Rep. Tom O’Dea, a Republican, represents New Canaan and Wilton.


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Fossil has developed many Wear OS (Android Wear) smartwatches in the past, which now get another rip. The company today announced the launch of its sport smartwatch. Powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, the new handheld device runs on Google's Wear operating system. The sports smartwatch is available in sizes 41 mm and 43 mm.
The Company has not provided any indication of display size or resolution, but we may find that it has a circular display. It has been confirmed that the Fossil Sport will feature a heart rate monitor and NFC that allow users to make payments with the device.
It even has an integrated GPS in its floating body. The company says the 350mAh battery should last the life of the battery. The Spotify app is preinstalled for anyone who wants to stream music on their smartwatches.
This is one of the first smartwatches to feature the new Qualcomm portable device processor, which promises improvements in performance and energy efficiency. All features that are part of the Wear OS are available in this watch. Fossil will start selling the Sportswatch for $ 255 online today and through its retail stores. The watch is available in six different colors with a variety of straps.
Filed in. Read more about Fossil and Wearable Tech.


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Cloud-based and open banking, and the adoption of such technology by small local banks, is becoming part of the not-so-distant future.
A San Francisco company rolls out a fleet of 20 robots to work with on-campus eateries.
Business owners with cameras on site may add themselves to the registry, as can homeowners with doorbell or mounted security cameras.
The Monett-based company completes its previously announced purchase of Payrailz.
Officials with the regional workforce network have started fundraising.
SBJ started the awards in 2011, and today 240 men in the community are able to claim the title.
The virtual assistant training business ranks No. 1,408 on this year's list.
CEO David Foss says the company is poised for growth in fiscal 2023.
The Nixa internet company has received some $90 million to date for rural infrastructure efforts.
Seth Britton aims to bring Branson+ into homes and beyond.
Operating a business with fewer employees and increasing costs can be an uphill battle, and many restaurant owners are looking for innovative solutions through automation and artificial intelligence.
Mimi Carsley will succeed Kevin Williams, who previously announced retirement plans.
An ownership change took place for longtime retailer Computer Innovations; Ozark home-based company Bee Flight Aerial Services; and an office for Springfield-based Ozarks Elder Law LLC relocated.
Doug Parker establishes Digital Forensics Group.
Five companies take home top honors in their categories, and other individuals and businesses are recognized at the annual event.
417 Cocktails LLC moved; 7 Brew Coffee added its first shop in Lebanon; and Branson outlet store for Baltimore, Maryland-based sports apparel retailer Under Armour relocated.


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LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Washington Energy Services, a provider of home energy audits, HVAC and plumbing services, has announced a new online store, enabling its customers to easily order products and services to keep their home efficient, comfortable, and safe. The online store is a complement to the company’s home installation services.
“We’ve completely revamped our online store to make it easier than ever for our customers to order products they need to replace regularly like furnace filters as well as services to enhance a home’s performance,” said Craig V. Olson, vice president of operations at Washington Energy Services. “To welcome our customers to our new store, select services are discounted including our home energy audit.”
Products and services available to purchase on the Washington Energy Services online store include air quality products such as furnace filters and air purifiers; safety products including gas and water shut-off valves; and services that include fireplace and furnace tune-ups, plumbing inspections, and home energy audits. Products not requiring installation by a Washington Energy professional include free shipping to residents of the western Washington counties that the company serves.
The online store can be accessed from the company’s website at www.washingtonenergy.com.
Publication date: 2/23/2015