text:
Although Gen Z might be young, they are pretty tuned in to the world of investing. According to a 2021 Bloomberg survey of college students across Asia and EMEA, 46% of the polled students made personal financial investments in 2020. In fact, 45% of respondents think investing is important "for a better tomorrow", while 25% said they are investing to feel financially secure, and 19% of them were looking to maximise wealth by investing. Of the students who made investments, 75% invested in stocks, 7% invested in bonds, 7% in Bitcoin and the remaining 10% in other assets.
There is also no dearth of investment apps in the market these days, from Endowus and StashAway to Syfe, Coinhako, and futu to Wahed Invest and MYTHEO. Hence, there is certainly a need for apps to cut through the clutter and make their marketing stand out to draw in the up and coming Gen Z youths.
Through its research and observation, Syfe, a Singapore-based investment app, said Gen Z audiences however have their own drum that they beat to and generally, shy away from product-driven marketing. What they do want to know is how a product benefits their lives and fits into their lifestyle. Its VP of distribution, Sebastian Sieber, told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the brand's efforts on TikTok, for example, focuses on financial education, tutorials, and genuine stories from users to encourage trial. "Whether it's TikTok videos or some of the most popular influencers among the Gen Z audience creating content, we tailor our messaging and ensure that it fits exactly to the type of format that will work for each channel," he added.
While TikTok might be a popular channel among Gen Z, Sieber explained that Millennials are also one of the fastest-growing user base for TikTok in Singapore. The social media platform has proven to be a great platform to educate Syfe's audience on the importance of investing but the way the message is delivered is key. For Syfe, it uses light-hearted, fun, and approachable investing content to target users. "We find that TikTok yields high-quality users for us when looking at the lifecycle of a client from funding to additional top-ups," he added.
A core part of Syfe's users are between 25 to 45. They are generally well-educated, earn a mid to high disposable income, and are digitally-savvy. They also appreciate the advancement of technology within the realm of investing. As of now, the brand does not employ different strategies for different groups, but rather looks at the suite of marketing channels available to Syfe and tailors its efforts to suit the demographics and practices that work best for each channel. Aside from TikTok, it is also present on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Aside from creating fun and light-hearted content, having relatable stories also works for Gen Z. Jason Huan, CMO of Singapore-based investment app Endowus, explained that profiling its clients and their investing journey through advocacy campaigns have paid dividends for the brand, as Gen Zs felt that they can relate to the advocates’ stories about their financial journeys.
For this generation, content is still king, as the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic had accelerated the demand for investment content.
As such Endowus focuses on improving financial literacy for Singaporeans through its platform. Like Syfe, Endowus' key demographic focus is also between the ages of 25 to 45, and these individuals have largely invested across CPF and cash, followed by supplementary retirement scheme monies. That said, it has seen healthy growth in the proportion of younger investors aged between 21 and 35 on its platform.
"This proportion grew from 29% in January 2020 to 45% in January 2022, partly driven by lowering our minimum investment from SG$10,000 to SG$1,000, and that helped to broaden our Gen Z client base," Huan said. He described Gen Z to be "a real growing force in investing", adding that these digital natives do not have the same deep trust in institutions in their parents’ generation, and are more open to trying out new digital platforms and new technologies. The new generation has also shown to be more financially conscious than previous ones, as many are recognising a need to plan early for their retirement, he said.
When asked how Endowus' strategy differs for Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, Huan explained that the differentiation is really about understanding what each generation cares about when it comes to their financial journey. Specifically for investing, it is being able to clearly identify their priorities at their life stage and setting them for future financial success.
"We’ve also seen a lot of demand and interest in self-education in the younger generation, but the way Gen Z youths seek financial advice is different compared to older investors, for example they do so via digital channels and social media," he said. While Endowus began its presence on social with Facebook and Instagram, and has since diversified into YouTube and as well as TikTok, with the latter being one of its media channels for the acquisition of Gen Z clients.
"What’s key behind the success of these channels is that they are not directed on Gen Z acquisition alone, but mainly on how effective these channels are in driving engagement and conversations across its user base," Huan explained.
Aside from social media channels, Endowus is also curating and producing content on its Endowus Insights page for investors to become more financially savvy. It has also partnered with content platforms such as The Smart Local to help further extend that reach. At the same time, Endowus also named Jamie Lee, former deputy editor at The Business Times , to head up editorial and content in February.
So what are the popular investments by Gen Zs? Cryptocurrencies, is a clear contender. A study by New York City-based financial website, Investopedia, said about a quarter of the Gen Z it surveyed for its 2022 Investopedia Financial Literacy Survey hold cryptocurrencies and stocks and one in 10 own NFTs.
Riding on memes
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok might be some popular avenues for investment apps to target the younger crowd. Futu Singapore's investment platform, moomoo, is also switching up its content strategy by riding on the trend of memes and short-form comedy to initiative conversations. The moomoo Humour page, for example, was established as a platform m for users to share and engage with investmentrelated memes and the likes. This is being supplemented with a club for users to redeem moomoo merchandise when they obtained sufficient points in-app by completing task-based learning to level up their financial literacy.
At the same time, moomoo hosted paper trading competitions, giving beginner investors US$200,000 in virtual money to practice their investing strategies and gain confidence before they trade in the real world. According to Futu Singapore, this was highly popular with over 10,000 unique participants in Singapore for each competition.
Currently, 10% of Singapore's adult population over the age of 20 are moomoo users. More than 70% of its users are also Millennials and Gen Zs, between the ages of 18 and 41.
In creating strategies targeted at Gen Z, compared to Millennials or Gen X users of the moomoo application, Erika Chiang, head of marketing, APAC, Futu Holdings told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that it is important to characterise what their needs may be and the type of lifestyles they are leading.
For example, it found that Gen Z users of the moomoo app have a lower capital and are looking at investing from a fresher pair of eyes compared to their older counterparts. Often, they join digital platforms without a pre existing portfolio or a background in investing. However, their Millennial and Gen X counterparts are by large more seasoned investors with higher capital to reinforce their portfolios.
Thus, its strategy for Gen Z users is based upon financial literacy and offereing them a myriad of resources to fortify their knowledge of investing. While its strategy for Millennial and Gen X users are also based on financial literacy, the focus is shifted towards educating them on how they can further build on their portfolios.
"Gen Z and Millennials want investing to be made easily digestible, less dry and less intimidating while incorporating a social element, and tools and resources that help them to level up on being financially literate," Chiang said.
Interestingly, moomoo Gen Z investors are more active than Millennial ones, with the former having more daily logins and browses and saving more stocks to their watchlist and trading more frequently. Moomoo's real-time chat forums are also buzzing with new messages daily, with Gen Z sharing their stock performances with some even offering to help others understand various financial terms and strategies better.
Challenges faced when targeting Gen Z
Although Gen Z might be interested in investing, they are not doing so haphazardly. In fact, brand reputation still triumphs when it comes to winning their hearts. Alrick Oh, VP of marketing at crypto exchange Coinhako told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that building brand credibility can be a challenge as Gen Z tend to have very distinct criteria in brand selection compared to other age groups. "Market research has shown that the younger generation have less inherent trust in new/digital banks and financial institutions. As such, building a trustworthy and relatable brand is particularly important for such a user segment," he added.
As such, Coinhako's overarching marketing strategies does not focus on user age groups. Instead, Coinhako conceptualises and executes campaigns on the basis of connecting with as many users who are interested in its products and services as possible. The company also employs an omnichannel strategy across multiple channels, including social media platforms, to engage with a wide range of retail and institutional customers who are interested in its products and services. "Our main consideration for which platforms to be on is that it has to have the strongest synergy with the markets we serve, and it has to be aligned with the existing regulatory frameworks," he said. Coinhako currently has a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Similarly, Syfe's Sieber said the authenticity of a brand's content is also crucial for Gen Z. "This is more pronounced in our industry where trust-building is key," he said. Sieber understands that a cookie-cutter approach across platforms will not make the cut, and users are seeking real, genuine content that resonates with their beliefs, goals, and stage in life.
Aside from these, the biggest challenge is the rise of "fin-fluencers" and a surge in financial content on social media platforms that target the digitally, but not necessarily financially-savvy, Endowus' Huan said. While social platforms provide greater and easier access to a broad range of content, increasingly, Huan explained that there have been influencers are who stepping in to promote financial platforms and products, some of which promise quick returns even for those who know nothing about investing.
"As a rule of thumb, if it’s too good to be true, then it probably isn’t true. The younger generation may fall prey to such get rich quick schemes and investment fads without necessarily understanding the risks involved," he said. He highlighted the rise of investment "gurus" claiming how one can make quick wins on social media. "Many have claimed that they provide the strategies experts use and all you have to do is replicate those for financial success. Youths should not be enamoured by the high returns from buying meme stocks or speculating on cryptocurrencies. The hope of attaining financial freedom through speculative investing is not a plan for financial success," he said.
Hence, it is important that consumers do their research and verify the information they find online before taking action, especially when it comes to more risky advice, such as investing in the stock market or in cryptocurrency.
Meanwhile, Futu's Chiang also weighed in on the issue, saying that its challenge was to ensure young investors continue to have the financial literacy resources they need to make smart trading decisions as part of their long-term financial planning for retirement, savings for healthcare and medical treatments, and having extra cash for rainy days.
When it comes to investing, Chiang said that the best defence against myths and misconceptions is financial education. In an effort to make investing less daunting for Gen Z, Futu Singapore partnered with SAFRA Youth Network to broadcast a Facebook Live video on “Investment made easy through debunking myths and misconceptions”. Through moomoo, Futu Singapore has launched more than 300 videos and courses, while partnering over 30 financial institutions, unicorn companies and universities to reach out to the next generation of investors.
Photo courtesy: 123RF


text:
Being an agriculture reporter, I hear a lot of speeches, decrees and diatribes about why people eat organic, vegetarian, or vegan, when they started avoiding gluten or dairy, or how they got turned on to pickling or kombucha. One element that drives many of these food awakenings — people saying they “realized the need” to vote with their fork. That somewhere along their path, they learned that they personally could and must act as a change agent to make the American food system safer, more just, and more beneficial to farmers and the environment, and they took pride in doing it on every trip to the grocery store or their favorite local farm-to-table restaurant.
This idea is not new. For over two decades, the idea of “eating for change” has been floating around, with it’s greatest proponents being the likes of Michael Pollan, who summarized the idea in a 2006 NYTimes article:
“You can simply stop participating in a system that abuses animals or poisons the water or squanders jet fuel flying asparagus around the world. You can vote with your fork, in other words, and you can do it three times a day.”
If you don’t like something about the way a food/beverage/really any kind of consumer item is made/distributed/sold, just don’t buy, the movement says, and eventually the wrong will be righted and all will be well. Essentially, with knowledge, discipline, and intention, we can consume our way to a better world.
An idea that feels breathtakingly simple, fundamentally transformative, and utterly attainable.
But is also total nonsense.
On the individual level , sure, it works. You can tell yourself that you’re excused from any guilt for animal abuse by being vegetarian/vegan, or that you are shrinking your carbon footprint by only buying local. But personal vindication is not the claim the movement makes. The movement promises systemic change, eventually to be felt by all of society. Will making these consumptive tweaks make that difference to the larger system? Absolutely not, and there’s a few reasons why.
Most people can’t or won’t “shop ethically.”

domain: news


text:
Have you ever had fresh fish from Hawaii over-nighted to your house? How about gourmet seaweed from Japan Fed-exed to your back door? It’s a luxury not many of us could afford but thanks to Sabaku, Moab’s only sushi bar, anyone in red rock country can get those delicacies six nights a week just a block off Main Street.
“We get three orders of fresh fish Fedexed in on ice a week,” said Rikki Epperson, Sabaku’s general manager. “We only buy the best quality stuff.”
But good sushi isn’t just about the quality of the ingredients; it’s also about the hand that cuts them. And the hands of owners Alex Borichevsky and Frankie Winfrey are no strangers to the cutting board.
“I’ve worked at about ten different sushi bars,” Winfrey said. “Alex has worked at a few too.”
The pair met for the first time ten years ago while working at Snow Bird, a ski resort. They worked there for several years, coming down to Moab in the summers: Winfrey for the mountain biking and Borichevsky for the rafting.
“We were both always surprised there wasn’t a sushi bar in Moab, we both would have wanted to work there,” Winfrey said.
The idea to fill that niche occurred to them separately, but in 2009 they decided to join forces and make Sabaku a reality. They started looking for properties. The first place they seriously considered was where the Off the Wall gallery currently sits, but that didn’t work out.
“The same week our first option fell through we heard that a comic book shop and the thread store behind it gave notice,” Borichevsky said. “It was like it was meant to be.”
To get the restaurant up and running the pair enlisted the help of their friends.
“It started out with river kids that all knew Alex,” Epperson said.
Some of that first group of staff knew either Borichevsky or Winfrey during their Snow Bird days. And two of the original Snow Bird crew, Josh Strain and Lenore McDonough, are still there today.
Things were a little slow that first year.
“Since we weren’t on Main Street, lots of people didn’t realize we were here,” Winfrey said, who focuses more on the food end of things, leaving Borichevsky in charge of the business side. “But after that first year things were more consistent at the sushi bar, the customers were more consistent too.”
Business has doubled for the sushi bar in its second year.
Being responsible environmentally and socially is a big part of Sabaku’s business model. The restaurant uses only biodegradable products and composts everything that they can. “We even have a guy that comes in and gets the fish scraps to feed his chickens,” Epperson said.
Minimizing waste is one of the key ways Sabaku’s keeps the price of its sushi down, Borichevsky said. He believes that since they base their prices on competitive city prices, Sabaku sushi is cheap for a resort town.
A good deal of effort is also put into getting as much produce from local farmers as possible. During the summer months seven farmers from around the area bring their produce to the sushi bar. It has worked out well and by next year Borichevsky hopes to start getting all their produce locally, for eight to ten months of the year.
In addition to sushi, the management of Sabaku also have a passion for art, most of which comes from local artist they know, such as Arlo Tejada.
Getting locals in the door is important to Sabaku. Part of their menu is specifically tailored for locals and a big part of their pricing is designed for “folks that don’t have a lot of money and want to go out for a good time for just a couple of bucks,” Borichevksy said.
They offer a frequent diner card as well.
When asked what the biggest challenge has been, Borichevsky smiled.
“Having to act like the father of a big family! We try to promote everyone working as a team. When the first of the original group left the people we hired figured out quick that (Sabaku) is like a big family,” he said.


text:
During a grand opening on August 30, 2012, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio was featured along with the twins.
The sisters were excited to open Twin Power Yoga at the corner of Clematis Street and Olive Avenue, in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district.
In an email accompanying a photo sent to friends, Ann (who also went by Anna at the time), had this to say: “Our mayor blessing your property…..She gave the most amazing speech.”
Ann Dadow, 37, died in the May 29 crash. Her sister, Alison, has been charged with second-degree murder. Alison is accused of driving an SUV into a rock wall, causing the vehicle to fall 200 feet off a cliff, killing Ann.
The Dadows created a following of yoga devotees when they ran Twin Power Yoga in West Palm Beach. But they left town abruptly in 2014, leaving behind unpaid employees and customers holding now worthless memberships.
They moved to the resort town of Park City, Utah, where they opened another yoga studio before filing for personal bankruptcy.
The sisters then moved to Hawaii and lived on Maui — Ann as Anastasia Duval and Alison as Alexandria Duval.
SeaWorld will partner with Harvey on science and research projects that center around protecting sharks in the wild.
As part of the effort, SeaWorld said its new shark-themed roller coaster, Mako, will include a number of conservation-inspired exhibits for theme park guests who are waiting in line for the ride.
Harvey, the popular marine wildlife artist who launched a fish research institute, foundation and oceanographic center at Nova Southeastern University, will be featured in the interactive exhibits.
Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.
The 200-foot-tall coaster, is expected to reach a top speed of 73 mph and will feature 4,760 feet of track, nearly a mile long. The coaster and surrounding area will be themed to a shark environment, providing a learning experience along with extreme thrills.
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Seaworld said it plans to sell an exclusive line of Harvey’s paintings and apparel. SeaWorld said it will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale the items to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.
“SeaWorld is committed to raising awareness of the plight of sharks in the wild and the oceans they live in. As part of our commitment that we made in March of this year, we will put meaningful dollars, research and man hours towards reducing this troubling trend,” Joel Manby, President and CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment said. “The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Guy Harvey Research Institute have been front and center in this effort for years, and we are proud to open a new chapter in those efforts today.”
SeaWorld has faced criticism since the 2013 documentary, “Blackfish,” which raised questions about the park’s treatment of killer whales. The film was made in the wake of the 2010 death of SeaWorld whale trainer Dawn Brancheau.
SeaWorld said Wednesday that members of its animal care team recently joined a Guy Harvey Research Institute shark tagging expedition off the coast of Mexico, tagging six Mako sharks over the course of four days.
The tagged sharks will be followed by students and researchers at Guy Harvey’s Institute at Nova Southeastern University, and can be viewed by the public online at www.GHRItracking.org.
For Blue Moon, Hudson was ideal because it had the same setup: A waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal, next to a bridge.
But at the last minute, Blue Moon owner Bryce Statham says the deal went south. And although he regrets that he and Hudson’s owners couldn’t come to terms, Statham sounded wistful about what could have been.
A raw bar. A broad range of fresh seafood.
And Blue Moon’s signature Lousiana-influenced cuisine that has made the eatery a destination restaurant in Lauderdale-by-the Sea for 20 years.
“I would have loved to have been there,” Statham said.
Blue Moon is at the northeast corner of the Intracoastal and Commercial Boulevard.
But even a great waterfront location doesn’t guarantee success.
And no matter how great business is during the winter tourist season, “August comes no matter what,” Statham said.
Hudson, which opened in December 2014, was in business for less than two years.
A partnership that includes former professional hockey player Behn Wilson bought the Hudson property at 900 E. Atlantic Ave. for $2.6 million in July 2013, according to county property records.
The site previously was Old Calypso restaurant.
Together with owner/restaurateur Sam Bonasso, formerly of Outback restaurants, Wilson and partners turned Hudson into a mix of concepts.
Hudson dubbed itself as a “speakeasy,” a gastropub-type lounge with high-top seating, a restaurant and outside bar. The limited menu featured a hodgepodge of seafood, meats and “comfort food,” such as mac ‘n cheese.
Statham saw the space and realized it would be the perfect spot to duplicate the success of his Broward location. He even was lining up a refrigerated food truck to service Delray.
But he was wary about the lease pricing, which he thought was too much for projected sales. Attempts to trim the price at the last minute resulted in the deal falling apart.
Statham, a self-described small operator, acknowledged he got nervous about committing to a higher number, especially because the deal happened very fast.
He also expressed a bit of regret with his hesitation: “Maybe it was a mistake….Who knows what will happen. It was a mixed opportunity on both ends.”
Now the property once again is being marketed for lease, or for sale.
The large restaurant property features 7,600 square feet of interior space, plus 1,200 of patio space. Dock parking for boats is available, too, said broker Tom Prakas of the Prakas & Co. in Boca Raton.
Prakas, who is marketing the site,said Monday he’s already received several promising inquiries, and he expects a deal could be done within the next couple of weeks. “We have multiple groups looking at it,” he said.
The property is listed for sale at $7.6 million. It also can be leased for $699,000, plus annual rent of $450,000 per year.
The village had traditionally allowed the public to explore its historic buildings only during the South Florida Fair and other special events. But this month, the village began opening its doors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission rates are $7 for seniors and children ages 5 to 11 and $10 for those 12 or older. Children under 5 are free.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for April 15 to mark the change. The gates open at 10 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Admission during the ribbon cutting ceremony weekend (April 14-16) will be free for the first hour — from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The ceremony will include first person interpreters portraying a character from the pre-1940s and old-fashioned refreshments.
“This is a unique opportunity to interact with town residents as they portray a character of early Florida living from more than 75 years ago,” said Yesteryear Village Manager Paige Poole.
The village, which was started in 1990 in response to a similar attraction at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, features a large collection of original and replicated early buildings from the area including an old schoolhouse, a farm, a blacksmith shop, a general store and several houses. It is also home to the only big band museum in the United States, the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum.
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has upped the bond rating for Palm Beach International Airport as passenger demand increases.
The agency raised the underlying rating for PBIA’s general airport revenue bonds to ‘A+’ from ‘A’.
“The upgrade reflects our assessment of the airport’s strong debt service
coverage and liquidity, which we believe PBI will at least sustain given
steady enplanement trends,” Standard & Poor’s said in a news release announcing the rating increase. ”
Standard & Poor’s pointed to the airport’s “diversity of carriers,” including a number of low-cost airlines, the county’s stable economy, steady air travel demands from residents, and the airport’s relatively low “debt burden.”
Michael Simmons, the airport’s director of finance and administration, attributed the rating increase to PBIA’s financial health and the strong tourism market here.
“We were pretty happy to see it,” Simmons said of the increase. “There is a strong origination and destination market here. Tourism is good as well, and our financial health is strong…It all kind of goes into (Standard & Poor’s) black box of how they look us.”
Simmons said the airport recently paid off a large portion of its outstanding debt.
Tourism officials said the 2015 visitor tally “dramatically surpassed” Discover’s yearly forecast. Discover had predicted annual visitation would reach roughly 6.7 million.
“We saw a significant increase from our key target markets, particularly those where we made tactical investments and customized our message to resonate with that specific target audience,” said Jorge Pesquera, Discover’s president and CEO.
The announcement comes as the number of hotel rooms, shopping districts and cultural attractions in Palm Beach County continues to increase.
Tourism leader say shopping centers, including the Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach and the $150 million waterfront Harbourside Place entertainment complex in Jupiter, have become huge tourism draws. Both shopping districts opened in 2014.
Meanwhile, the number of hotel rooms available in the county also continues to grow. There has been a surge in new hotel construction, particularly in West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach.
Tourism leaders say the additional visitors in 2015 resulted in the creation of roughly 6,000 jobs here.
Hotel bookings were also up. Roughly 4.3 million nightly bookings were made at Palm Beach County’s hotels and motels last year, up from 4.19 million in 2014.
Despite the spike in visitors and bookings, the amount of money tourists spent during their visits here fell slightly in 2015. Direct visitor spending totaled $4.83 billion last year, down from $4.84 billion in 2014.
Tourism leaders said Wednesday they were “cautiously optimistic” about the 2016 tourism forecast. Some Palm Beach County hoteliers have said this year’s winter travel season got off to a slower-than-normal start, pointing to unseasonably warm temperatures across much of the country at the start of the year.
As part of its 2016 marketing plan, Discover has said it plans to encourage locals to use social media and other communication channels to encourage visitors to travel here.
“Our future success will largely depend on empowering local residents to become brand ambassadors,” Pesquera said. “We invite all residents to use the power of a personal invitation to support our tourism strategy this year.”
The Home Depot plans to hire 450 people to fill positions at 10 stores in the Palm Beach County area as part of a national hiring campaign, the company announced Wednesday.
The home improvement giant said it plans to hire more than 80,000 employees at its 2,000 stores across the country. The spring is historically the company’s busiest season, The Home Depot said.
“There’s no better time to join our team than spring, whether you’re a college student, recent grad or a veteran hoping to build a career, a retiree who wants a fun job, or anyone who simply enjoys home improvement,” said Tim Crow, executive vice president—Human Resources.
Openings include sales, operations and cashier positions.
The company said it was also seeking “associates to set product merchandising displays, help maintain store appearance, and keep products customer-ready.”


text:
MacRumors reports that with the iPad Pro’s November launch date still to be revealed, Apple appears to be hedging its bets as far as projected sales for the forthcoming tablet are concerned.
According to sources in Apple’s supply chain, Apple has only placed “limited orders” of less than 2.5 million units for the iPad Pro for the holiday period and on into the first quarter of 2016. The sources add that this indicates that Apple has a “conservative attitude” about sales of the iPad Pro.
The sources also say that Apple is to adopt a “wait-and-see” plan when it comes to considering how big an order to place for Q1 2016, which may well be lower than 2.5 million units if the iPad Pro fails to shift enough units to warrant a bigger order from the supply chain.
It seems that Apple is concerned that businesses looking to save money will not be willing to splash out on the iPad Pro, despite the larger tablet being firmly aimed at enterprise customers.
Source: Apple Remaining 'Conservative' Over Upcoming Sales of iPad Pro


text:
The folks at Kalashnikov USA have been busy. Their latest creation is the ALFA rifle, a firearm based on the venerable AK-47 platform yet modernized to compete with the proliferating pile of plastic performance penetrators (like the AR-15, Tavor, and others). I had the opportunity to chat with the guys at Kalashnikov USA and they gave me the skinny on what’s going on with this nifty looking gun…
Apparently what we’re seeing here is still just an engineering prototype. A firing prototype, but a prototype nonetheless. Just like some of the best SHOT Show reveals from years past they slapped this together at the last moment and didn’t even know if it would be ready in time.
The overall concept is to create an AK-47 where the end user would have nothing to do. There would be no need to upgrade any of the parts because that would already have been done, and the gun would be ergonomic and visual perfection. For all this, they are planning on bringing it to market for under $1,000 and making it available to the common man.
Also on the walls and shipping (hopefully) soon is the American imported version of Kalashnikov’s 9mm AK-style rifle. The pistol caliber carbine has been going absolutely insane over the last couple years and if Kalashnikov can bring a cheap yet reliable 9mm to market they’re going to make a Scrooge McDuck level of cash. Again, no price point or firm availability except “eventually.”


text:
Sachet water hawkers in Enugu metropolis are presently making brisk business, with rising demand for the commodity, due to hot weather.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that most of the hawkers have raised their daily purchases to meet the increasing demands.
Some of the hawkers, who spoke with NAN on Saturday in Enugu, confirmed that there were boosts in their daily sales and income from the business.
Miss Rose Onyia, a dealer in sachet water, told NAN that the hot weather had been attracting many customers to her, thereby increasing her daily sales.
“Before I hardly finished three bags of water in a day but now, I sell between 12 bags and 15 bags daily, especially if it is cold,’’ she said.
Mrs Janet Onuorah, a sachet water hawker, said that the hot weather had provided her an opportunity to make some money to assist her husband.
“In order to support my husband in taking care of our children, I started the sachet water business.
“I sell between seven and 10 bags of sachet water before 5 pm on daily basis. With this, I buy some foodstuffs for my family,” Onyia said.
Another hawker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a bag of sachet water now sold for between N130 and N150, depending on where it was bought.
“Sometimes, we buy N100 per bag from some distributors, while others sell at N90 per bag,” she said.


text:
Why your intelligence has nothing to do with using technology
Tech doesn't have to be confusing. Some simple changes could make digital media easier to use
A quick FAQ as tech companies adopt the first universal cable
There’s a new USB. Its mission: to kill proprietary plugs
Information security expert Avi Rubin explains why we won't be voting on our smartphones anytime soon
Other countries are bringing the democratic process to the digital age—but challenges remain
New services already let you pay to skip ads, but do we really want to turn the Web into a vending machine?
We could easily go ad-free—if we put our money where our mouse is
Apple, Google and others are creating whole ecosystems of products. Here is a full rundown
How Apple, Google and Microsoft are racing to control your digital life—from phone to home-automation system
What the co-founder of the Future of Life Institute thinks about the rise of AI
Some of the brightest minds in science and tech think we need a plan to keep humans safe from supersmart machines
Are you ready for supersmart AI to make your decisions for you?
Voice assistants can do more than take dictations. Here’s how to put them to work for you
The latest science weighs in
Now you can join a medical study—or five—without setting foot in a hospital. Here are the apps for that
New software allows researchers to finally capture the powerful health data generated by our smartphones
How four tech companies tried to fight feature bloat—to greater and lesser success
Software and hardware companies push new, feature-bloated versions on us every year. Why do we keep buying?
Ads don't have to be static or sneaky to be effective. Five user-friendly ways ads could thrive in a digital world


text:
Thailand vehicles market is involved in the global crisis, despite low cases of Covid19. Year to date April sales were 230.173 (-34.2%) with Toyota holding 29% of market share ahead of Isuzu and Nissan.Post Covid19 Market TrendThe start of 2020 have been steady, until the government have decided to shutdown the country to avoid the covid19 spread, with the most of commercial and production activities blocked in April.New light vehicles sales in April were 30.139 (-65.0%) with year to date figures at 230.173 (-34.2%). A similar trend was reported in the motorcycles sector.The market is under the domain of Toyota, which holds 29.1% of share this year. In second place there is Isuzu with 21.4% and in third Honda with 13.6%.Medium Terms Market TrendThailand vehicles market, crucial for the country and producing over 1 million vehicles per year, started the 2017 coming out from a really harsh period.Indeed a “crazy” government incentive run in the 2012 had generated a big bubble of sales with doubling 2012 sales at the record volume of 1.43 million (including HCVs) followed by a fall to a minimum of 768.000 units in the 2016, more or less the same level of the 2011.A recovery started in the 2017, when the market was positively impacted by the possibility, after 5 years of ownership, to re-sell vehicles purchased during the “first car buyers” 2012 incentive campaign.The market grew 13.4% in 2017 with 871.644 units, holding the impressive pace also in 2018, with sales at 1.041.739 (+19.5%).In 2019, according to data released by the Thai Automotive Industry Association, the market has pushed the breaks, reporting a flat performance with total sales at 1.040.123 (-0.2%).Tables with sales figuresIn the tables below we report sales for all Brands, top 10 Manufacturers Group and top 10 ModelsThis content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.
Greece. Auto sales free-fell 60.7% in March
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Greek Cars Market in 2020 was hit severely down in March, due to Government increase of restrictive regulation through the month, in order to slow down the Covid-19 outbreak. Indeed, auto sales fell 60.7% in March with 3.743 units sold, ending the Q1 at 21.390 (-18.6%).The post Greece. Auto sales free-fell 60.7% in March appeared […]
Hướng dẫn đăng ký và sử dụng tên miền DDNS miễn phí
Thursday June 18, 2020
Hướng dẫn đăng ký tên miền ddns miễn phí khi bạn đăng kí dịch vụ của Noip. DỊch vụ DDNS của Noip sẽ chop phép chúng ta đăng kí tên miền miễn phí theo tháng và không mát khoản chi phí nào. Chúng ta theo dõi hướng dẫn để biết thêm chi tiết nhé. HOT […]
The post Hướng dẫn đăng ký và sử dụng tên miền DDNS miễn phí appeared first on Celadon Saigon.


text:
Bangladesh moved up three spots and ranked 139th out of 188 countries in Global Human Development Index (HDI) 2015, s
The size of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) has increased as well.
An Accomplishment to take Pride in
In the latest report– ‘World in 2050’ published by PWC, a professional services organization; projected economic grow
The per capita income in Bangladesh will increase by 11.39 percent to $1,466 this fiscal year, according to the Bangl
A young, consistently developing and increasingly digital economy - the country with world’s 8th largest population a


text:
We sat down with George Gentle (left), our new solutions development engineer, to discuss all things work, personal and automation. Career high so far? Progressing
We have more excellent news to report this week – Bytronic has been named the exclusive UK distributor for fire-prevention thermal imaging by Termisk Systemteknik.
We’re so excited to announce the arrival of two new Cognex In-Sight® D900 cameras at Bytronic HQ this week. These incredible cameras are the first
Bytronic Automation launched a new automated system this week which uses thermal cameras for accurate, non-contact skin temperature measurement, looking for anomalies that may indicate
Join us at UKIVA’s Machine Vision Conference 2020 to hear John Dunlop talking about Artificial Intelligence in Thermal Imaging. The presentation considers the application of
We are pleased to announce that Bytronic Automation and FLIR will be co-exhibiting at Packaging Innovations 2020, located at the NEC in Birmingham, UK on
The BFBi has teamed up with the IBD Southern Section to bring you ‘Challenges of Plastic Packaging’ – a seminar which Bytronic Automation will be


text:
By Matthew Goldstein
With the mystery of the missing $600 million in customer funds at MF Global Financial still unresolved, a lot of customers of the failed futures firm are starting to complain about getting bounced checks.
It appears that 10 days ago, with speculation swirling that the Jon Corzine-led firm would soon file for bankruptcy, a good number of customers started to put in requests to pull their money from the New York-based outfit. But instead of simply wiring that money back to their customers, it seems MF Global tried to buy some time for itself by sending that money back via snail mail in the form of an old-fashioned check.
Those checks cut by the folks at MF Global began arriving in customer mailboxes this week, several days after the firm filed for bankruptcy on Oct. 31 in New York federal court. And by the time customers started depositing those checks, they were rejected as having insufficient funds.
It’s not surprising the MF Global checks were rejected after the bankruptcy filing. It’s pretty customary for all expenses to require court approval once a bankruptcy judge gets involved.
But the move by MF Global to send back customer money by check has left a lot of customers in a bad predicament. I’ve been talking to one futures trader who says he and some of his associates have well over $1 million in bad checks issued by MF Global. Those checks were issued on Oct. 28–three days before the bankruptcy filing. The trader is considering producing a copy of the check as evidence of what he sees as MF Global’s bad faith in dealing with it customers and Wall Street’s broken system for dealing with customer money.


text:
Latest Schilling Robotics Inc. Stories
Schilling Robotics, Inc. announced the appointment of Clay Cottingham as vice president of customer service.
Schilling Robotics, Inc. announced today that Gil Llacuna is the company's new vice president and corporate controller, and that Sally Larocca has become its first vice president of human resources.
- One who brings meat to the table; hence, in some countries, the official title of the grand master or steward of the king's or a nobleman's household.


text:
Ripple acquires Metaco in $250m deal
Ripple has acquired Swiss-based digital asset custody and tokenization tech firm Metaco for $250 million. The acquisition aims...
Crypto and banking app Tap Global names Kriyakant Patel as new CEO
Cryptocurrency and banking app Tap Global has appointed Kriyakant Patel as its new CEO. Patel will be responsible...
Zuum Transportation: Raises $12.58M in Seed Funding
Zuum, an Irvine, CA-based platform that automates freight for shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers, raised $8.58m in second seed funding Zuum...
UK regtech Facctum appoints two senior executives
Regtech company Facctum has appointed Onkar Inamdar as its head of engineering and Syam Chintapenta as its chief development officer. Inamdar will...
Can decentralized social media replace centralized social media sites?
For the time being, the cryptocurrency industry is becoming...
In 2023, is it worth investing in Cryptocurrency?
The cryptocurrency market has been rapidly expanding for the...
What is Fantom (FTM) crypto and what are the top crypto trends?
Fantom is a smart contract platform open-source for digital...
Betaworks’ new ‘camp’ aims to fund transformative early-stage AI startups
In a sign that the seed-stage AI segment is...
Mia-FinTech and Mambu join forces
Fintech startup Mia-FinTech and cloud banking platform Mambu have partnered to accelerate the delivery of digital financial products and services. Mia-FinTech will act as...
OpenAI’s Altman and other AI giants back warning of advanced AI as ‘extinction’ risk
Make way for yet another headline-grabbing AI policy intervention: Hundreds of AI scientists, academics, tech CEOs and public figures — from OpenAI CEO Sam...
Monoova executes cross-border settlement using Australian dollar CBDC
Monoova's CTO Nicholas Tan successfully completed the first real-world, cross-border settlement using the Australian Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project. The settlement involved...
Diebold Nixdorf finalises debt restructuring agreement wih creditors
Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated, a global provider of banking and retail solutions, has finalized a debt restructuring agreement with its key financial stakeholders. The comprehensive...
- Advertisement -
Wise Platform secures first Japanese client, GMO Azora Net Bank
Wise Platform, Wise's infrastructure offering for banks and non-banks, has partnered with GMO Aozora Net Bank in Japan to provide fast and low-cost international...
EML Payments and Visa team on digital gift card for shopping centres
EML Payments and Visa have partnered to offer a digital gift card solution for shopping centers and multi-retailer customers in the United States and...
PensionBee adopts ViaNova transfer standards for pension consolidation
PensionBee, a leading online pension provider, has adopted ViaNova transfer standards to enable faster and more efficient pension consolidation. The use of open standards...
- Gain full access to our premium content
- Never miss a story with active notifications
- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once
Uber expands Stripe partnership to give users more ways to pay
Uber has extended its partnership with Stripe, making it...
US Century Bank taps Pidgin for real-time payments
Miami-based US Century Bank has partnered with Pidgin to...
fuboTV: Acquires Balto Sports
fuboTV Inc., a sports-first live TV streaming platform,...


text:
A new analytical report posted today states that the global smartwatch market recorded 13% more shipments compared to the same period last year, despite concerns over economic slowdown and inflation. Apple once again led the smartwatch market…
Want to view the entire article? Click here: In Q1, Despite Concerns over Economic Slowdown and Inflation, Apple Retained its Global Leadership in Smartwatch Shipments
The article was originally posted on Patently Apple.
Each article is copyrighted to its original authors. We do not own any rights to the news or the images used. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the news posts published are accurate, we cannot guarantee the authenticity of the news article on every occasion. There’s no copyright infringement intended. The news is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.


text:
News / Easy does it – 'baby steps' the best way to move towards blockchain in logistics
Logistics operators should take “a more protracted approach” to introducing blockchain technology, with development of ...
News / Tech aims to turn supply chain logistics from a cost driver into a value driver
Door-to-door cargo marketplace FreightCrate Technologies is the latest Indian start-up offering price transparency and booking automation ...
News / Start-up Boxnbiz targets India's smaller forwarders for hi-tech logistics twist
Logistics start-up Boxnbiz Technologies is using India’s abundance of small freight forwarders to carry out ...
News / 'We can make every forwarder in India a digital forwarder in a week'
Chennai-based start-up FreightBro is the latest firm looking to convert India’s small and medium-sized freight ...
- 1.Forwarders slam Maersk: 'moving from supplier to becoming a competitor'
- 2.Market Insight: Mærsk to Schenker & friends: 'You're welcome. Now leave us alone.'
- 3.Warning to air charterers: phantom freighter scams on the rise
- 4.Air freight rates on the up again, driven by more demand for less capacity
- 5.Turnover and profits down as Kuehne + Nagel struggles through the pandemic
- 1. Ken Mason on More warnings of price rises, as logistics firms feel 'left in the dark' over Brexit
- 2. Jordi Espin on Ocean carriers chasing premium rates are disrupting the supply chain, claims
- 3. [email protected] on Importers angry as UK box ports buckle under 'abnormal demand'
- 4. Yalantis on A new era as online traffic management platforms drive logistics
- 5. Rayhan ahmed on Warning to air charterers: phantom freighter scams on the rise


text:
Time to take profits and move on.
On Sept. 8, the day before Apple unveiled the newest versions of its iPhones, rumors started circulating the sapphire screen hadn't made the cut. That day GT Advanced shares started falling and they have since been down by as much as 35%. On Tuesday alone the shares fell to an intra-day low of $11.10 from $17.15. Shares currently trade around $11.60.
Does this mean you should buy GT Advanced shares? Well, even with shares down this low, don't confuse low with cheap.
Despite the recent decline, shares have been up over 33% for the year to date thanks, in part, to those rumors. So if you're in the stock now, lock in profits and move on to the next great idea or risk losing 25% more.
Raymond James analyst Pavel Malchanov believes these shares are still too expensive. At 22 times forward earnings estimates of 54 cents per share, according to Yahoo! Finance, it's hard to argue against Malchanov's position.
Of all of the analysts who cover GT Advanced, the lowest analyst price target is $9, which represents roughly 25% decline from current levels. Hanging on to a stock on hopes that it will recover is one thing, but for a company that has yet to post positive earnings and recently posted year-over-year revenue decline of more than 60% that's not a risk worth taking.
Plenty of bets were made ahead of Apple's launch of the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus. But Raymond James deserves credit. On Aug. 28, the investment firm downgraded the stock to underperform. Raymond James remains bearish. This time, bet on the analyst.
Malchanov doesn't think the Apple Watch sapphire-coated display is enough of a catalyst to propel the stock higher in 2015, which is when the watch will be made available to the public.
Accordingly, until there is more clarity on the pricing structure of the watch relative to the sapphire display size, these shares will continue to see more downside pressure. So for investors thinking the recent 35% decline presents a buying opportunity, you're likely to get cut by a falling knife.
At the time of publication, the author was long AAPL, although positions may change at any time.
This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.


text:
6. Dirk Philippa, portfolio manager of Fidelity International’s global property fund, has also cut investments in Hong Kong from a 6-8 per cent overweight two years ago, relative to benchmarks, to a 1 per cent overweight position.
3. At its Worldwide Developer Conference in June, Mr Cook was mobbed by app makers who asked him to pose for selfies. By October’s iPad launch, he was even cracking jokes at his own expense. Clad in his habitual but unglamorous uniform of black untucked shirt and jeans, he said that Apple Watch had been well received by “people who know a lot about fashion and style — even more than I do”, pointing a knowing finger at the chuckling audience.
2. DIHK's foreign business chief Volker Treier said the volume of goods exported to China from Germany grew rapidly in the latter part of 2016, Chinanews.com reported.
3. 6. 《出租车》(Taxi)，导演贾法·帕纳西(Jafar Panahi)。
4. The Female Warlord Who Had C.I.A. Connections and Opium Routes
5. Work that requires German language skills also grew significantly during the third quarter of 2016. Those who wish to work as German translators might be in luck these days.
6. James Bond Themes 4. "Thunderball" by Tom Jones
1. Victoria's Secret angel Candice Swanepoel comes 4th amongst 10 most beautiful women of 2015. This South African beauty came in 10th on the Forbes top-earning models list last year. She was voted No. 61 in 2010, No. 62 in 2011, and No. 75 in 2013 in FHM's annual “100 Sexiest Women in the World” poll and No. 1 in 2014 Maxim's "Hot 100 List".
3. Wang Chunfa, executive secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology, has expressed deep concern over the retraction, which came just days after he met in Beijing with Arnout Jacobs, the head of Springer Nature for Greater China.
5. Others will look for ways to use tech to help people spend less time online. Tristan Harris, a former Google employee, is building a following for his Time Well Spent movement, tackling what it describes as the “digital attention crisis” by encouraging designers to understand the subtle psychological forces they control. Tim Kendall, formerly of Pinterest and Facebook, is reported by Recode to have plans for a start-up focused on fighting device addictions.
This year, pop's best albums came from strong women who had a lot to say: Lorde's searing look at loneliness, Kesha's raucous statement of liberation, Taylor Swift's reckoning between her self and the version presented in the press.
A total of 61 IPOs were launched on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, down 67 percent on the same period last year. About 28.8 billion yuan (4.3 billion U.S.dollars) was raised, down by 80 percent.
Am I tempting fate by wondering if the Lakers end up in this conversation within a couple weeks? They'd have to go on a truly epic slide to be bad enough to keep their draft pick at this rate (top-three protected to Philly) but I think the question is whether they should continue to build slowly around this core or flip one or two of the young dudes for a star.


text:
At the recent Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in London, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Naoki Yoshida gave hungry fans some delicious new details on the game’s upcoming expansion, Heavensward.
Of particular note were the introduction of a new Dark Knight job class and fancy new flying mounts. Wearing a Batman shirt, Yoshida, otherwise known as Yoshi-P, detailed the new Dark Knight job class. Without requiring a base class, the Dark Knight class will be accessible from the get go to owners of Heavensward and will allow players to wield two-handed greatswords and harness Darkness powers. A popular role in other Final Fantasy games, the Dark Knight has changed its formula up for Heavensward, taking on a tank-role rather than its more traditional damage-dealing role.
A number of new flying mounts will also become available, the first of which is a cute looking black Chocobo (pictured above). A total of six of them are being developed, with a seventh apparently hinging on fan reception. Airships will also be introduced, which allow individual players to fly around as they please without worrying about having a party.
Two new beast tribes will be introduced as well: the Vanu Vanu and the Gnath, along with their primals, Bismark and Ravana.
More details on Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward will be revealed at the next Fan Festival, which will take place in Tokyo on December 20 and 21.


text:
This week Footwear News is hosting its annual Achievement Awards. In case you’re not familiar with the award show last year Kanye West won the iconic Shoe of the Year Award for his Yeezy Boost 350 and delivered an equally iconic–and long— Kanye speech. Watch below (we miss you Kanye!).
There were big winners this year including the first female winner of the Shoe of the Year Award. So let’s talk about it shall we?
Paul Andrew-Designer of the Year
37 year old designer Paul Andrew is not a stranger to Footwear News, in 2013 he won Launch of the Year after releasing his official line in 2012. This week he will be crowned designer of the year after just four years of incredible work, including collaborations with J.Crew, features in Vogue, and working with top names like Lupita Nyong’o and Emma Watson. So he’s basically #GOALS. Below are some of his shoes from his S/S 2017 shoe collection.
Zendaya- Launch of the Year
Zendaya is literally one of my favourite people EVER and this year she launched her new line with her stylist Luxury Law called Daya by Zendaya before the age of 20. I’m just so happy for her so you go girl!
Rihanna x Puma-Shoe of the Year
What is a fashion award without Rihanna? This year our generations style ICON won the most coveted award of the night, the Shoe of the Year Award for her Puma creepers. Rihanna’s collaboration with Puma as their creative director has launched her from musician to a full on fashion designer with her own shows in New York and Paris. It doesn’t hurt that she is the FIRST female to win this award, get your money Rih Rih 😉


text:
The bank, which was founded in 1997, is to create 600 new jobs in Glasgow and Edinburgh over the next few years as it expands its operations from credit cards, personal loans, savings, mortgages and general insurance.
Tesco said the positions were permanent with the majority being full time and instead of incentivising sales, it would offer a competitive basic salary and pension scheme.
Benny Higgins, Chief Executive of Tesco Bank, said: “Since 2008, we have invested to build a bank for Tesco customers.
"We now have more than 6.8 million accounts and offer straightforward, transparent products which reward loyalty and provide great value.
“We are making excellent progress towards the launch of our current account next year and the recruitment of these new roles is an important milestone in that process."
Tesco Bank's decision comes at a tough time for its major rivals while other challenger banks continue to struggle to make an impact against the dominance of RBS, Lloyds, HSBC and Barclays.
The big banks remain under pressure over a host of scandals, including the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI). Rate-rigging and other such practices have further damaged the industry's reputation in the wake of the financial crisis.
On Wednesday it was also confirmed that Lloyds Banking Group had been fined £28m for sales incentive schemes which were found to reward staff even though the products they had sold were deemed unsuitable for the customer.
Tesco Bank currently employs 4,000 staff with its operations largely concentrated online and via the phone.
The development was welcomed by the Chancellor George Osborne who tweeted: "Good to see @Tesco entering current account market. More choice is best way to deliver a banking sector that works for customers."
:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.


text:
The countdown is on until the brand new Westfield Coomera Town Centre throws open its doors to the public for the very first time. This Thursday is the official opening date of the $470 million development, with Gold Coasters able to shop up a storm from 9am. Centre Manager Lauren Frew told myGC just over 100 […]
This author has yet to write their bio.Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud wadmin contributed a whooping 17 entries.
Entries by wadmin
Residents will soon have even more options to do their grocery shopping, with three new Coles supermarkets set to open on the Gold Coast. The new stores will be based at Pimpama, Southport Park and Coomera Town Centre, and are due to start trading within the next three weeks. Coles State General Manager Reagan Lauder said […]
The $470 million Westfield Coomera, next to the Coomera Train Station, is due to open its doors within the next few weeks. The opening on October 11 will see retail space spanning 59,000sq m, 140 speciality stores, major supermarket and retail outlets and a cinema complex, with 7500 jobs created through the construction of the […]
The $470 million first stage of the Coomera Town Centre is quickly taking shape and is expected to open in late 2018. This massive project was first proposed more than 22 years ago and now that it is coming to fruition, businesses are gaining interest in the area. Developers and landowners who own properties around […]
THE State Government is on track to approve $20 million in first-homeowner grants this financial year after a 30 percent spike in applications. Almost 750 grants have been approved already this financial year. The total for 2016-17 was 683. The government’s $20,000 first-homeowner grant ends on June 30. Holly Power and Alex Hart used the […]
SOARING rental demand across Southeast Queensland is driving higher levels of private investment in affordable housing schemes — a boon for struggling families. Demand for affordable housing has shot up in the past few years, according to Jason Cubit, chief executive of Horizon Housing Company, as more workers and working families face housing stress. “In […]
Darrell Irwin, Director in Charge at Colliers International believes the Gold Coast real estate market is hotter than ever. And will continue on this upward trajectory in 2017. “In 2016 we witnessed strong demand in the residential land subdivision, house and land, and townhouse market on the Gold Coast,” Darrell says. “Bank lending restrictions have […]
Pearched high on Finnegan Way, Finnegan Heights Coomera offers an exciting new lifestyle opportunity surrounded by beautiful bushland and close to the new Westfield Town Centre and just 5 minutes to the M1 Motorway.
Address: Suite F12a, Level 1, 47 Ashmore Rd, Bundall. QLD. 4217
Phone: 1300 657 646
Access the Building Portal Here.


text:
-That new CW reality show about assistants at a fashion magazine? The magazine in question is Elle. [WWD]
-TNS Media Research has made a deal with DirecTV to analyze data from set-top boxes and sell it to advertisers. Together with a similar move by TiVo, it could threaten Nielsen's primacy in the viewership-data market. [WSJ]
-It won't be Brady vs. Favre, but it still might be the most-watched Super Bowl ever. [AP]
-Montel Williams is retiring from the talk show dodge. [TV Week]-And you thought fans of The Simpsons were a cult. Nancy Cartwright, who provides the voice of Bart Simpson, gave $10 million to the Church of Scientology. [NYP]. □
Sign up to receive Upstart Business Journal’s free daily email newsletter, weekend edition and breaking news alerts.


text:
July 14, 2014 •
Oh, The Creativi-Tea!
Stationery Trends magazine has announced the winners of its Fifth annual Stationery Trends Awards, “The Trendys.” More than 160 entries were submitted in the six categories of Baby, Bridal, Green, Greeting Card, Holiday and Office, to be judged by more than 1,100 registered voters.
The two-tier phase of voting was modified for 2014 in which retailers voted to select the finalists in Round One, while Round Two consisted of a panel of 15 distinguished industry judges to determine the overall winners.
“It was such an honor to judge this year’s Trendys. I loved pouring over the submissions — it was almost like a sneak peek of who and what’s to come in the stationery world,” said Lauren Kay, style editor with XO Group and first-time judge for the Trendy Awards. “The creativity and attention to detail of stationery designers always blows me away.”
The finalists and winners were on display at the Stationery Trends booth at the National Stationery Show. Finalists received a certificate of recognition and winners received a glass award and an elevated presence at the show, among other marketing exposure.
First-year entrant Morgan Calderini, owner of Ladyfingers Letterpress and winner of the greeting card category, loved the combination of crowd-sourced voting and expert industry judges that decide the Trendy Awards.
“It is an honor to be recognized by our peers in the industry,” Calderini said. “As paper lovers, the most you could ask for is for fellow paper lovers to be as psyched about what you make as you are.”
Alison O’Keefe, owner of Allie Munroe and winner of the bridal category, has entered in various categories in the past five years of the awards program and believes the Trendys provide them with a great exposure opportunity they are able to use in their marketing campaigns.
“All of the 2014 Trendy finalists in the bridal category were very well designed, so it was a great honor to be chosen as the winner,” O’Keefe said. “Our team was especially pleased as the winning design was a true collaboration by several Allie Munroe designers.”
Andy Warhol’s “So Many Stars” book by Galison/Mudpuppy was the company’s first children’s board book and the winner of the Baby category.
“We are thrilled our book has been recognized with the Trendy Award voted on by the retail community and the panel of distinguished stationery industry judges,” said Galison/Mudpuppy president, William Miller.
Kathryn Hunter, owner of Blackbird Letterpress, entered the Trendy Award mostly for the exposure opportunity.
“If we have the opportunity to win a Trendy and then have our product displayed in the Stationery Trends booth, it’s a big win and a big honor,” Hunter said. “It gives our products another opportunity to be seen at the show in addition to our booth.”
“This past holiday season was the first time we’ve designed ornament cards,” said Michelle Murray, graphic designer at Birchraft Studios. “So much care and attention to detail was taken in designing the entire collection. From deciding which papers to feature or which tassel colors to use, to writing personalized greetings that would inspire people to share their favorite moments with family and friends.
“We are thrilled that it all paid off in the end,” she continued. “It’s truly an honor to be named this year’s Trendy Award winner in the Holiday Category. Congratulations to the rest of the Trendy Award winners and finalists.”
“The Trendys are something we look forward to every year and Stationery Trends does a wonderful job managing the awards,” said Katy Ritten, creative director at Three Designing Women, winner in the office category. “We have so much respect for the dedication and commitment that goes into creating and constantly improving each contest. From the voting process to the categories featured in the program, the Trendys are sure to bring the best of the best and truly do just get better with time.”
With numerous category wins to their name from previous years, Three Designing Women views the program as an opportunity to compete and show off their hard work, thus allowing them to develop a following and a true fan base of people who are as passionate about their products as they are.
“The Trendys are a distinguished honor that are both industry recognized and customer respected,” Ritten added. “We feel so honored to just be a part of the Trendy Awards experience as a whole.”
Judges included Sarah Schwartz, Stationery Trends editor-in-chief; Audrey Woollen, Urbanic Paper Boutique; Carina Murray, Crow & Canary; Carly Totten, Carly is Inspired; Erin Sage Thomas, Between The Sheets Co.; Lauren Kay, XO Group Inc.; Jessica Southwick, Jesswick Creative Studio LLC; Julie O’Brien, Sweet Paper; Katie Strzok, Broadway Paper; Kristen Magee, Invitation Crush; Kristi Dannelley, Magna IV Communications; Lyndsey Wells, The Stationery Place; Marcie Carson, MIXT Studio; Theresa Anderson, Sweet Paper; and Wendy Brown, Brown Ink Paper Goods.
Many thanks to all for making the Fifth Annual Trendys such a success by submitting entries, casting votes and judging entries.
The sixth annual Stationery Trends Awards will take place in late 2014. Manufacturers and designers should be on the lookout for submission information in future issues of Stationery Trends and TrendE-News, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Printed invitations will be mailed in the fall. To ensure your name is on the list for submission information, email [email protected] or call 616-887-9008, ext. 121.
The Trendys are sponsored and managed by Stationery Trends magazine. For more information, visit www.stationerytrendys.com.
— Sara Middlebrook, events & communications coordinator


text: Illinois Offers $33 Million to Sears: Illinois has offered $33 million to Sears, Roebuck & Co. to keep its retail headquarters in the state it has called home for more than 100 years. Sears has said it will announce by the end of the month whether its 6,000-employee Merchandise Group will remain in Illinois. Speculation for a new site has focused on an area west of Chicago, Dallas, and Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C. The Merchandise Group, which has a $411 million annual payroll and produces about $19.4 million a year in state and local taxes, is being moved from Sears Tower to cut costs; the company is also selling the skyscraper. Gov. James R. Thompson signed legislation earmarking $33 million to Sears' incentive package. The money could be used for land, site improvements or infrastructure at any Illinois site. Chicago already has offered unspecified incentives to Sears.


text:
Chinese Mindray Sees Increased International Growth Through U.S. Datascope Acquisition
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
SHANGHAI - Shenzhen-based Mindray Medical International saw strong international growth through its acquisition of American Datascope's patient monitoring business in May, the company said in a second quarter earnings call Sept. 4
You may also be interested in...
Mindray stock recovers from freefall after allegations that China’s leading medical device company overstated its earnings and engaged in fraudulent accounting practices.
China’s largest medical device company is buying its way to a highly exclusive club of global high-end ultrasound manufacturers. While management expects synergy by marrying American technology with Chinese manufacturing, some see a fragmented strategy trying to offer all things for all people.
BEIJING - With a spike in orders for patient monitors following China's 7.9 magnitude earthquake, Mindray Medical International has ramped up production to supply hospitals throughout the devastated region


text:
Ascert continues to expand its testing capabilities with the release of the VersaTest Jenkins Plug-in for Continuous Testing
Ascert continues to increase the usability of its testing technology by officially launching the VersaTest Jenkins Plug-in for Continuous Testing. “We’re about making our technology more accessible to testing professionals that need to take advantage of the latest capabilities in the rapidly changing development landscape,” says Simon Miles, Ascert’s Chief Architect. “Several years ago, we saw the increasing trend for the implementation of continuous integration. Companies were effectively using it to get product to market faster, with more efficiencies, and less cost. The problem was that no FinTech company had come up with the right tool to enable automated testing to be integrated into the process using Jenkins. Until now. That’s what the VersaTest Jenkins Plug-in for Continuous Testing does.”
In the process of introducing an efficient means of testing into the development flow, Ascert worked with a major financial institution who is at the forefront of rapid product development using continuous integration to better serve their customers. The result was an elegant solution that fits nicely into continuous integrated development.
The VersaTest Jenkins Plug-in for Continuous Testing represents another major product expansion for Ascert in 2016; joining the latest addition, VTERM for Automator, which automates legacy green screen applications.
Testing Industry News, Updates & Commentary


text:
- Barrons.com•5 days ago
Germany's BMW (BMWYY) couldn't care less about Donald Trump's threats of border taxes over its Mexico plant. Baoxin Auto (1293.Hong Kong), the largest BMW dealer in China, said in a profit alert that it now expects its net earnings in 2016 to rise by at least 180%. Looking ahead, BMW and Baoxin will have an even better 2017.
- Reuters•7 days ago
General Motors Co will announce as early as Tuesday long-held plans to invest about $1 billion in its U.S. factories, following recent criticism of the company by President-elect Donald Trump, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters late on Monday. The largest U.S. automaker is making the decision for business and not political reasons, said the person, who asked not to be identified. The investment will help GM create or retain more than 1,000 jobs, while the automaker also plans to tout other efforts to boost U.S. employment, including adding engineers, the person added.
- Reuters•8 days ago
German auto production in the United States could be threatened if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump puts in place protectionist trade measures, the German government's transatlantic coordinator, Juergen Hardt, told Reuters on Monday. "With respect to the German auto industry, one will have to explain to him that German companies are already producing in the United States and exporting to the whole world from there," Hardt said. Trump, in an interview published on Monday, sharply criticised German carmakers for failing to produce more cars on U.S. soil and said he would impose a border tax of 35 percent on vehicles imported from abroad.
BMW.DE : Summary for BAY.MOTOREN WERKE AG ST - Yahoo Finance
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW.DE)
XETRA - XETRA Delayed Price. Currency in EUR
Add to watchlist
|Bid||0.00 x 80500|
|Ask||0.00 x 38700|
|Day's Range||85.98 - 86.78|
|52 Week Range||63.38 - 91.76|
|PE Ratio (TTM)||8.19|
|Dividend & Yield||N/A (N/A)|
|1y Target Est||N/A|


text:
Blog: A-B and Miller - will the bickering never stop?
Olly Wehring | 5 May 2006
There are a few things guaranteed in life: death, taxes – and the odd spat between Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing, are certainly among them.
This week, Miller dismissed the ‘Here’s to Beer’ campaign – an industry-wide initiative led by A-B to promote the beer category as a whole – as only serving the interests of the Budweiser brewer. A-B had tried to garner industry support for the campaign, but has been left to handle the effort on its own as rival brewers opt to focus on their own brands.
Yesterday (4 May), St. Louis hit back, arguing that ‘Here’s to Beer’ had won industry-wide backing, pointing out that wholesalers and retailers around the country were supporting the campaign. Moreover, Bob Lachky, the A-B executive in charge of the campaign, was quick to point out that rival wholesalers were putting their weight behind the initiative and insisted the marketing drive did not need the endorsement of other brewers.
The campaign is a personal crusade for Lachky, the man behind many of A-B’s marketing successes in the past. He is adamant that ‘Here’s to Beer’ is working, with the domestic beer category up during the early part of this year and beer beginning to win back share of throat against wine and spirits in some US states.
A-B has been less bullish, however, about last week’s revelations in the Wall Street Journal that the brewer had changed the recipes to Budweiser and Bud Light in recent years. The WSJ – the second most read paper in the US – quoted A-B chairman August A. Busch as saying that he ordered more hops to be added to the beers. This admission comes after A-B had repeatedly denied Miller’s claims that it had changed the recipe for Budweiser and Bud Light.
Naturally, Miller was delighted at A-B’s ‘confession’ and the giddiness in Milwaukee must have reached record highs last week, as Miller sent a plane flying over A-B’s St. Louis HQ with a banner that read: “Sire, sire, pants on fire” (No, I didn’t get it either).
It was a stunt that left A-B employees scratching their heads in bewilderment but maybe Miller shouldn’t be so hasty in revelling in others’ discomfort. A-B saw domestic volumes rise 4.6% during the first quarter of the year, the first signs of a turnaround from last year’s disappointing performance. Meanwhile, Miller’s parent, SABMiller, revealed in a trading update last month that Miller sales-to-retailers were down 1% for the year to 31 March.
SABMiller reveals its full financial figures for the year on 18 May – only then will we really discover if it has been left with egg on its face.
Whisk(e)y companies spend a lot of money and effort ageing their products for that premium taste....
PepsiCo created a stir last week with the news it is testing a product called Caleb's Kola, with some in the media claiming it was the beginning of a new “craft soda” category....
SABMiller's bid to widen the appeal of beer is very much in evidence at its latest 'House of Peroni' - with beer cocktails and a bigger bottle for the Italian lager brand on offer. ...
Here's a round-up of the big stories on just-drinks last week, featuring PepsiCo, SABMiller, the Scotch whisky category and the US wine market....
- Comment - How Hand-Made is Tito's Handmade Vodka?
- Analysis - Remy's Cognac "dead-cat bounce"
- Heineken to stay "active player" in beer M&A - CFO
- Focus - Pernod Ricard's Q1 sales by brand
- Time for Heineken to make a European break
- Moët Hennessy unveils first Travel Retail outlet
- Whisky downturn slows Diageo's Scotch spend
- Beam Suntory, Edrington part ways in Travel Retail
- United Spirits sees Q1 net loss
- Pernod Ricard sees sales lift in Q1


text:
NEW DELHI : Australia on Monday announced it will allow import of Indian mangoes from 2009 season following recommendations of an expert body dealing with import risks.
The decision to allow import of Indian mangoes subject to fulfilling of certain quarantine conditions by exporters was announced by Australia's Acting High Commissioner David Holly here.
Holly said Australia's Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Fresh Mango Fruit has recommended that Indian mangoes be permitted.
"This is the final step in Australia's import risk analysis process and paves the way for India to start exporting mangoes during its next export season in 2009," he said.
Earlier, the US had also announced lifting of ban on Indian mangoes.


text:
Tag Archives: Trine 2
Sun, Dec 18, 2011 | 22:57 GMT
What’s utterly gorgeous, a blast in co-op, and soon to be available everywhere, on nearly everything? Trine 2.
Wed, Dec 07, 2011 | 10:22 GMT
“Substantial” downloadable content for Trine 2 will arrive next year, developer Frozenbyte has told VG247.
Wed, Dec 07, 2011 | 10:20 GMT
Following the release of Trine 2 today on PC, sales of its predecessor have hit 1.1 million units since it first launched in summer 2009, VG247′s learnt.
Mon, Dec 05, 2011 | 23:49 GMT
Frozenbyte will begin a platform-staggered launch for co-operative puzzle platformer Trine 2 this week.
Thu, Nov 24, 2011 | 05:46 GMT
Frozenbyte crosses the great platform divide with its puzzle platformer sequel, Trine 2.
Wed, Nov 09, 2011 | 22:08 GMT
Frozenbyte has released some new shots for the lovely-looking Trine 2 which will be released in December. Those in Europe will be lucky enough to get a Collector’s Edition for PC and Mac, which contains all sorts of goodies, including the first Trine. The game is also slated for release on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Fri, Nov 04, 2011 | 14:23 GMT
Frozenbyte has announced a Collector’s Edition for Trine 2 which will be made available in Europe when the game is released in December. To be made available for PC and Mac, the edition contains the full game, soundtrack, an artbook, and the first Trine game. The whole package will be sold for a €19.99/£14.99, and there’s no word on special packaging for the US just yet. The developer also sent over a few new screenshots which you can view below the break. The game is also slated for release on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 | 15:15 BST
Pre-order the luscious Trine 2 on Steam ahead of its December release and gain instant access to the online co-op multiplayer beta.
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 | 19:41 BST
Frozenbyte has released an environmental video for Trine 2, showing off some of the various locales in the game. It is exceptionally lovely, and you can watch it below the break. Trine 2 will be simultaneously released to “a bunch of different platforms” during Q4 2011.
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 | 18:33 BST
Focus Home Interactive has released new screenshots for Trine 2, which will launch on Mad and PC during the later part of the year digitally and via retail. Enjoy.
Thu, Aug 25, 2011 | 11:53 BST
The PC and Mac versions of Trine 2 will launch in Europe in Q4 this year, its been announced, although there’s no word of where the PS3 or 360 versions are at. It was previously delayed until “late summer” back in March The game will launch at retail and at digital via Focus Home Interactive, with the game’s soundtrack being bundled with the collectors’ edition.
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 | 21:24 BST
We heard you like reading every little bit of news that comes out of a Games Convention, and we wouldn’t ever think of letting you down. Here’s the news which you might want to catch up on. Make sure to put your reading glasses on, because you’re going to need them!
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 | 07:19 BST
Frozenbyte’s latest developer diary admits what every Trine fan knows deep in their heart – the knight is as useless as toe hair on a watering can. It looks like the sequel might remedy that.
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 | 20:20 GMT
Atlus said today that physics-based fantasy platforming sequel Trine 2 has been pushed back into the back end of the summer; it was supposed to be released in the spring. A new trailer, titled Alluring Adventure, has been released to take the sting out of the slip. Watch and weep after the break.
Tue, Oct 19, 2010 | 07:03 BST
Frozenbyte’s confirmed platforms for Trine 2′s release next spring.
Fri, Jun 18, 2010 | 14:28 BST
Atlus US has released the new trailer for Trine 2, the follow up to the original title which appeared on PC and the PlayStation Network.
Fri, Jun 11, 2010 | 14:54 BST
Looks like Trine 2 is set to be announced at E3 next week, according to the line-up of publisher Atlus 2.


text:
The FAA is investigating another incident involving lithium ion batteries aboard aircraft. During a flight from New York to San Francisco passengers became alarmed when they saw smoke coming from a carry-on bag. The fire was caused by a lithium ion battery in a laptop computer that overheated.
There have been 12 similar incidents on flights so far this year. Some experts have voiced concerns over a possible danger from requiring electronics that contain lithium ion batteries to be stored in the cargo area of the plane in passengers’ checked baggage rather than in their carry-on bags. Should a fire start in the cargo area it can burn unchecked for quite some time. Former NTSB Chair, Mark Rosenker, stated “Frankly, the safety community would find that a greater risk than potentially even terrorism. We do run a very serious risk of some potentially losing the aircraft.”
Fire on JetBlue flight highlights concerns over possible laptop ban expansion


text:
PostNord Continues Partnership with 3YOURMIND with New On-Demand 3D Printing Portal
In 2017, PostNord, one of the top Nordic suppliers of communication and logistics solutions, decided that adding 3D printing to its service offering was a necessary step. 3D technologies could help the company, which boasts a strong distribution network, address the changing needs of its customers by combining on-demand 3D printing capabilities with the 2D printing services native to its subsidiary, PostNord Strålfors, which develops and offers communications solutions in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. At that time, PostNord began offering 3D printing services through this subsidiary, which proved successful.
So with that in mind, the company announced a new 3D printing initiative this winter, and took another big step by investing in a full-color, multi-material Stratasys J750 3D printer, together with its new partner Sony Mobile, in order to deliver on-demand parts production and delivery service to its logistics customers.
PostNord also counts Berlin-based 3D printing software startup 3YOURMIND, which helps its clients streamline industrial 3D printing and increase production, as a partner, as the unique 3D software platform it offers would be very well-suited for PostNord’s 3D printing business-to-business (B2B) solution.
The two companies are continuing their partnership, as PostNord is taking another step in its overall investment in 3D technologies, with the launch of a brand new 3D portal through PostNord Strålfors.
“We are very pleased to be able to launch our 3D Portal,” said Ylva Ekborn, the CEO of the PostNord Strålfors Group. “It is a next step to, in a simple way, make the 3D market more accessible.”
PostNord’s 3D Portal was developed together with 3YOURMIND, which called on its experience helping clients connect all the parts of their workflow and increase their 3D printing adoption. Its digital 3D workflows connect production locations and teams, and PostNord is embracing the opportunity to capitalize on its experience.
According PostNord, “Our 3D portal makes it as easy to order a 3D print as shopping in any online store. All you need to do is log in, place an order and then the product is sent to you.”
The 3D Portal offers on-demand 3D printing solutions, and is available to PostNord’s corporate customers, along with the B2B market. The project tool makes it possible for customers to enjoy what PostNord refers to as “a seamless production in a cloud-based solution.”
“PostNord Strålfors strives to be our customer’s digitization partner, which means we need to be at the forefront and take advantage of the opportunities that the digital development creates,” Ekborn explained. “Since we launched our 3D investment in the beginning of the year, we have received positive response and it is evident that more and more companies are exploring the possibilities of incorporating 3D solutions into their businesses.”
The on-demand 3D Portal developed by 3YOURMIND and PostNord is a project tool that the B2B market will enjoy using. The portal allows companies to work with the entire project chain in a safe, encrypted environment, all the way from the initial idea, through project iterations and the final, on-demand 3D printing of products. In addition, 3D Portal users will also have access to 3D printing expertise so they can get help creating CAD blue prints, or just general 3D printing advice.
Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.
You May Also Like
3D Printing News Briefs: June 11, 2019
Starting with a little business in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, Materialise has signed an MoU with Sigma Labs, and Carpenter Technology Corporation launched an additive manufacturing business unit, while...
3D Printing News Briefs: June 8, 2019
In this week’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’re talking about partnerships, new software and buildings, and a neat 3D printed miniature. Together, Evolve Additive Solutions and Evonik are developing materials...
RAPID 2019: Talking 3D Printing and Partnerships with Ultimaker’s Jamie Howard
While attending the recent RAPID + TCT conference and trade show, I also visited the Ultimaker booth to meet with Jamie Howard, the new president of Ultimaker North America. On...
Better On-Demand Production and Scheduling in Additive Manufacturing
International researchers have come together to discuss challenges in meeting the needs of ‘prosumers,’ in additive manufacturing production around the world—particularly in relation to powder bed fusion systems. In ‘A...
View our broad assortment of in house and third party products.


text:
Canadian convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.’s quarterly earnings beat estimates on Tuesday, as customers spent more on groceries at its stores, while a fall in fuel prices boosted profit margins at its gas stations.
Increased fears of the novel coronavirus led people to make fewer trips to its stores, consolidate their shopping and opt for home-delivery and curbside pickups.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Revenue from Couche-Tard’s merchandise and services unit that sells food products and everyday essentials rose 7 per cent to US$3.86 billion in the first quarter, with gross profit rising 7.5 per cent.
Net income attributable to the company rose 44.2 per cent to US$777.1 million, or an adjusted 71 US cents per share, in the first quarter ended July 19, beating analysts’ estimates of 40 US cents, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
Gross profits in the company’s fuel business rose 13.1 per cent due to lower oil prices.
However, a coronavirus-led slump in fuel demand brought Couche-Tard’s total revenue down 31.4 per cent to US$9.71 billion.
The company said demand was beginning to recover, especially in Europe where travel patterns were normalizing.
© Thomson Reuters 2020


text:
NEW SERIES - THE SPONSORS - eCAR MOVER OWNER LOOKS TO CONNECT DOTS IN B2B LINK WITH NHRA, OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
Pro Stock owner-driver Alan Prusiensky has found sponsorship the hard way before.
While engine testing his Dodge Dart on the dynamometer at his Rockaway, N.J., shop, a fuel line came loose, sprayed fuel all over the booth, and ignited a blaze. He emptied two full-sized extinguishers that contained Cold Fire/FireFreeze, an environmentally friendly fire-suppressing agent. When he went to the Cold Fire/Firefreeze office nearby to have both canisters filled, the woman who owned the business asked what caused a fire so drastic that he needed two cannisters to douse. Prusiensky told her. She took an interest in his racing. It turned out her company had had a sticker on John Force’s Funny Car years ago. Later, Prusinensky and wife Christine approached the woman about a possible marketing partnership, and they struck a deal that lasted for a handful of races.
But with current sponsor eCar Mover, Prusiensky didn’t have to do anything dramatic, intentionally or unintentionally.
John Mingolelli, founder member and vice-president of eCar Mover, already loved drag racing, already had pursued his own career in the sport. He hit it off with the equally hard-working Prusiensky, who was approximately the same age, shared that Northeast racing-scene vibe, and also was building and expanding his own business.
“This is all I love to do. This is all I think about, other than my family and my business. That’s it. I don't have any other hobbies,” Mingolelli said. “It’s my goal to win a Pro Stock championship with Alan.” And he said he’s in the sport for the long haul: “We could do this for the next 20 years, you know what I mean?”
How Mingolelli and Prusiensky forged a two-car Pro Stock team with a B2B bent that includes rookie and former crew member Mike Callahan is a story of passion and perseverance.
“I’ve been in this kind of space for pretty much as long as I've been in business. I've been in motorsports. My life starts pretty much as a street racer in New York,” he said. Observing entrenched racers such as John Nobile and Mike Castellana and engine guru Scott Shafiroff only whetted Mingolelli’s appetite for more speed.
After about five years in heads-up NMRA racing in his beloved Mustangs, he had a bit of an awakening. It came at the SEMA Show, when one of his sponsors handed him a dose of reality as they chatted in the sponsor’s booth. Mingolelli said, “He looked at me and started laughing. He said, ‘John, you’re never going to get there racing Mustangs.’ He’s like, ‘This is not like Major League Baseball, where you go AA to AAA and then you go right to the [big leagues].’ He goes, ‘You're going to need money, a lot of money. Go back to your business. I would stop racing.’”
The ambitious New Yorker didn’t want to slow down with going fast. So he took a serious look at the NHRA’s Factory Stock Showdown class when it first popped up, figuring he had more than a passing interest in that engine program and was familiar with Mustangs, especially keen to race a Cobra Jet. But Pro Stock always had his attention. Prusinesky also caught his eye, and Mingolelli’s wife urged him to phone the privateer. He called Prusiensky, they talked, and each took a chance on the other.
By then, Mingolelli and business partner Anthony Salib had built eCar Mover into a car-transport empire that stretched across North America. And how proud he was to see Prusiensky roll up to the starting line at the 2017 St. Louis race – and roll into the FOX Sports TV camera frame. The logo he had designed himself was being broadcast to a million or more households.
“I have the picture, and I even videoed it – I took my camera phone and kind of zoomed into the FOX News coverage. It was qualifying. It rained. There was a delay, and [after the rain stopped], Pro Stock was the first one up,” he said. In a six-second flash,
So “eCar Mover” was on the dragstrip and in the consciousness of the American consumer. But did everyone know what eCar Mover does?
“Kalitta Air hauls cargo with planes. We haul cargo with trucks,” Mingolelli said.
Mingolelli brought Salib into the operation he founded in 1996 on Long Island that included a towing service and delivered automobiles to and from auction houses and to Florida for snowbirds. He moved headquarters to the Tampa area and eventually teamed with Salib and rebranded the business as eCar Mover. Claiming no business is too large or too small, eCar Mover services manufacturers (Ford, General Motors, FCA, and Tesla), dealerships, auction houses, rental-car companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz), online buyers, and any company or individual who needs to transport one or more vehicles.
an OEM logistics provider for as well as individuals looking to move vehicles anywhere across the United States and Canada, Prusiensky sees the opportunity to continue to build his program. The automotive logistics company is expanding into Canada and also has transportation relationships with Avis, Hertz, and Budget.
And eCar Mover swings into overdrive in the aftermath of natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy that hit the Eastern seaboard in 2012. That catastrophe that claimed 75 lives in the United States alone (233 from the Caribbean through Canada) destroyed almost a quarter of a million cars among the estimated $70.2 billion worth of damage. But eCar Mover was at the ready to clear those ruined cars, through a contract with Copart (which used to sponsor Brandon Bernstein’s Top Fuel dragster). The company exceeded expectations and soon grew its reach across borders and across the ocean.
With its involvement in the NHRA and Prusiensky’s Pro Stock team, Mingolelli and eCar Mover are poised to share relationships with a broad spectrum of common marketing partners. Mingolelli said he sees the opportunity as mutually beneficial among eCar Mover, Prusiensky’s team, and the NHRA. Moreover, Mingolelli said he has been excited that Prusiensky has been developing his own Dodge program.
Salib, whose grandfather used to race at Bakersfield years ago, has no particular interest in drag racing. But Mingolelli is trying his hardest to show his partner the B2B value of this coast-to-coast platform for eCar Mover. He’s hoping the NHRA exposure will help him “connect the dots” in a cross-pollination campaign. Both entities, after all, work with automakers, tech schools, and various other vendors and suppliers. Just before Christmas 2020, NHRA sponsor Camping World announced a partnership with Lordstown Motors to sell the awaited Endurance electric pickup truck. So that possibly could open a new business channel for eCar Mover. Mingolelli, certainly investing faith in the NHRA community’s reputation for brand loyalty, is hoping to connect those dots between Salib and his heritage along the way.
Frankly, the deal with Prusiensky began with just an outlay of $10,000 that Mingolelli had remaining in his budget their first year. So they have parlayed that into the Prusiensky/Callahan development that appears on the brink of a breakout season. When he began this venture, Mingolelli said, he was “on the outside of the tent.” That might not be the case anymore, for eCarMover has indicated it will bring several companies along for the experience this season at selected NHRA national events.
“Alan and I have been working together for over five years to get to this point,” Mingolelli said. “We had had a lot of ups and downs to get to this point. Alan had his accident in Charlotte a few years ago, and that set us back. But now we are full steam ahead, and I could not be happier with this sponsorship. Our goal is to use the NHRA to further promote eCarMover as the premiere automotive logistics company in North America.”
Prusiensky called Mingolelli “a great guy to have in your corner” and said, “John and I go way back. We are excited to promote eCarMover in 2021. I also know John is working on a couple more deals that will just help us make our program even better. I have a great team and we are pouring our hearts into this Pro Stock program.”
Ultimately, Mingolelli said, he wants “to groom the next Erica Enders or Alex Laughlin.”
For the moment, though, a strong showing in the Pro Stock class at the four-wide Denso Las Vegas Nationals April 16-18 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway would be a terrific start.