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LMC Audio Systems has announced that the company's head of sales & marketing for London, Graham Allen, has now been appointed to head of sales and marketing for LMC company wide. Graham has 10 years' industry experience and has worked for several major players including Behringer, Shuttlesound and more recently with Sysco (The Systems Company). Only recently appointed, Graham has already proved himself a great team player, and is now responsible for sales and marketing at LMC's London, Birmingham and Leeds branches.
Federal Signal has announced the return to the company of Alan Weston as area sales manager for the North of England and Scotland. His appointment coincides with the restructure of the firm's national sales force and the launch of a new range of products from the Millbank public address range. Weston, who has vast experience in the voice alarm industry, rejoins Federal from specialist public address installer TG Baker Sound. In addition to developing markets for existing and new Millbank products, he will also focus on the company's Akusta products, dedicated to the oil and gas sectors.
Further emphasising DHA Lighting's expansion into international markets, the company has announced the appointment of Rainer Weggen, previously of Lightpower Showtechnik, as its fourth international regional sales manager from October 1. Weggen, who will continue to be based in Germany, has tremendous knowledge and experience of DHA's product range following six and half years at Lightpower looking after key account customers. In his new role, he takes on responsibility for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Bloc countries.
Canford now has a new sales and operations director. The ex commercial-radio engineer turned entrepreneur, Iain Elliott, who founded the outfit back in the seventies, has returned to the fold. Whilst Elliot concentrates on the product and customer side of the operation, Phil Buckle, a man with a wealth of manufacturing and distribution experience, has joined as chief executive. With the appointments Canford is now back to the course set years ago, with "engineers communicating with engineers", and a commitment to the continuation and development of the the Canford catalogue, now in its 20th year of production.
Continuing expansion at Logic System Pro Audio has seen the recent appointment of Jenna Mckirgan to the position of administration assistant. Based at the company's Gainsborough factory, Mckirgan will be responsible for purchasing and general sales support. Working closely with Dean Davoile, who will be the first point of contact for customers calling the office.
DPA Microphones in Denmark continues on its impressive expansion curve, and has again increased the strength of its sales department, recruiting Steffen Leth Møller to the European team. He takes up the role of area manager, working right across the continent. Prior to joining DPA Microphones, he completed a four-year technical education as an export technician and spent five years with the Michelin Group in Denmark, where he was a technical sales representative.
Laser Grafix of Royston have been successful in persuading Richard Wright to join the company as Group sales manager. Wright has left his role as general manager and director designate of GVC Laserpoint. Wright will bring with him a great deal of sales experience, not only from his time at Laserpoint but also from his work for Philips Analytical, and his knowledge of the videowall and large screen industry will prove invaluable.
C Audio has reinforced its senior management structure to enable them to sustain and maximise the early sales potential in the wake of last year's successful worldwide launch of the new Pulse switched-mode amplification series. The key change sees David Neal take up the role of sales and marketing director, in parallel to his duties with BSS Audio. At the same time, Dominic Harter has been appointed as sales engineer for C Audio, covering all sales to European markets. Ruth Buchanan becomes sales office manager with responsibility for both BSS and C Audio, and Paul Bass becomes C Audio marketing co-ordinator. Lee Basham (product support manager) and Melissa Bednarski (sales co-ordinator) continue in their present roles.
The Board of Directors of AC Lighting Inc has announced that Bob Gordon has become president and chief executive officer of the company. As one of the founding partners of AC Lighting Inc, Gordon has been instrumental in establishing a distribution company with an enviable reputation for quality products and technical support in North America. Founded in 1993, AC Lighting Inc distributes professional lighting equipment to the North American entertainment industry. AC's exclusive product range includes MA Lighting (grandMA lighting control), Jands Electronics (lighting control), Chroma-Q (colour changers) and cable assemblies.
Color Kinetics has expanded its senior management team. Five new Vice Presidents - including two promoted from within the company - have joined the senior team. The company was founded in 1997 and in just under three years has grown to nearly 100 employees. Joining the existing senior team members who have been in place since the early days of Color Kinetics are Bruce Beck, vice president, business development who brings over 28 years experience in new market development and sales to the company. Kevin Dowling is the new vice president of strategic technologies: he joined the company in April 1999 as director of engineering. Allen Duck joins as vice president, international sales: he brings 12 years of extensive international sales experience to Color Kinetics. David Goselin, who has over 30 years experience in manufacturing and operations management is the new vice president, manufacturing. The final member of the team is Jeffrey Sirek, vice president, North American sales who joined Color Kinetics in July of 1998 as a regional sales manager.
David Bruml is joining Funktion One as sales and marketing manager in October. Bruml has been in the audio industry many years and was at one time with Turbosound, where he developed his initial passion for the work of Tony Andrews and his partners at Funktion One. Tony Andrews comments: "We are delighted that David has agreed to join us co-ordinating our marketing and sales strategy. We are looking forward to working with him over the coming years."
Lightfactor Sales continues its ongoing expansion and re-structuring with the appointment of Paul de Ville as managing director. De Ville will be working proactively alongside Lightfactor's established sales team in a move designed to free up Mick Hannaford to deal with group expansion, product line development and the marketing of the group. De Ville is one of the most colourful characters of the lighting production and performance industry. For the last 15 years he has worked at the Lighting Technology Group, and is a well-known and respected figure throughout the industry.
Coemar DeSisti Australia has announced staff changes to cope with steadily increasing business. David Lee joins the company as TV and film lighting specialist. David has had 30 years' experience in the lighting industry including theatre, concert, corporate and TV lighting, spending 20 years working for BTQ7 in Brisbane. During the time at BTQ7 he was responsible for all studio and location lighting and also a number of large outside broadcast events such as Gladiators, RAQ Fashion Awards and Brisbane Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols for seven years, as well as game and children's shows such as Wipeout, Amazing, Family Feud and A Big Breakfast. He was also technical director/lighting director for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (Australian TV Coverage) and lighting director for News and Today Show at 1988 Seoul Olympics for the NBC Network USA.
Live event company Hotcakes has today announced the formal appointment of five senior figures to its new Board of Directors. The Board will consist of Chris Spencer (executive producer and managing director), Helene Spencer (visual director), Sean Canning (creative director), Dick Tee (production director) and Alison Esse (communications director). The Board has been formalised as the company enters a new phase of development and expansion. Hotcakes already designs, produces and manages creative shows and live events for a number of different brands and organisations in the UK, including Marks & Spencer, Cosmopolitan Show and Prima, as well as the creative production for International Festival of the Sea, and will be announcing new projects in the near future.
Following the appointment of Allan Gallacher as its regional sales manager in the North, Trantec Systems has further boosted its sales force with the appointment of Gary Waywell to a similar role in the South. Waywell has spent the last two years with Stagetec UK and was previously with CCT Lighting, where he was involved with the launch of the Freedom range. He will join Tranetc in time for the PLASA launch of a new range of products.
Mark White, until recently a member of the team of theatre consultants at the Royal Opera House, is to join ETC Europe on October 2 as sales manager for the UK and Eire. Having been part of the theatre industry since 1985, White's career has included the development of bespoke lighting and control equipment for shows including Cats and Phantom of the Opera . He has also designed lighting and effects for major exhibitions and displays, including Eurodisney, and his extensive knowledge and experience will prove invaluable to the ETC Europe sales team. Mike Lowe, managing director of ETC Europe, told PLASA Publishing: "The addition of Mark, with all his practical experience, demonstrates the fact that ETC continues its commitment to providing the best customer service in the business."
PLASA Publishing has learned that Robert Bell, one of the three co-founders of Canadian software specialist CAST Lighting, has left the company to move on to new projects. CAST Lighting is best-known for its highly-popular WYSIWYG lighting design softare. Bell, who is currently working with John Rayment on the lighting of the Olympic Games in Sydney, says he has no precise plans at present, but is excited about the future.
Former deputy show director of the Cosmopolitan Show, Matt Briggs, has joined brand experience consultancy Hotcakes as a full-time producer. The appointment of Briggs, who has worked closely with Hotcakes for the past two years in producing Cosmopolitan Show's award-winning catwalk show, underlines Hotcakes' push to recruit skilled individuals from a variety of sectors. His responsibilities will include the initiation and management of projects, close client liaison, co-ordinating the teams allocated to each event, controlling and managing budgets and production schedules and identifying and acting on opportunities as and when they arise.
On August 1 Stig Poulsen took over as Martin Professional's new R&D director replacing long-time head of R&D, Finn Kaellestrup. Poulsen joins Martin from building control company Danfoss where he was technical manager. His principal role will be to develop the R&D department's flexibility and design capabilities, as well as to strengthen the company's infrastructure.
OmniSistem of Wahington state, has added Rick Poole to its sales staff. Poole joins the company from Guitar Center in Tukwila, Washington, where he managed the DJ and lighting department. He has been a mobile and club DJ for 10 years, as well as a successful club systems installer/contractor. His experience with lighting products for the DJ and club level will be a great asset to bolster sales of the Programmi Sistem Luce (PSL) products, the COEF MP250 series, and La Novalight Booster and centrepieces.
Aura Sound Design Ltd has appointment of Scott George as show control director. Cited as the most experienced show control programmer this side of the Atlantic, George began his sound career in Australia. He worked on a broad range of projects covering theatre, opera, concerts and corporate presentations, and spent three years as the hire manager of Scion Stage Sound and Lighting. He has since worked all over the world, and in the UK has been involved with Coriolanus/Richard II at the Gainsborough Studios, the Royal Shakespeare Company's Macbeth, Plenty and Phedre/Britanicus for the Almeida at the Albery, and Hey Mr Producer at the Lyceum Theatre. George is currently working alongside Aura's John A Leonard programming the complex audio system being designed by Aura for the new Madame Tussauds Exhibition in New York.
Martin Professional is expanding its touring and theatre division with the appointment of Mark Ravenhill as stage lighting manager. Ravenhill, who previously worked with Martin at the company's Danish HQ, joins them from AC Lighting where he was marketing manager. One of his first roles will be to oversee the launch of the new MAC 2000 at the forthcoming PLASA Show. The company has also strengthened its technical department with the appointment of Steve Chimarades as technical manager. Chimarades brings with him a technical background and was most recently with a telecommunications company.
London-based Orbital Sound has appointed Drew Mollison to its team of theatre sound specialists. Mollison has over 15 years' experience of West End Musicals, working on major shows such as Miss Saigon, 42nd Street and Les Miserables in a range of capacities from front-of-house operator to production engineer and sound designer. He has also worked for the Really Useful Group, supervising audio production of shows such as Starlight Express and Jesus Christ Superstar. Mollison will work alongside Orbital's Tim Sherratt in technical support, as well as expanding the capacity of the production engineering department, headed by Andy Robinson.
Laser Grafix has welcomed Paul Sadler back to the fold. Sadler first began working for them in 1988, progressing to hire manager before leaving to join Stagestruck as project manager. He returns to the company as technical sales executive.


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iPhone 14 Pro rumored to feature 48MP camera, periscope lens coming in 2023
In brief: TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a recent note to investors that he believes Apple’s next iPhone will feature a 48-megapixel camera and get a periscope-style lens the following year.
Kuo previously said the rumored 48-megapixel camera will be limited to the iPhone 14 Pro models, Apple’s upper echelon handsets. The new camera, which is also said to be capable of recording 8K video, may also support 12-megapixel output through pixel binning. While not new, the feature is meant to improve image quality in low light by combining data from multiple pixels into one, albeit at the expense of resolution.
A periscope lens isn’t a new innovation, either. The Huawei P40 Pro+ features one, which as the name suggests, allows for an extended optical zoom range. On the P40 Pro+, it enables 10x optical zoom. For comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro Max can only do 3x optical zoom.
Kuo in a note from earlier this year said a notch-eliminating under-display Face ID / Touch ID could also be in the works. For many prospective buyers, this could be a bigger selling point than a new camera as the notch isn’t universally liked.
In the latest investor note, Kuo said the incoming camera upgrades will enhance optics supplier Largan Precision’s market share, and thus, revenue and profit. Shares in that company are up more than 1.5 percent on the rumor.
Image credit The Gate

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Solar power companies investigated over false carbon tax claims
Two solar power panel suppliers have been stung over false claims relating to the impact of the carbon tax.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Polaris Solar and ACT Renewable Energy both distributed pro-solar leaflets to households, claiming that electricity prices would increase by upwards of 20 per cent due to the carbon tax alone.
The suppliers also stated that electricity prices would likely increase by over 400 per cent by 2019 if the carbon tax effect continued.
"The ACCC is of the view that these representations were clearly misleading. There was no reasonable basis for these claims to be made," said ACCC acting chairman Michael Schaper in a release issued yesterday (July 5).
"If a business claims that a potential price rise is linked to the carbon price, the claim must be truthful and have a reasonable basis."
The news follows reports earlier this week that bakery chain Brumby's would be investigated for allegedly planning to blame upcoming price hikes on the carbon tax.
The ACCC has warned businesses that any claims made in relation to the carbon price must come from verified sources, and says that it is dangerous to take figures published in newspapers articles or advertisements as fact.
Households concerned about the potential impact of the carbon tax might consider undergoing an electricity supplier comparison check to ensure they are with the best provider to suit their needs.
Posted by Charlie Moore


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Nara Logics specialises in artificial intelligence and in analysing how the brain works as a basis for its personalised recommendation systems for companies.
The challenge that the Nara Logics founders set themselves when they launched the company back in 2010 was to understand how the brain works in order to be able to offer closely-tailored personalised recommendations. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based startup, which specialises in artificial intelligence (AI), has neuroscientists from MIT and machine learning experts on the team. In 2012, the startup launched its recommendation and personalisation customer application platform Nara.me, which goes somewhat further that the simple recommendation services provided by such firms as Yelp and Foursquare and is designed to help you find a restaurant or hotel that suits your recorded tastes.
The company’s new president Jana Eggers, whom L’Atelier met up with during the Lean Startup Conference in San Francisco in mid-December, told us about Nara Logics’ future plans. Following the initial platform targeted at end consumers, the firm is now pivoting more towards licensing its recommendation engine and underlying AI software to businesses. In fact, ever since Nara.me was launched, corporates have been asking the company to design a platform specifically for their business sector. So Nara Logics is now shifting into B2B mode.
Targeted offering based on neuroscience
Today Nara Logics offers unique recommendation technology to a range of companies in the payments, e-commerce and tourism fields. The startup’s algorithm is able to analyse companies’ ‘big data’ and establish logical connections that create the link between what consumers want and what companies have to offer. However, it is vital that Nara Logic’s corporate clients maintain a constant flow of analysable data so that the workings of the brain and the various connections it makes can be transposed to best advantage, explained Jana Eggers.
In the end all the data is gathered together on a knowledge graphic for each company, highlighting the ‘digital DNA’ of its customers, i.e. their preferences in terms of search and personalisation. “If you have a preference for a particular restaurant but your friend has a different preference, s/he will receive different recommendations from your because your digital DNA just isn’t the same,” points out the Nara Logics president. This type of analysis will give companies a better handle on their customers’ behaviour. The novel feature of the Nara algorithm is that it seeks to capture the interactions influencing customer behaviour from a neuroscience viewpoint.
Neuroscience requires more research
As technologies such as deep learning, image recognition and predictive APIs become more widespread, they are boosting the capacity of computers and IT systems to seriously disrupt all kinds of industries. AI is also a technology that is gradually revolutionising industry. “A lot of research has been done into the way machines work, but very few firms have looked into the way the brain works. That’s where neuroscience comes into what we’re doing,” explained Eggers, adding that the goal of Nara Logics is to bring real intelligence into artificial intelligence.
However, as yet there are very few neuroscientists working in business. Eggers points out that neuroscience is still quite a young field of enquiry and that there is not as yet enough documentation on the workings of the brain to be able to create a fully neuroscience-based approach to AI. The algorithm that Nara Logics uses is based on studies published just a few years ago. Going forward, the company intends to improve its technology by working with people from different fields who have already tried other AI systems unsuccessfully and are now ready to test the new personalised recommendation technology.


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Finnish Revonte ready to distribute integrated drive system in 2022
The total market volume amounted up to 270,000 units in 2020, more or less in line with previous years’ sales. As the biggest majority of sales is done between March and June in the country, we can already give a good estimate of the 2021 market. Based on the import figures from January to July, the total market volume in 2021 will end roughly at around 260,000 units.
The outlook for the 2020 market was very positive, and after the skiing season, the stores were transformed again to prepare for the cycling season. Then, in March, businesses had to close due to Covid-19, and the outlook was very bleak for a few weeks. As in many other countries, the Finnish soon saw the benefits of cycling, and consumers rushed to the bicycle shops. People wanted to avoid the risks of public transport and move independently on their own. Team sports, especially those that took place indoors, were restricted, and people changed over to outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, governments had started all kinds of incentives to promote cycling, such as tax support for company bicycles and compensation for switching from the petrol car to an e-bike. Cycling was considered a safe means of transport as well as a sports activity and was heavily promoted. All these market developments resulted in demand beyond all expectations. Retailers quickly sold their stocks, and suppliers traded all their inventories for repeat orders. Since then, the Finnish market has struggled with a bicycle shortage that will only be solved when global supplies improve again.
Average retail price boosted
The bicycle trend and the reasons for model split are difficult to define due to the continuous shortage of products. However, all signs show that consumers value cycling and their bikes more than ever. Retailer reports and statistics reveal that the average purchasing price increased by 20% in two years. The lowest price category remained stable as ever, but those customers who used to ride middle-priced bikes were prepared to spend substantially more for a new bike. Hybrid bikes sell well, but today, consumers prefer bicycles that are lighter and technically more advanced.
In Finland, the mountain bike is still the most popular category as it can be used for commuting to school or work and is versatile in sports. The gravel bike has taken a substantial market share from road cycling, while fat bikes are still very appealing to use in snowy conditions during winter. The cargo bike is still a niche market in Finland, although the numbers are growing rapidly.
E-bike market share up to more than 15%
E-bikes bring in the money
In the past three years, the e-bike expanded its market share in volume from 4.2% in 2018 to more than 15% this year. In 2018, the market amounted to a modest 12,000 units, while in 2021, sales volume is estimated at around 40,000 units. More significant is the increase in the retail price as consumers are prepared to pay a higher average price for their e-bike today than three years ago.
A substantial number of retailers have doubled their turnover in 3 years and some even more, while the profitability of the trade has improved on all levels. This market transformation from bicycles to e-bikes has a big impact on retail. However, the sales of e-bikes have not spread evenly over all retailers.
Many smaller retailers have been reluctant or slow to start offering this new product category in their shops. Today, the retail e-bike market is dominated by a few larger retailers. The cheaper models are sold by the mass markets, and a growing number of middle and higher-priced bikes are in the hands of larger specialised bicycle shops.
The outlook for the cycling industry is exceptionally good in Finland. Consumers are interested in cycling and are aware of its benefits. The government supports cycling with a wide range of initiatives like ‘cycle-to-work campaigns, better facilities and investments in infrastructure. The big problem comes from the industry itself. There is a huge shortage of products, and retailers can’t offer the full range to their customers. The service shops are still having a difficult time due to the scarcity of parts and components. The market developments of the past 1.5 years made retailers more aware of the importance of detailed planning systems. This will change their approach towards suppliers in the near future.


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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — The state’s annual back to school sales tax holiday could be 10 days longer this year.READ MORE: Gov. Ron DeSantis Speaks Regarding Monoclonal Antibody Treatments In Miami
A tax cut package, that would extend the popular tax holiday, is being advanced by Senate leaders. The House last week passed a $300 million tax cut bill that included only a three-day sales tax holiday.
A Senate panel voted Thursday on the proposal to hold the sales tax holiday from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16. During that time consumers wouldn’t have to pay the state’s 6 percent tax on clothes, school supplies and computers.READ MORE: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Who Grew Up In Miami, Could Be Next US Supreme Court Justice
The Florida Legislature is holding a 20-day special session to pass a new state budget. State government will be partially shut down on July 1 if no deal is reached.
Tax cuts remain among the main items legislators haven’t agreed on.MORE NEWS: Controversial Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Confirmed As Dems Walk Out
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


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Why inflation is rising despite a fall in consumption | India Today Insight
Supply constraints, high taxes and high global commodity prices are to blame
Why has retail inflation remained high despite tepid demand for most products (outside the essential items category), threatening to further halt the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) rate-cutting spree? Retail inflation, which came in at 6.7 per cent in August, has breached the upper band of the RBI's inflation target for the fifth consecutive month. Inflation has been above the RBI's prescribed target of 4 per cent (plus or minus 2 per cent, so the upper band is 6 per cent) for 11 consecutive months now. That it was a shade lower than the 6.9 per cent clocked in July offers little solace. CPI (consumer price index) inflation was as high as 7.2 per cent in April, and was expected to fall with the easing of the lockdown. However, the numbers for the past two months show it is rising again. The RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) had shied away from slashing key rates in its policy announcement on August 6 and left the policy repo rate (the rate at which commercial banks borrow from the RBI) unchanged at 4 per cent and the reverse repo rate at 3.35 per cent against a backdrop of rising inflationary pressure. This is expected to continue. “Quite clearly, the MPC will have this number at the back of their minds when evaluating its decision in the next meeting,” says Care Ratings in a research note. “Inflation is well above the threshold of 6 per cent while growth has slipped quite sharply. The liquidity situation is comfortable while bank credit growth has been negative. Under these conditions, the decision (by the MPC) may steer towards another pause in policy action.”
So why is inflation rising despite the lag in demand since the country went into lockdown in March-end? Although the rural economy has done well with a good monsoon and harvest, consumption has been sinking, and is expected to continue so for the entire fiscal. Consumption of some services, especially contact-based ones such as travel, sports and entertainment, will remain muted till a vaccine is widely available, says a note from Crisil. There is a vicious cycle here. The rise in retail inflation would further reduce disposable incomes of people.
Food prices high
If that is the case, why should inflation keep rising? Despite the unlock phase, which ensured better movement of goods from factories to warehouses and retail shops, food prices still continue to remain high. Double-digit inflation in the case of eggs (10.1 per cent), oils and fats (12.4 per cent), vegetables (11.4 per cent), pulses (14.4 per cent) and spices (12.3 per cent) continue to push food inflation higher. There are other elements that have added to high inflation. Fuel prices have been rising, with no mitigation in taxes levied on fuel at the central and state level. Inflation in the case of fuel components rose to a 5-month high of 3.1 per cent in August 2020, compared with 2.7 per cent in July 2020 and (-)1.7 per cent in August 2019. A low base effect and rise in prices of diesel and kerosene have led to an uptick in this component from the previous month's inflation.
Fuel on the boil
A close look at the “miscellaneous” component of inflation shows that it has scaled to an 89-month high of 7 per in August, compared with 6.8 per cent in the previous month. This increase can be ascribed to a rise in gold prices (captured under the personal care segment) and an increase in petrol and diesel prices (captured under the transportation segment). Inflation in the personal care effects has been double-digit during the last five months and is at an eight-year high. Inflation under the transportation segment, at 11.1 per cent, has spiked to its peak since the start of the 2012 (base year) series, says Care Ratings. Therefore, while low demand should have technically brought down prices, they continue to be high due to continuing supply restrictions, high taxes on items such as fuel, and certain higher commodity prices, as in the case of gold.
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Santa Clara, California-based Tavant Technologies announced it opened its second U.S. development and innovation center in Dallas.
Along with the office, the company said it plans to add 300 new employees across the U.S. this year.
"Our commitment to customer success and developing innovative products and solutions has enabled our rapid growth," said Sarvesh Mahesh, founder and CEO of Tavant. "It is exciting to achieve growth across all our businesses with high customer satisfaction."
HousingWire Magazine recently named Tavant a Tech100 winner thanks to its “expertise in helping mortgage firms convert more leads, cut costs and retain borrowers by providing digital technology solutions, expertise across the loan lifecycle – from lead management, sales, processing underwriting and more.”


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An important online event got underway in Taipei on July 1 to connect political and business leaders from cities worldwide and envision a post-pandemic future that sustains the growth of cities and the health of its people.
Smart City Online is a months-long, online edition of the canceled Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE), which is the largest of its kind in Asia. It pioneers over 350 smart city solutions in 19 themed cyber “pavilions.”
Many of of the exhibits are designed to address the challenges of post-pandemic life. The event has facilitated 200 business matchmaking online events and 17 online forums, including a Mayors’ Summit in August. Over 200,000 views from 118 countries and regions have been recorded so far for the major online event.
In August, a Mayors’ Summit gathered 20 city mayors and representatives from 17 countries for a live-edit video conference, using state-of-the-art audiovisual applications and video conferencing tools. Oversea participants used Webex, Cisco’s video conferencing system, to connect to the cloud host server.
On behalf of Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), Deputy Mayor Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊) and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for External Affairs Tom Chou participated in the summit. Mayor Ko also shared his epidemic prevention strategy, discussing how smart technologies could be used to contain the spread of the disease.
Ko talked about how the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the digital transformation of the city government and private companies. Efforts include the installation of face mask vending machines as well as promoting remote learning and telecommuting.
Mayor Zdeněk Hřib of Prague, joining a delegation led by Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil, also took part in the Mayors’ Summit on Aug. 13. He said that smart technologies play a vital role in tackling the pandemic.
Paul Peng (彭雙浪), chairman of the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) said on Tuesday (Sept. 2) that Smart City Online is planning to display online more than 1,000 smart city solutions from 500 companies worldwide, up until the end of the year. Sixty professional forums and 800 business matchmaking events are set to be run online during this time.
The three main events coming up in September are the World Telecom Smart City Conference, and World System Integrator Conference, Peng said. “This year, we have high hopes of adopting 5G for various smart city solutions, in light of Taiwan’s ICT strengths and the launch of 5G commercial services in the country.”
Source: Taiwan News


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The engine specs of Datsun’s Redi-Go has been revealed. Datsun is all set to launch the much-awaited small car in India on June 1. The car had a global debut in India last month with the Japanese carmaker unveiling the production version of Redi-Go.
Datsun has announced the launch price of the Redi-Go as Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and has opened bookings for the same at Rs. 5,000 (refundable).
Redi-Go will be powered by a 0.8-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine (as seen in the Kwid). The three-cylinder motor is capable of producing 54PS of power along with 72Nm of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox will take care of the transmission duties.
The baby hatch is likely to offer a mileage of 25.17kmpl, similar to the Renault Kwid. The new Redi-Go Urban Cross accelerates to 100kmph from zero in 15.8 seconds, which is better than its immediate competitors including Alto 800, Renault Kwid and the Hyundai Eon. The small car is claimed to be the fastest in its league.
The Redi-Go is shorter than the Kwid in length and height but is slightly wider than it. Ground clearance of Redi-Go stands at 185mm - 5mm higher than the Renault Kwid, which will further be of help in Indian road conditions.
Renault showcased the automatic (AMT) variant of Kwid with a new 1.0-litre engine at the Indian Auto Expo in February and we can expect the same to be launched by June this year. Initially, Datsun does not have any plans of launching the same in the Redi-Go.


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From cosmetics that are free of harmful chemicals, to solar chargers and energy and water audits - residents looking to buy green products and services can now do so online.
Online store makes it easy for UAE residents to go green
From cosmetics free from harmful chemicals to solar chargers and energy and water audits, residents looking to buy green products and services can now do so online.
Gecostore, which will feature more than 400 products, opened yesterday to coincide with World Environment Day.
Its founder, Tatiana Antonelli, and her partners first looked into the idea two years ago but decided the timing was not right.
Problems included the difficulties of setting up an e-shopping scheme, the economic crisis and the lack of UAE companies producing or distributing green products.
But Mrs Antonelli believes things are different now. “The UAE population seems to be increasing again,” she said.
More people are comfortable shopping online and interest in green products has increased, she added.
“Two years ago, there were just a few suppliers, now we have more than 400 products,” said Mrs Antonelli, who is also the managing director of Goumbook, an online sustainability directory.
Goods available online include children’s accessories and toys made from a plastic substitute that is produced entirely from plant fibres. Made using bamboo fibres and rice husks, the products are biodegradable and can be composted when they are no longer needed.
The site has plenty of options for people looking to reduce their energy and water use. Insulating window films and solar chargers are on offer, and users can opt for a complete energy and water-reduction overhaul by ordering a consultation.
“It is a one-stop shop for everything green,” Mrs Antonelli said.
Product descriptions are in English and Arabic and delivery will take about three days.
The site’s founders also have plans for the future. “Step two for us will be to expand to the whole Gulf region, and by 2015 to the rest of the Middle East,” Mrs Antonelli said.
Visit the store by logging on to www.gecostore.com.


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Do you know you Notebook more than what it look? A potentially dangerous security hole in Apple's range of MacBook battery micro-controllers' firmware could be exploited to destroy the batteries inside the notebooks, according to security researcher Charlie Miller.
"Modern laptop batteries contain a microcontroller that monitors the power level of the unit, allowing the operating system and the charger to check on the battery's charge and respond accordingly. That embedded chip means the lithium ion batteries can know when to stop charging even when the computer is powered off, and can regulate their own heat for safety purposes.
"When Miller examined those batteries in several Macbooks, Macbook Pros and Macbook Airs, however, he found a disturbing vulnerability. Miller discovered the two passwords used to access and alter Apple batteries by pulling apart and analyzing a 2009 software update that Apple instituted to fix a problem with Macbook batteries. The batteries' chips are shipped with default passwords, such that anyone who "discovers that password and learns to control the chips' firmware can potentially hijack them to do anything the hacker wants. That includes permanently ruining batteries at will, and may enable nastier tricks like implanting them with hidden malware that infects the computer no matter how many times software is reinstalled or even potentially causing the batteries to heat up, catch fire or explode"."
He says that "You could put a whole hard drive in, reinstall the software, flash the BIOS, and every time it would reattack and screw you over. There would be no way to eradicate or detect it other than removing the battery. Presumably Apple has never considered that as an attack vector, so it's very possible it's vulnerable."
Miller says he's received messages from several other researchers asking him not proceed with the battery work because it could be too dangerous. But Miller has worked to fix the problems he's exposing.
At Black Hat he plans to release a tool for Apple users called "Caulkgun" that changes their battery firmware's passwords to a random string, preventing the default password attack he used. Miller also sent Apple and Texas Instruments his research to make them aware of the vulnerability. I contacted Apple for comment but haven't yet heard back from the company.


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The founder and current CEO of Shopify Tobias Lütke has joined the board of Coinbase. He will bring his experience and help Brian Armstrong’s company to expand internationally.
Tobias Lütke joins Coinbase’s board of directors
On his blog, Brian Armstrong announced that Shopify founder Tobias Lütke has joined the Coinbase board of directors.
Tobias Lütke’s company is a platform that allows individuals and businesses to create and run their own e-commerce site.
In addition to developing his company, the Shopify CEO is a proponent of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
With this new integration, Tobias Lütke is expected to bring his experience to create new products and help Coinbase expand internationally.
“Shopify sits at the intersection of three important areas that crypto is looking to revolutionize: finance and payments, web applications, and the internet itself. With Tobias Lütke’s guidance, we hope to unlock the potential of cryptocurrencies in the same way that Shopify democratized online commerce,”said Brian Armstrong.
Thus, the two companies complement each other and the respective founders share a common vision of decentralization.
With this in mind, Shopify was one of the first e-commerce platforms to embrace cryptocurrencies through Coinbase Commerce. This integration has obviously benefited its merchant network, which spans over 175 countries.
While this has yet to be formally confirmed by the board of directors, it’s a safe bet that Tobias Lütke’s name recognition and expertise remains an asset for Coinbase’s future.
“The concepts of decentralized finance and entrepreneurship exemplify the promise of Web3, where opportunities exist for the many, not the few. Coinbase and Shopify share this common vision, and I am excited to join the board to support the future that Brian and the Coinbase team are building,”said Tobias Lütke.


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A California filmmaker claims equipment stolen from his checked bags wound up at a home in a different state, based on info from his hidden AirTags.
Apple has confirmed that the iPhone will support USB-C charging following a European Union mandate.
Police in Nebraska say a passenger’s cellphone automatically alerted responders after a car hit a tree in a crash that killed all six of its young occupants.
The newest Apple software update mainly addresses two security vulnerabilities that could impact the device’s central operating system and browser engine that powers Safari.
In 50 cases in 8 months women received a notification that they were being tracked via Apple AirTags without their knowledge
The iOS 16 software update won’t be available for free to all users until this fall, according to Apple.
The Amber Alert came across the AirPods so loud that it ripped open the boy's ear drum, causing permanent hearing loss, the lawsuit states.
Forget passwords. A new, faster and more secure sign-in method is expected to be available across major tech platforms over the course of the coming year.
Apple’s Self Service Repair Store lets customers buy parts and tools to fix their own iPhones amid a growing "right to repair" movement.
The former Apple employee defrauded the tech giant out of more than $10 million by taking kickbacks, stealing equipment and laundering money, authorities said.
While Apple acknowledged that incidents of AirTag misuse are "rare," the company has been working with law enforcement to track down and charge perpetrators who engage in unwanted tracking.
The function identifies the top portion of a user’s face in order to unlock a device, making it potentially less secure which is why Apple is allowing consumers to opt-in or out to use it.
Police in Montgomery County are investigating a suspicious incident after they say an Apple AirTag was found on someone's car. They also reported a suspicious vehicle outside their home after receiving a notification that they were being tracked.
A rare Apple-I computer, which was built by Apple founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, recently sold for $500,000 — 750 times the original price.
A fully-functional Apple-I computer, which was built by Apple founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and sold out of Jobs’ garage, is going up for auction.
Apple’s new iOS 15.1 update allows users to add verifiable versions of their COVID-19 vaccination to the Wallet app. Here’s how to do it.
The plaintiffs claimed their replaced items under AppleCare did not meet Apple’s standards as advertised which promised “new” or “equivalent” replacement.
Apple announced a delay in its plans to scan U.S. iPhones for images of child sexual abuse, saying it needs more time to refine the system before releasing it.
“I’m glad I reacted so quickly because it was life-threatening,” Arizona resident Yolie De Leon revealed.
Epic Games is hoping to break through the app store’s “wall” and offer an alternative, which would allow them to break free of Apple’s commissions. It’s one of the most serious legal threats Apple’s faced in years.


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Halo Burger celebrates 97th anniversary with $ 1.97 burgers
FLINT, MI – Burger lovers rejoice! Flint-based Halo Burger is celebrating its 97th anniversary and National Cheeseburger Day with QP $ 1.97 burgers, available between Friday, September 18 and September 30.
Halo Burger, America’s second-oldest burger chain, offers the special burger price to people who are members of Halo Rewards and others, according to a press release from Halo Burger.
Halo Burger is offering all Halo Rewards customers who are registered by Friday, September 18 a coupon for a PQ of $ 1.97 on the brand’s mobile app, redeemable at any Halo Burger restaurant. To register, individuals can visit here.
Coupons are mailed to customers in the Genesee County area in mid-September with a “Gold Offer,” redeemable for a PQ of $ 1.97, starting September 13 and valid through October. The official dates for the in-store celebrations have yet to be announced.
Here is a list of Halo Burger locations where customers can redeem their QB burgers:
- Fenton – 1355 N, rue Leroy
- Grand Blanc – 2248 Hill Road
- Flint – 3388 S Linden Road
- Burton – 1166 N Belsay Road
- Flint – 4451 W, chemin Pierson
Halo Burger, originally called Kewpee Hotel Hamburgs’, debuted in 1923 in downtown Flint, serving burgers at a box-car-style restaurant on Harrison Street. Halo Country, LLC, which took over in 2016, worked to return to the foundations on which Halo Burger was built when the Thomas family operated the brand. This includes bringing back the original recipe, sourcing more Michigan produce, and upholding the legacy of a people-focused business.
Brands such as Vernors, Abbotts Meats, Sanders, Koegels, Metropolitan Baking Company, Wolverine Meats, Hausbeck Pickles, Paramount Coffee, Pioneer Sugar and Kellogg are found on the menu, bringing an array of Michigan flavors.


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Serena Williams set a milestone as she won 2017 Australain open.
She won by defeating her sister Venus and making her 23rd Open title.
Williams took the win while wearing a pretty stunning Audemars Piguet Millenary diamond watch on her wrist.
A long-time brand ambassador for Audemars Piguet, Williams is often seen sporting an Audemars Piguet on her wrist.
During this Open, however, she even wore the watch during play. The solid 18-karat gold watch with diamonds on it may have been the good luck piece.


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Visa Says It's Still Not Processing Transactions for WikiLeaks
The credit card giant is denying reports by the Associated and Forbes
Contrary to widely-circulated reports in the Associated Press and Forbes, Visa did not lift its financial blockade on WikiLeaks, a Visa spokesperson tells The Atlantic Wire. Earlier today, headlines splashed across the web "WikiLeaks MasterCard, Visa Donations Accepted Again" after Andreas Fink, the chief executive of DataCell, an internet hosting service in Iceland that helps channel money to WikiLeaks, posted a note on his company's web site saying, "DataCell is happy to report that we are now able again to process donations to Wikileaks." The AP and Forbes were careful to note that neither MasterCard nor Visa had confirmed the report. Now, Visa is making it clear: "We have not reinstated DataCell and are looking into how transactions are being made."
In his statement, Fink suggested that the credit card companies had made an about-face after his recent legal threats against the financial firms. "Last week, WikiLeaks and DataCell said they were preparing to take the credit card companies to court in Denmark," reported the AP. "On its website, WikiLeaks claims that the block placed on WikiLeaks by companies such as MasterCard and Visa have cost it more than 90 percent of its donations, or $15 million."
Fink's note said that its "payment gateway" to Visa and MasterCard provided by Teller A/S had been closed since December. He wrote, "today we have observed that an alternative payment processor that we have contracted with, has in fact opened the gateway for payments with Visa and MasterCard, and now also for American Express Card payments, which is an option we did not had before." He added a taunt: "DataCell is happy that our threats of legal action have had this effect."
As of late WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been doing everything he can to raise funds for his organization, including writing a book (a reported $1.7 million haul that is now being delayed) and raffling off seats at lunch with him and philosopher Slavoj Zizek.
We've reached out to MasterCard but have not heard back. We spoke with PayPal, another firm that imposed a financial blockade on WikiLeaks last December and the company said its position is unchanged. "There has been no change to PayPal's policy regarding donations to support Wikileaks. However, we are allowing payments for the Julian Assange legal defense fund via a facebook fundrazr app."
Update: DataCell CEO Andreas Fink sends an e-mail clarifying what his company observed:
Donations on https://donations.datacell.com are being processed.
I can confirm you that my own test got charged on my personal credit card statement.
I personally retested a minute ago and my donation went through without any problem (unless I messed up the expiration date or so).
Maybe Visa has no clue what their own payment processors are doing?


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We’ve joined forces with Reliant, an NRG Company, to provide our guests with the latest in mobile charging technology – two NRG Street Charge® stations. The 12.5-foot towers, donated by Reliant, are located in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and near the Wilds of Africa Grill. The stations are equipped with solar panels and a bevy of mobile device charging cables, allowing you to plug in and get a free charge. The donation furthers Reliant’s mission to power people’s lives at home and on the go and supports our commitment to ensure quality amenities for their visitors.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide guests with the best experience when getting up close to the animals,” said Gregg Hudson, Dallas Zoo president and CEO. “With our strong commitment to customer experience and the community’s continued interest in sustainable solutions, the NRG Street Charge stations donated by Reliant are a win-win for everyone, animals included.”
The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological park in Texas and houses more than 2,000 animals, making it easy for visitors to spend an entire day exploring countless exhibits – from the African savanna to the South American rainforest. As mobile device users know, going a whole day without refueling a phone can often lead to headaches, especially when there are exotic animals to photograph and precious moments to capture.
“As part of Reliant’s commitment to power Texans’ lives at home and on the go, the NRG Street Charge stations allow guests to enjoy a day at the Dallas Zoo without having to worry about their phone batteries hitting zero,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of NRG Retail and Reliant. “These Street Charge stations offer free device charging for visitors, a fantastic service we are excited to share with the Dallas community and Dallas Zoo guests.”
The award-winning charging stations use three solar panels to turn the sun’s energy into free power for up to six devices, including iPhones and Android-model phones, simultaneously – as fast as a traditional wall outlet would. The outdoor stations won’t let dark skies or a few clouds damper the charge either, as an internal battery within each station stores energy during the day so it can continue to keep devices energized at night and when the sun is not shining.
The NRG Street Charge stations donated by Reliant come at an opportune time as the Zoo continues to break attendance records – having received over one million annual visitors in 2015 for the first time in our 128-year history. With attendance already on the rise in 2016, more and more visitors can now experience the attractions with confidence that their devices can stay powered.


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As we announced a few months ago, Lamborghini has prepared a roadster version of its model Veneno (“poison”), which was for occasion of the 50th anniversary of the company presented in March at the Geneva Motor Show. While Veneno Coupe was created in just four pieces, Veneno Roadster (weight only a 1490 kg thanks to the use of carbon fiber) will be available in a series of nine specimens. Of course, Veneno Roadster will have a (too) high price, and with tax it will be $4,000,000.
As a reminder, for the drive of Veneno cares 6.5 liter V12 engine with 552 kW/750Hp who is paired with a seven-speed ISR robotized manual transmission, and all four wheels drive. Acceleration of Veneno Roadster, which received a special “Rosso Veneno” color, from 0 to 60mph takes 2.9 seconds and top speed is 220.6mph.


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According to the group's latest poll, 75.3 percent of Americans said that they have not purchased any winter apparel for themselves in December, while 58.6 percent have not purchased any as gifts.
The survey found that 26.5 percent of Americans plan to wait until after Christmas to buy items for themselves or as gifts, double the amount who planned to wait until after Christmas to shop in 2002, Beemer said.
The survey of 800 Americans on Saturday and Sunday also found that 30.9 percent of consumers found stores less decorated this holiday season, and 23.9 percent noticed that stores were playing less Christmas music. Lower levels of staff in stores have driven 22.6 percent to leave without buying, up from 20.9 percent last year.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
US holiday sales forecast not upbeat
CNNMoney reports that holiday shopping in the US is expected to accrue lower results than earlier expected as shoppers are holding out for better sales combined with a lack of a "must-have" item. Shoppers are even likely to wait until after Christmas to shop with lowe prices. According to Britt Beemer, Chairman and Founder of America's Research Group, comparable store sales are likely to rise only 2.7% down from the earlier forcast of 3.1%. He added "I'm lowering my forecast because I don't think retailers are going to wake up in time and I don't think the consumer is going spend their money foolishly."


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The Covid-19 pandemic changed our way of life in 2019. We worked from home, kids learned at home, and nobody left their houses unless necessary.
As our lives changed so did demand for consumer products. The switch to home life tossed us out of our normal routines and changed our consumer behaviors.
As demand for consumer goods increased, manufacturers struggled to deliver on their orders.
Although manufacturers attempted to meet demand the bottlenecks were too great.
Shortage of labor, freight, and materials were all bottlenecks that affected these companies.
Because of these bottlenecks we saw shortages and price increases in all sectors.
When the Covid-19 pandemic started we were all asked to stay home and shut down. The shutdown was only supposed to be temporary but it lasted over a year.
As government officials kept delaying reopening workers began to worry about their wages. To counteract this, governments began to supplement workers' income through stimulus and unemployment.
For many they were making more staying home than they were working. The increase in pay kept many from returning to work creating a worldwide shortage of labor.
With lots of labor needed and no labor available the supply chain started to collapse.
Companies began to backlog orders as they struggled to staff their warehouses. Even when companies could get their products to shipment the labor issues did not end.
Freight trucks sat for weeks in freight yards waiting for drivers to be available. Harbor yards sat still waiting for enough labor to load containers and work the ships.
When the Covid-19 pandemic started restrictions on air travel and freight halted transportation. At the same time demand for delivered goods exploded. The increase in demand came from two main factors, time and money.
Western countries began paying more in unemployment than previous wages. With extra cash and time consumers went online and purchased more than ever before.
The increased demand paired with the lack of labor started to strain supply chains.
Struggling to meet increased demands, transporters increased the cost of freight. Overnight freight increased from $1,400 a container to $20,000. With freight prices increasing at alarming rates, prices on commodities began to rise.
High-value manufacturers were able to absorb the costs and pass it onto consumers. For low-value manufactures the costs were too high to continue shipping their products.
This forced many low-value manufacturers to wait for freight costs to drop before shipping.
Some industries struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic while others thrived. The increase in consumer demand caused a surge of growth in the sale of high ticket commodities.
Consumers bought more cars, built more homes, and invested more than ever before. The increased production of high ticket commodities raised demand for raw materials.
With so much demand and so little labor the supply of many of these raw materials became limited.
As production continued to increase the availability for raw materials began to shrink. Producers of raw materials were short staffed and struggled to meet the new demands.
Even when suppliers met demands, freight created another bottleneck for these producers. With little supply and high demand the prices of raw materials increased.
In some cases the price of raw materials increased over 288%. Raw materials like rubber, plastic, and lumber were some of the most affected.
A year after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic we still face consumer shortages. The first items to experience a shortage during the pandemic were bread and toilet paper.
These shortages began because of fear causing consumer panic buying. Today the shortages we experience are due to failures within the supply chain.
Over the past 2 years there have been many shortages caused by the supply chain. Although some products are no longer in short supply others still are.
In the past food suppliers have relied on just in time supply chains. These supply chains operate by keeping as little product stored as possible.
The goal of just in time supply chains is to deliver products as the buyer needs them. Before Covid, many companies used just in time supply chains.
The benefits to a just in time supply chain were lower inventory costs and less liability. This was a great supply chain for companies before the pandemic. Yet, once the pandemic started the companies that used just in time supply chains ran out of inventory.
Today food suppliers are still affected by their use of just in time supply chains. Processed food suppliers like Tyson are the most affected from their use of just in time supply chains.
With a reduced labor force, food processors are struggling to pack their products. Since these food processors are producing less they are buying less from farmers.
Farmers are now struggling to sell their livestock and crops. With less buyers farmers must slaughter their livestock and destroy their crops.
This caused millions of pounds of meat and crops to disappear from the supply chain.
With food disappearing rapidly from our supply chain, food storage is the only way to prepare yourself. With long-term food kits that have a shelf life of 25 years, there is no excuse for not having enough food available. And, especially if you have a special dietary need, be sure to stock up early. You don't want to need some gluten free survival food and not have it!
Along with food, consumer electronics are also experiencing a wide range of shortages. The consumer electronics shortage stems from a shortage of microchips.
The chip shortages originate from producers in Asia who are not able to keep up with the demand for the chips. The understaffed microchip producers struggle to get raw materials and produce chips.
The high demand for microchips comes from the increased demand of consumer electronics.
Many of the electronic manufacturers avoided shortages until recently. They avoided microchip shortages by stockpiling large inventories of chips.
Yet, many of these stockpiles are running low and we are starting to see electronic shortages. Apple and other manufacturers have already delayed production of new products.
Until the chip shortages resolve, expect more electronics to become unavailable in 2022.
The automobile industry took a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. The automobile industry struggled because of the complexity of their supply chain.
Automobile manufacturers source parts from many different suppliers before they assemble their vehicles.
With so many suppliers needed automobile manufacturers bottleneck during shortages.
The bottlenecks that affected automobile manufacturers' was the inability to source microchips. Microchips have been in short supply after the demand boom for consumer electronics.
The shortage has crippled auto manufactures because only 10% of the semiconductor plants manufacture automobile semiconductors. This leaves auto manufacturers with little negotiating power compared to the electronics manufacturers.
Because of this half a million less automobiles will reach production this year.
Throughout the last 2 years we have seen many drug shortages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic demand spikes for drugs crippled drug manufacturers supply chains. Over 100 drugs were classified as being in a nationwide shortage during 2020.
Many of the drugs in short supply are ones that treat Covid-19 symptoms. The most affected drug categories were vasopressors, sedatives, and injectable solutions.
The distribution of the pharmaceutical companies' was a factor of the nationwide shortages. Pharmaceutical companies distribute their drugs based on a priority contracts algorithm.
This algorithm allocates drugs to the hospitals that have the largest pharmaceutical contracts. This works during non crisis markets but fails when the economy is not operating as normal.
During the Covid-19 pandemic these systems failed and created shortages across the country.
At the beginning of 2020 we were told that it would only take two weeks to slow the spread of Covid. Almost 2 years later we see that Covid-19 isn't going anywhere soon.
With new variants popping up every 6 months we can expect to see more of Covid-19 in the coming year. Another year of Covid-19 means yet another year of supply chain issues in 2022.
Experts like Tom Kelly, instructor of integrated supply management at western Michigan university, have also added their input on what the supply chain will look like next year.
Kelly believes that we will face shortages in every sector of consumer goods in 2022. Kelly expects the increase in consumer spending will continue through the holiday season.
With demands already high, Kelly believes that supply chains will continue to struggle.
Because of this Kelly expects we will see price increases across the board as supply shrinks in 2022.
Washington University director of the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Panos Kouvelis, gives us some insights into what will affect supply chains in 2022.
Kouvelis explains that corporate hoarding is the newest problem the supply chains face.
Companies are now placing extra orders in fear of more shortages. The increased demand for materials creates more strain on freight shipping.
Kouvelis also predicts greater supply chain issues to come in the following year. Kouvelis is particularly concerned about China's energy crisis.
In China energy prices are increasing at the supplier level. This is a problem because China's government caps the price energy companies charge. To avoid losses energy companies have restricted manufacturers' energy usage.
This caused some manufacturers to cut operations by as much as 40%. Kouvelis believes that if China’s energy crisis does not resolve itself we will face more supply chain failures in 2022.
According to economists at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, labor shortages will continue throughout 2022. Before the pandemic the United States economy added an average of 300,000 new jobs each month.
Over the last 12 months of the pandemic the United States added an average of 450,000 new jobs each month. Professor Bill White explains that total U.S. unemployment sits at 4.5 million.
Yet, there are 11 million job openings available. With new jobs created faster than ever before, the gap in openings to workers continues to increase.
Because of the ever increasing surplus of jobs the end to the labor shortage is nowhere in sight.
Going into 2022 we expect to see a continuation of the supply chain issues we have been facing over the past 2 years.
With labor shortages, and freight delays still unresolved experts expect more consumer shortages.
Going into 2022 the only way to ensure you are not affected by these supply chain disruptions is to prepare.
With food shortages over the last 2 years food preparation can give you a safety net when the shelves go bare.
Keeping a stock of long term food storage has never been smarter with the ongoing shortages. Creating a food storage stock is simple and will last you for the next 25 years.
It is a good idea to plan for how many days you expect to be without food to ensure you have enough stock. Looking at the past year, we recommend keeping at least a month's worth of stored food.
Keeping a month's worth of food will allow time for supply chains to restock once shelves are empty.
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet you will need about 30,000 calories per person to last an entire month.
Moving into 2022 we are seeing a continuation of increasing energy prices. Prices for oil and natural gas have tripled since the start of the pandemic.
Oil prices are also creeping towards $100 per barrel. Moving into winter, energy price increases will make the heating season very expensive.
With energy prices rising to new highs many are switching to renewable energy.
Covid-19 has increased the rate at which we are moving toward renewable energy. Joe Biden recently announced his net-zero promise for the U.S. government.
The net- zero promise is Joe Biden announcing that the government will have zero emission by 2050.
As fossil fuels become a thing of the past, adding a source of renewable energy will prepare you for the future.
When the pandemic first started we saw a frenzy of consumers buying all the toilet paper they could. In the following months paper towels, diapers, tampons, ketchup, and other consumer goods became scarce.
As these products disappeared it created a frenzy of buyers who cleaned the shelves. The only ones who were not in that frenzy were those who were already prepared.
As we approach 2022 stocking up on essential goods will prepare you for the uncertainty.
We know that supply chain issues will continue consumer goods shortages into 2022. What we do not know is what those shortages will be.
To prepare for this you should stock up on any consumable products you use on a regular basis.
Keeping a stockpile of essential goods will protect you as others panic to find one roll of toilet paper.


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Dubai, UAE-based Opaala, a hospitality-tech startup comes in as a solution to tackle the hospitality industry pitfalls following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Author - Pradeep Singh
Hub71, one of Abu Dhabi's most popular tech startup accelerators on July 6 announced that they have appointed Hanan Harhara Al Yafei as its new CEO.
Storytel, one of the largest audiobook and e-book streaming service globally has reportedly acquired Kitab Sawti, Dubai-based Arabic audio content platform
Founded by John Oke in 2018, Wallets Africa enables people and businesses to send and receive payments seamlessly through its mobile app.
MidChains, an upcoming virtual asset trading platform based in Abu Dhabi, UAE has recently made the announcement of its latest funding
Marico, Indian FMCG behemoth today announced that it has acquired Beardo, a men's grooming brand. The acquisition witnessed the exit of VCats.
Steppi, Dubai, UAE-based corporate health and community engagement platform, has recently announced that the company has raised $720K
Bengaluru-based Bike taxi startup Rapido has launched Rapido Store, a new inter-city logistics service for businesses to deliver products to consumers.
High Street Essentials, the parent company of FabAlley, Indya, Zyra, the e-commerce marketplaces dedicated to women's fashion, has raised funding
As COVID-19 pounced the Indian stock markets, Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries in April lost $13.2 billion in his wealth. Fortunately, he has revived...
The Abu Dhabi Investment Offic (ADIO) has invested in Shorooq Partners' Bedaya Fund in a move to create funding opportunities for Abu Dhabi-based startups.
Tips to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation from a seasoned remote worker
India's Yolo Bus that standardises inter-city bus travel, today announced that the company has raised $3.3 million in a Series-A round led by Nexus Venture
Dubai, UAE-based Invygo, a car-rental startup on Tuesday raised $1 million in a Pre-Series A round led by EQ2 Ventures, Class 5 Global and 500 Startups.
Cairo, Egypt-based social commerce startup Brimore has raised $3.5 million from Algebra Ventures, 500 Startups, Flat6Labs, Disruptech, and Vision Ventures.


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British Petroleum Company (NYSE: BP) has invested $20 million in an Israeli start-up company by the name of StoreDot that claims its batteries can charge electric cars in just five minutes.
Additionally said on Tuesday, BP suggested its venture capital arm, BP ventures, was investing in the firm as it looks to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in its enterprise. At the start of the year, they invested $5 million in FreeWire, another start-up, that makes mobile electric car charging stations.
“Ultra fast charging at the heart of BP’s electrification strategy,” spoke Chief Executive of BP’s downstream business, Tufan Erginbilgic, in a statement on tuesday, “StoreDots technology shows real potential for car batteries that can charge in the same time it takes to fill a gas tank.”
Daimlers trucking unit (DAI) contrived a $60 million investment with StoreDot in September last year. Storedot claims the batteries are ecologically friendly and can generate a travel distance of more than 300 miles after a full charge.
StoreDot developed an alleged “flash battery,” that is said to be a lithium-ion battery that can charge electric vehicles in the matter of minutes due to it being composed and powered by organic compounds and nanomaterials. They have hopes to create something similar for phone to charge in five minutes and wants it commercialized by 2019.


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UK businesses lose £600m from ‘home movers’
UK businesses are losing a combined £600m a year - and could be missing out on a total profit opportunity of £115m - by not engaging early enough with customers who are intending to move house.
These are the startling findings of a new white paper released today by Callcredit Information Group. The document, Home Movers - an overlooked marketing opportunity?, explores the level of churn associated with home movers and the steps that businesses can take to minimise their losses.
Written by Callcredit's head of consulting, Paul Kennedy, it reveals that mortgage providers fare the worst when their customers move house, losing an estimated £367m a year to churn. Utilities, telecoms, TV, insurance and life assurance providers are also badly affected, losing around £230m between them.
Research shows that home movers spend an average of £5,000 on products and services related to their move, but this is also the time when consumers are most likely to change providers, with 65 per cent of people switching to a new supplier when they move. The white paper highlights that today's consumers, driven by concerns about money, are much more likely to shop around for the best deals, with the help of price comparison sites and peer-to-peer networking.
With almost 10 per cent of households across the UK having moved home within the last 12 months, and with property transactions recently reaching their highest level for 18 months, the white paper explains that home movers are a lucrative market for both acquisition and retention, but many businesses are overlooking the opportunities that these consumers present.
Callcredit recently unveiled its Home Move Triggers Daily Alert service, which can identify consumers at every stage of the moving cycle - from putting their home on the market and looking to secure a mortgage, through to completing the sale or signing a new rental contract - for use in targeted marketing campaigns.
Paul Kennedy said: "Despite the difficult economic conditions, the home mover market is big and growing steadily. For marketers, moving home represents a great and actionable communication trigger, but due to lack of resources and awareness, too many businesses ignore this opportunity.
"By highlighting, in actual terms, the revenue lost to home mover churn - which we estimate as being £600m annually across the six key product areas of mortgages, electricity / gas, telecoms, pay TV, home insurance and life assurance - we hope that businesses will realise the benefits of tapping into this market in both retaining existing, profitable customers and acquiring new ones. With home moves starting to peak over the coming months, it is time to act - because if you don't, your competitors will."
The white paper is in four sections and is available for download from URL www.callcredit.co.uk/home-move-wp


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Resident optometrist Dimple Kumar has recently joined Specsavers Barnet as partner, and is relishing the challenge the new leadership role brings.
Most recently, Dimple has been shortlisted for the ‘Young Business Person of the Year’ award at the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards.
A word from the new director
28-year-old Dimple Kumar knew she wanted to be an optician and have her own store from the age of 16. Last November, she achieved this ambition. Dimple is now one of four store directors who own and run the store in Barnet.
Armed with a strong work ethic and plenty of ambition at an early age, Dimple’s journey to become a Specsavers store director started when she secured herself a Saturday job at Specsavers in Wembley while studying for her GCSEs. She believes learning her ‘trade’ early on, on the shop floor, gave her the passion and drive to achieve what she has before the age of 30.
Potential spotted by mentor in her teens
Her employer at the time and her mentor still today, spotted something special in Dimple. Rakesh Kapoor, director at the Wembley store and now one of her partners at Barnet said: ‘Dimple had what I have to coin “The It Factor” – the perfect combination of ambition, intelligence and determination while being likeable at the same time.
‘There are some skills you cannot learn and have to possess to be a business owner and Dimple demonstrated these from a very early age. I could see her potential on day one and had an instinct she would go far.’
Dimple’s thoughts on making director
Dimple says: ‘I am really enjoying being a partner in Barnet. I was looking for a new challenge and the opportunities here have been fantastic. It’s definitely worth the commute from Wembley each morning!’
A word from the director
Pragna Raghwani, director, dispensing and contact lens optician at the store, said: ‘The team is delighted that Dimple has become our new partner in the store. Working together with the rest of the team we look forward to continuing to provide eye health care to the Barnet community.’
Good luck to Dimple in the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards ceremony.


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AZ County Attorney Boycotts iPhone, “Smartphone Of Terrorists”
Bad news for Apple fans in Maricopa County
Maricopa County employees won’t be getting replacement iPhones any time soon, because the county attorney’s office won’t support the “official smartphone of terrorists and criminals.”
That’s how Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery described Apple’s phones in a Wednesday news release explaining why his office will no longer provide iPhones to employees. “Apple’s refusal to cooperate with a legitimate law enforcement investigation to unlock a phone used by terrorists puts Apple on the side of terrorists instead of on the side of public safety,” Montgomery said in the statement.
According to the county attorney’s office, 366 of the 546 employee-owned smartphones are iPhones.
Montgomery made the initial announcement to staff on February 21, two days after the Department of Justice filed a motion ordering Apple to comply with an FBI court order to unlock the iPhone 5c that belonged to one of the San Bernardino shooters. Federal agents have been trying to gain access to Syed Rizwan Farook’s phone ever since he and his wife killed 14 people in a shooting spree in December. After many failed attempts, the organization asked Apple to build a backdoor to the phone.
Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly denied the FBI’s request with an open letter to Apple customers, explaining that cooperating with the government would expose Apple users to a risk of attack. “The implications of the government’s demands are chilling,” Cook wrote. “The government could extend this breach of privacy and demand that Apple build surveillance software to intercept your messages, access your health records or financial data, track your location, or even access your phone’s microphone or camera without your knowledge.”
Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2016
The clash between the Apple and the FBI has incited a national debate amongst tech titans and politicians. Shortly after the DOJ filed the motion, Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to boycott Apple products. Though Montgomery has not suggested Trump was the inspiration for his decision, Maricopa’s controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio publicly endorsed Trump a month ago.


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Chinese government. This market had taken the strikes like a soldier, but the combos skyrocketed its toll in several cryptocurrency investors. The market poor performance in 2018 batons in comparison to it is stellar thousand-percent gains around 2017.
What has occurred?
Since 2013, the Offshore government skyrocketed measures to help regulate cryptocurrency, but nothing in contrast to what was ensured inside 2017. (Check out this content for some sort of detailed analysis on the official notice issued because of the China government)
2017 was a the flag year for the cryptocurrency market with all the attention plus growth the idea has reached. The extreme price tag movements forced the Core bank to adopt extra extreme measures, including often the limitation of initial or maybe promotions (ICOs) and clampdowns about domestic cryptocurrency trades. Soon after, mining industrial facilities around China were enforced to close down, citing abnormal electric power consumption. Several exchanges and factories have got relocated abroad to avoid regulations but remained accessible to Chinese buyers. Yet, they still are not able to escape the claws with the Far east Dragon.
In the most recent series of government-led work to monitor and ban cryptocurrency investing among Chinese buyers, China and taiwan extended its “Eagle Eye” to monitor international cryptocurrency trades. Companies in addition to bank accounts suspected involving carrying out transactions with foreign crypto-exchanges and related activities are subjected for you to methods from limiting revulsion limits to freezing connected with accounts. There have in fact been regular rumors between the Chinese language community of more serious measures to be enforced about unusual platforms that allow trading among Chinese traders.
“As for whether there will be even more regulatory measures, i will include to wait for instructions from higher authorities. very well Excerpts from an employment interview with team leader involving the China’s Accumulated Community Protection Supervision business beneath the Ministry of Community Safety, 28th February
PRECISELY WHY THE REASON WHY WHY!?
Imagine the kid investing his or her discounts to spend in a digital merchandise (in this case, cryptocurrency) that he or your woman is without way of confirming its genuineness and value. He or she might get lucky and strike the idea rich, or lose it all when the crypto-bubble rush. Today scale that to be able to countless Chinese citizens and we are usually talking regarding billions of Chinese Yuan.
The market is complete of scams in addition to pointless ICOs. (I’m you need to need heard news of people transmitting coins to arbitrary address with the offer of doubling their opportunities and ICOs that easily don’t help to make sense). Quite a few unsavvy investors are inside it for the dollars and would care much less with regards to the technology and innovation behind it. The value associated with many cryptocurrencies comes from market place speculation. During the crypto-boom in 2017, participate inside virtually any ICO with sometimes some sort of famous advisor on-ship, a good team or maybe a decent hype and you are guaranteed in very least 3X your investments.
Too little of understanding of the company as well as the technology behind the idea, with the spreading of ICOs, is a recipe intended for disaster. Users of the particular Central bank reports of which almost 90% of the particular ICOs are fake as well as involves illegitimate fund-collecting. In my thoughts and opinions, the Far east government wants to assure that cryptocurrency remains ‘controllable’ and not really too major to neglect inside the China local community. China is taking right steps towards a safer, more regulated cryptocurrency world, albeit aggressive and controversial. In fact, that can be the best move the country has brought inside decades.
Will The far east concern an ultimatum and make cryptocurrency illegal? I really question so since it can be quite pointless to do so. Currently, banks are prohibited from holding any crypto assets whilst individuals usually are allowed to nonetheless will be barred from transporting outside any forms of investing.
Some sort of State-run Cryptocurrency Trade?
With the annual “Two Sessions” (Named because two significant parties- National People’s Our elected representatives (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese Householder’s Politics Consultative Conference (CPCC) the two indulge in the forum�?held on the first days regarding March, frontrunners assemble in order to discuss about the best and newest issues and make fundamental law changes.
Wang Pengjie, a fellow member of this NPCC dabbled in the leads of a state-run electronic digital property trading platform like well as kick-off instructional projects on blockchain and even cryptocurrency in Cina. Even so, the proposed platform will demand a verified bill to allow trading.
“With Beste Crypto Broker Nederland of connected regulations and the co-operation from the People’s Bank of Tiongkok (PBoC) and The far east Stock options Regulatory Commission(CSRC), a new controlled and efficient cryptocurrency trade platform would work as an official way to get companies to raise cash (through ICOs) and traders to hold their digital investments and obtain funds appreciation” Excerpts of Wang Pengjie presentation at typically the Two Lessons.
The Walk towards a new Blockchain Region
Governments together with central banking companies worldwide have fought in order to grapple with the improving popularity of cryptocurrencies; nevertheless another thing is sure, almost all have accepted blockchain.
Despite the cryptocurrency crackdown, blockchain has also been gaining interest and even usage in various degrees. The Chinese government own been supporting blockchain pursuits and embracing the technological innovation. In fact, the Someones Loan company of China (PBoC) happen to be working on the digital money and experience conducted mock dealings together with some of the country’s industrial banks. It is definitely still unconfirmed if the digital currency will be decentralized and offer features connected with cryptocurrency like invisiblity and immutability. It wouldn’t arrive as a surprise whether it turns out to get just a a digital Far east Yuan given that anonymity is the last factor that China wants in their nation. Nevertheless , developed as a good shut alternative of the Chinese Yuan, the a digital currency will probably be subjected to existing fiscal procedures and laws.
Someones Loan company of China Texas chief, Zhou Xiaochuan. Source: CNBC
“Lots of cryptocurrencies need observed explosive growth which can deliver significant disadvantage impact on people and even retail investors. Many of us no longer like (cryptocurrency) products that make use of the big opportunity for rumours the fact that gives people the illusion of getting rich overnight” Excerpts from Zhou Xiaochuan meeting on Friday, 9th Mar.
On a multimedia appearance with Friday, 9th March, Governor of Individuals Bank involving China, Zhou Xiaochuan belittled cryptocurrency projects that leveraged on typically the crypto-boom to profit together with fuel market conjecture. He / she also noted the fact that progress of the online forex is ‘technologically inevitable’
On a regional level, many Chinese language cities have are driving a car blockchain initiatives to market growth in their place. Hangzhou, well known for currently being the headquarters associated with Alibaba, have stated blockchain engineering to be one of the city’s top priorities in 2018. The community government in Chengdu area have as well recently been recommended the building of the incubation center to bear this adoption of blockchain technological innovation in the city’s financial services.
Regional conglomerates such Tencent in addition to Alibaba have also made partnership with blockchain firms or initiated projects independent. Blockchain firms such as VeChain have also secured various relationships with Chinese companies to boost supply chain openness within China.
All evidence indicate the fact that China is working towards a blockchain nation. China has constantly had a open mindset to developing technology such as mobile phone payment plus Artificial Intellect. Henceforth, the idea is without a doubt that China and taiwan is definitely the first blockchain-enabled region. Will definitely we see the particular Chinese govt backing down and let their individuals trade again? Possibly, as soon as the market has full grown and is less risky yet definitely not inside 2018.


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Calls for protectionism make no sense in today's global economy and globalization was not responsible for the economic downturn, despite some claims to the contrary by politicians, Pascal Lamy, Director General of the World Trade Organization told CNBC.
"Protectionism in today's world of trade doesn't make sense. Trade is not what it used to be which is a country producing something, selling to a country which will consume something. Trade now is all over the place, it's not made in the US or made in China, it's made in the world," Lamy stressed.
Speaking from the French Business Leaders Association Annual Forum in Paris, Lamy said the WTO was aware of increased calls for protectionism by politicians, notably in France and was "monitoring the situation very closely", but so far fears of a return to protectionist policies had not materialized.
"So far, so good, but the risk is there, and if there is some sort of double dip, we will have to remain vigilant," he said.
Lamy warned there was "no way back" to an age of protectionism due to the changing nature of trade and he warned that countries who chose to revert to such policies ran a greater risk of hindering their own recoveries.
"With this global value chain if you start hitting your imports, in reality you will hit your imports because a large part of what you export is bits and pieces which you have imported and to which you have added value.
"So it doesn't make sense anymore given the trade integration we have on this planet," Lamy said.
Lamy rejected suggestions that globalization was responsible for the financial crisis, telling CNBC a lack of regulation was more to blame.
"I know it's easy for a politician to scapegoat globalization, the fundamental reality is that globalization is (responsible) for nothing in this crisis. Trade globalization is (responsible) for nothing in this crisis. Where there was a problem was in poor, insufficient regulation in some global activities such as the financial industry, but global trade is not the reason why we had this crisis," he said.


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Vera Bradley has announced details of its 2014 outlet sale here in Fort Wayne. Tickets, which are required for the first three days of the sale, can be purchased starting Monday. Registration opens Monday, too. Everyone who wants to buy merchandise any day of the sale must register at www.verabradley.com/outletsale. Registration kiosks also will be available at the sale.This year's sale is once again at the Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. Here are the dates and times of the sale. Tickets are required April 9-11 and are available for specific sessions.
*April 9, 10 and 11 sessions are 7:30-10 a.m.; 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 2:30-5 p.m.; and 6-8:30 p.m.
*April 12 no tickets are required; shop 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
*April 13 no tickets are required; shop 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Tickets for the first three days of the sale cost $5 each and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com, authorized Ticketmaster locations and the Memorial Coliseum ticket office.
Shoppers will save 40 percent to 60 percent on Vera Bradley handbags, travel items, accessories, stationery and eyewear at the sale.
Vera Bradley is headquartered in Fort Wayne. The company was founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller. The brand is known for its colorful, patterned quilted bags and accessories.


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SPC Ardmona Factory Sales owner Jim Andreadis reacts to fierce supermarket competition.DARREN LINTON May 4, 2012 4:29am
A Shepparton retailer is pushing back against the major supermarkets by launching a price guarantee for customers.
SPC Ardmona Factory Sales owner Jim Andreadis said the fierce competition between supermarkets in Australia had shifted public perception on the price of everyday goods.
It had also placed pressure on the market segment occupied by discount factory outlets.
‘‘Retail is tough and you have to keep reinventing yourself,’’ Mr Andreadis said.
The campaign, to be launched next week, offers a guarantee SPC Ardmona Factory Sales will be cheaper than the competition or customers will get their money back and a free lunch in the outlet cafe.
‘‘The perception is out there that everything is cheap and people don’t really need to go to locally owned discount factory outlets,’’ Mr Andreadis said. ‘‘We are going to spend a lot of time checking competitors because we believe if we are selling something it should be cheaper than the major supermarkets.’’
In a broader sense, the campaign is also a statement on behalf of locally owned and operated businesses in the region that they can be just as price competitive as major retailers if given the chance.
‘‘The smaller retailers are the ones people need to thrive and survive. They are the people who care about the region,’’Mr Andreadis said.
‘‘In many ways local retailers are more nimble and able to react more quickly to customer and market demands.’’
St Mary of the Angels Secondary College Year 8 student Kelsey Hislop has taken out the junior public speaking award at Shepparton’s Legacy House.
The Yarrawonga Pigeons defeated Corowa Rutherglen Roos by 76 points at the JC Lowe Oval in Yarrawonga.
The Aboriginal and wider community is mourning the death of revered Bangerang Aboriginal elder, Uncle John ‘‘Sandy’’ Atkinson.
WITH volatile commodity markets, soaring costs for inputs and water prices not going down, life on the land right now is a little tough to take.
DES Church is bringing something he loves to Rochester.
Gift fundraiser is looking for toddler talent.
Local export Willie Wheeler dominating at VFL level
Berrigan Shire councillor Daryll Morris says he has been sickened by some of the vitriol and personal attacks to surface since the council’s proposal to redevelop Finley’s Memorial Hall and School of Arts site was revealed in October last year.
THE Heathcote Community will come together once again to honour the memory of car accident victim Georgia Edsall-French at a memorial day this Saturday.
Katamatite Lions Club held its 42nd annual handover dinner at the Boosey Creek Tavern on July 13.
Mathoura endured a harsh hammering to its playing confidence on Saturday with a 24-goal thrashing at the hands of Deniliquin Rovers.
SPC will abolish its internal sales team and reduce executive numbers in the latest chapter of the company’s ongoing restructuring.
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The jobs of workers at 33 Ponden Mills stores look to be secure after a deal was struck for the stores to pass into new hands.
Ponden Mills went into administration earlier this month, blaming difficult trading conditions, a downturn in consumer spending and increasing overheads.
However, Poundstretcher, a subsidiary of Huddersfield-based budget retailer Instore, has agreed to take control of 33 of the larger Ponden Mill stores, mainly based in retail parks, for £3.8 million.
It is still unclear exactly which stores are included in the deal.
The deal includes all stock in the stores at the Keighley distribution centre of its parent company Marston Mills. It now also has the licence to use the Coloroll brand.
The move will come as comfort to many of the firm's employees who have faced uncertain futures after administrator Ernst & Young was called into the company earlier this month and axed 44 jobs at its headquarters in Royds Ings Avenue.
Ernst & Young is understood to be acting to seal deals for the remainder of the Ponden Mills business which employs about 1,300 workers across the country.
It has shops in Bradford, Skipton and Keighley.
Ponden Mill was founded in 1968 by former RAF dog handler Barry Brookfield as a market stall in Skipton.
In the 1970s he started selling duvets from an old mill near to Haworth, before opening his first shop. He would go on to grow the group into a national chain selling bedding, curtains and linen.
Other brands in the Marston Mills group include Jeff Banks Home, with the designer's bed linen, curtains, towels and accessories also available in store concessions.
The firm is thought to have about 120 staff in Keighley, Stanbury and Skipton.
Marston Mills, which also trades under the Life from Coloroll brand, has 135 stores across the UK and 80 concessions in retailers such as Debenhams and B&Q.
It will continue to trade while administrators attempt to sell the company as a going concern.
The business has struggled from increasing competition from supermarkets in recent years.
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GM salmon producer AquaBounty Technologies has hired Dennis Bryant as its new director of sales. The company is preparing to begin selling its AquAdvantage land-based salmon in the US market.
Bryant, formerly the managing director for farmed salmon supplier Ocean Quality USA, brings extensive experience in seafood sales to the position.
In his role at Ocean Quality, Bryant was responsible for sales, marketing, distribution, and financial results for the company’s portfolio of fresh, farmed Atlantic salmon in the US market.
Before that, Bryant was director of program sales for the seafood distributor Buckhead Meat and Seafood of Houston. Bryant also has direct experience in foodservice, having worked with several restaurant groups, the company said on Tuesday.
Bryant also will manage external relationships with AquaBounty’s processing partners and freight carriers specifically related to customer order fulfillment, service and satisfaction.
Last month, AquaBounty posted a fourth quarter loss of $6.1 million (€5.1 million), nearly double the $3.4 million (€2.9 million) loss in the same quarter a year ago. The company is expected to ship its first batch of GM salmon to US wholesalers in April.
Revenue in the quarter was $50,197 (€42,185), compared to $46,367 (€38,966) in the same quarter a year ago. Sales were impacted by the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand in the foodservice industry, which prompted AquaBounty to temporarily place a hold on commercial harvests of AquAdvantage salmon until April, the company said.
For the full year, the company reported a net loss of more than $16.3 million (€13.7 million), up from the $13.2 million (€11 million) it lost in 2019. Revenue for the full year was less than $128,000 (€107,560).
The company improved its balance sheet with $192.3 million (€161.6 million) in gross proceeds from the closing of underwritten public offerings of common stock in December 2020 and February 2021, providing the financing to fund the expected cost of building its third farm.
In the offering prospectus, AquaBounty warned that "significant" losses are expected for the foreseeable future, and added that it may never "achieve or maintain profitability" despite its ambitious plans.


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Cooper Will Share 1Q Financials on April 30
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. will share first quarter 2018 financial results on April 30, 2018.
The results will be posted before the U.S. stock markets open that day. Management will discuss the financial results and the company’s business outlook on a conference call beginning at 10 a.m. EDT that day.
For more information on Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com.