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LAS VEGAS, Nev. (World Tea Media) — The experts behind Healthy Beverage Expo, a brand new trade show that's dedicated to supporting and fueling the healthy drink segment of the beverage market, are naming some of the top "well drink" trends for 2013-2014. The list includes: more function in functional beverages; better sweetened beverages; healthy alcohol-based beverages; healthy drinks for the under-18 set; gastronomically seasoned beverages; better tasting and healthy ready-to-drink coffees; and simple lemonade drinks. All of these trends and more are highlighted at the upcoming Healthy Beverage Expo, June 7 - 9, 2013 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. The event is co-located with the 11th annual World Tea Expo. Details and registration are available at www.HealthyBeverageExpo.com and www.WorldTeaExpo.com.
The 2013-2014 healthy beverage trends include:
1. More Function
In 2013-2014, according to Healthy Beverage Expo organizers, more and more drinks will combine powerful ingredients for specific functions, to create "two for one" beverages. "We'll see drinks touting brain health and bone health, as well as 'healthy' energy drinks," says Kim Jage, marketing and sales director, Healthy Beverage Expo. "We'll also see drinks that combine coconut and fruit, for example, such as Mulberry Love [www.mulberrylove.com]. And we can anticipate more waters with electrolytes but no artificial flavors, such as Nestlé Waters North America Inc.'s resource Natural Spring Water [www.re-sourcespringwater.com]. Also, watch for healthy ready-to-drink beverages that add essential fatty acids --- such as omega 3s --- as in Omega Infusion [www.omegainfusion.com]."
2. Better Beverage Sweeteners
Healthy Beverage Expo experts expect to see more natural sweeteners and flavorings that could dramatically affect the soft drink business. "We expect to see new sweeteners that shave off calories and maintain taste," says Jage. "And we bet that the days of drinking sugary drinks full of high fructose corn syrup are coming to an end. The beginning of the end will be more noticeable in 2013-2014." In fact, according to a new Healthy Beverage Expo white paper, 7 Key Changes the Beverage Industry Must Accept, "Americans will morph their taste buds into craving less sweet beverages. As a result, sugars content in beverages will diminish to about a third of their present volume." And Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert --- a Healthy Beverage Expo advisory board member --- agrees, as he predicts consumers will stop drinking soda. Jage adds: "Sweeteners like monk fruit will quickly penetrate the market in beverage applications and, I predict, overtake Stevia."
3. Healthy Alcohol-based Beverages
According to Healthy Beverage Expo, consumers may begin to see alcoholic beverages touted as enhanced and healthy, as more manufacturers add vitamins and a variety of all-natural ingredients. For example, wine infused with botanicals has been manufactured in China for at least the last century. This type of alcoholic drink, sometimes instilled with fresh items like goji berries and ginseng, is believed to be beneficial to the body. More of these healthy-promoted alcoholic beverages are on the horizon for 2013. Jage says, "We will see healthier alcohol in all forms with less calories and more organic options, with many announcing their non GMO [genetically modified organisms] status. For example, Gizmo Beverages is launching a line of premium cocktail beverages with fresh ingredients."
4. Healthy Beverages for the Under-18 Set
Another key trend for 2013-2014 is a focus on what beverages are being offered to teens and children. The industry will re-evaluate what is being marketed to this group and what choices there are beyond soda, juice and water. In fact, Healthy Beverage Expo predicts that more beverages will be manufactured for teens and appear on the grocery shelf; these drinks will be healthier, packed with flavor and marketed as functional --- and they will be parent-approved. "As parents, we're not offering soda; schools aren't offering soda; and basic juice and water can be a bore for this group," says Jage. "Our kids, like us, sometimes need functional beverages --- a wake-me-up in a time starved world, a relaxant for day's end. Adults have these products at leisure; teens don't. Also, the products out there that are suitable to teens are not marketed to teens - and the packaging is not teen friendly. That will all start to change in 2013."
Jage also points out the recent controversy over highly-caffeinated energy drinks and teenage consumption, and how it's spurring the argument to label caffeine content. "I don't believe announcing caffeine content will help," says Jage. "As a matter of fact, I think the higher the caffeine content the more appealing the product will be for teens. Thus, labeling caffeine content will have an opposite effect of intent. The industry really needs to deliver healthy beverages that are specifically created for teens. The market is ripe to develop this segment."
5. Gastronomically Seasoned Beverages
Sea salt, ginger, turmeric --- a seasoning in a cocktail is not new, but seasonings in non-alcoholic beverages are a growing trend for 2013-2014. Healthy Beverage Expo organizers say health conscious and foodie consumers relate to these ingredients because they not only promise flavor but wellness. "We've certainly seen some culinary seasonings in beverage recipes, and we'll see more and more of these types of ingredients pronounced in healthy beverages, the product label and in marketing materials," says Jage. "Seasonings will also play a more important role in drink recipes as we trend toward bolder flavors. Spacho [www.spacho.com] is just one great example of an innovative company that's making functional beverages with seasonings. For those that drink a meal but dislike chalky protein shakes, these types of beverages will be appealing."
6. Healthy, Better Tasting Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee Beverages
While RTD coffees have been around for some time, more specialty brands are hitting the market as low calorie, enhanced and all-natural, according to Healthy Beverage Expo. The industry's challenge to keep this trend building? Taste. "Most of the consumer market that buys RTD coffees wants sweet flavor and a full mouthfeel," says Jage. "Healthy RTDs usually don't deliver, so manufacturers that focus on true, healthier RTD coffees will emerge victorious and dominate in this space."
7. Healthy & Simple Lemonade Beverages
Simple lemonade drinks will surge in 2013-2014, according to Healthy Beverage Expo experts. "This year, we will all be reminded of the health benefits of pure lemons --- high in antioxidants, aids digestion, rich in dietary fiber," says Jage. "As our meals in 2013-2014 incorporate richer flavors and spices, lemonade's sour profile will refresh our palate and, if made with real lemon, detox our body. Watch for more lemonade beverages over the course of the year."
Visit www.HealthyBeverageExpo.com to learn more about Healthy Beverage Expo and to register.
About World Tea Media
World Tea Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc., is an integrated media company dedicated to providing business solutions to the global beverage industry. Events include the new Healthy Beverage Expo, the annual World Tea Expo, the most prominent event for the industry, and World Tea East, the regional event for the northeast, mid-Atlantic and southeast United States. World Tea Media also produces the North American Tea Championship and World Tea News. The North American Tea Championship is the only professional and independent competition that distinguishes the highest quality and best tasting teas commercially available in the North American marketplace. World Tea News is an online portal that offers in-depth news, features and business insight for the global tea industry. World Tea Media is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev. www.WorldTeaMedia.com


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AMD US lags behind Euro Athlon demand
In US, has a weeny market share
That was the quickest conference call we ever had. After a 15 minute wait, Steve Lapinski, who heads up Athlon product marketing at AMD, was there, ready and waiting, to take calls from the world press but almost as soon as we got one in, and before we could get another one in, the call went off air. Our question to Lapinski, who we bumped against in CeBIT a couple of weeks back, was about its market share in the high performance (Athlon) desktop market in the first quarter of this year, and whether it could sustain that demand. You will remember that we had reports from channel and OEM partners (in Europe) saying that it had significantly increased its share. Lapinski said that estimates from Mercury Research, a US marketing company, was that AMD held between two to five per cent of the high performance desktop marketplace in the first three months of this year. "We see no problem meeting demands for our customer requirements," he added. That will be fulfilled by both Fabs 25 and 30, he said. These figures vary greatly from Europe, where, we understand, the market share is just over eight per cent in the high performance (Athlon) segment. And AMD estimates it holds around 32 per cent of the value segment -- essentially K6-2s. In fact, sources said that Gateway in the UK will be the first to be able to sell 1GHz Athlons, although that remained unconfirmed at press time. Lapinski also confirmed that the entire production of its Athlon 1GHz processor during March will go to Gateway and Compaq during this month. AMD plans to ship 1GHz processors to all of its other OEMs and partners in April. AMD's share price rose to over $47 shortly after the opening of trading on Wall Street. ® See also AMD puts Intel on 1GHz ropes AMD Athlon stormed during Q1 -- channel
Sponsored: Are DLP and DTP still an issue?

domain: news


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If there's one thing everyone can agree on at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), it's the awful WiFi. Luckily for this year's attendees, the team from Ignition Design Labs came prepared with Portal, the smart whole home WiFi system that is shaking up the wireless networking space.
At Pepcom Digital Experience and ShowStoppers, the team demonstrated how the Portal router delivers consistently fast and reliable WiFi, especially when you're surrounded by multiple competing WiFi networks or devices.
Members of the media had the opportunity to experience its power first-hand at the Showstoppers Internet Lounge, sponsored by Portal. Even in the extremely congested environment, Internet Lounge visitors saw consistent speeds of 150+ Mbps.


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A North Hollywood woman claimed that Dunkin Donuts kicked her out of their store for being deaf. The woman narrated her ordeal in an Instagram post that has gone viral on the internet. According to the video that starts with, "As you guys can probably tell, I am emotional," the woman, identified as Shannon Heroux is seen crying and narrating her ordeal.
Heroux says she wanted to order a peach passion fruit tea, however, the store refused service, as she could not hear what the manager was saying. Heroux said despite informing the Dunkin Donuts manager about her disability, he asked her to leave.
In the viral video, Heroux revealed that the moment she walked into the store, she told the female employee that she is deaf. She said she needed to read her lips to understand what she conveyed. "When I first walked in, I let the female employee know that I was deaf. I mentioned numerous times that I'm deaf and the manager didn't believe me. He kept showing me the door," Heroux narrates as tears roll down her cheeks in the emotional Instagram video.
She further said that the manager refused to write down what he wanted to say despite requesting him several times during the interaction. Heroux posted the video on September 10, minutes after the incident took place. The video has already garnered over 100,830 views on Instagram and a million views on TikTok.
Woman Wants an Apology From Dunkin Donuts For Refusing Service
Heroux happens to be a Uber driver operating in North Hollywood. She also revealed that she was in a hurry to get the foodstuff from the store as she had to take a ride. She said "My message to Dunkin Donuts. I want an apology. What that manager did was wrong. Not even a female employee was willing to help me. I just want an apology," Heroux said, adding that it was not the first time she faced such discrimination.
Heroux said she has been dealing with such cases at groceries and other stores ever since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic has been harsh on differently-abled people and Heroux is just one among them.


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The Roslindale Village Main Street Summer Farmers Market begins Saturday, June 3, and will run throughout the summer and fall until November 18, 2023.
On Opening Day, RVMS has an exciting entertainment lineup, including a demonstration from YMAA, Davey the Clown, music by Kina Zoré, and a visit from our local elected officials. Everyone comes out to celebrate the return of this neighborhood staple!
This year, there will be a new arts and crafts section on Birch Street Plaza every weekend! This is also where you’ll find the children’s entertainment and community stalls. While you’re on the plaza, be sure to check out the shopping opportunities with local businesses, including Birch Street House and Garden, Joanne Rossman: Purveyor of the Unnecessary & the Irresistible, Weesh Bake Shop, Taupe and Teal Boutique, and The Square Root Cafe.
The RVMS Farmers Market is Boston’s most prominent neighborhood farmers market, with over 30 vendors and 3,000 customers weekly. Since the start of the market over 30 years ago, it has generated $4 million in the local economy for local and regional vendors as well as Roslindale businesses. The RVMS Farmers Market is also a food access point for all. The market will continue to serve SNAP/EBT and farmers market coupon recipients while supporting the Roslindale Community Fridge.
This year, Adams Park and the Birch St Plaza will be filled with new and returning vendors, as well as free programming, including wellness activities, live performances, and engaging children’s activities. We are also continuing the Community Stall program, where local nonprofits and community groups can have a table free of charge on Birch Street Plaza to engage the community and share their mission. Additionally, to encourage local business participation, this year’s farmers market will continue to feature Roslindale Village businesses with low-fee booths, including Seymore Green, Jimmies Cafe, and Create Art in Community.
“We can’t wait for the Summer Farmers Market to start back up. This season, we’re excited to bring new activities and entertainment to the market,” says RVMS Event Manager Steve Marcelin. “The Farmers Market is the place where residents meet up weekly to lounge in the grass, listen to music, and snack on fresh fruits & veggies together. It’s the energy of this community-gathering experience that brings people out year after year in Roslindale.”
RVMS expects around thirty vendors every Saturday ranging from traditional produce farmers, specialty farmers, local food producers, arts and crafts vendors, and local nonprofits. New partnerships and diverse entertainment will be featured this year along with children’s programming each week. This year’s activities will include interactive art projects, drum circles, a demonstration by Circus Up, puppet shows, storytime, a partnership with A Trike Called Funk, and more.
The market will be open from 9:00am to 1:30pm every Saturday, rain or shine, through November 18 at Adams Park and Birch St Plaza. Free parking is available at the municipal lot off South Street and the lower MBTA Commuter Rail lot. We encourage everyone to join us and, if possible, walk, bike, and use public transportation when traveling to the market.
Learn about what programming and vendors you’ll see each week on our website: www.roslindale.net/farmers-market.


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Robinhood, the investment platform, announced on Wednesday, Aug. 30, that it has expanded the capabilities of its web3 wallet to include support for Bitcoin(BTC) and Dogecoin(DOGE) networks.
Initially launched in September 2022 for a limited set of iOS users, the Robinhood Wallet was built on the Polygon blockchain, and as of March this year, it became available to iOS users in 130 countries.
The recent changes come after Robinhood said it had heard from its users that there was a strong desire for additional crypto and blockchain networks to be added to its wallet offerings.
The initial version of the Robinhood Wallet supported Polygon(POL) and Ethereum(ETH), with subsequent updates adding support for layer-2 solutions such as Arbitrum and Optimism.
The most recent update adds Bitcoin and Dogecoin to this list, allowing users to custody, send, and receive cryptocurrencies on these networks. This diversifies the wallet’s capabilities, offering users more options in how they manage their digital assets.
Additionally, Robinhood has enabled in-app swaps on Ethereum. This feature is available initially to a select group of users and is planned to be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks.
It will support more than 200 tokens, which is an enhancement from the previous offering that allowed swaps only on Polygon via a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator known as 0x API.
One notable update on the Robinhood Wallet its ability to execute swaps without the need for users to hold ETH. The network fees for such transactions are automatically deducted from the tokens users hold, a design choice aimed at simplifying user experience.
Johann Kerbrat, the general manager of Robinhood Crypto, said the updated wallet aims to “strip away many of the complexities of decentralized finance (defi) and the broader web3 ecosystem” to make it more accessible for everyday users.
While responding to feedback from users who wanted more options in crypto management, Robinhood said it is “actively working to broaden access to other low-cost, fast and secure layer-2 chains.” These updates reflect Robinhood’s focus on expanding and diversifying its crypto offerings to meet user needs.
In April, Robinhood Connect, a feature that enables certain US users to buy and transfer crypto to and from their web3 wallets.


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WASHINGTON—Trade talks between the U.S. and China failed to produce any visible sign of progress, reducing the prospects of a deal soon, people closely tracking the talks said.
The two sides largely repeated talking points during the discussions, these people said. The Chinese side seemed unready to offer new ways to address the Trump administration’s concerns that the bilateral trade deficit was too steep and that Beijing was coercing U.S. companies into transferring technology to Chinese partners, they said.
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Optimism grows for sales increases through January 2022
Michigan Retailers Association today reports a sizable increase in the October sales performance compared to September numbers.
The October Retail Index survey came in at 70.7,
INFORM Act looks to curb prolific organized retail crime that negatively impacts Michigan retailers
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) is applauding the introduction new legislation HB 5485-5487 designed to address the exploding problem of organized retail crime by adding transparency and verification tools that should limit the resale opportunities of stolen products online.
The practice of secret shopping has been deployed by business owners for some time. Lately, businesses large and small are using secret shoppers in new ways in a pandemic.
By JENNIFER ROOK
The aftershocks of the pandemic are still being felt across the state.


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By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
LOS ANGELES Never mind that the current version of the Ford Mustang is pushing three years on sales floors. There's a new pony car in town.
Well, not exactly new. The Bullitt Mustang starts with the same old vehicle, then infuses it with a hopped-up engine, tighter suspension, a black or dark green paint job and a heavy dose of attitude.
PHOTO GALLERY: Special edition Mustangs
The model, which pays homage to the 1968 action flick Bullitt starring the late Steve McQueen, held a prominent place in Ford's display at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month.
Bullitt, a new version of an aging car, sheds insight into how the auto industry juices sales with one of its oldest stunts — the special edition.
When a model hits three or four years without a major revamp or if sales dip or when executives just feel like it, along comes a special edition. Often, it's little more than a few new parts, some new paint, decals and a fresh press release.
"It's a relatively low-cost proposition to breathe new life into a vehicle that's been around for a number of years," says Michael Robinet, vice president of auto consultants CSM Worldwide. Automakers can often command a healthy price premium for their relatively meager effort, or at least prop up skidding sales.
Some became such hits that a particular special edition can stick around for years. Or an automaker might crank out a steady stream of short bursts around a model: There are at least seven for the current-generation Mustang.
But the strategy has its risks. Some brands throw on so many special editions that they're no longer special, a risk that Ford could be running with Mustang. Or the variants become too wild or ridiculous, alienating hard-core enthusiasts.
Automotive history is littered with relics such as the Frank Sinatra edition of the 1982 Chrysler Imperial luxury car; the Adolfo Gucci edition of the 1973 AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon; or the Levi's Jeep of the 1970s, its seats covered in tight-fitting blue denim.
The gold — or in this case, pink — standard for bad judgment in special editions remains the 1955 Dodge La Femme, touted in ads as "the first and only car designed for Your Majesty, the modern American woman." Either blatantly sexist or strangely liberating, depending on how you look at it, La Femme came with its own rose-hued shoulder bag and umbrella to match the seats.
La Femme, a special edition of a Dodge Custom Royal Lancer, lasted only two years because 1950s husbands wouldn't be caught dead in it, thus limiting its appeal. "That was a car only a woman would drive," says Leslie Kendall, curator of the Petersen Automotive Museum here.
Special editions succeed when consumers perceive extra value and performance, not just extra decals and fancy paint, Kendall says. "Properly packaged and promoted, they can capture interest."
Ford's Harley-Davidson edition F-150 pickup was introduced in 2001 and shows no sign of going away.
Likewise, Ford's tan and forest-green Eddie Bauer version of the Explorer SUV became a potent status symbol for kid-toting yuppies in the 1990s. The Bauer label stuck and has spread over the years to the bigger Expedition and new Taurus X crossover model, as well.
Looks and image aren't enough. Features count. "Eddie Bauer worked because it had content," says Ian Beavis, marketing chief for South Korean brand Kia. "It absolutely fit like a glove."
Automakers have taken other distinct tactics with special editions:
•Nostalgia. Whether new versions of famous old muscle cars or decked-out highway barges, automakers are always trying to cash in on big-name versions of yesteryear.
Chrysler, for instance, is offering a "Super Bee" version of its Dodge Charger SRT8, just as it did in 1968. Like the original, it comes in a bright "detonator yellow" with black decals denoting its heritage.
Chrysler also has offered a PT Cruiser variant each year, always just in time for Detroit's famous Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise in August. This year's Sunset Boulevard Edition, a nod to Hollywood glamour, had custom paint and extra chrome accents.
They "drum up emotion," says Chrysler Vice President Steve Bartoli. Usually, few special-edition models are left over. "They move very well," he says.
•Value extras. When Japanese or South Korean models are about due for a change, along come some extra accessories and the designation as a special edition.
Hyundai created a 20th-anniversary Sonata — if anyone wants to commemorate the problem-plagued original — that had unique body-side molding, a rear spoiler, black interior and silver exterior.
"Putting a special edition together where you throw in some extra equipment at no extra cost helps you avoid putting in so much (extra sales) incentive … which can hurt the residual (value) of the new car you are trying to launch," says John Krafcik, a Hyundai Motor America vice president.
Likewise, Honda added leather seats and other extras to create an Accord Special Edition before the current model went on sale this year. "It's been a nice way in the third year of a four-year product cycle to give an extra kick in the pants," says spokesman Kurt Antonius.
General Motors has a "chrome edition" Silverado pickup that can be customized at dealerships.
•Regional. Automakers try to play to local tastes, dressing up special editions for one market that they know will have little appeal elsewhere.
Ford, for instance, rolled out special editions of F-150 pickups and Ford Bronco SUVs a few years ago that were aimed at NFL fans in various cities. Al Giombetti, executive director of Ford's Customer Service Division, says he had a blue-and-white pickup that celebrated the late, great Houston Oilers.
Nowhere has the regional special-edition shootout played heavier than in pickup-loving Texas. Dodge offers a Lone Star edition of its Ram pickup. Ford's King Ranch F-150 pickup, with saddle-type leather in the cab, is a longstanding winner.
And Toyota offers a 2007 Tundra Lucchese edition in collaboration with one of Texas' top bootmakers. It has lots of leather in the interior, even ostrich skin.
Sold in five states, the Lucchese edition barely raises eyebrows outside the Southwest. "I didn't find one person in L.A. who knew what the Lucchese brand was," says Tundra marketing chief Brian Smith.
Class by itself
When it has come to all these special-edition ploys, few models can match Mustang. Since its inception as a 1965 model, Ford has rolled out everything from the Calgary Stampeders' Limited Edition for 1966 to the Mustang II Silver Ghia for 1974.
For the latest generation, Ford brass challenged the Mustang team to produce at least one new special edition a year. That has resulted in at least six iterations in the past three years, depending on how you count them. Some are performance-oriented, such as the new $75,000 race car FR500S, or the GT-H, made as a hot-rod rental car for Hertz, which in turn sold it to eager buyers.
Others are styling exercises, such as the $29,660 GT/California Special or the $22,770 "Warriors in Pink" special edition for 2008. It has a pink racing stripe and pink breast-cancer awareness ribbon decal. And every purchase results in a $250 donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity fund.
Yet another special-edition Mustang is in the wings, the Shelby GT500 KR, a powerful muscle-car version. KR stands for King of the Road.
Overkill? "Sometimes it's overdone. They take a good idea and beat the drum a little too hard," says curator Kendall. Mustang, he adds, risks falling into that category.
But special editions are good business. A base-level Mustang sells for as little as $19,250 with a V-6 engine. But the Shelby GT500 version was priced at $42,675. Bullitt will cost $31,075 when it goes on sale early next year.
The latest Bullitt Mustang is meant to draw interest from those who remember the chase scene of the now fairly obscure movie in which McQueen repeatedly jumped a Mustang off hills in San Francisco. Like the movie version, the Bullitt Mustang won't show off with scoops, a spoiler or big emblems. Rather, it will depend on a big engine — a V-8 that delivers 315 horsepower, 15 more than stock versions.
Ford made its original heritage Bullitt in 2001, turning out 5,400. This time, it plans 7,700.
That pleases enthusiasts such as Greg Autry, who organizes the Bullitt Nationals every year, a function of the International Mustang Bullitt Owners Club.
The owner of the older Bullitt, Autry, 46, a security manager in Houston, says he was drawn to the car by its looks and heritage. "It's very understated," he says.
But if Mustang hadn't starred in the car-chase movie, he's not sure he would have bought one. Not everyone feels that way. "Some like the car and find out about the movie later," he says.
Giombetti says he sees the appeal.
Special editions "allow people to buy something that really speaks about themselves. It's unique," he says. "In a mass-produced world, it gives them something that's a little more individual."
Even if it's pink.
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A recent Experian credit check of Odyssey Systems by a potential client, which revealed a score of 100 – the highest score awarded by the credit check company – highlights the importance of engaging a robust telecoms supplier and the serious dangers to business continuity if a provider is not financially secure. Managing Director Mike Odysseas writes…
Communications technology is one of the great business differentiators. Companies that utilise cutting edge developments correctly can improve efficiency and productivity and create a commercial advantage that sets them apart from their competitors.
Most modern companies understand this; however the clamour to secure new technology can blind firms to the most basic business principles that can put their operations at risk – this includes checking the financial stability of potential suppliers.
This is particularly true in the telecoms sector where the traditional analogue telephone system has made way for internet-based, digital communications and become integrated with businesses’ servers and broadband connectivity.
As a result of this technological leap, telecoms providers have found themselves in a very unique and responsible position. They are in control of phone and internet systems, which, without sustained access, would lead to their customers’ businesses imploding.
No other supplier holds this level of business goodwill or intellectual property for a customer, which has the potential to force a company’s operations to grind to a permanent halt.
However, this would be the case if a telecoms provider went out of business. A company’s phone number, its essential point of contact with existing and potential customers, is controlled by the telecoms supplier and would immediately vanish and leave the business quickly cut off from the outside world.
It is a misconception that a company owns a phone number; that is not the case. It is assigned to them by Ofcom and managed by a telecoms company, which assumes control of the number on behalf of their customer. It is possible to recover the number, but it is a difficult, lengthy and by no means guaranteed process to resurrect it.
The collapse of a telecoms business will also have a devastating effect on their customers’ ability to use any internet-based system and could lead to a company being without internet or email access for up to three months while a new supplier attempts to secure a reconnection.
These risks are not considered as highly as the capabilities and cost of the technology when procuring a telecoms provider. However, telecommunications is an incredibly capital-intensive sector, which requires businesses to continually invest in the latest developments as they try to keep up-to-date and maintain relevancy in a competitive market place.
This can lead to many firms consistently teetering on the brink of closure as they continually trade in the red putting their employees and their customers at risk. In the case of Odyssey Systems we have continually reinvested profits and put money aside to develop the business without putting the very financial fabric of the organisation at risk.
Therefore, it’s absolutely vital to establish the financial stability of a potential supplier as it is to have confidence in the technology they offer.
While this sounds like common sense, I have seen it happen to a number of companies who have approached Odyssey Systems to help them try and recover from the situation.
However, of course, this does not apply to all businesses. I would encourage others to follow the lead of companies that do the necessary groundwork when embarking on the procurement process.
I recently met with a potential client who had run a credit check through Experian on Odyssey Systems, which I can proudly say awarded our business Experian’s highest possible credit rating of 100 and gave the customer the immediate confidence that he could procure our service.
He was impressed with the services we offer and the advances in technology we employ, but needed to be sure they were underpinned by a robust and secure business, which, as a result of the Experian report, he was. His approach to telecoms procurement will protect his company, as will the principles of business we have worked to for nearly 30 years.
Applying the right technology can be a game-changer, but delivered by a financially insecure provider will not only put a business on the side lines, it could put them out of the game altogether.


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Six years ago, Thomas Karlick was at a very low point in his life.
A Marine veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Karlick was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other health issues such as high blood pressure.
He found a coping mechanism in fitness, committing to regular workouts, becoming a personal trainer and taking on various gym management roles.
In recent years, he also competed in triathlons and ultra marathons, including the Trans-Pecos Ultra, a 163-mile race through Texas’ Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Chihuahuan Desert, which he won in 2016.
“Fitness saved my life,” Karlick said.
In his newest fitness venture, Karlick teamed up with his longtime friend TJ Barron to open the Lehigh Valley’s second Soldierfit gym Feb. 23 at 3773 Nicholas St. (near Redner’s) in Palmer Township.
The fitness franchise, created by Army veteran Danny Farrar, is founded on military values and focuses on varied workouts incorporating strength, cardiovascular endurance and core training.
Certified instructors lead one-hour classes, combining boot camp techniques from the U.S. military with functional fitness training, at a dozen facilities nationwide, including a Trexlertown location that opened 1½ years ago.
Total body workouts feature body resistance movements and functional equipment such as kettlebells, battle ropes, plyo boxes and large tires.
“With a variety of exercises and drills designed for the beginner as well as the advanced exercise enthusiast, your body and your mind will be challenged,” a message on Soldierfit’s website reads.
Karlick and Barron, who are also planning to open a Soldierfit gym in Doylestown in the fall, overhauled the Palmer shopping center’s former pool hall by removing carpeting, demolishing a bar area and installing four bathrooms with showers that comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
Monthly membership plans range from $69 to $159 and there is a $99 enlistment fee.
The gym is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info: 484-538-5545.
Another unique fitness concept is coming soon to Whitehall Township.
ILoveKickboxing is expected to hold a grand opening in April at 2524 MacArthur Road (next to At Home) in the MacArthur Towne Center, according to the franchisee.
It will be the first Lehigh Valley location of iLoveKickboxing, which has grown to more than 200 locations after being founded in 2009.
The company, headquartered in Merrick, N.Y., offers well-balanced workouts consisting of cardio and resistance training to help burn fat and tone muscle in a short amount of time, according to its website.
“The result is a bag-hitting, adrenaline-flowing workout that anyone can do — no matter your age or fitness level,” the website reads.
A pre-opening promotion, featuring three kickboxing classes (regularly $19.99) and free gloves ($45 value), is available for $9.99. Search for the Whitehall location on the company’s website, ilovekickboxing.com, and use the promo code “COMINGSOON” at checkout. Info: 610-605-2323.
Moving south on MacArthur Road, soft pretzel chain Auntie Anne’s is expected to open in “either April, May or June” in the former Lehigh Deli spot on the Lehigh Valley Mall’s upper level, according to mall manager John Ferreira.
It will share the space with baked goods chain Cinnabon, which is moving from its lower level spot, Ferreira said.
The announcement follows the recent opening of a Pocono Brewery Co. taproom and news that Bethlehem-based The Joint Coffee Co. and Johnny’s Bagels & Deli plan to open locations in mid-April at the mall.
“We always try to do what the customer wants us to do,” Ferreira said. “And you have a lot of folks who are looking for a restaurant or an experience.”
Ferreira also said the mall is “getting close” to announcing a tenant for the soon-to-be redeveloped out-parcel, where former Friendly’s and Wendy’s restaurants and a vacant office building lie.
“It’s not Cheesecake Factory,” said Ferreira, when asked about the rumored restaurant chain coming to the mall.
Other mall news: Art of Shaving, a retailer of high-end shaving supplies and grooming products for men, recently closed after five years of business, while women’s fashion retailer Charlotte Russe began a store-closing sale Thursday, a month after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
An eatery specializing in poke bowls and hand-rolled ice cream will soon join Upper Macungie Township’s restaurant roster.
Yaro Poke Bowl & Hand Rolled Ice Cream, serving fresh fish bowls, rolled ice cream, bubble tea and more, will open Monday at 5831 Tilghman St., next to Dunkin’ Donuts, owner Mei Shi said.
The eatery, featuring seating for about 30 customers, will offer eight signature poke bowls, $9.95-$13.95, including a “3 Musketeers” (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, kani and seaweed salads, mango, avocado and more).
It also will offer a create-your-own option, where you choose a base (white or brown rice bowl, white or brown rice sushi burrito or salad); proteins such as raw spicy salmon, chicken, shrimp and organic tofu; mix-ins such as ginger, kale and shiitake mushroom; and sauces and toppings.
Rolled ice cream, available in eight flavors, will be made to order using milk, cream, sugar and other ingredients on a preparation platform that is chilled to sub-zero temperatures, Shi said.
The eatery will supplement a nearby rolled ice cream spot: YoFresh Yogurt Cafe, at 4642 Broadway in South Whitehall Township (in Tilghman Square), began offering rolled ice cream in addition to its self-serve frozen yogurt last year. The ice cream is available 6-10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Info: 610-395-3825 (Yaro) and 484-866-6464 (YoFresh).
Several readers have inquired about the upcoming revival of Mountain View Drive-In, a popular ice cream and miniature golf spot that closed in 2004 after nearly 50 years of business at 602 Jacobsburg Road in Bushkill Township.
According to co-owner Lanie Yaswinski, who’s operating the business with her husband, John, the updated facilities are expected to open in June.
The redeveloped property will feature a new, 3,000-square-foot restaurant, serving ice cream and “high-quality grill” items such as locally sourced burgers and pierogies; and an ADA-compliant course featuring holes in the same shape as those in the original course and nods to local landmarks such as Henry’s Woods and Kostenbader’s Barn, Yaswinski said.
The restaurant, with seating for about 35 customers, is expected to be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily year-round. There also will be a playground, covered porch, uncovered patio and party pavilion. Info: facebook.com/MountainViewDriveInPA.
Odds and ends
For people looking to attain a driver’s license, a PennDOT Driver License Center opened March 1 at 1101 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, near the Allentown border. The building previously housed an Aldi grocery store, which moved to the MacArthur Towne Center in 2017.
“All of the transactions that can be completed at any other PennDOT Driver License Center — including non-commercial testing — can be completed at this location, and customers will be able to get their Real ID over-the-counter,” said Alexis Campbell, PennDOT’s community relations coordinator.


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With more and more of our data moving to the cloud network security is becoming an increasingly mainstream issue. But, for all of the media attention that material network breaches have garnered as of late, there hasn’t been much in the way of disclosure. That may be about to change.
A Little Legislative Background
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures 46 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have legislation in place requiring that companies notify affected individuals of security breaches involving their personal data.
As proposed the federal legislation would require a company that participates in interstate commerce and “uses, accesses, transmits, stores, disposes of or collects sensitive personally identifiable information about more than 10,000 individuals during any 12-month period” to notify affected individuals following a security breach. The proposed legislation contains a safe harbor which would exempt a company from this notification requirement if, following a risk assessment, it concludes that there is no reasonable risk that the security breach has or will result in harm to the affected individuals and if it notifies the Federal Trade Commission of its risk assessment and safe harbor election.
A Request for Interpretive Guidance
Just prior to the White House’s release of its proposed cyber security legislation Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, who has previously introduced his own cybersecurity legislation, penned a letter to Chairman Schapiro requesting that the Securities and Exchange Commission issue interpretive guidance addressing when companies need to make information security disclosures regarding:
- material information security risks and actions taken to reduce those risks; and
- material network breaches.
Disclosure Regarding Material Information Security Risks
When does a company need to make disclosures regarding material information security risks?
While there are no disclosure obligations that specifically address information security risks, disclosure may still be appropriate under one or all of the following existing disclosure requirements:
- Risk Factors – Item 503(c) of Regulation S-K requires disclosure of the most significant factors that make an investment in a company speculative or risky. Risk factor disclosure should clearly state the risk and specify how the particular risk affects the company. The following are a sample of risk factors related to information security that have been culled from recent annual report filings:
If we experience significant service interruptions, which could require significant resources to resolve, it could result in a loss of customers or impair our ability to attract new customers, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, with the growth of wireless data services, enterprise data interfaces and Internet-based or Internet Protocol-enabled applications, wireless networks and devices are exposed to a greater degree to third-party data or applications over which we have less direct control. As a result, the network infrastructure and information systems on which we rely, as well as our customers’ wireless devices, may be subject to a wider array of potential security risks, including viruses and other types of computer-based attacks, which could cause lapses in our service or adversely affect the ability of our customers to access our service. Such lapses could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
We may experience outages and disruptions of our online services if we fail to maintain adequate operational services and supporting infrastructure.
As we increase our online products and services, we expect to continue to invest in technology services, hardware and software — including data centers, network services, storage and database technologies — to support existing services and to introduce new products and services including websites, e-commerce capabilities and online communities. Creating the appropriate support for online business initiatives is expensive and complex, and could result in inefficiencies or operational failures, and increased vulnerability to cyber attacks, which could diminish the quality of our products, services, and user experience. Such failures could result in damage to our reputation and loss of current and potential users, subscribers and advertisers which could harm our business. In addition, we could be adversely impacted by outages and disruptions in the online platforms of our key business partners, who offer our products and services.
If we are unable to protect our information systems against data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, or if we are unable to provide adequate security in the electronic transmission of sensitive data, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are highly dependent on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to securely process, transmit and store electronic information. In particular, we depend on our information technology infrastructure for business-to-business and business-to-consumer electronic commerce. Security breaches of this infrastructure, including physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, attacks by hackers and similar breaches, can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. If we are unable to prevent such security or privacy breaches, our operations could be disrupted, or we may suffer loss of reputation, financial loss and other regulatory penalties because of lost or misappropriated information, including sensitive consumer data.
- Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Item 303 of Regulation S-K requires a broad range of disclosures necessary for an understanding of a company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.
Are there any known trends, events, demands, commitments or uncertainties related to network security that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on your liquidity, capital resources or financial condition? How might a network security breach impact your business? What are the costs associated with protecting personally identifiable information about your customers? What actions have you taken to mitigate the risks associated with a network breach? Do you have adequate network security in place? Do you carry insurance against cyber attacks? As the Commission has noted in its guidance on MD&A, disclosure of a trend, event, demand, commitment or uncertainty is required unless a company is able to conclude that it is not reasonably likely to come to fruition or that a material effect on the company’s liquidity, capital resources or results of operations is not reasonably likely to occur.
- Legal Proceedings – Item 103 of Regulation S-K requires disclosure of any material legal proceeding, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to a company’s business.
Disclosures Regarding Material Network Breaches
One of the more prominent media examples of a material network breach is that of Sony Corporation, which has fallen victim to at least three different breaches in recent months, the first in late April, the second shortly thereafter in early May, and the most recent just last week. At least twenty-five lawsuits have been filed against Sony since its second network breach, one of which alleges that the company was aware of the possibility of a security breach, but failed to adequately warn consumers.
Sony is a foreign private issuer, however, and not the best example for purposes of our disclosure discussion because its reporting obligations are primarily governed by Japanese law. Some notable examples of domestic companies that have made headlines for material network breaches include:
- Lockheed Martin – which disclosed a May 21, 2011 network breach in a press release issued on May 28th and available on the company’s website. The release states, in relevant part, that “no customer, program or employee personal data” had been compromised in the attack.
- EMC Corporation – which disclosed a network breach in an open letter to customers posted on its website and in a Form 8-K, on March 17, 2011.
- Google – which disclosed a mid-December 2010 network breach in a post on its official blog and in a Form 8-K, on January 12, 2010 (there are estimates that over 200 companies were similarly targeted in the Google cyber attack). The most recent cyber attack concerning Google Gmail users did not involve a network breach but rather, as disclosed in a post on Google’s official blog on June 1, 2011, targeted users in a campaign to collect passwords through scams such as phishing.
- Nasdaq OMX Group – which confirmed its discovery of a network breach in October 2010 following a February 2011 Wall Street Journal report.
While both EMC and Google voluntarily disclosed their material network breaches on a Form 8-K filed in conjunction with their public response, most other companies don’t make such disclosures. But should they be required to? And what would trigger such an obligation? Perhaps, along the lines of the proposed federal cybersecurity legislation, a company should only be required to disclose a material network breach to the extent it is required to notify affected consumers?
Updated: June 9, 2011
Chairman Schapiro’s response letter to Senator Jay Rockefeller was made available yesterday:


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What Will E-Commerce Look Like in 20 Years' Time?
Simon Reed,Commercial Director, Kelkoo Group
E-commerce has become ingrained in our everyday lives, shaping the nature of how we shop and interact with brands. The convenience, safety, and user experience of e-commerce have improved exponentially since its inception to meet with consumer demands for more choice, convenience, and innovation at their fingertips. Following the opening of internet to the public in 1991, online shopping boomed with the launch of sites such as Amazon in the US. Nowadays, our inventory sources include anything from gardening tools to electronic goods—a far cry from the sale of a Sting CD at $12.68.
What will e-commerce look like in 20 years’ time? Intensifying purchase power from global consumers, the rise of social media, and developments in the tech space continue to shape the very nature of the e-commerce space. With influence from China set to shape the nature of future business, these factors are ones to watch for any retailer looking to make a mark during the next decade and beyond.
The rise of Google Shopping Ads (PLA) and Comparison Listing Ads (CLA) has shaped European markets later this year. It comes as no surprise to me to learn that global e-commerce sales are predicted to account for 17.5 percent of the total retail market by 2021. Any company looking to attract and retain consumer spend needs to provide a multi-faceted approach to business, delivering quality traffic in addition to a level of digital campaign support, brand awareness and sound understanding of analytics. Embracing innovation is key to keep attracting e-shoppers and eliminating cart abandonment on its tracks.
Research shows that 73 percent of customers use multiple channels in addition to comparison shopping services during their shopping journey. Working with retailers in the e-commerce space, we have seen a shift in the knowledge required in-house to understand how customers buy and their motivations or main drivers to purchase. This omnichannel approach has triggered significant impacts such as social media upping their social selling buttons and ‘shoppable post’ features. Businesses from Burberry to Ikea, have to understand their customers’ touchpoints to consider how to better market products and convert clicks into sales—embracing AI and social channels to improve brand engagement.
Any company looking to attract and retain consumer spend needs to provide a multi-faceted approach to business, delivering quality traffic in addition to a level of digital campaign support, brand awareness and sound understanding of analytics
The launch of Instagram Shopping is a prime example of this, revolutionising the way that it’s 1.1 billion monthly users can check out with products that pop up in their feed or via Instagram TV, keeping the shopping experience within the platform.
After many years of it ‘being the year of mobile,’ the scales finally tipped in 2017 with mobile sales estimated to account for 70 percent of all e-commerce sales in 2021. Just as laptops took over from desktops, mobile devices are taking over as our platform of convenience, and retailers and advertisers alike will need to continue optimising and adjusting for a variety of screen sizes and gesture-based commerce.
Ad blockers continue to be the bane of the online advertising world, but they should encourage us to be innovative and responsible, ensuring that the right advert is served to the right customer at the right time. The success of Instagram (60 percent of users discover products on the platform) and the fact that on average, multi-traffic campaigns account for 24 percent of revenue for merchants who utilise it, is certainly an indicator that there is a growing appetite.
Personalisation is increasingly driving the way that customers interact with brands. Now, e-commerce personalisation can dynamically display a unique and individualised shopping experience to each customer. Making efficient use of any personal information captured from demographics, browsing behaviour, buying history, and other data can help businesses to keep consumers within their buying cycle and improve browsers’ overall online shopping experience.
Speed and Simplicity
The nature of how retailers are interacting with consumers has also had to evolve to meet with demands for on-the-go shopping and improved ease of ordering and delivery times. Mobile and voice led devices are helping speed up the buying process, as customers can make a purchase in a few seconds. Voice provides consumers with a direct link to brands, meaning that you can order your weekly shop or even order a takeaway from the comfort of your own home without even having to type. Speed and simplicity is critical for retailers looking for success online, with brands embracing the power of digital to ensure that they too can take on dominant players such as Amazon and Alibaba.
The evolution of Alibaba, owning 90 percent of e-commerce in China, is one that we should watch. Consumers in emerging markets are on the lookout for ultra-convenience–demanding rapid delivery times and optimal service. E-commerce in emerging markets is expected to grow from around 15 percent of all retail sales in 2017 to 20 percent in 2022. This online revolution should spur retailers to ensure that they continue to put their customers first if they want to retain business in the future.
It’s an exciting time to be part of the e-commerce space, and we are set to see a range of developments during the next twenty years and beyond.


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The daughters of human rights activist Malcolm X are working hard to make the Malcolm X Legacy clothing line. Qubilah Shabazz, Ilyasah Shabazz, Attallah Shabazz, Malikah Shabazz, Malaak Shabazz and Gamilah Lumumba Shabazz recently partnered with technology company Hingeto to create and develop the clothing line and online store which has already gained the support of Colin Kaepernick.
The collection will honor Malcolm X’s 12 principles: unity, human rights, self-sacrifice, spirituality, self-determination, education, economic independence, self defense, anti-racism, cultural pride, restoration and justice. The clothing line includes hats, pillows, sweatshirts and pants, flip flops, hoodies and T-shirts. According to the website, artwork will soon be added to their inventory.
Leandrew Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Hingeto, told Black Enterprise that being a part of honoring Malcolm X and his legacy is one of the most important uses of his company’s system thus far.
“Honoring Malcolm X’s legacy via a clothing store is a dream and the most meaningful application of Hingeto’s system to date. We first met one of Malcolm’s daughters alongside Colin Kaepernick in a full-day meeting in New York,” he said. “It was clear Malcolm’s principles are as relevant today as ever. We all thought it was imperative to represent his message and today’s human rights movement as a brand that people can outfit themselves in daily.”


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In a recent article in the April 14 edition of Adweek, Gaston Legorburu writes about how in order to pass through consumer’s acceptance filters, brands must embrace the role of mentor.
Legorburu states that one of the biggest mistakes brands make in storytelling is to play the role of the hero themselves. While this may have worked in the past, consumers have gotten more sophisticated and now have higher expectations. Brands can no longer act as though they are the hero of the story – they need to be the one who helps the hero succeed.
Using a Wizard of Oz analogy, Legoburu casts the brand as Glenda the good witch helping Dorothy – the consumer – get to Oz. Successful brands act as the mentor and place the consumer directly in the middle of the story as the hero – thus getting the consumer to buy into what you are trying to sell and take ownership in the story.
A more modern day example is the Tough Mudder. The Tough Mudder is one of the premier mud running events in the world – a 10-12 mile obstacle course through mud, water, fire and electricity that advocates flock to from all over. Yes, one of the big reasons for their success is their fantastic courses, but the biggest reason is exactly what Legorburu is talking about – they make their consumers the heroes of the stories.
All of their marketing materials feature pictures of actual participants at previous Tough Mudder events. Sure, they use professional photographers, so the pictures look really good, but the subject of their pictures is always the strength their consumers tap into when participating in an event. And it works – Tough Mudder is one of the most popular mud events around.
Just take a look at some of the pictures Tough Mudder uses for their communications efforts. It’s clear who the hero of the story is – and it’s not Tough Mudder.
To read Legoburu’s article in whole, click here.


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Salmon feed source shows importance of R&D for commercial interestBy Margot Kelly
Tasmanian grain growers are concerned their product is not included in Tasmania's $700 million salmon farming industry.
Skretting Australia, headquartered in southern Tasmania, produce the majority of the fish feed for the Atlantic salmon farming industry in Australia and were thrown into the national spotlight after Four Corners investigated the key ingredients in salmon feed.
James Rose, Managing Director of Skretting Australia, said they are not using as much Tasmanian product as they would like.
"Generally we find that the quantities that we need and the right quality of product aren't available," he said.
High protein diet for salmon
Fish feed is one of the most protein-intense animal feeds on the market, requiring protein-rich ingredients that are also low in fibre.
For Tasmanian crops to be used as an ingredient in Skretting's fish feed, Mr Rose said they would need a consistent supply of 10,000 tonnes of high protein wheat a year.
"We also want the protein level to be relatively uniform and for the quality of the grain to be uniform," Mr Rose said.
"The quantity is obviously a challenge. With wheat we would use something in the order of 10,000 tonnes a year and that would need to be uniformly available throughout the year."
Members of the Tasmanian primary industries have contacted local politicians asking them to encourage the use of more Tasmanian-grown products.
Tasmania 'not there yet' with protein levels
David Skipper from TAP AgriCo, who store and distribute grain and animal feed, said Tasmania did not currently have the capacity to produce 10,000 tonnes of high protein grade wheat yet, but was optimistic investment in research and development could change that.
"[Tasmania] is a stock feed wheat producer but our proteins have been quite low, at roughly 7–9 per cent," Mr Skipper said.
"However, I think we are seeing some varieties coming through that are going to hit above 10 per cent in protein.
"The H2 wheat that Skretting requires is 11 per cent or more.
"So we are not far away but we are not there yet."
R&D key to commercial interest
Mr Skipper said research needed to look at increasing yields as well as protein content of crops.
"I think we will get there. It's going to come down to research and development," he said.
"Certainly a lot of work's been done. There's already a program in place for a hyper-yielding cereals project.
"We need to utilize some of that research and development and bring that across not only for high yielding crops but for higher protein wheats."
Mr Rose said Skretting would be interested in hearing from farmer groups or suppliers once guarantees about supply volumes and quality could be met.
"Over the years we've had a few discussions with farmer groups," Mr Rose said.
"For wheat it's been some years. We would be pleased to re-engage if there were farmer groups who were prepared to take that on and have a look at it for us."


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New Delhi: India's largest automaker Maruti Suzuki reported 16.7 per cent drop in domestic sales at 113,031 units in June 2019, weighed down by de-growth in sale across all the segments.
This is the third consecutive month in the ongoing fiscal when the domestic wholesales of the automaker witnessed double-digit decline.
The company sold 135,662 units in the domestic market in June 2018, as per a regulatory filing.
Sales of mini segment, which comprises Alto, Old WagonR, fell 36.2 per cent at 18,733 units while the compact segment (New WagonR, Celerio, Ignis, Swift, Baleno, Dzire) declined at 12.1 per cent 62,897 units. Utility vehicle sales were down by 7.9 per cent at 17,797 units as against 19,321 units in June 2018.
Amidst the negative performances, company's light commercial vehicle segment witnessed a positive growth in sales during June 2019. Maruti Suzuki sold 2,017 units of Super carry last month, up 24 per cent, as compared to 1,626 units in June 2018.
During the first quarter (April-June) of FY'20, total domestic sales of the passenger vehicles slumped 20.8 per cent at 363,417 units as compared to 458,967 units in the same quarter year ago.
Company's total domestic sales (PV + LCV ) witnessed a slump of 20.2 per cent at 369,985 units while the total sales (dometic + export) slipped 17.9 per cent at 402,594 units during the period under review.
Company's passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market slipped 17.2 per cent 111,014 units last month as compared to 134,036 units in the same month year ago. The exports, however saw 5.7 per cent increase at 9,847 units in June 2019.
Total sales (domestic + export) were down by 14 per cent at 124,708 last month units compared to 144,981 units in June 2018.
Since the fiscal benefits are available, if the investment in the state is substantial, the government will be willing to offer these benefits to whoever buys the Ford factory. Apart from this, the government will also enable and fast track all necessary approvals so that the sale goes through smoothly in an effort to bring a quick resolution to the issue.


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The board’s Managing Director Sicily Kariuki revealed that in 2012, Kenya recorded a 2 percent drop in production compared to 2011 due to adverse weather conditions during certain times of the year, but noted that export volumes increased by 9 million kilograms to 430m kilos in 2012, with 2013 expected to produce more.
“Production will grow by a marginal 1 percent to the end of the year, largely on account of favourable weather conditions that will spill over from December to the first half of the year,” she said.
“We do anticipate that from export earnings we are likely to get a 4 percent increase and we anticipate that the tea prices will remain stable,” she added.
In 2012, Kenya’s tea production dropped from 377.9 million kgs in 2011 to 369.5 million kgs, however Kariuki added that tea export earnings for the world’s largest exporter of black tea rose 3 percent last year to Sh112 billion from Sh109.4 billion the year prior, due to a stable foreign exchange rate and favourable global prices.
She emphasised the importance of growing non-traditional markets in order to spur trade through the implementation of the Kenya Tea Industry Promotion Strategy and noted that the board is looking for new uses of tea in order to diversify their consumer base.
“Tea is moving towards medicinal usages and we have also see tea by products used for cosmetic and detergent use. The tea seed itself has also been extracted as tea oil, which we understand from chemical analysis’ that it’s comparable, if not better to olive oil,” she explained.
She noted that the first quarter of the year was characterised by severe dry weather conditions as well as the delayed onset of the long rainfall season, resulting in a decline of production, but pointed out that it was still much higher than the outputs recorded in 2008 and 2009, during which similar weather conditions were experienced.
She attributed this sustainability to the formation of the Kenya Tea Industry Promotion Strategy, a framework undertaken by KTB to sustain traditional markets, develop emerging markets, while pursuing value addition.
“During the plan period, and working in conjunction with stakeholders and other government agencies, the industry has made some inroads in some of the potential markets such as Russia, UAE, USA, Iran, China, Japan, Nigeria and Poland,” she said.
She further added that, “TBK introduced the Kenya Tea Mark of Origin with the objective of branding 100 percent pure Kenyan tea to the global markets, in order to enhance the country’s visibility, with the ultimate goal of raising its value and improving returns to stakeholders.”
Kariuki revealed that so far, close to 20 stakeholders have been duly certified to use the mark and many more are expected to come on board and she announced that TBK has kicked off its Strategic Plan for the period 2013 to 2018, designed to respond to the aspirations of the tea stakeholders.
“One of the key features of this process is the deliberate involvement of all stakeholders with a view to ensuring that their concerns and interests are incorporated,” she said.
“As we deepen our results-based management practices, expect more customer focus, improved quality service and equity at TBK,” she added.
In 2012, the local tea consumption stood at 22.7 million kgs, which was 13.6 percent higher than last year’s total of 20 million kgs.
“Higher local consumption is a consequence of a sustained promotion campaign by the Tea Board of Kenya, intensive brand promotion by the tea packers as well as intense sales by factories through factory door sales,” Kariuki stated.
She revealed that over the last five years, local tea consumption has been growing at an average rate of 3 percent per annum and earnings for 2012 stood at Sh14.9 billion compared to Sh13.1 billion in 2011.
Total industry earnings went up 4 percent to stand Sh127.1 billion, with Sh112.2 billion coming from exports and Sh14.9 billion coming from local sales.
“Going by the trend over the last five years, output for 2013 is projected at Sh373 million kgs, which is 1 percent more compared to 369 million kgs in 2012, and tea prices are expected to hold at an average of Sh280” she noted.
Kariuki added that out of the Sh116 billion projected as export earnings in 2013, local tea sales are projected to make up Sh16.9 billion of the total, a 14 percent increase from Sh14.9 billion in 2012.


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WINNIPEG — Winnipeggers have been left scrambling to find Christmas trees after stores across the city sold out in a seasonal surge described as ‘fast and furious,’ but there are still some to be found if Winnipeggers are up for a drive.
Susan Jensen Stubbe, the owner of Jensen Nursery in Winnipeg, said her nursery sold more than 1,000 Christmas trees this year, and now it is sold out after an unprecedented season.
“(It was) fast and furious. We’ve sold out in record time,” she said. “We don’t have any trees left and we can’t get any more.”
She said there are usually about 400 Christmas trees still up for grabs at this point in a normal year.
“I think it is people staying home and are wanting to have a little bit of joy and something different in their home, so they are doing Christmas earlier,” she said.
Jensen Nursery is not the only business to have an empty Christmas tree lot this year.
“This is usually when it starts to ramp up, and we are completely sold out of trees,” Ray DuBois, owner of the Ron Paul Garden Centre, told CTV News.
“Never have I been sold out of trees in the first week of December in my life.”
DuBois said he upped his order of Christmas trees over the summer in anticipation of a busier season, but the rush exceeded his expectations.
“They just attacked, they just came in full of force and gobbled up all the trees – we couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” he said, adding he does not know of any more local stores that have trees left.
DuBois said there may be some trees up for grabs at a handful of big-box stores in the city.
While it may be difficult for Winnipeggers to buy a tree within the city, there are still some trees available outside the Perimeter Highway – they are just still in the ground.
Windrift Christmas Tree Farm in Tyndall, Man., announced on Saturday it had officially sold out of pre-cut trees, but they still have more than 3,000 trees available for Manitobans who want to come chop one down.
The farm, which is open over the weekends, said people can pick out the tree they want and staff will help them cut it down.
More information about Christmas Tree Farms in Manitoba can be found online.
The Province of Manitoba is also giving Manitobans another option to decorate their homes for the holidays. Manitobans can purchase a permit to find a Christmas tree on crown land and cut it down themselves.
The province told CTV News it has sold 1,110 Christmas tree permits so far this year – which is more than double the number of permits sold last year.
“Going to the forest to cut a Christmas tree is an important tradition for many families and can be the source of cherished, long-lasting memories,” a provincial spokesperson told CTV News in a written statement.
Those who do purchase a permit are reminded to follow public health orders when entering provincial forests.
View original article here Source


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Sales Are Riding High. But Are Dealers Overlooking Equally Worthy Options?
Handguns are hot. No news there. Some pistols are so popular that many manufacturers are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.
“Some manufacturers are at least three months behind on their production,” said Joe Ferrero, gun buyer at Gun World in Burbank, Calif. “It’s difficult to keep product in stock because manufacturers can’t make guns fast enough.”
What are the most popular selling models? Rick Kenny, sales manager at Kastle Keep in Largo, Fla., says Glock always sells well for him.
“It’s not any particular model. It’s across the board. Glock pistols are very hot. The Smith & Wesson M&P also is a real hot item right now. Everybody has a caliber they like, but the most popular seem to be 9mm and .40,” Kenny said.
Yes, handgun sales are hot, but are some sales being overlooked? Kenny thinks so. He says customers and retailers become so focused on the most popular firearms, they sometimes forget about other, equally worthy, handguns. The key to selling handguns properly, Kenny says, is to present your customers with as many options as possible, and to help them decide which option is best to meet their needs.
“I don’t think dealers do a good job of that,” Kenny said.
He says customers often tell him that another gun dealer told them to buy a specific model of handgun, and that “everything else is junk.” This annoys Kenny, who says retailers need to look beyond their own favorites to help the customer find the right firearm.
“All the Ruger pistols are overlooked more than any other brand, but they’re also one of the most reliable handguns made,” he said. “People also tend to overlook Kel Tec. Colt is a fine gun that is often overshadowed, and Springfield is another manufacturer that gets overlooked.”
Kenny said there are several specific models he’d very much like to get in stock so he can show them to his customers.
“The Ruger SR1911 has been out for almost eight months and we have yet to see one,” he said. “We also aren’t able to get the Kel Tec PMR-30, which is a hot seller.”
Glock continues to be a best seller in virtually every region of the country.
This G21 sports Crimson Trace’s Rail Master Universal Laser Sight.
Missed Add-On Sales
Not only do dealers overlook certain handguns, Kenny says they also either forget or get too busy to encourage customers to purchase accessories.
“Sometimes, when we get really busy and we’re trying to get to the next customer so we don’t ignore anyone, we forget to remind customers about accessories,” he said. “When we do have time, we let the customer know what accessories are available for the gun they just purchased. Fortunately, we have really good customers who jump in and help other customers if they can. That’s nice because customers like hearing something positive from someone other than the sales staff.”
The one accessory that is selling very well these days, Kenny said, is laser sights from Viridian.
“I think it’s because they’re green and they have good visibility,” he said. “It’s the new high-tech thing.”
At the distributor level, Laurie Aronson, president and CEO of Lipsey’s, says the Glock G17 and G19, and Ruger LCP are the best-selling brands of handguns, in .380, 9mm and .40.
“Ruger has done a tremendous job of executing their new launches with guns ready at the time of launch, plus they continue to innovate with new products,” she said.
Aronson said retailers and their customers tend to overlook larger-frame revolvers across all manufacturers.
“These days, most consumers are looking for higher-capacity pistols or small-frame guns for concealed carry,” she said.
Ruger’s SR1911 is such a hot seller that many dealers still can’t get them in stock.
Introduce Other Options
At GAT Guns in East Dundee, Ill., Greg Tropino, Jr. says many new shooters are influenced by brand recognition.
“They hear about cops carrying Glocks, or they’ve heard about the Springfield XD,” he said. “They come in and ask for the big-brand names.”
Tropino said novice buyers often aren’t willing to look at options; they have an image based on brand name, and overlook firearms that might be more suited to their needs and experience.
“Often they don’t know the differences between guns,” he said.
Tropino says it’s important for retailers to introduce other options, and explain why those options might be useful to the particular customer.
“You also need to have a variety of handguns in stock so customers have options,” Tropino said. “You need to motivate your staff so they show the customer what options are available, instead of allowing the customer to make assumptions about what he wants.”
Tropino said retailers often overlook firearms from CZ-USA.
“That’s a very underrated company that makes exceptional guns,” he said. “They’re one of the few companies who makes everything in house and doesn’t outsource parts.”
At GAT Guns, the Smith & Wesson M&P gets overlooked, Tropino said.
“Few new shooters are aware of it,” he said. “It doesn’t have as much product awareness as Glock and Springfield.”
Experienced shooters are aware of their options before they walk in the door, Tropino said.
“They do a lot more research, so when they do come in, they know what guns and what models they want to see. They do their own comparisons,” he said.
Tropino said getting these customers to consider another manufacturer or model is difficult, particularly if it’s a gun the retailer doesn’t have in stock.
Tropino also said salespeople often get so busy they don’t encourage customers to purchase accessories.
“It’s hard to take an hour with one customer, even if you’re selling high-margin accessories, because you know you’re leaving other people unattended,” he said. “And because employees don’t have to do much to sell handguns, they develop bad habits and sometimes just hand customers what they ask for.”
Tropino says this contributes to customers missing out on lesser-known but quality firearms, and retailers missing out on potential sales of these guns.
“If you don’t encourage or incentivize your staff — or at least remind them to push both these guns and accessories — they often don’t make the extra effort,” Tropino said.
The Springfield XD series, including the XD-S, is a best seller in many markets, but
is passed over by some dealers and consumers, according to Rick Kenny of Kastle Keep.
The entire gun-buying dynamic is different in California.
“We really haven’t seen the increase in handgun sales as much as other states have,” said Joe Ferrero, gun buyer at Gun World in Burbank, Calif. “Here, the increase is minor at best; it’s only about 10 to 20 percent.”
Ferrero said he thinks California customers are accustomed to the kind of regulations the rest of the country fears.
“We already have so many regulations in place that I don’t think people here are as afraid of gun legislation passing as everyone else is,” he said.
For the most part, Ferrero said, sales have been fairly normal.
“We had a little increase at the beginning of the year, but our summer months have been spotty, which is typical for us,” he said. “Our best sellers are Glock, SIG SAUER and Smith & Wesson. In Glock and SIG, customers are buying 9mm and .40. In Smith & Wesson, it’s 9mm and revolvers in .357 and .38. In Kimber and Springfield, .45s are very popular.”
In his situation, Ferrero said, he and his staff are able to keep up with the add-on sales of accessories such as grips, cleaning supplies, holsters and other products.
“That’s where we make our money,” he said. “If you don’t up-sell people with accessories, you won’t stay in business very long.”
By Carolee Anita Boyles


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A few days ago Nike Sportswear announced their would be an upcoming Foamposite release which “the world hasn’t felt yet“. The announcement had sneakerheads throwing out guesses left and right on what they suspected it could possibly be. Some thought a new hybrid like the 1/2 Cent, others believed it would just be a new Foamposite One colorway. There were even some who believe it was the Foamposite Air Jordan 1 and that NSW was just unaware of the fact a photo had already surfaced.
Well, now’s the time to see if you were right as NikeSportswear and SneakerNews have just released photos of the no-longer mysterious Foamposite. As it turns out, the secret behind the announcement involves a next generation Air Force 1 which uses the same technology used to produce the Foamposite’s. It’s reported that the sneakers are part of Nike’s Fall 2010 Collection and will become available in atleast two colorways, the Silver/Black colorway shown here being one of them.
Were your guesses close to being right? Are you happy with the outcome or do you feel the hype was for nothing? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter, on Facebook, via email or however you choose to stay in touch, and make sure you stay tuned for further updates regarding this new Foamposite Air Force 1.


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Dominican Republic and Cuba preparing tourism package for Chinese tourists
Santo Domingo.- More than a tough competitor in the coveted Caribbean market, Cuba-state owned airline Cubana de Aviacion sees in Dominican Republic a great opportunity to complement and enhance their “multi-destination” offer and increase the number Chinese tourists who visit the communist island-nation .
The prospect gathers even more steam with the start of direct flights between Beijing and Havana by the carrier Air China in late September, said Cubana de Aviacion commercial director Ramon Perez Camejo.
“As Air China will begin flying to Havana in late September with four operations (weekly), we’re preparing rates programs for the Chinese to come to Havana and continue the next day or a few days after to the Dominican Republic and visit two Caribbean destinations,” Perez said, quoted by acento.com.do
He said to promote a “multi-destination” offer Cubana has made efforts with the flagship airline of China, the world’s biggest source of tourists.
“We’ve been in talks with Air China since a while back to offer a rate from China to the Dominican Republic, through Havana; these packages always bring implicit visits to various tourist destinations,” said Perez, interviewed during the 19th annual Caribbean Tourism Exchange.
June 30, 2015
Category: DR News |


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The automaker plans to headline the world’s largest one-day car event, as this year’s presenting sponsor.
The totally redone Chevrolet Malibu, which is making its worldwide debut at auto shows in New York and Shanghai, may be the most important vehicle General Motors has unveiled since emerging from bankruptcy nearly two years ago.
General Motors is recalling 2100 Chevy Cruze compact cars, after the steering wheel broke away from the steering column, while a person was driving the car.
Oakland County Sheriff deputies are looking for whoever smashed the windows of five Chevy Tahoes and stole the navigation systems. Each unit is worth $2,500.
The first Chevy Volt has been delivered to a customer Jeffrey Kaffee , of Parsippany, New Jersey, picked up his Volt Wednesday.
Chevrolet confirming that the sub-compact car to be build at GM’s Orion Plant will be named the Sonic.
On Tuesday, December 30th General Motors launched the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric car from their Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant. Hundreds of auto workers were on hand for the celebration which included speeches from GM CEO […]
This has never happened until now. One of the best cars listed on Car and Driver’s Best Cars for 2011 is an electric vehicle.
General Motors insiders are saying that GM’s plant in Hamtramck is already churning out new, showroom-ready Chevrolet Volts, which are being shipped out to dealerships across the country.
Chevy works to improve sales in Europe.


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Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement
|Type||Free trade agreement|
|Signed||March 11, 2014|
|Location||Seoul, South Korea|
|Effective||January 1, 2015|
The Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) is a free trade agreement between Canada and South Korea. The agreement was concluded at the Blue House in Seoul on 11 March 2014 by Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, and Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea. It is the first free trade agreement between Canada and an Asia Pacific nation. The agreement entered into force on 1 January 2015.
Upon full implementation, Canada will eliminate 97.8% of its tariff lines for goods imported from South Korea, and South Korea will eliminate 98.2% of its tariff lines for goods imported from Canada.
|Part of a series on the|
|Economy of Canada|
|Economic history of Canada|
|Economy by province|
|Economy by city|
The two countries began discussing establishing a free trade agreement in 2005, and held 14 rounds of bargaining sessions before finalizing the agreement. Canada's trade with South Korea had dropped by about 1⁄3 after the conclusion of the European Union–South Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Free trade agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.
Canada's primary exports to South Korea in 2012 were non-renewable resources such as mineral fuels and oils (31%) and ores, slag, and ash (8.4%), and renewable resources such as wood pulp and paper products (9%). These totalled $3.7 billion in value, a decrease from $5 billion in 2011.
South Korea's primary exports to Canada in 2012 were transportation products such as automobiles, trailers, and bicycles (40%), machinery and appliances (17%), and electrical machinery and equipment (15%). These totalled $6.3 billion in value, a decrease from $6.6 billion in 2011.
South Korea will eliminate the 40% tariff on imported Canadian beef within 15 years of ratification of the trade deal.
Representatives of Canada's automotive industry criticized the deal, stating that it "rapidly eliminates tariffs on Korean imports and does not include retaliatory measures", such as the 'snap-back' provisions in the Free trade agreement between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea. Dianne Craig, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Ford Motor Company of Canada, stated that "South Korea will remain one of the most closed automotive markets in the world under the deal negotiated by the Canadian government" because South Korea imposes non-tariff barriers on imported vehicles. The government stated that automotive disputes between the two countries will be resolved within 177 days. Canada is South Korea's fifth-largest export market for automobiles, where South Korean automakers had 12% market share in 2013.
Farmers and ranchers in South Korea have opposed the deal since it was first proposed. The South Korean government's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy predicts that Korean cattle ranchers and the livestock sector in general will suffer from the increase in Canadian imports.
- Canada–South Korea relations
- Economy of Canada
- Free trade agreements of Canada
- Canada's Global Markets Action Plan
- Rules of Origin
- Free-trade area
- Market access
- "Export gains since the CKFTA's entry into force". Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Global Affairs Canada. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
The entry into force of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) on January 1, 2015
- Vanderklippe 2014.
- Office of the Prime Minister 2014.
- "Canada-Korea - Free Trade Agreement". Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. Archived from the original on 21 August 2015. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
- Lee 2014.
- CBC News 2014.
- The Globe and Mail 2014.
- "Netizens Angry as Korea Signs FTA with China," koreaBANG, http://www.koreabang.com/2014/stories/netizens-angry-as-korea-signs-fta-with-canada.html


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As a telecom giant in South Africa, Telkom has been exploring various options to unlock the undervalued business of its masts and towers unit, Swiftnet. The company has entered into exclusive negotiations with a preferred bidder for the potential sale of this business. A consortium of equity investors, including a Black Economic Empowerment partner, is leading the bid.
In an effort to reposition itself and drive strategic growth, Telkom has spun off its telecom towers and masts into a separate unit. This move is part of its reorganization process, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. Once this transition is completed, Telkom will consider further opportunities to realize value, including minority partnerships for Openserve and a strategic equity partner for BCX – its fibre and ICT businesses.
This move reflects Telkom’s efforts to create a stronger and more efficient business model in the future. By exploring potential sales and partnerships for its core assets, the company aims to unlock the full potential of its business divisions and drive long-term success in the competitive telecommunications industry.


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Shop Local ‘May Madness’ event set for Saturday in Belpre
BELPRE — The Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce’s May Shop Local Saturday, called “May Madness,” the first in a yearly series of Belpre Area shopper events, is set for Saturday, according to Karen Waller, chamber executive director.
The Chamber of Commerce with iHeart Media invites area shoppers to see all that the Belpre Area has to offer.
Hours for shoppers are each business’ regular hours.
The chamber’s Shop Local Committee is centering the promotion on the placement of special yard signs at retailers and restaurants and in strategically located areas to draw the attention of potential customers.
“We invite area shoppers to experience all Belpre has to offer on that day, watch for the signs, and stop, shop and dine, taking advantage of unique gift ideas, menu items and personal service from our businesses,” said Bobbi Davis, Shop Local Committee chairman.
Chamber members are encouraged to offer a special that day as an incentive to residents and visitors who spend time in shops and restaurants.
More than 30 retail businesses and services are joining as partners to encourage shoppers to experience the retail, tourist and service stops to be found in the area.
Similar shopper events are planned for the coming months, including July Jaunt out Ohio 339, highlighting shopping and eating experiences in that area of the valley’s business community, and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.
For more information, call Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce at 740-423-8934.


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Apple’s much-anticipated mixed reality headset – which will combine both virtual and augmented reality experiences – may now be delayed until 2023.
Apple had yet to officially confirm the existence of the headset and its release date. However, several leaks and rumors indicated that the Apple MR headset will launch in 2022 – possibly in June as part of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference lineup.
Unfortunately, Bloomberg is reporting that sources close to the project believe that may no longer be the case. It is claimed that the headset is now expected to launch next year due to delays due to continuing development issues.
Sources specifically claim that the problems with the MR headset are related to overheating, camera and software.
It’s not yet clear whether this delay will also affect Apple Glasses, which are rumored to launch sometime after the Apple headset. However, given that leaks show that the two projects have been linked in the course of their development, we wouldn’t be surprised if the specs were also hit by these same challenges.
We’re not entirely surprised by the delay. From what we’ve heard about the MR headset so far, it looks like Apple can bite off more than it can chew. It supposedly aims to create a premium-level, feature-heavy, wireless device that is as powerful as the MacBook Pro but weighs less than a third of the weight of the Oculus Quest 2 — all during a global pandemic.
There is also a chance that these delays could be due to Apple changing its approach to VR, AR and MR. We’ve heard before that Apple wants its headset to be used only in short bursts – insiders say this is due to opposition from the metaverse.
However, the prevalence of Metaverse technology at CES 2022 earlier this month and widespread consumer and business interest in the topic may have encouraged Apple executives to reconsider their stance.
We’ll have to wait and see what’s in store for us when Apple finally releases the MR headset – though it looks like we’re waiting a little longer than we thought.
- Check out the best VR headsets you can buy in 2022