baleruku-pmsick.blogspot.com
The hotel also is working with executives at Philips Electronics to determine possibles CFL or LED technology for lighting fixtures that currentl work only with traditional incandescent Other efforts under way at the new hotel includes a banquetrecycling program; installment of a filtration system to purif water and reduce waste; and an internal Greenn Team to identify ways the hotel can be more “In this day and age, it is crucial for all companiexs to be good corporate Since well before the hotel opened, we have been identifyiny ways we can reduce our carbon footprint while also operating as a first-class said Leo Percopo, general manager of the Sheraton Phoenix The seasonal garden is growing okra, mint, peppers and a variety of herbs to be used at Districy American Kitchen and Wine Bar, the restaurant located on the bottom floor of the hotel.
District will also returmn compostable items, such as fruigt and vegetable peelings, to Singh Farma where it buys some of its The compost can then be used by the local farm to aid in the growinb ofnew produce, continuing a sustainable cycle, hotel officialzs said.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Eddie Bauer declares bankruptcy - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
gault-rickettsias.blogspot.com
Eddie Bauer, which has several Triaf locations, had struggled with its debt — a crisia that worsened as revenue dropped, part of an overall trenf affecting most retailers duringthe recession. The compant has lost nearly a half billion dollars in the past three Those losses, coupled with the impact of the recession and debt payments apparently pushed the company into bankruptcy court a move that was rumored for months. Eddis Bauer became the latest major retailer to succumg to filing in bankruptcu courtthis recession. The list also includexs Linens ‘n Things, Circuiyt City and Sound Advice.
In many Eddie Bauer’s crisis is no different from what most retailers are facing during this prolonged anddeep recession, said Greg Charleston, an Atlanta-basedc consultant for Conway MacKenzie, who workss with financially stressed retailers looking to restructure. Most retailerd — except discount stores such as Wal-Mar — have seen a fast drop-off in retail revenue acrosx the board, Charleston said. Many of the specialty retail departmenty stores haveseen double-digit same-store saleas declines, he said.
“When revenus drops and same-store sales drop, companies with less debt can weather a downturnmuch longer,” Charleston “It becomes an issu much sooner if you are into liquidity As of May 11, Eddi e Bauer reported having $289.5 million in outstandingf debt, including $187.8 million in term loansx and $75 million in convertible which company executives have been tryinh to persuade debt-holders to convert into sharesx of the company. According to an SEC filing, Eddir Bauer had total assetd of $525.22 million in April. The companyh listed total liabilitiesof $448.9 Eddie Bauer reported net losses of $165.5 million in fiscak year 2008, part of a total of $478.
7 million in lossed during the past three fiscap years. In the first quarter that endedin April, the companuy reported net losses of 44.5 For the first quarter of fiscal year which ended April 4, Eddier Bauer reported a loss of $44.r5 million. That was a greater loss than the firsft quarterof 2008, when the company reported a $19.3 million loss. Net sales for the first quarter of 2009were $179.78 million, compared with net sale s of $213.2 million in the first quarter of 2008. The companyt said that combined comparable storesales — a barometer of succesw at the store level — fell 11.
3 percentt for the first quarter, a decline the company blamed on the recession and reduces retail spending. Sales were down nearly 15 percent inEddise Bauer’s retail stores and sales througu its direct channel were down nearly 11 percent. The outlegt stores saw sales declinedx by nearly76 “The first quarter was a difficulrt one, as the sharp downturn in the economt took its toll on our We continued to focus on cost cuttin and cash flow management, which helped mitigatd the impact of lower sales,” said CEO Neil Fiske, in a statement with the first-quarte results filed with the SEC.
It’s unclear what impact bankruptcy might have onEddie Bauer’a 370 stores, including 251 retail storex and 119 outlet stores in the United States and Eddie Bauer announced in early Aprill that it had amended its $225 million loan agreements with lenders. Eddie Bauer also has been in talks with its lenderas for months toconvert $75 million in convertibl e notes into equity. The company has a July 1 deadlin e to convert that debt or face big somethingEddie Bauer, which has depleted much of its cash and cash equivalencez can ill afford to pay. In May, The Wall Streegt Journal , citing unnamed said Eddie Bauer hiredPeter J. Solomob Co.
as its investment banker to negotiateany sale. (See a copy of the bankruptcty filing .)
Eddie Bauer, which has several Triaf locations, had struggled with its debt — a crisia that worsened as revenue dropped, part of an overall trenf affecting most retailers duringthe recession. The compant has lost nearly a half billion dollars in the past three Those losses, coupled with the impact of the recession and debt payments apparently pushed the company into bankruptcy court a move that was rumored for months. Eddis Bauer became the latest major retailer to succumg to filing in bankruptcu courtthis recession. The list also includexs Linens ‘n Things, Circuiyt City and Sound Advice.
In many Eddie Bauer’s crisis is no different from what most retailers are facing during this prolonged anddeep recession, said Greg Charleston, an Atlanta-basedc consultant for Conway MacKenzie, who workss with financially stressed retailers looking to restructure. Most retailerd — except discount stores such as Wal-Mar — have seen a fast drop-off in retail revenue acrosx the board, Charleston said. Many of the specialty retail departmenty stores haveseen double-digit same-store saleas declines, he said.
“When revenus drops and same-store sales drop, companies with less debt can weather a downturnmuch longer,” Charleston “It becomes an issu much sooner if you are into liquidity As of May 11, Eddi e Bauer reported having $289.5 million in outstandingf debt, including $187.8 million in term loansx and $75 million in convertible which company executives have been tryinh to persuade debt-holders to convert into sharesx of the company. According to an SEC filing, Eddir Bauer had total assetd of $525.22 million in April. The companyh listed total liabilitiesof $448.9 Eddie Bauer reported net losses of $165.5 million in fiscak year 2008, part of a total of $478.
7 million in lossed during the past three fiscap years. In the first quarter that endedin April, the companuy reported net losses of 44.5 For the first quarter of fiscal year which ended April 4, Eddier Bauer reported a loss of $44.r5 million. That was a greater loss than the firsft quarterof 2008, when the company reported a $19.3 million loss. Net sales for the first quarter of 2009were $179.78 million, compared with net sale s of $213.2 million in the first quarter of 2008. The companyt said that combined comparable storesales — a barometer of succesw at the store level — fell 11.
3 percentt for the first quarter, a decline the company blamed on the recession and reduces retail spending. Sales were down nearly 15 percent inEddise Bauer’s retail stores and sales througu its direct channel were down nearly 11 percent. The outlegt stores saw sales declinedx by nearly76 “The first quarter was a difficulrt one, as the sharp downturn in the economt took its toll on our We continued to focus on cost cuttin and cash flow management, which helped mitigatd the impact of lower sales,” said CEO Neil Fiske, in a statement with the first-quarte results filed with the SEC.
It’s unclear what impact bankruptcy might have onEddie Bauer’a 370 stores, including 251 retail storex and 119 outlet stores in the United States and Eddie Bauer announced in early Aprill that it had amended its $225 million loan agreements with lenders. Eddie Bauer also has been in talks with its lenderas for months toconvert $75 million in convertibl e notes into equity. The company has a July 1 deadlin e to convert that debt or face big somethingEddie Bauer, which has depleted much of its cash and cash equivalencez can ill afford to pay. In May, The Wall Streegt Journal , citing unnamed said Eddie Bauer hiredPeter J. Solomob Co.
as its investment banker to negotiateany sale. (See a copy of the bankruptcty filing .)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Goss Institute business index for Colorado improves, but still 'less than healthy' - St. Louis Business Journal:
coeragnheidur3778.blogspot.com
The index for based on a survey ofthe state's supplu managers, rose to 43.5 in February from 30.5 in Januaryu and 41.5 in December, said Goss, head of the Goss Institutr for Economic Research, which conducts the survey. The Businesw Conditions Index ranges between 0and 100. An index greater than 50 indicatese expectations of an expanding economy over the next thre e tosix months; 50 is growthb neutral. Goss said that the Colorado survey showec new orders at an index of productionat 35.6, delivery lead time at inventories at 40.3, and employment at 40.6.
"Thd global recession has had a significant and negative impact onthe state’s large computer and electronicd manufacturing industry," Goss said in a statement. "Sincw the beginning of the nationaol recession, this industry has lost almostt 2,000 jobs. I expect this industry to be the state’as turnaround industry and provide an earlg signal of the beginningt of aneconomic expansion." The Goss surve y also includes Utah and Wyoming. Acroses the three-state region, the Business Conditions Indezx stoodat 44.6 in February, recoverinvg from January’s record low of Goss said.
"For the fourthh straight month, the index dipped beloww growth neutral," Goss said. "Until recently, growth in the region’s large energy sector had bolstere growth inthe region. However, a weakening manufacturinb sector, especially for firms heavily dependengt oninternational sales, has pushed the region firmly into recessionh territory." He said the regional index points to "recessionary economicd conditions for the region at least into the thirde quarter of 2009.
" In a separate part of the survey, supply managers in the three-statwe region were asked about the federal stimulus Only 3 percent said they expected the package would be effective or very effectivre at reviving the economy, Goss while 22 percent said they expected the stimulus would be ineffectiv and 75 percent weren't The Goss Institute uses the same methodology for its surveu as the Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasingt Management Association, in its national surve y of its members.
The index for based on a survey ofthe state's supplu managers, rose to 43.5 in February from 30.5 in Januaryu and 41.5 in December, said Goss, head of the Goss Institutr for Economic Research, which conducts the survey. The Businesw Conditions Index ranges between 0and 100. An index greater than 50 indicatese expectations of an expanding economy over the next thre e tosix months; 50 is growthb neutral. Goss said that the Colorado survey showec new orders at an index of productionat 35.6, delivery lead time at inventories at 40.3, and employment at 40.6.
"Thd global recession has had a significant and negative impact onthe state’s large computer and electronicd manufacturing industry," Goss said in a statement. "Sincw the beginning of the nationaol recession, this industry has lost almostt 2,000 jobs. I expect this industry to be the state’as turnaround industry and provide an earlg signal of the beginningt of aneconomic expansion." The Goss surve y also includes Utah and Wyoming. Acroses the three-state region, the Business Conditions Indezx stoodat 44.6 in February, recoverinvg from January’s record low of Goss said.
"For the fourthh straight month, the index dipped beloww growth neutral," Goss said. "Until recently, growth in the region’s large energy sector had bolstere growth inthe region. However, a weakening manufacturinb sector, especially for firms heavily dependengt oninternational sales, has pushed the region firmly into recessionh territory." He said the regional index points to "recessionary economicd conditions for the region at least into the thirde quarter of 2009.
" In a separate part of the survey, supply managers in the three-statwe region were asked about the federal stimulus Only 3 percent said they expected the package would be effective or very effectivre at reviving the economy, Goss while 22 percent said they expected the stimulus would be ineffectiv and 75 percent weren't The Goss Institute uses the same methodology for its surveu as the Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasingt Management Association, in its national surve y of its members.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Meeting of the Minds Summit draws area political dynamos - Business Clarksville
http://palmeraprojects.org/news/article/the-journey-begins/
Business Clarksville | Meeting of the Minds Summit draws area political dynamos Business Clarksville The two-hour 'Meeting of the Minds Summit at G's Pancake House on South Riverside Drive was well attended with over 45 participants. ... |
Friday, January 21, 2011
King Soopers, workers heading back to bargaining table - Wichita Business Journal:
http://www.psinterface.com/green_texture.html
The contract at hand involved an increase inpreventatived health-care programs and a wage as well as a decrease in pension benefits, King Soopere spokeswoman Diane Mulligan said. However, workers had proteste the pensionbenefit cuts, with the United Food and Commercial Worker Union Local No. 7 warning that some could lose $100,0000 over the life of the benefits, and said the wage increaseds werenot enough.
“Wer are ready, willing and able to get back to the bargainingf table if the corporation is willing to meet us King Soopers worker Julie Gonzalez said in a news release put out bythe “All we’re asking for is a fair And we really hope they don’t lock us out for asking for livable wages and a pensioh plan that recognizes our contribution to companyg profits.” About 17,000 union workers from the area’s threwe largest grocery chains — King Soopers and — have been in negotiations with the grocerw since April 9 on new five-yeadr contracts.
Safeway workers have voted to extend their contract untilpJune 26, which Albertsons and King Soopersd employees currently are working without contracts. The rejectionb of the latest King Soopers contract proposal came quickly aftet votingbegan Monday. Workersw in Colorado Springs, Longmont and Boulder are voting today, while Pueblo workerd are scheduled to cast ballots King Soopers spokeswoman Dian e Mulligan said that the rejection of the deal will not have any tangibles effect onstore operations. King Soopers workers have not cast ballotswto strike. “We’re disappointed in the but we look forward to getting back to Mulligansaid Tuesday.
King Soopers is a unit of Cincinnati-basexd
The contract at hand involved an increase inpreventatived health-care programs and a wage as well as a decrease in pension benefits, King Soopere spokeswoman Diane Mulligan said. However, workers had proteste the pensionbenefit cuts, with the United Food and Commercial Worker Union Local No. 7 warning that some could lose $100,0000 over the life of the benefits, and said the wage increaseds werenot enough.
“Wer are ready, willing and able to get back to the bargainingf table if the corporation is willing to meet us King Soopers worker Julie Gonzalez said in a news release put out bythe “All we’re asking for is a fair And we really hope they don’t lock us out for asking for livable wages and a pensioh plan that recognizes our contribution to companyg profits.” About 17,000 union workers from the area’s threwe largest grocery chains — King Soopers and — have been in negotiations with the grocerw since April 9 on new five-yeadr contracts.
Safeway workers have voted to extend their contract untilpJune 26, which Albertsons and King Soopersd employees currently are working without contracts. The rejectionb of the latest King Soopers contract proposal came quickly aftet votingbegan Monday. Workersw in Colorado Springs, Longmont and Boulder are voting today, while Pueblo workerd are scheduled to cast ballots King Soopers spokeswoman Dian e Mulligan said that the rejection of the deal will not have any tangibles effect onstore operations. King Soopers workers have not cast ballotswto strike. “We’re disappointed in the but we look forward to getting back to Mulligansaid Tuesday.
King Soopers is a unit of Cincinnati-basexd
Bakers faces liquidity constraints - St. Louis Business Journal:
http://www.businfo-online.com/networking.html
Bakers also has arranged new paymentr terms with vendors and landlords that reflectrthe company’s “seasonal cash flow patterns,” according to a quarterly reporr filed Monday with the . Peter Edison, Bakers’ chairmanh and chief executive, declinedx to provide details about the newpayment terms, citing confidentiak agreements with vendors and landlords. Bakerxs has been posting increases in sales but its losses anda “potentiall inability to comply with financial covenants” “substantial doubf about whether the company can continue as a goingt concern.
” Bakers said it believea it has adequate liquidity to fund anticipated working capitalk requirements and expects to be in compliance with its financiaol covenants for the rest of the Also on Monday, Bakers said it boosted sale and trimmed its loss in the first quarter. Net sales were $45 milliob for the 13 weeks endedMay 2, up 3 percentr from $43.5 million a year ago. Comparablew store sales, which compars stores that have been open at leasga year, increased 4.8 percent, comparede to a decrease of 11 percent a year The shoe retailer lost $2.8 milliom in the first quarter, compared to a loss of $4.9 million a year ago.
“We’rre pleased with the progress we’v e made,” Edison said. “We expect to be cash flow and we’re paying down our debt and getting healthier.” St. Louis-based Bakers Footwear Group BKRS) is a mall-based retailer of moderatelyu priced footwear and accessoriesfor women. It operates stores underr the Bakers and Wild Pair with 239stores open.
Bakers also has arranged new paymentr terms with vendors and landlords that reflectrthe company’s “seasonal cash flow patterns,” according to a quarterly reporr filed Monday with the . Peter Edison, Bakers’ chairmanh and chief executive, declinedx to provide details about the newpayment terms, citing confidentiak agreements with vendors and landlords. Bakerxs has been posting increases in sales but its losses anda “potentiall inability to comply with financial covenants” “substantial doubf about whether the company can continue as a goingt concern.
” Bakers said it believea it has adequate liquidity to fund anticipated working capitalk requirements and expects to be in compliance with its financiaol covenants for the rest of the Also on Monday, Bakers said it boosted sale and trimmed its loss in the first quarter. Net sales were $45 milliob for the 13 weeks endedMay 2, up 3 percentr from $43.5 million a year ago. Comparablew store sales, which compars stores that have been open at leasga year, increased 4.8 percent, comparede to a decrease of 11 percent a year The shoe retailer lost $2.8 milliom in the first quarter, compared to a loss of $4.9 million a year ago.
“We’rre pleased with the progress we’v e made,” Edison said. “We expect to be cash flow and we’re paying down our debt and getting healthier.” St. Louis-based Bakers Footwear Group BKRS) is a mall-based retailer of moderatelyu priced footwear and accessoriesfor women. It operates stores underr the Bakers and Wild Pair with 239stores open.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Teammate: Lance Armstrong was substance use 'instigator' - USA Today
http://www.sencha.com/forum/member.php?233132-Tamaro4ka
CBC.ca | Teammate: Lance Armstrong was substance use 'instigator' USA Today By Morne de Klerk, Getty Images By Vicki Michaelis, USA TODAY A 1995 teammate of Lance Armstrong says in a story in this week'sSports Illustrated that the ... Floyd Landis ends controversial cycling career Claim: Customs agents found drugs in Armstrong's bag |
Sunday, January 16, 2011
State senator wants to remove UC
http://www.fitnessat.com/weight-loss/78-diet-on-the-house.html
In a release, Yee, who received his bachelor’s degrees from UC Berkeley, said that the Regents of the system thini theyare “above the law.” The University of Californiaz Office of the Presidengt shot back in its own saying that the system is one of the few agencies in governmeng that is working, that it’s flourished under its autonomy, and that the salariez it pays to top leaders is below the national average for comparablee institutions. The state’s constitution guaranteed the regents autonomy on all issuesd related to management of the syste msince 1879.
The proposed amendment, SCA 21, and its counterparty on in theStat Assembly, ACA 24, need two-thirds approval from the legislature and then needs approvall from state voters.
In a release, Yee, who received his bachelor’s degrees from UC Berkeley, said that the Regents of the system thini theyare “above the law.” The University of Californiaz Office of the Presidengt shot back in its own saying that the system is one of the few agencies in governmeng that is working, that it’s flourished under its autonomy, and that the salariez it pays to top leaders is below the national average for comparablee institutions. The state’s constitution guaranteed the regents autonomy on all issuesd related to management of the syste msince 1879.
The proposed amendment, SCA 21, and its counterparty on in theStat Assembly, ACA 24, need two-thirds approval from the legislature and then needs approvall from state voters.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Facebook, Think settle trademark dispute - The Business Review (Albany):
http://featheredquill.com/reviews/mystery/bray.shtml
Palo Alto-based Facebook and Think did not disclosd terms ofthe settlement. Think'sz CEO and founder, Aaron Greenspan, attendex Harvard with Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerbergbin 2002-2004, where both were "entrepreneurially mindede programmers," the companies said. Starting in August 2003, Think released a Web-based student portal called houseSYSTEM throughj a Harvardstudent group. This software was designed to make life easie rfor students, faculty, and alumni. By Septembetr 2003, houseSYSTEM featured a section (devised and implementedd by Greenspan) called "The Universal Face (sometimes called "The Face Book").
Think's system contained a number of including acourse scheduler, student marketplace, email automatic birthday reminder, message boards, photo album, digital flyet advertising, event calendar (withu online RSVP's), map integration, job and local business reviews. At houseSYSTEM did not featur e member profiles due to campussecurity concerns. Profilezs were added after Zuckerberg launched Facebook inFebruart 2004, along with new features, allowing friends to recore the way they had met and noting the strengtb of their relationships. "Aaron and I studied togethert at Harvardand I've alwayd admired his entrepreneurial spirit and love of buildin g things.
I appreciate his hard work and innovatiojn that led tobuilding houseSYSTEM, including the Universap Face Book feature. At school, I was even a membe of houseSYSTEM. We are pleased that we've been able to amicablyh resolveour differences," Zuckerberg said in a prepared statement. "I am glad that my contribution s have been recognizedby Facebook," said Greenspan. "Marj has built a tremendous companyat Facebook, and I wish them continues success in the future.
"
Palo Alto-based Facebook and Think did not disclosd terms ofthe settlement. Think'sz CEO and founder, Aaron Greenspan, attendex Harvard with Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerbergbin 2002-2004, where both were "entrepreneurially mindede programmers," the companies said. Starting in August 2003, Think released a Web-based student portal called houseSYSTEM throughj a Harvardstudent group. This software was designed to make life easie rfor students, faculty, and alumni. By Septembetr 2003, houseSYSTEM featured a section (devised and implementedd by Greenspan) called "The Universal Face (sometimes called "The Face Book").
Think's system contained a number of including acourse scheduler, student marketplace, email automatic birthday reminder, message boards, photo album, digital flyet advertising, event calendar (withu online RSVP's), map integration, job and local business reviews. At houseSYSTEM did not featur e member profiles due to campussecurity concerns. Profilezs were added after Zuckerberg launched Facebook inFebruart 2004, along with new features, allowing friends to recore the way they had met and noting the strengtb of their relationships. "Aaron and I studied togethert at Harvardand I've alwayd admired his entrepreneurial spirit and love of buildin g things.
I appreciate his hard work and innovatiojn that led tobuilding houseSYSTEM, including the Universap Face Book feature. At school, I was even a membe of houseSYSTEM. We are pleased that we've been able to amicablyh resolveour differences," Zuckerberg said in a prepared statement. "I am glad that my contribution s have been recognizedby Facebook," said Greenspan. "Marj has built a tremendous companyat Facebook, and I wish them continues success in the future.
"
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
BofA raises almost all of $33.9B buffer - Triangle Business Journal:
Windows
billion. Last month, BofA sold $13.65 billion in common stock. The bank issued 1.25 billiom shares at an average priceof $10.7u per share. BofA also sold a 5.7 percent stakde in to Asian investors for a gainof $4.5 In addition, BofA agreed to exchange $9.5 billion in preferrexd shares for 704 million sharesz of common stock. BofA expects to garner $1.3 billiob from reduced dividends on thepreferred shares. The exchange doesn’ft apply to preferred shares held by thefederalo government. So far, BofA has boosted its Tier 1 commonm capitalby $2.1 billion by reducing a deferreds tax-asset deduction. And the bank says it has gainedx anadditional $2 billion from the disposition of assets.
As part of the company’sx capital plan, it could issue up to an additional 296 milliohcommon shares. “We are pleased to have nearlgy reached our goal this saidJoe Price, chief financial officer. The government said BofA had toraise $33.9 billiobn after conducting “stress tests” on the country’e 19 largest banks. The tests were designedd to assessthe banks’ abilituy to survive if economic conditions worsen more than expected durinv the next two BofA has received a total of $45 billiom in taxpayer aid under the federa l government’s Troubled Asset Relief which is designed to thaw the credit marketz and boost the economy. In separate Charlotte, N.C.
-based BofA (NYSE: BAC) sold $3 billionh in five-year notes on May 8 and $2.5 billion in 10-yeatr notes on May 28 without guarantees.
billion. Last month, BofA sold $13.65 billion in common stock. The bank issued 1.25 billiom shares at an average priceof $10.7u per share. BofA also sold a 5.7 percent stakde in to Asian investors for a gainof $4.5 In addition, BofA agreed to exchange $9.5 billion in preferrexd shares for 704 million sharesz of common stock. BofA expects to garner $1.3 billiob from reduced dividends on thepreferred shares. The exchange doesn’ft apply to preferred shares held by thefederalo government. So far, BofA has boosted its Tier 1 commonm capitalby $2.1 billion by reducing a deferreds tax-asset deduction. And the bank says it has gainedx anadditional $2 billion from the disposition of assets.
As part of the company’sx capital plan, it could issue up to an additional 296 milliohcommon shares. “We are pleased to have nearlgy reached our goal this saidJoe Price, chief financial officer. The government said BofA had toraise $33.9 billiobn after conducting “stress tests” on the country’e 19 largest banks. The tests were designedd to assessthe banks’ abilituy to survive if economic conditions worsen more than expected durinv the next two BofA has received a total of $45 billiom in taxpayer aid under the federa l government’s Troubled Asset Relief which is designed to thaw the credit marketz and boost the economy. In separate Charlotte, N.C.
-based BofA (NYSE: BAC) sold $3 billionh in five-year notes on May 8 and $2.5 billion in 10-yeatr notes on May 28 without guarantees.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Beige Book: Southeast economic decline moderating - Philadelphia Business Journal:
bamboo floor
Sales and consumer traffix remained at low levels inlate spring, but in line with modestr expectations, according to Southeastern Retailers' future sales outlooi remained subdued. Most regional auto dealer noted further declines in with several pointing to reducesd credit availability and industry uncertainty as reasonsa for thepoor results. Reports from Realtors indicatedf existing home sales were stabilizing Homebuilders noted new home inventories were trending down ona year-over-year basis as construction remained at low levela and new home sales improved modestly. Home sales prices continuedd to decline according tomost reports. Commercial real estatee activityremained weak.
Vacancy rates continued to rise in many part s ofthe Southeast, putting downward pressure on most notably in the retail sector. Contractorx reported more projects being postponexdor canceled. Commercial real estats players anticipate more space will become vacantf in the coming months and that construction will continureto slow. Most Southeastern manufacturersw said the rate of decline in productio and orders moderated in For thecoming months, most in manufacturinv noted more optimism about futured production and employment.
Several business contacts reportedx difficulty meeting financing needzs because of restricted availability of Roughly one-quarter of non-autl retailers and one-third of non-financial/non-retail contacts cited some difficultu obtaining loans for inventory purposes. Auto dealers, in said that obtaining vehicle inventory financingv wasvery challenging. Banking contacts continuef to indicate generally low levelsa of demand for new loana and increased use of existinhg linesof credit. Labor marke conditions continued tobe weak. Many firms reported additional cuts in hours or had instituted mandatoryg unpaid days off forsome staff.
the pace of layoffs appears tohave slowed, as fewer firme reported layoffs than earlier in the
Sales and consumer traffix remained at low levels inlate spring, but in line with modestr expectations, according to Southeastern Retailers' future sales outlooi remained subdued. Most regional auto dealer noted further declines in with several pointing to reducesd credit availability and industry uncertainty as reasonsa for thepoor results. Reports from Realtors indicatedf existing home sales were stabilizing Homebuilders noted new home inventories were trending down ona year-over-year basis as construction remained at low levela and new home sales improved modestly. Home sales prices continuedd to decline according tomost reports. Commercial real estatee activityremained weak.
Vacancy rates continued to rise in many part s ofthe Southeast, putting downward pressure on most notably in the retail sector. Contractorx reported more projects being postponexdor canceled. Commercial real estats players anticipate more space will become vacantf in the coming months and that construction will continureto slow. Most Southeastern manufacturersw said the rate of decline in productio and orders moderated in For thecoming months, most in manufacturinv noted more optimism about futured production and employment.
Several business contacts reportedx difficulty meeting financing needzs because of restricted availability of Roughly one-quarter of non-autl retailers and one-third of non-financial/non-retail contacts cited some difficultu obtaining loans for inventory purposes. Auto dealers, in said that obtaining vehicle inventory financingv wasvery challenging. Banking contacts continuef to indicate generally low levelsa of demand for new loana and increased use of existinhg linesof credit. Labor marke conditions continued tobe weak. Many firms reported additional cuts in hours or had instituted mandatoryg unpaid days off forsome staff.
the pace of layoffs appears tohave slowed, as fewer firme reported layoffs than earlier in the
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Finding a home for an e-Tee - Houston Business Journal:
news
That’s a tall order, even for a companyu that wasn’t launched in the teeth of a recession. But with distributiom deals with two big retailers already inhis pocket, Barrett sees a stronvg future. Barrett founded Holy Cow in 2007 with the intentionm of creating a product that appeals to a mass audiencd while also falling under the Global Organic TextilStandard (GOTS), which certifies clothing that is produced with a focud on social and environmentalo issues. The standard includes rules on using organicf cottonand water-based inks, as well as ensuring sweatshop-frees production in supply chains runninfg through Pakistan and India.
Holy Cow’sw product line includes casual wearfor men, womebn and infants, with an expandedf line of kids and toddler clothing to debut this Holy Cow clothing has been sold in about 30 Whole Foods Market Inc. stores in the Midwest for the pastthreew months, selling through half its merchandisw in the first 60 Barrett said. Within the next Whole Foods will distributeHoly Cow’es clothing on a national level. The company will partnetr withthis fall, and Barrett said he wantxs to see Holy Cow products sold in othedr department stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcuas and Bloomingdale’s.
Holy Cow mightr one day have a retai l presence ofits own, Barrett said, but he’s pleased with the progressw the brand has made “Whole Foods is the perfect fit for us in the environmental perspective,” he said. And Nordstrom fits its upscale The company projectsabougt $35,000 in sales this more than double what it would have made during all of 2008 (it officiall became an LLC in March 2008). That numbet could jump to as highas $200,000 should Holy Cow land more accounts like Barrett said the faltering economy has made it hard to gauge Holy Cow’as growth. “Any growth we’ve seen at this we haven’t had anything to compares it against.
” Since apparelo falls under discretionary the category has faced a harder time dealinyg with the recession thanother industries, said John Barrow, presidentt of Coolibar Inc. St. Louis Park-based Coolibar make sun-protective sportswear and sellsmostly direct-to-consumer, but Barrow said the company’es growth has slowed through the recession. “Ift gets harder to sell to retailers and to get customerseto buy,” he said. Production costws for GOTS-certified clothing are higher than for other But it’s a pricwe Barrett said he’s willing to pay for his “In the end, we see it reallyy as worth it, and the custometr does also,” he said.
That’s a tall order, even for a companyu that wasn’t launched in the teeth of a recession. But with distributiom deals with two big retailers already inhis pocket, Barrett sees a stronvg future. Barrett founded Holy Cow in 2007 with the intentionm of creating a product that appeals to a mass audiencd while also falling under the Global Organic TextilStandard (GOTS), which certifies clothing that is produced with a focud on social and environmentalo issues. The standard includes rules on using organicf cottonand water-based inks, as well as ensuring sweatshop-frees production in supply chains runninfg through Pakistan and India.
Holy Cow’sw product line includes casual wearfor men, womebn and infants, with an expandedf line of kids and toddler clothing to debut this Holy Cow clothing has been sold in about 30 Whole Foods Market Inc. stores in the Midwest for the pastthreew months, selling through half its merchandisw in the first 60 Barrett said. Within the next Whole Foods will distributeHoly Cow’es clothing on a national level. The company will partnetr withthis fall, and Barrett said he wantxs to see Holy Cow products sold in othedr department stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcuas and Bloomingdale’s.
Holy Cow mightr one day have a retai l presence ofits own, Barrett said, but he’s pleased with the progressw the brand has made “Whole Foods is the perfect fit for us in the environmental perspective,” he said. And Nordstrom fits its upscale The company projectsabougt $35,000 in sales this more than double what it would have made during all of 2008 (it officiall became an LLC in March 2008). That numbet could jump to as highas $200,000 should Holy Cow land more accounts like Barrett said the faltering economy has made it hard to gauge Holy Cow’as growth. “Any growth we’ve seen at this we haven’t had anything to compares it against.
” Since apparelo falls under discretionary the category has faced a harder time dealinyg with the recession thanother industries, said John Barrow, presidentt of Coolibar Inc. St. Louis Park-based Coolibar make sun-protective sportswear and sellsmostly direct-to-consumer, but Barrow said the company’es growth has slowed through the recession. “Ift gets harder to sell to retailers and to get customerseto buy,” he said. Production costws for GOTS-certified clothing are higher than for other But it’s a pricwe Barrett said he’s willing to pay for his “In the end, we see it reallyy as worth it, and the custometr does also,” he said.
Monday, January 3, 2011
EMC Corp. acquires Astrum Software - Mass High Tech Business News
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Hopkinton's EMC Corp. purchased Astrum, althougn neither party will disclose how much moneychangex hands. Located in the Schrafft Center buildingin Charlestown, Astrum is a privately held supplierr of storage resource management software. The acquisition includes approximatelt 30 employeesand Astrum's portfolio of storage management Both EMC and Infantino said Astrum's OEM relationshio with Overland Storage will continue. And whil Infantino was in discussions with Dell for a seconxdOEM partnership, the sale to EMC nixesd that plan, since Dell already has an OEM relationshipl with EMC.
Infantino says his staff will moveto EMC'es Kendall Square office within 30 days, althoughj he's not sure if he'll be staying on. "We're in discussions righft now," he said. "There's a lot of opportunityg for mein EMC." EMC echoed in a presxs release Infantino's assertion that his storage softwarre is ideal for mid-size companies, a market EMC is looking to Astrum is the third company that Infantino has He started Acorn Software and Acersoft beforr founding Astrum in 1997. Thougn he managed to raise three roundxs offunding (from JMI Equity Fund in Baltimore, Ironsidre Ventures and Morgan Keegan), he said it was toug during a time when most "everyone was focusing on dot-coms.
" "This is the first time I startexd a company that was acquired," Infantino said. "This is a huge victory for me and for the employeedsof Astrum. Three times is a charm."
Hopkinton's EMC Corp. purchased Astrum, althougn neither party will disclose how much moneychangex hands. Located in the Schrafft Center buildingin Charlestown, Astrum is a privately held supplierr of storage resource management software. The acquisition includes approximatelt 30 employeesand Astrum's portfolio of storage management Both EMC and Infantino said Astrum's OEM relationshio with Overland Storage will continue. And whil Infantino was in discussions with Dell for a seconxdOEM partnership, the sale to EMC nixesd that plan, since Dell already has an OEM relationshipl with EMC.
Infantino says his staff will moveto EMC'es Kendall Square office within 30 days, althoughj he's not sure if he'll be staying on. "We're in discussions righft now," he said. "There's a lot of opportunityg for mein EMC." EMC echoed in a presxs release Infantino's assertion that his storage softwarre is ideal for mid-size companies, a market EMC is looking to Astrum is the third company that Infantino has He started Acorn Software and Acersoft beforr founding Astrum in 1997. Thougn he managed to raise three roundxs offunding (from JMI Equity Fund in Baltimore, Ironsidre Ventures and Morgan Keegan), he said it was toug during a time when most "everyone was focusing on dot-coms.
" "This is the first time I startexd a company that was acquired," Infantino said. "This is a huge victory for me and for the employeedsof Astrum. Three times is a charm."
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Contingency plans: UM needs to protect Robinson - Toledo Blade
social-gland.blogspot.com
Contingency plans: UM needs to protect Robinson Toledo Blade ... Michigan will eliminate all chances of obtaining a medical hardship waiver for Devin Gardner by inserting the freshman, coach Rich Rodriguez said Friday ... |
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