Technology

This Week in Consumer News: 14 Stories You Need to See

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2024

A roundup of the most newsworthy consumer and retail announcements from PR Newswire this week, including holiday savings from Lowes and Target, plus seasonal launches from Bloomingdales, Chobani and Snickers.

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help consumer/retail journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Campbell’s® Third Annual State of the Sides Report: Celebrating the Shared Love of Side Dishes Across America
More than 55% would rather pile their plates with side dishes than the turkey itself, reaffirming that sides are the true star of the meal. Plus, 60% find more joy in cooking the sides than preparing the bird.Yankee Candle® Debuts New “Passport to the Holidays” Collection with Festive Fragrances Inspired by Iconic Travel Destinations
Inspired by beloved global destinations, this six-fragrance collection allows people to experience the magic of holiday traditions from around the world, all from the comfort of their own homes. Celebrate the holiday season with the inviting aromas of fresh apples, caramelized sugarcane, ginger, and warm cinnamon woods.Give the Gift of Family Legacy This Holiday Season with Autobiographer
Launched earlier this year, Autobiographer provides a revolutionary way to preserve family legacies through authentic conversations that capture the depth and nuance of real-life stories. The storytelling app debuted a limited time $99 gift price for the 2024 holiday season as well as Autobiographer Anthology, a premium-tier family service.The Children’s Place Announces Launch of Storefront on SHEIN With The Children’s Place now available on SHEIN, parents can effortlessly shop for high-quality, affordable clothing, whether it’s for back-to-school, holiday celebrations, weekend playdates, or family vacations. The collaboration offers trend-right product assortments and limited-time promotions designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern families.Nama Revolutionizes the Way We Will Consume More Plants
Nama unveils the Nama M1 Plant-Based Milk Maker. This latest addition aims to elevate how individuals easily incorporate plant-based nutrition into their lifestyles, offering a fresh and enriching way to enjoy consuming more plants at home.Schwinn is Forecasting Fun with Launch of New Compact E-Bike for Teens – Meet The Hurricane
Schwinn has been making e-bikes since 2017, but this is their first geared toward a younger Gen Z demographic. Drawing inspiration from the original 1978 Schwinn Hurricane, this compact e-bike features retro touches like high-rise handlebars, fat tires, and a sleek yet industrial frame design that conveys a sense of daring adventure to a new generation of young riders.JanSport Unveils the Venture Pack System: A New Era in Travel Solutions
This innovative, all-in-one packing solution includes two packs, the Venture Pack and Venture Daypack, which can be used separately or function together to enhance the travel experience for adventurers and explorers alike.Eco-Products Debuts Veda Line of Reusable Containers
Eco-Products® is launching a new line of durable foodservice containers that can be easily returned and reused by customers. The new containers feature proprietary tracking and collection technology created by OZZI®, a leading reusable systems and container brand. The containers are primarily designed for closed-system foodservice environments like colleges and universities, corporate campuses, military bases and hospitals.Target Kicks Off Holiday Savings with Early Black Friday Sale Plus Daily and Weekly Deals
The retailer is bringing back its popular Deal of the Day Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, with one-day-only deals up to 50% off and many exclusive deals for members of its free-to-join Target Circle program. Each week, consumers will also enjoy a new lineup of weeklong deals dropping every Sunday.Chobani and La Colombe Make Spirits Bright this Holiday Season with Festive Flavors
The holiday assortment includes the new Chobani® Apple Pie Dairy Coffee Creamer – a delicately spiced dairy creamer made from farm-fresh milk that delivers the taste of the holiday season to your morning coffee – along with classic seasonal flavors fans can reach for again and again.Bloomingdale’s Launches a Wicked Good Holiday
This collaboration will bring the magic of the holidays to life with a Wicked Good Holiday pop-up. Shoppers can expect an exclusive AQUA collection, an array of products for gifting, immersive in-store experiences, a takeover of the iconic “brown bag”, and an enchanting 59th Street window unveiling.SNICKERS® Trees Are Back To Ring In The Holiday Season Along With A Full Line-Up Of Holiday Favorites From Mars
SNICKERS® is back to usher in the holidays with the return of SNICKERS Trees and a tasty lineup of both new and fan-favorite holiday treats sure to make the nice list. Alongside SNICKERS Trees, the 2024 Mars Holiday collection has two new innovations from M&M’S and Dove: M&M’S Toasty Holiday Peanut and Dove Dark Chocolate Holiday Mint.G.O.A.T. Fuel to Feature Muhammad Ali on Limited Edition Collector’s Cans as Part of 3-Year Partnership
On the 50th anniversary of the famed 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match, G.O.A.T. Fuel is proud to announce its three-year partnership with Muhammad Ali Enterprises. In celebration of the collaboration, G.O.A.T. Fuel is rolling out a limited-edition line of Muhammad Ali collector’s cans, featuring exclusive designs with the “G.O.A.T.” himself across the brand’s best-selling flavors: Watermelon Fruit Punch, Gummy Bear, and Pineapple Cream Soda.Lowe’s Assists Customers and Members with Big Holiday Savings, New Must-Have Gifts, and Bigger-Than-Life Décor for the Season
“This season we shine brightly with a magical in-store experience, featuring festive family moments like cookies and characters on Black Friday morning, expert gift-giving advice for that perfect drill for Dad, and personalized rewards for our members, including a free ornament for MyLowe’s Rewards members. The holidays are all about home and it’s what we do best,” said Jen Wilson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest retail-related releases from PR Newswire.

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Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they’re signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger’s next story.Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles.Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry’s leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

For questions, contact the team at media.relations@cision.com.

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Technology

Blanchard Celebrates 45 Years of Empowering Leadership and Organizational Success

Published

3 mins ago

November 1, 2024

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blanchard®, a global pioneer in leadership development, consulting, and coaching, proudly announces the celebration of its 45-year anniversary. Ken and Margie Blanchard founded the company in 1979 with three simple goals: to make a positive difference in people’s lives, drive human worth and effectiveness in the workplace, and help each client organization become the provider, employer, and investment of choice.

Since its founding, Blanchard has been at the forefront of transforming leaders and organizations through innovative programs, contextualized learning journeys, and coaching designed to foster personal and professional growth.

Over the past 45 years, Blanchard has equipped thousands of organizations across industries with the tools to lead effectively and create lasting impact. With a strong commitment to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential, the company’s programs have been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government institutions, and nonprofit organizations worldwide.

“Reaching 45 years is a significant milestone for Blanchard,” says Scott Blanchard, CEO of Blanchard. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and our unwavering focus on empowering leaders. We’re incredibly proud of the positive change we’ve helped bring to organizations over the years and look forward to continuing our mission for many more.”

Debbie Ung, President, says, “I’m proud of how our company has continually transformed to meet the needs of learners and we remain committed to providing dynamic new learning options to support our vision of leaders powered for good.”

Margie and Ken Blanchard say, “Growing this company has been a constant challenge to remind us to walk our talk. And to think that 45 years have passed. Unbelievable!”

Blanchard’s signature programs, including SLII®, have empowered leaders to adapt their styles to meet the needs of their teams, driving engagement and results. As leadership development evolves to meet the demands of a fast-changing global landscape, Blanchard remains committed to developing new methodologies and tools to serve the next generation of leaders.

For more information about how Blanchard can help your organization thrive, please visit www.blanchard.com.

About Blanchard
Blanchard is a global leader in leadership development, consulting, and coaching. For more than 40 years, Blanchard has partnered with organizations to maximize individual achievement and organizational performance, bringing measurable progress and true transformation. Blanchard’s SLII® is the global leadership model of choice, powering inspired leaders for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide. Blanchard also offers a suite of award-winning solutions through flexible delivery modalities to meet the specific needs of clients and learners. Discover more at www.blanchard.com.

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Technology

PKF O’Connor Davies Publishes 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies

Published

3 mins ago

November 1, 2024

Reports provide industry benchmarking data, trends and insights impacting firm profitability and productivity

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — PKF O’Connor Davies, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax and advisory practices, today announced the release of its 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies. Based on 2023 financial and operational data provided by a sample of participating architectural and engineering (A&E) firms, the studies reflect the state of the industry and enable firms to benchmark their performance against others as they seek ongoing profitability and growth.

For the first time, the studies provide a historical perspective, highlighting key milestones and industry trends that have shaped the A&E landscape over the past two decades. They also include firms’ current and future use of artificial intelligence, as well as expert insights on emerging trends. The studies present several key takeaways for the A&E industry, including:

During 2023, profit as a percentage of net fee income reached its highest level in the past five years.Firms’ billing multiple increased slightly as they continued their focus on project management efficiencies.Firms’ breakeven multiple and overhead rate continued their upward trend, driven by increases in indirect labor, employee and fringe benefits, and computer and IT investments.Raises as a percentage of base compensation remain higher than historical averages, despite a year-over-year decrease.

“We are excited to release the 20th anniversary edition of the Architectural and Engineering Studies prepared by our dedicated team of industry specialists. These studies have provided valuable insights to the A&E industry and allowed firms to benchmark their results so they may assess their performance in order to continue to grow and improve profitability,” said David M. Sullivan, Jr., Partner and Leader of the Architecture & Engineering Practice at PKF O’Connor Davies. “The A&E industry is going through a period of unprecedented changes. To fully capitalize on future opportunities, it’s crucial for industry leaders to have a strong understanding of industry trends.”

To access the 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies, visit https://www.pkfod.com/annual-architectural-study/ and https://www.pkfod.com/annual-engineering-study/.

About PKF O’Connor Davies

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-tier accounting, tax and advisory practice with a long history of serving domestic and international clients. “Know Greater Value” speaks to the confidence and guidance that our clients realize when they work with us. It reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest levels of value, expertise and service in everything we do. Our clients Know Greater Connections, Know Greater Insights and Know Greater Value. “PKF O’Connor Davies” is the brand name under which PKF O’Connor Davies LLP and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC, independently owned entities, provide professional services in an alternative practice structure in accordance with applicable professional standards. PKF O’Connor Davies LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax and advisory services.

For more information, please visit pkfod.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Media Contact

Michelle Goyke, PKF O’Connor Davies, 914-341-7615, mgoyke@pkfod.com, https://www.pkfod.com/

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Technology

Ziegler Advises Strata Health Solutions Inc. On Acquisition by VitalHub Corp.

Published

3 mins ago

November 1, 2024

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Strata Health Solutions Inc. (“Strata Health”, “Strata” or the “Company”) on its acquisition by VitalHub, a leading software company dedicated to empowering Health and Human Services providers.

CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Strata Health Solutions Inc. (“Strata Health”, “Strata” or the “Company”) on its acquisition by VitalHub, a leading software company dedicated to empowering Health and Human Services providers.

“Ziegler’s guidance on the presentation of our business, financials, and growth strategy led us to this great outcome. We ultimately could not be happier about the partnership with VitalHub…” said Peter Smith, President and CEO of Strata Health Solutions Inc.

Based in Canada, Strata Health designs, builds, and deploys software that improves access and navigation to care. Strata Health has over 80 health system partners and works with over 500 hospitals to provide over 800 thousand patient transitions annually. The company serves customers in Canada, the UK, the US, and New Zealand with offices internationally.

Strata Health extends VitalHub’s solution set into the electronic referral market, a large and growing market opportunity internationally. Poor transitions of care result in fragmented delivery, unsatisfactory patient outcomes, and billions of dollars of inefficient healthcare system spend annually. Strata Health’s digital suite solves for these problems with solutions like electronic referral, waitlist management, and placement automation.

“Strata Health Solutions offers a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to streamline patient transitions across the healthcare continuum, addressing a critical market need for improved efficiency and patient outcomes. Strata Health’s value proposition lies in its ability to significantly improve patient flow logistics, reduce wait times, minimize unplanned readmissions, and ultimately deliver better patient experiences which are themes we are constantly trying to solve for in today’s healthcare environment. Strata’s partnership with VitalHub will create an incredible opportunity to expand electronic referral solutions internationally” stated Grant Chamberlain, Senior Managing Director in Ziegler’s Healthcare Investment Banking Practice.

“Ziegler’s guidance on the presentation of our business, financials, and growth strategy led us to this great outcome. We ultimately could not be happier about the partnership with VitalHub. We look forward to enhancing our product and market roadmap with the support of the VitalHub platform,” said Peter Smith, President and CEO of Strata Health Solutions Inc.

Ziegler’s Healthcare Investment Banking team is focused on delivering best-in-class advisory and financing solutions for companies and organizations across the healthcare industry. In our core practice areas of healthcare services, information technology, hospitals, and senior living, Ziegler is one of the most active M&A firms offering differentiated sell-side, buy-side, recapitalization/restructuring, equity private placement, and strategic partnering services.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held investment bank, capital markets, and proprietary investments firm. Specializing in the healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance, enables Ziegler to generate a positive impact on the clients and communities it serves. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the United States, Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, equity and fixed income sales & trading and research. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

Media Contact

Christine McCarty, Ziegler, 3125961617, cmccarty@ziegler.com, www.ziegler.com

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