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Lending Club Success Story: Newport Health Services – Jim Parrott
by Chris Martinez | Dec 20, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Resources, Success Story
After 30 years in the medical consulting field, Jim started a new business in addiction recovery services. He built Newport Health Services into a successful sober living program in Southern California. When he needed a small business loan to establish his company's first sober living home, Opportunity Fund and Lending Club were there to help.
Our customers inspire us every day, and we want to regularly share those stories to inspire you, too.
Supportive Solutions for Recovery
Jim Parrott started Newport Health Services and Axiom Recovery in 2016. After three decades in medical practice management and consulting, he saw a need to connect recovering addicts to services that help them transition from prison to the final stages of recovery.
Newport Health Services began from Jim's experience with addiction in his own family. Inspired by his son's journey through incarceration and addiction recovery, Jim began his work with two business partners, also in recovery and have managed similar sober living connection programs.
"In California there's a shortage of sober living beds, anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 across the state," Jim said. "In 2017, we had room for 20 beds and filled all of them within 10 days."
Newport Health Services works with everyone central to the client's life post-prison: probation officers, court appointed attorneys, rehabilitation centers, and families to locate and gain admittance to local rehabilitation facilities best suited to help them with recovery. Newport Health Services provides no cost help to clients and their families.
"Our first year, we helped about 200 inmates primarily in the two large jails in Orange County," Jim said.
The company established its first sober living facility under the Axiom Recovery name thanks to a small business loan from Opportunity Fund. He came to us through our partnership with Lending Club. The $21,000 loan helped establish the four unit apartment complex in Huntington Beach.
Helping Small Businesses Create Change in the Community
The working capital provided everything they needed to make the space livable. Jim and his staff took an unfurnished building and turned it into a safe place for clients to recover. The team opened a second sober living home also in Huntington Beach with space for up to 10 people, then opened a new detox center in the same town with space for six residents in March.
Newport Health Services provides addiction recovery support in safe, homey environment (photo courtesy of Michael Microulis)
With 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur with several successful enterprises under his belt, Jim knows what to look for in a small business lender. "I felt Opportunity Fund was interested in helping small businesses succeed rather than making a high interest loan and walking away," he said. "Other lenders I talked to tried too hard to sell me a product that was too expensive and didn't fit what we needed."
Our business loan advisor Rexie Dumagan helped Jim get the money he needed quickly to close on the apartment unit he wanted for his business. Jim pointed to that as a key moment for his small business. "It would have been very difficult for me to write a check for $20,000 to get started on the first sober living house," he said.
Jim hopes to expand Newport Health Services by opening an individual outpatient therapy center. Whatever new ventures the company takes in addiction recovery and sober living, Jim keeps his focus on expanding within Southern California. He's also expressed his hope to contribute to Opportunity Fund in the future.
We're proud to support entrepreneurs like Jim who make a positive impact in their community.
We hope this story has inspired you, too. At Opportunity Fund, we offer easy-to-get, fast, and affordable small business loans to help small business owners succeed. Visit our home page to find out more.
Success Story: Tere's Nail & Beauty Supply
by Chris Martinez | Nov 19, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Networking, Resources, Success Story
Teresa used her experience as a cosmetologist to open her own beauty supply business in Anaheim. Two small business loans from Opportunity Fund are helping her expand her inventory and meet her business goals.
All the Right Pieces for Success
Teresa started Tere's Nail & Beauty Supply in the Anaheim Indoor Marketplace in 2010. She used her expertise as a licensed cosmetologist to break out on her own and start a business.
"About 80 percent of my clients are Hispanic," Teresa said. "From my time working in the beauty industry, I know women are always looking for the latest beauty products. I saw the opportunity in the industry and the location in Anaheim, so I went for it."
Teresa's shop at the gigantic Anaheim Marketplace may be small, but it's packed with a wide selection of beauty supply needs: acrylic nails, makeup, hair extensions and wigs, and more. Teresa's work goes beyond just selling what a client needs to look good. She also specializes in beauty technique instruction.
"As a cosmetologist, I can educate to my clients how to apply nail products in a professional way," she said. "I show my clients how do their own beauty treatments so they can save money."
Teresa did everything right as a small business owner, from capitalizing on her talents to finding the perfect location. Still, she had trouble finding the right business lending solution to help her grow her business.
The Right Business Funding Connection
Teresa needed a small business loan to purchase more inventory. "I wanted to expand the variety of what I sell," she said. "I saw how that could boost my sales."
Our small business loans helped Teresa keep the latest products in stock and boost her sales (photo courtesy of Michael Microulis)
In her search for small business loans, Teresa found nothing but high interest rates and lackluster customer service. When she met Opportunity Fund loan consultant Osbaldo Velazquez at an access to capital seminar in Orange County, she saw the opportunity she'd been waiting for.
Osbaldo was able to approve a $5,000 loan in September 2016 for Tere's Nail & Beauty Supply. The working capital helped Teresa grow her business right away with increased purchasing power for inventory. She returned for a second $5,000 loan in February 2018 to help with boosting inventory again.
"The process was very fast," she said. "Osbaldo indicated the documents and I needed when we talked so I knew what I would need to have. With the first loan, the funds were deposited within two days. The second loan was even faster because the information already was there, so we did the whole process was taken care of over the phone."
Now that Teresa has the inventory she needs to make more sales, she's focused on the future of her business. Her goal is to expand her sales to wholesale vendors, and she hopes to return to work with us again for working capital when she needs it.
We're excited to watch Tere's Nail & Beauty Supply grow and we're proud to support hardworking Latina entrepreneurs like Teresa.
Lending Club Success Story: The Point Coffee Shop – Frank Lyons
by Chris Martinez | Oct 22, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Resources, Success Story
Frank started The Point Coffee Shop after retiring from a long career working for the City of Jacksonville. His coffee shop gives a lot to the community: down home cooking, employment opportunities, and a meeting space for local organizations. Our partnership with Lending Club connected Frank with the working capital loan he needed to keep his business strong, so he can focus on helping his hometown thrive.
Changing Careers While Staying Focused on Community
Frank Lyons started The Point Coffee Shop in Jacksonville, Fla. in 2014. The Point is more than just a friendly neighborhood diner. Aside from serving unique crab patty breakfasts, Frank also serves his community through local advocacy and job creation.
Frank helped shape local policy and create job opportunities for minority workers over a career that spanned four decades working for the City of Jacksonville with local government officials in roles like Fire Chief and executive for Jacksonville Electric Authority. "I was privileged to help change some things in Jacksonville," Frank said. "I'm still trying to."
After retirement, Frank saw a chance to keep working in the community by opening his restaurant. In addition to the neighborhood seniors who come in for a hot, home cooked breakfast, local organizations seek out The Point as a neighborhood hub.
Frank turned his coffee shop into a neighborhood fixture with good food and good company (photo courtesy of Jack Edwards)
"I host meetings here at my business," Frank said. "Neighborhood pastors, people from the Teacher's Association, and the Community Association come here. We took an area that wasn't as active and available to the community, and now people love it."
Frank needed working capital to help purchase equipment. Like many small business owners, Frank had to dig deep to start his business and keep it going. "I started this business on a shoestring," he said. "I had to do it out of pocket after a business partner bowed out. I was determined to make this business work, so I stayed with it."
Growing the Business Within the Neighborhood
Despite running a successful business for years, Frank had few options for business lending. "We heard a lot of promises, but nothing real," he said.
Opportunity Fund business loan advisor Rexie Dumagan helped close a $14,000 loan in November 2017. "Nobody else would help us," Frank said. "Opportunity Fund got us to where we needed to be and where we are today."
The Point's impact as a hyper-local small business extends to all aspects of the community. Frank's five employees all live in the neighborhood, close enough to walk to work every day. His unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit and local pride are driving forces behind The Point's upcoming expansion. "I acquired a building down the street that holds 60 people," Frank said. "Right now, my shop has a capacity of about 22. We get to stay in the neighborhood while expanding our business."
We're proud to support locally-oriented business owners like Frank, and we're honored to watch our small business loans drive positive change in communities in Florida and beyond.
Success Story: Nana Nif's Home Cooking- Jen Blake & Deb Richard
by Chris Martinez | Sep 27, 2018 | Success Story
Jen and Deb rebuilt their lives together after rough financial times and a move to a new state. Their entrepreneurial dreams are helping support a new dream: make a living for their family. We partnered with One Fat Frog to help Jen and Deb purchase their food trailer with our small business loans.
Starting Over Together
Jen Blake and Deb Richard started Nana Nif's Home Cooking in Bradenton, Fla. in January 2018. They restarted their life together in Florida after Deb's job was transferred from Massachusetts and Jen took an early retirement due to a physical disability. Family connections steered them down the Atlantic coast.
Jen had to leave her job as a high school biology teacher when she became disabled. "We lost my income," she said. "It was substantial financial loss. My parents live in Bradenton and they were needing more and more physical help."
Jen needed a way to help support her family—four generations all living in the same house, including Jen and Deb's daughter and their two young grandchildren.
"I can only work for two or three hours at a time, and then I have to rest," Jen said. "I've always been a good cook. At holidays and parties, everybody asks me to cook. It was a hobby before I became disabled."
All the signs pointed to starting a food-based business, but their dreams of entrepreneurship almost never happened. The family faced financial difficulties before they left New England, which resulted in Deb filing for bankruptcy and them selling their house on a short sale. In their new hometown, they had a shot at something better with Deb working full time again and some assets they could put toward starting their own business.
Rebuilding For the Future
Jen and Deb reached out to Florida-based mobile food vehicle manufacturer One Fat Frog in January 2018. "As the trailer build went on, the project got bigger while our funds ran low," Deb said. "We pulled money from other sources, like my retirement fund. In the end we were short $16,000. We didn't know what to do. Because of my bankruptcy, no banks would give us a loan."
Nana Nif's brings a taste of New England to Florida through Jen's home cooking (photo courtesy of Jack Edwards)
As one of our key mobile food vehicle manufacturing partners, One Fat Frog connected Jen and Deb to us. Our loan consultant Gerardo Campos worked with them to understand what Jen and Deb had to offer beyond just their financial capabilities.
"We completed our commitment to Chapter 11 bankruptcy," Jen said. "We repaid what we could afford."
"Gerardo was clear with us on what we needed to do to get the loan," Deb said. "He worked with what we could do."
Gerardo approved a $16,000 loan in April 2018 to help complete the food trailer purchase. Now that Nana Nif's Home Cooking is officially on the road, Bradenton folks are falling in love with the unique New England comfort food like lobster macaroni and cheese, deep fried pizza rolls, and roast beef sandwiches.
Jen and Deb's new business is for family and by family. The income makes a major difference in their household, and the whole family pitches in to work on the trailer. They're working to pay off their loan and then invest in a brick and mortar restaurant location as a commissary location for an eventual fleet of food trucks.
We're proud to support hard working women entrepreneurs like Jen and Deb, and we're honored that we can help them make a better life for their family through entrepreneurship.
Success Story: Anthony Figueroa – Antdawg's MMA
by Chris Martinez | Sep 24, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Success Story
Anthony started his business to reach out to his community through fitness and martial arts training. Two small business loans from Opportunity Fund are helping Antdawg's MMA grow and reach more people in Gilroy.
Anthony Figueroa started his business to reach out to his community through fitness and martial arts training. Two small business loans from Opportunity Fund are helping Antdawg's MMA grow and reach more people in Gilroy.
Founded on Family Values
Anthony Figueroa started Antdawg's MMA Training Center in Gilroy in 2009. Anthony's business is very personal to him. He founded his mixed martial arts fitness center after a career as a mixed martial arts fighter with the goal to provide a positive, safe place for the youth in his hometown.
"Growing up was tough for me," Anthony said. "The kids around here needed somewhere to go. I never had a place like that."
Antdawg's MMA provides martial arts training for kids and adults. The programs emphasize physical fitness for the whole family, with a focus on helping kids reach their goals through training.
Anthony built his business to help families get in shape and grow stronger together. His work ethic is shaped by a lifelong passion for training and martial arts, and his business model is based on the strong bonds within his own family.
"My whole family helps me run the gym," he said. "My sons teach here. They're 18 and 14. It's taught them a lot about being responsible, respectful, and becoming good leaders by example. My business is making a full circle for us. It's a blessing."
Anthony had everything he needed for success: support from his family, a hardworking staff, and a 2,000 square foot facility. As the business grew, he needed a small business loan to keep up.
A Winning Combination
Antdawg's MMA had to move to larger buildings in Gilroy twice in the last nine years to accommodate their growing list of customers. Anthony needed to purchase gym equipment to flesh out the new spaces. He chose Opportunity Fund over other lending options.
"Opportunity Fund made the most sense," he said. "Other lenders require a lot of business owners that don't have the best credit. They make it tougher. Opportunity Fund made it easy."
Our loan consultant Laly Velazquez closed a $17,000 loan for Antdawg's MMA in July 2015. The working capital helped Anthony get the equipment he needed. He liked working with us so much that he returned for a second loan of $22,000 one year later.
"The loans helped me add new programs," he said. "Now I can add more value for our customers. In return, it helps me grow my business."
Anthony helps kids in his community grow through discipline and exercise (photo courtesy of Christian Peacock)
Anthony always has his eye on the next step for Antdawg's MMA. His plans include adding a mixture of activities for kids like birthday parties on the weekends plus adult activities like cardio programs and parents night out.
We're proud to support positive forces in the community like Anthony and we're happy to watch his family-owned and operated business flourish.
Success Story: Ana Jimenez – BiWise Foods
Ana had big dreams as an entrepreneur: to own her own fleet of food trucks and to run a commissary to help her fellow food truck owners get on the road to success. Three small business loans from Opportunity Fund have helped Ana grow her business as a food truck owner and as the owner of BiWise Foods in Watsonville.
Growing from the Ground Up
Ana Jimenez climbed her way up to entrepreneurship through the mobile food service ranks, first as a cook in another business owner's truck, then renting the truck to run herself, then finally running her own fleet of food trucks.
"While I was renting the trucks, I was working to put money together to buy my own truck," Ana said. "I'm always thinking of how I can do more."
When she came to work for BiWise Foods in Watsonville, her path became clear: she wanted to run the commissary while putting her own trucks on the road.
Established in the 1960s in Watsonville, BiWise Foods serves food truck owners in five Northern California counties: San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara, and Alameda. It's the only commissary between south Monterey County and San Jose. Food truck owners rely on BiWise as a one stop shop for their supplies including drinks, ice, and propane refills.
"I took over the business in January 2016," Ana said. "Almost 40 trucks have come through my commissary to start their business. I help them complete their paperwork for the health department and counties too."
Ana was the face of BiWise Foods even before she took over as owner of the company, thanks to her work ethic and passion for the mobile food industry. With her food trucks on the road and a commissary to run, Ana was still looking to do more.
A Connection to Business Lending
"I needed money to invest in my business," Ana said. "I know how to run my business, so I just needed a loan."
She reached out to Opportunity Fund loan consultant Griselda Gil-Solis, who responded with a personalized touch. "She came to my business and helped me with everything I needed for the loan," Ana said. "In about a week and a half, I had the money I needed in my hands."
Griselda helped close a $20,000 loan in April 2016, which allowed Ana to purchase supplies for her food truck customers. She returned to us for a second loan of $30,000 in December 2016 to acquire a neighboring warehouse. In February 2018, we provided a $40,000 loan for a food truck purchase.
Ana is the go-to person for many mobile food business owners in the South Bay Area and Central California (photo courtesy of Christian Peacock)
The access to funds helped Ana build the business of her dreams. "Now I own the business and I have four food trucks," she said with a smile.
Ana's team of five employees help her run the food trucks in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. One food truck alone serves between 200 to 300 people every day. She has her eye on expanding her food trucks further around California and welcoming new mobile food business owners to work with BiWise Foods.
We're proud to support hard working women entrepreneurs like Ana and we're excited to watch her mobile food empire grow.
Success Story: Derek Taylor – Doc's Q'in Pit Stop
by Chris Martinez | Aug 23, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Success Story
Doc's business grew thanks to the support of his family every step of the way. When he needed a small business loan to build a food truck, Opportunity Fund was there with fast, easy-to-get, and affordable small business financing. Now with two trucks and a new restaurant opening soon, Doc's Q'in Pit Stop is bigger than ever.
Derek "Doc" Taylor started Doc's Q'in Pit Stop in Modesto in 2006. He started by cooking out at family reunions for years, then took his can't-miss barbecue out to a gas station parking lot on Highway 132. His barbecue tent on the main thoroughfare through town attracted so much attention over the Labor Day weekend that people were lining up for food before the end of the week.
"The gas station owners wanted to sell hot food," he said. "I'd just finished doing a family reunion, so I had all my stuff: the tents, refrigerators, and the fixings."
Doc's claim to fame is "great Q on 132," but his business has outgrown its humble beginnings. Doc has since moved to a brick and mortar location in a building he bought–"my former competition" he said with a laugh–and has two food trucks on the road. His restaurant is a staple among the tourist crowds traveling to Yosemite. He works alongside his family every day, including his wife, children, and nephew. His grandson's baby picture is even featured in the restaurant logo.
Doc bases his business on family and community, but even as Doc's Q'in Pit Stop was thriving, it wasn't easy for him to find financing to expand his business.
Doc needed a small business loan to build a food truck for Super Bowl weekend in 2016. Almost 90 miles away from the game site in Santa Clara, Doc's Q'in Pit Stop was ground zero for Central Valley football fans. "I learned that Opportunity Fund finances food trucks," Doc said. "I got in contact with you and got approved."
Opportunity Fund loan consultant Madieu Shyllon helped close a loan of $4,000 in November 2015 for Doc's Q'in Pit Stop. The loan gave him a trustworthy lending resource to help grow his business.
"I needed cash flow to keep the business going," Doc said. "I made improvements around the restaurant. Without the loan, I would have walked away from the business. I didn't know where I could get the cash."
We helped Doc get his food trucks on the road with our small business loans (photo courtesy of Heimo Schmidt)
Doc chose us for the fast financing, personal service, and easy repayment terms. He made the trip to our San Jose office to pick up his check for his second loan of $17,000 in January 2016. "I needed the money right away," he said. "I never worry about how to pay it back. I pay directly from my bank account."
Doc took out his third loan with us in February 2018 for $25,000. The working capital is helping Doc's Q'in Pit Stop expand again, this time to a shopping center in nearby Patterson. Doc has an advantage even before the shopping center breaks ground. "I've worked the Patterson farmer's market for 10 years, so I'm bringing my restaurant to my customer base out there," he said.
We're proud to support hard working entrepreneurs like Doc and we're honored to watch his family-owned and operated business thrive.
Success Story: Anthony and Cynthia Imana – African Soul Market
by Chris Martinez | Aug 6, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Success Story
Anthony and Cynthia started their business to share a taste of home with their new community in Orlando. They converted their West African restaurant into a food truck with the help of a loan from Opportunity Fund. Now with two food trucks in Orlando, African Soul Market is thriving as they share more of the food they love.
The Taste of Success
Anthony and Cynthia Imana started African Soul Market in 2013 in Orlando. After they moved to Florida from the Bronx in New York, they wanted to start an African market to share Anthony's taste of home.
"We moved to Florida for a better life for the kids and when we got here, we realized there weren't many African options for my husband to eat," Cynthia said. "I thought that he can't be the only one who wants that food, so let's do something about it."
They started out in a brick and mortar location selling dry African goods. They changed their focus to prepared food on the weekends, which quickly sold out each day. "Then we started selling our prepared foods every day," Cynthia said.
Their food was a huge hit, but the increasing rent for their restaurant space made it hard to stay in business. After two years as a restaurant, African Soul Market started over as a food truck.
Anthony and Cynthia built their business together and watch it grow every day (photo courtesy of Jack Edwards)
They needed a small business loan to help finance their truck, so they reached out to One Fat Frog, a food truck manufacturer located in their hometown of Orlando. As one of Opportunity Fund's key mobile food vehicle manufacturer and dealer partners, One Fat Frog connected the Imanas to us.
"One Fat Frog told us that Opportunity Fund does food truck loans," Cynthia said. "We didn't have the total amount to pay for the truck. We were relieved to know that funding was available."
Starting Off Right
Opportunity Fund loan consultant Gerardo Campos helped close a $30,000 loan for the Imanas to complete the purchase of their truck. They were set up for immediate success.
"We're the first food truck in the state of Florida serving authentic West African cuisine," Cynthia said. They set up their truck in Pointe Orlando, a prime spot with a constant flow of foot traffic. Business grew so quickly that they returned to One Fat Frog for a second truck in March 2018. Gerardo was there again to help secure the $71,000 loan for the new truck.
Gerardo's quick and personalized service helped the Imanas get their second truck going without missing a beat. "Gerardo was amazing," Cynthia said. "He was straightforward and told us what we needed to provide for the loan. Everyone we worked with at Opportunity Fund is great and professional."
The second African Soul Market truck travels to events around the Orlando area, as well as private catering engagements. Cynthia and Anthony go to work every day with their family members and cook their favorites while providing for the family's needs.
We're proud to watch African Soul Market expand and we're thankful for our mobile food vehicle partners like One Fat Frog for helping us reach new clients outside of California!
Success Story: Kei Okamura – Sugarbird Sweets
by Chris Martinez | Jul 30, 2018 | Finance, Management, Resources, Success Story
Kei found almost instant success when she launched her scones at Los Angeles farmers markets. As she grew Sugarbird Sweets, she needed working capital to keep up with demand. Two small business loans with Opportunity Fund have helped Kei keep Sugarbird on track for scalable growth.
Kei Okumura started her small business selling batch-blended organic teas at Los Angeles area farmers markets. Sugarbird Sweets grew when she decided to add fresh baked scones to her offerings at the farmers markets. Her brand grew organically into wholesale to cafes and restaurants across Los Angeles.
"I studied pastry making in Paris at culinary school two years prior," Kei said. "I applied my pastry background to figure out what would go well with tea. Scones were the perfect combination."
Kei had to create something new and fresh to make her products stand out. She had a presence at some of the biggest and most competitive farmers markets for vendors, which allowed her to establish her new business.
Her built in customer base helped get the word out about Sugarbird's new scone offerings. The initial two flavors, Mixed Berry and Dark Chocolate Chip, grew into over 18 different unique herb, tea, and seasonal fruit inspired combinations.
"People came every week to get the scones," Kei said. "I started out with two dozen, then twenty dozen, then thirty dozen. We'd always sell out."
Kei's signature creation, the white chocolate matcha scone, helped propel her business to even bigger success. The increased demand put a strain on Sugarbird's production capacity and resources.
"For five years, I was renting kitchen spaces to keep up with the farmers market and our wholesale clients," Kei said. "As the markets and wholesale accounts got busier, I would get inquiries for catering tea parties. That became a huge part of Sugarbird and helped us grow organically."
Kei was able to find her own space for Sugarbird in downtown Los Angeles, thanks to the immense growth of her business. Almost every step up to bigger sales meant a roadblock for Kei to overcome. The next phase came from selling her products wholesale to vendors like Mendocino Farms and opening an Amazon.com storefront.
"I needed additional funds to keep my business going," Kei said. "It was difficult trying to manage all the 30 plus accounts. I was running into cash flow problems."
Kei reached out to Opportunity Fund. She connected with loan consultant Robert Zapata, who helped close a $10,000 loan for Sugarbird Sweets in April 2016. The working capital helped Kei finance the necessary production increase and provided her with the right funding solution for her small business.
"I tried other lenders and banks," she said. "I had a hard time with the SBA. It took over eight months."
Robert took the time to understand Kei's business and work with what she needed to grow. Kei applied for a second loan in May 2017 for $20,000 to help her continue Sugarbird's scalable growth.
Sugarbird's freshly made scones are a huge hit around Los Angeles (photo courtesy of Michael Microulis)
"We're looking for new ventures in the retail market," Kei said. "We're launching a product of frozen, ready to bake scones for the supermarket in 2019. I'm looking to grow marketing, budget, and production for that."
We're happy to support hardworking moms like Kei and we're proud to watch her grow from a great idea at the farmer's market to an up-and-coming retail brand.
Success Story: Jill Hailey – Foxy Roxy's Mobile Pet Salon
by Chris Martinez | Jul 5, 2018 | Finance, Leadership, Management, Success Story
Jill always dreamed of owning her own business and working for herself. When the right idea came along, she made her dreams possible through hard work. She grew her mobile pet grooming business with the help of small business loans from Opportunity Fund. Thanks to us, you can find Foxy Roxy's Mobile Pet Salon in your area.
Taking a Chance on a Great Idea
Jill Hailey started Foxy Roxy's Mobile Pet Salon in Modesto in July 2014. While raising her family, Jill had dreams to start her own business with her husband Jonathan. The timing and ideas finally came together when they saw a mobile pet groomer on their street one day.
"The wait for an appointment was two months," Jill said. "Jonathan saw the need for more mobile pet groomers in our area and said we should do that. But we knew nothing about grooming."
Jonathan built the first van in their driveway, and Foxy Roxy was born. "We hired a groomer who taught us the grooming side of the business and Jonathan and I handled the rest," Jill said. "From there, the business took off.
The company grew quickly from the single van operation to 10 employees and seven mobile grooming units today around Modesto, Pleasanton, and Santa Clara. Jill hires a groomer to operate each unit, which has a complete setup for dog grooming: baths, nail trim, fur drying, and space for the groomer's tools and supplies. The runaway success was initially difficult to keep up with, even for the upstart Haileys.
Dogs get deluxe treatment when Foxy Roxy comes to town (photo courtesy of Heimo Schmidt)
"Within three months of our launch our appointment schedule was booked out over a month," Jill said. "We had to turn down customers. As we've added vans over these four years, we fill up our schedules until we're booked out a month. When our customers say they can't wait, we know it's time to grow."
When Hard Work Pays Off
Jill turned to a mobile dog grooming vehicle manufacturer to keep up with the demand for Foxy Roxy. She had fewer opportunities for financing due to a bankruptcy from her divorce. Then she got a tip about Opportunity Fund.
"It sounded too good to be true," she said. Jill connected with our team, who helped her right away through understanding her situation and finding the right business financing solution for her. "I told them, I was the kind the bank won't help. But they told me I was the kind they're here to help."
Jill and Jonathan share their business dreams as owners of Foxy Roxy's Mobile Pet Grooming Salon (photo courtesy of Heimo Schmidt)
Our loan consultant Madieu Shyllon helped close a $10,000 loan for Foxy Roxy's Mobile Pet Salon in August 2015. Since then, Jill has returned to us for four more loans to help purchase mobile grooming units:
$47,000 in November 2015
$79,000 in May 2016
$77,000 in June 2017
Now with five loans and a thriving business that allowed Jonathan to quit his sales manager job to focus on their dream, Jill is looking to the future of Foxy Roxy. They opened their first brick and mortar location in San Diego this May, and they're spreading their reach further throughout California.
We're proud to watch Foxy Roxy grow and we're honored to support the dreams of hardworking entrepreneurs like Jill.


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'Mixed emotions' as Houston's Galleria, other area malls prepare to reopen amid coronavirus
Paul Takahashi April 28, 2020 Updated: April 29, 2020 6:23 a.m.
'Mixed emotions' as Houston's Galleria, other area malls...
1of20Hossein Taghi, co-owner of A Taghi Fine Apparel & Shoes, organizes the store ahead of a planned reopening Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders. The Taghi brothers, who own the store, said they plan to have a sale when they re-open, and that they plan to donate a portion of the profits to vaccine researchers.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
3of20Ali Taghi, co-owner of A Taghi Fine Apparel & Shoes, organizes the store ahead of a planned reopening Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders. The Taghi brothers, who own the store, said they plan to have a sale when they re-open, and that they plan to donate a portion of the profits to vaccine researchers.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
4of20Branche Boutique co-owners Lisa Buss and Emily Moore get their business ready to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
5of20Branche Boutique co-owner Emily Moore prepares a window display ready to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
6of20Branche Boutique co-owners Lisa Buss works on a display as they prepare to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
9of20Hank Taghi, co-owner of A Taghi Fine Apparel & Shoes, organizes the store ahead of a planned reopening Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders. The Taghi brothers, who own the store, said they plan to have a sale when they re-open, and that they plan to donate a portion of the profits to vaccine researchers.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
10of20Their business, Branche Boutique, was closed during Rodeo season, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, co-owners Lisa Buss (left) and Emily Moore worked to get their business ready to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
11of20Branche Boutique co-owners Emily Moore (left) and Lisa Buss get their business ready to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
12of20Branche Boutique co-owner Lisa Buss get accessories arranged for their business to open for 25% capacity and online order pick-up Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston.Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
13of20Estela Cockrell, owner of Switch2Pure, checks over her store on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
15of20Hossein Taghi, co-owner of A Taghi Fine Apparel & Shoes, organizes the store ahead of a planned reopening Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders. The Taghi brothers, who own the store, said they plan to have a sale when they re-open, and that they plan to donate a portion of the profits to vaccine researchers.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
17of20Ali Taghi, from left, and his brothers Hank and Hossein organize the store they co-own ahead of a planned reopening Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Governor Greg Abbott decided to allow some businesses to open at reduced capacity Friday, overruling local leaders. The Taghi brothers, who own the store, said they plan to have a sale when they re-open, and that they plan to donate a portion of the profits to vaccine researchers.Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
Simon Property Group, the nation's largest mall owner, is planning to reopen 49 malls — including Houston's Galleria, Houston Premium Outlets and Katy Mills — starting Friday, a sign that retailers are ready to restart operations as cases of COVID-19 start to taper.
The Indianapolis-based company plans to enact measures to encourage shoppers to maintain social distancing, including placing signs, making announcements and spacing out food court seats and urinals as well as keeping play areas, water fountains and stroller rentals closed, according to an internal memo sent to mall tenants and obtained by CNBC and The New York Times.
Simon did not respond to a request for comment regarding the internal memo, and earlier Tuesday referred media inquiries to their mall websites, which say properties are still temporarily closed except for essential stores and curbside pickup operations.
PICKUP FIRST: Online, phone sales drive traffic as malls ease into reopening
Malls and retailers are allowed to reopen Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans Monday to restart the state economy, approving all retailers to reopen May 1 provided they limit occupancy to 25 percent of shopper capacity to maintain social distancing. Malls and so-called "non-essential" retailers have been temporarily closed since mid-March to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Although Simon is planning to reopen malls, other mall owners on Tuesday said they were still evaluating their options. Brookfield Properties, the New York-based owner of five suburban Houston malls, did not give a timeframe for reopening its Baybrook, Deerbrook, First Colony, Willowbrook and The Woodlands malls.
"While closely monitoring the new direction from Gov. Abbott, we are diligently working on plans to safely reopen our shopping centers," Brookfield spokeswoman Rachel Wille said in an email. "As always, the well-being of our guests, tenants and employees is our highest priority, and we will reopen our centers when we are ready to do so."
MetroNational, owner of Memorial City Mall, said through a spokeswoman that it had not yet determined its exact plans for reopening and did not elaborate.
Open, but empty
Malls and nonessential retailers, which were forced to temporarily close for more than a month under local and state stay-at-home orders, face a daunting task as they look to reopen. Consumers reeling from the virus and its economic fallout are still risk-averse and seem to not be ready to return to pre-coronavirus levels of activity, according to several polls.
A little over a third of Americans — 38 percent — said they are ready for retail stores to reopen May 1, according to a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers conducted earlier this month by Datassential, a research group that primarily works with restaurants.
"Retail is all about consumer confidence," said Venky Shankar, research director at Texas A&M University's Center for Retailing Studies. "Retailers need to put an extra effort to gain shoppers confidence back. This will be the new normal."
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That means retailers will have to provide hand sanitizer, Plexiglass sneeze guards and social distancing markers at checkout, as well as limit the number of shoppers inside stores. Some malls and retailers will also have to consider conducting temperature checks and turn away employees and shoppers who have a fever, Shankar said.
Implementing these changes — not to mention calling back furloughed workers, restarting distribution centers and reopening stores — will take time, Shankar said. Many retail workers who were furloughed or laid off a month ago have been snatched up by essential grocers and big-box retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, which have each hired 150,000 workers to meet the surge in demand for food and home supplies during the pandemic.
"Many retail employees have moved on, so retailers will need to hire new staff and retrain them," Shankar said. "That's going to take time."
Still, malls and retailers — already struggling to draw consumers increasingly shopping online — are feeling financial pressure to reopen. Debt-addled department stores and retailers must continue to pay rent and debt taken on by their private equity owners even if they don't have any foot traffic and sales.
Since the last week of March, foot traffic to U.S. malls and retailers has been down by more than 97 percent compared to a year ago, according to Cowen and Co., a New York equity research firm.
Retail sales nationally plunged 8.7 percent in March, the biggest one-month drop on record, according to the latest report from the U.S. Commerce Department. Apparel and accessories sales were down 50.5 percent, department store sales fell 19.7 percent and electronics sales dove 15.1 percent month over month.
"Retailers would rather sell something than nothing," Shankar said.
Starting slowly
Retailers are reopening gradually under the guidance of state and local officials.
Nine Houston-area malls on Friday began facilitating curbside pickup for retail tenants. Shoppers at Baybrook, Deerbrook, First Colony, The Galleria, Houston Premium Outlets, Katy Mills, Memorial City, Willowbrook and The Woodlands malls can purchase products from participating retailers via phone or online, drive to a designated pickup location at the mall and have a store employee drop goods off in the back seat or trunk of their vehicle. At Memorial City Mall, customers can also pick up their purchases from an automated package locker.
BLEAK OUTLOOK: Bleak outlook as retailers face 'unprecedented mix of woes' during coronavirus pandemic
Few customers on Friday utilized the curbside pickup service, and Shankar expected few shoppers would venture into malls on Friday. It's likely younger shoppers, who tend to be more risk-taking, will go shopping at malls while older shoppers, who have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, will likely still stay at home, Shankar said.
Independent retailers, who are smaller and more nimble than sprawling malls and national retail chains, on Tuesday said they are cautiously looking forward to reopening Friday.
Lisa Acosta Buss, the owner of Branche, a women's apparel boutique in Oak Forest, said she will allow only six people at a time inside her 1,000-square-foot store to maintain the recommended six-feet of separation, and will require employees to wear face masks and gloves.
Buss and business partner Emily Moore have been selling apparel and accessories out of their homes over the past month, allowing for porch pickup and dropoff, but sales are still down 75 percent during what is their busiest time of year that includes the Rodeo, Easter and Mother's Day.
"I have mixed emotions," Buss said. "I'm relieved because we can get back into the grind, but I worry that the worst is yet to come and I'm concerned how many people will come out. Maybe they won't. I'm hopeful, but we just don't know."
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Paul Takahashi is a business reporter for the Houston Chronicle.
Permian natural gas flaring lowest in a decade as production plunges during pandemic

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The U18's made it two league wins on the bounce meaning they have now moved up to 7th (out of 11 teams) in the league table. An early move that involved Joe Murphy and George Fricker ended with Owen Pierce having the first shot of the match but he shot straight at away keeper Ollie Rawnsley. Leiston were having all the play with Witness Mhango and Toby Chenery having efforts before Aaron McGuckin's good run ended with Rawnsley saving well and Joe Murphy's follow up shot blocked. Hayden Ling, Isaac Page and George Fricker also had chances that went begging. Cops' first chance came when Jake Piotroswki shot from distance and Harvey Garnham in the home goal, playing as Brandon Ling was unavailable, parried away and Cops couldn't net the rebound.
George Fricker was denied by Ollie Rawnsley at the start of the second half. Sub Kai Fletcher came on and set up a chance for Hayden Ling, and then after a through ball he went round the keeper but could only hit the foot of the post. Fletcher had another opportunity a little later but Rawnsley made a good save. Leiston had more decent attempts but the break through did come in the 64th minute. Joe Murphy swung the ball in after a short corner and Kai Fletcher side footed home well. Cops did have a good chance to level however Ben Ellison was off target with his strike. Owen Pierce could have made the game safe in the 89th minute but could only fire into the arms of Rawnsley.
Leiston: - Garnham, Hayden Ling, McGuckin, Roberts, Chenery, Eyre, Fricker, Murphy, Mhango, Pierce, Page. Subs (all used): - Barrack, Garrard, Pearse, Kai Fletcher, Connor Fletcher.
Coplestonians: - Rawnsley, Pack, Ewan Miller, Doncic, Ethan Miller, Abbott, Piotroswki, Huggins, Brennan, Pearson, Ellison. Subs (all used): - Clarke, Welham.
Man Of The Match: - Toby Chenery.


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LRTA management files corruption cases against agency execs, contractors linked to anomalous purchase of substandard equipment
SANTOLAN, Pasig – The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, initiated the filing of corruption complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against LRTA officials, engineers, and private contractors involved in the anomalous purchase of P170.3-million worth of equipment for the LRT-2 line.
Included in the complaints are Engr. Fernando Quiambao (former LRTA Head Executive Assistant and Project Implementation Officer), Antonio R. Laigo, Jr (LRT-2 Operations Department Manager and designated representative to the PS-DBM Bids and Awards Committee ), Engr. Julito Bernales (Manager, Project Management Office (PMO) for Rehabilitation Projects ), Engr. Rommel Correa (LRTA engineer), and Engr. Robert Ruiz (former LRTA employee) as well as the Kempal Construction and Supply Corp. and the Joint Venture of Ma-an Construction, Inc., and IFE Elevators, Inc.
"The filing of cases is in support of the anti-corruption efforts of the Duterte Administration and DOTr Secretary Art Tugade's call to provide comfort and to protect the interest of the riding public," said LRTA Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Paul Chua.
Chua, the LRTA Deputy Administrator for Operations and Engineering, was designated by the LRTA Board of Directors as OIC following the recent death of Administrator General Reynaldo I. Berroya.
On December 4, 2019, Berroya formed a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the P138-million contract for the Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Conveyance System awarded to Ma-an Construction, Inc. and IFE Elevators, Inc. JV; the P25.8-million contract for the Supply and Delivery of Rolling Stock Diagnostic Tools and Equipment awarded to Kempal Supply and Construction Corporation-Dafang JV; and the P6.5-million contract for the Supply and Delivery of Re-railing Equipment awarded to the Kempal Supply and Construction Corporation.
On the latter part of 2020, the Philippine Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) commenced its own investigation on the matter and subsequently issued a Subpoena Duces Tecum and a Subpoena Ad Testificandum to Chua, requiring him to testify and submit pertinent documents. Other LRTA and PS-DBM Officials were also summoned.
On June 15, 2021, the PACC submitted its Fact Finding Investigation Report to the Office of the Ombudsman on the three anomalous contracts and recommended the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the five LRTA and four PS-DBM officials, as well as the Kempal Construction and Supply Corp and the joint venture of Ma-an Construction, Inc., and IFE Elevators, Inc, for possible violations of R.A. 3019.
In July 2021, Berroya, received a Notice of Accusation from PACC to which he replied that he merely relied on the signature of Quiambao, as the Project Implementation Officer tasked to oversee and implement all rehabilitation projects and ensure their efficient and smooth implementation, and of Bernales, the PMO manager.
In the Affidavit of Complaint supporting the findings of the PACC, the LRTA included Laigo, the LRT-2 Operations Department Manager as one of the respondents for his failure to conscientiously exercise his role and responsibilities as designated representative of LRTA to the PS-DBM BAC.
Laigo, said the LRTA management, was duty bound to protect the interest of LRTA and should have made sure that the bidding documents conform to standards and the deliveries and testing parameters were compliant with the technical specifications required under the contract. "His failure to take action to safeguard the interest of the Authority which he represented, is gross neglect of duty, to say the least," the LRTA management said.
Tugade orders review of other LRT-2 rehab projects, blacklisting of two LRT-2 contractors.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade meanwhile ordered the review of all other LRT rehabilitation projects and continue with the filing of appropriate charges against corrupt officials and contractors. The Transport chief also directed the blacklisting of the joint venture (JV) of Ma-an Construction, Inc. and IFE Elevators, Inc. for the delivery of substandard escalators for the LRT-2 line and Kempal Construction ans Supply Corp. for the delivery of substandard equipment such as re-railing and diagnostic tools.
"This investigation has long been delayed. Initiate it now and let us make the culprits pay," Secretary Tugade said.
The LRTA discovered that the 13 escalators installed at the line's Recto Station were operating below the required carrying capacity during the renewal of its Certificate to Operate. The required capacity under the contract is 9,000 passengers per hour but the installed escalators can accommodate only 6,000 passengers per hour.
Likewise, out of the 13 escalators installed, only one remains operational with the rest having broken down even before the expiration of the warranty period.
"We cannot afford to see our passengers especially the senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD) and pregnant women suffering because of the wrongdoing of the LRTA officials and contractor", Chua said.
On the matter of the contract for re-railing equipment, a crate containing re-railing equipment was said to have a sticker printout identifying it as having been shipped by the Chinese firm CRRC Corp., as ordered by the winning bidder Kempal Construction and Supply Corp. However, it turned out that the crate contained equipment from Bemco, an Indian company.
"If only the involved officials have exercised timely due diligence, public funds should not have been spent needlessly," Chua said.
The LRTA has not yet accepted the equipment which prevented payment to the supplier, Kempal-Dafang JV.


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Slow West – Young Critics Workshop
Slow West (John Maclean, 2015)
19 oktober 2015 Irina Trocan
Since the mid-sixties, in Westerns, the hero is not necessarily the best shot and sometimes the best shot in a given film is no hero. This holds true for John Maclean's Slow West (a UK-New Zealand coproduction), where a Scottish teenager of aristocratic origins, Jay (Kodi Smit-McPhee) travelling West teams up with a more desert-savvy man, Silas (Michael Fassbender), who crosses his path and offers to protect him for a moderate fee. Although he is skeptical of the man's morality and of his established reflex arc of reaching for his gun when he senses danger, young Jay needs Silas's guidance through this 1870s no man's land if he is to accomplish his mission: finding the girl he loves, who has fled to North America with her father, and winning her back.
From the onset it's clear that the characters are anchored more in genre types than in any type of social or historical reality – it hardly matters what they represent about their class or place of birth as much as it matters what they represent to each other. (It might be relevant that it's a Scottish director's take on US history.) Silas and Jay's contrast is mostly played out for comedy. The older man's matter-of-factness is repeatedly disconcerting to the boy, even though (most of the time) he proves to be right by being cautious. Jay could take a cue for suspicion as to why Silas also resolves to look for the girl with him, but seems a bit behind with the news due to not reading 'Wanted' posters. There's a 2,000$ bounty on the girl's head.
As one would expect of the irrelevancy of solid education in the West, the fact that Jay has read Darwin doesn't help him survive. It does, however, make for a witty comment when the two come across a skeleton apparently crushed by a falling log. (The dead man, if we are to believe Darwin's concept of survival of the fittest, couldn't have been of great value to the community.) Though this is mostly a buddy movie, episodic and picturesque characters make their appearance and sometimes signal unexpected (and thus partly humorous) turns in the plot. The two protagonists witness a store robbery and end up killing the man and woman who dare to break the law – not before the clerk himself is killed, though. This could pass for a moral act or Jay's imminent initiation into manhood; but when they exit the store assuming that's the end of that, they come across the couple's two children who were waiting outside.
Aside from memorable gags and oneiric anecdotes, the great part of the charm in Slow West is located at surface level. The protean Michael Fassbender has evolved here into a weather-beaten Eastwood quiet-type, while Smit-McPhee's pale skin and eerily distanced blue eyes make him look misfit in the desert. The landscape they travel across (shown with no shortage of wide shots, with New Zealand standing in for Colorado) are in soothing colors – the ever-present clear blue sky, patches of bright yellow vegetation, the warm color of candle light at night or magic hour sunlight. In short, the film gives us plenty to look at. (Credit is due to D.P. Robbie Ryan, Andrea Arnold's steady collaborator.)
Not merely a talky actionless 'meta' film, Slow West delivers a stunning final shootout aimed at Jay's beloved Rose, where everyone we've seen in the film up to that point is either shooting at the wooden cabin or fiercely defending the territory. After this build-up, however, when the lovers eventually meet, the film perversely delays the moment of their recognition, in a scene where any second that passes could cost one of them their life. It all proves that Slow West mischievously gives only to take away.
https://cinea.be/slow-west-young-critics-workshop/
Irina Trocan
Irina Trocan is a participant in the Young Critics Workshop at Film Fest Gent 2015.
The High Sun – Young Critics Workshop
Irina Trocan on Dalibor Matanic's 'The High Sun'/'Zvizdan'.
Our Little Sister – Young Critics Workshop 2015
Irina Trocan on Hirokazu Koreeda's 'Our Little Sister'.
Heterosexual Love in Todd Haynes' Carol
Irina Trocan on the heterosexual relationships in Todd Haynes' 'Carol'.


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WBCSD inclusive business news & updates - Early 2017
Here is a brief collection of inclusive business related news & insights from around the world, gathered over the first two months of the year. Feel free to send us your news and updates anytime!
Thank you for your ongoing interest and participation in our work.
Karolina Södergren
Associate, Social Capital, WBCSD
sodergren@wbcsd.org
Published: Tue, Mar 7, 2017
Author: Karolina Södergren
WBCSD news
WBCSD at Fundacion Codespa's Inclusive Business Conference
WBCSD participated in the Inclusive Business Conference organized by Fundacion Codespa in Madrid on 22-23 February 2017. With the official title "A practical look at Inclusive Businesses: What are the principle challenges and how can they be overcome", the two-day event featured numerous presentations by corporate, governmental and non-governmental actors – all uniting under that practical banner, sharing real-life perspectives on current challenges and solutions for moving forward with the IB agenda globally. WBCSD's Karolina Södergren shared our insights into the important alignment between the inclusive business and the SDGs agendas.
License to Innovate: Breakthrough Strategies for Social Impact – Report now available in Japanese
Why and how are companies developing and integrating business solutions with social impact into their core business? What are the successes and failures of early movers? What are some of the strategic considerations to keep in mind? These are the key questions addressed in the joint WBCSD-Deloitte report, originally issued last year. This report is now also available Japanese, with a view of supporting Japanese companies in actively pursuing social innovation as a means to achieve greater long term sustainability, financial growth, and social impact. Watch this space, as the Spanish version of the report will be released in the coming weeks.
Insurance groups see opportunity in India's demonetization move
Financial Times, 6 February 2017 – India's radical experiment in demonetization is providing an opportunity for international insurance groups to reach a new customer base that has long proved elusive.
How pharma can fix its reputation and its business at the same time
Harvard Business Review blog, 3 February 2017 – According to Damiano de Felice, deputy director of strategy at the Access to Medicine Foundation, one antidote to the challenges facing the pharma industry (low return on R&D investments, low public reputation) is to transform "access to medicine" from a relentless activist slogan to a fully-fledged business strategy. In his view, this approach will tap potential growth in emerging markets, limit the risks of misconduct, and improve public trust in the industry.
How inclusive businesses can tackle poverty in China
Stanford Social Innovation Review, 5 January 2017 – The tide of China's recent economic boom hasn't lifted all boats. But inclusive businesses can help provide sustainable solutions for China's vast impoverished population.
Customer intelligence revolutionizing business at the base of the pyramid
For businesses selling products and services at the base of the pyramid, understanding low-income consumers and the choices they make is critical to meeting customer needs, boosting sales, and delivering real value. In partnership with Acumen's Lean Data Initiative, The Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business explores how new technology and Lean Data methods are efficiently capturing new insights and creating more customer-centric businesses.
Understanding consumer choices to drive sales and repeat adoption of nutritious products
The Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business, 17 February 2017 – Marti van Liere (GAIN Alliance) and Lucie Klarsfeld McGrath (Hystra) share insights into why consumers choose to buy specific nutritious products, and how inclusive businesses in the nutrition sector are having to learn fast about what their customers want in order to effectively respond to local demand.
Executive education on Inclusive business
The HEC Business School, Ashoka and Hystra are holding an Executive Education Program on inclusive business and value creation that provides a unique and comprehensive package to prepare corporate executives in charge of designing, launching or scaling inclusive business projects. The program is offered twice a year. In 2017, the first session is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa on 22-27 May. The second session will be organized in France later in the year.
Tools & studies
The Inclusive Innovators
A report from the Institute for Business in the Global Context (IBGC) at The Fletcher School at Tufts University applies the strategies, lessons, and insights from well-known global companies to identify ways businesses are joining sustainable business with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report identifies 10 essential questions every company will need to address as it integrates SDG strategy with core business strategy and includes case studies on over 20 global companies, spanning a broad range of industries, including Coca-Cola, MasterCard, Barclays, Olam, Microsoft, Unilever, and Starbucks, among other multi-nationals. By examining these companies, similar businesses can identify how to engage with the SDGs in ways that will most benefit their bottom line as well as the base of the pyramid.
How can companies and market systems development programs engage effectively?
Companies and donor programs increasingly work together. But why do such collaborations prove hard, and what lessons can be drawn for each party? This Business Innovation Facility report outlines ten concrete examples of business and donors working together, structured into the following sections: understanding the context, establishing relationships, and making practical considerations for implementation.
Decision-making tool for inclusive business partnerships
Partnerships play a critical role in inclusive business, but also involve risks and sometimes high transaction costs. This tool is designed to help companies assess the value, risks and implications of a partnership, thus assisting with sound decision-making.
Marketing nutrition for the Base of the Pyramid
Access the recordings from The Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business' latest webinar series "Marketing Nutrition for the Base of the Pyramid". Whilst the first webinar focused on building demand for and repeat usage of nutritious foods, the second addressed effective delivery channels and ensuring business viability of nutrition enterprises.


A New York City cookie company is gaining Internet fame for its 'selfie cookies'. Pay the baker and she'll make a cookie of your face. We surprised NBC 4 anchor David Ushery with one of his own.
A New York City bakery is turning celebrity's faces -- and your selfies -- into cookies.
Pastry chef Sarah Silverman is one of the brains behind Cupcake Market in the East Village, where you can choose to chow into a selection of celebrity face cookies or get your own face baked, simply by supplying a selfie.
The bakery has become an Internet sensation thanks to its embrace of some of the world wide web's favorite characters: Kim and Kanye, President Obama, Justin Bieber and Hey Arnold.
Custom cookies can be made from any photo, however Silverman needs four to seven days notice before executing the customized snack.
From pizza-pizza to sushi pizza, these five New York City eateries are keeping it interesting with odd and unusual pies.
The cookie artists use a light box to project the photo image onto the cookie, and then painstakingly trace over the dough with a skin-color matched icing and other details.
The self-centered sweets also cost a pretty penny. For a custom cookie, customers should expect to pay $16 per cookie, with a minimum order of 10 cookies. The bakery ships across the Unites States.
For more information on how to get your face on a cookie head to the website.


We all love and care deeply for our pets, and it's easy to see how these four-legged animals quickly become an important part of our families. At Boynton Beach Oriental Rug Cleaning Pros, we completely understand this cherished relationship with your furry friends, and we also completely understand pet owners' frustrations concerning the problems of pet odors in your home—and particularly, on your area rugs and carpets.
At Boynton Beach Oriental Rug Cleaning Pros, our pet odor treatments are so effective because we strive to assault every layer of fabric, instead of just simply treating the surface. This multi-layered method of cleaning must be performed by trained professionals due to the need for a specialized hot water extraction machine and the knowledge on how to operate it. It's important to understand that the excess moisture on the inner layers of fabric can turn into mold, which can cause respiratory issues and allergies in people and pets. To avoid this dangerous situation, our staff will eliminate every last pet odor particle from your fabric and extract it back using our industrial hand washing system.
Regardless of the scope or the strength of your pet odor, our rug cleaning pros guarantee that they will remove the entire odor with success. If you're unsure of what exactly is causing the odor, not to worry, our technicians will pinpoint the epicenter, often with the help of our UV lighting equipment. Following our cleaning, we'll also apply a deodorizing substance to freshen the overall scent of your rug. As we've learned over years of experience, pet odor has a way of sticking around even when its sources were removed on every layer. Fortunately, our deodorizer method will blast away even the mere memory of the foul smell.
Lastly, as an important component in our pet odor removal process, special pet deodorizers can be applied for minor problems or after the work is done. A lot of the times, the carpet cleaners need to set aside enough time to ensure that the deodorizer works, re-applying it over and over again for an entire hour. Few companies make full use of deodorizer due to how time-consuming it can be, but for us, it's not an issue – we will gladly take the extra time to do our job right, and our many satisfied customers can attest to that.


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Photo: Honour House Facebook page
Home/Programs & Services/Honour House Ranch: A New Refuge in Ashcroft, BC
Honour House Ranch: A New Refuge in Ashcroft, BC
Ambar Syed October 31, 2019
Honour House is opening a new ranch to welcome members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and Emergency Services personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The refuge will be a quiet place for participants to have access to natural, agricultural, and environmental treatments. Mental health professionals will also be on site.
Photo: Honour Society Facebook page
"A momentous occasion for Honour House Society on Saturday as we celebrated the ceremonial launch of Honour Ranch!!
Nestled in the Thompson River Valley, 12 kilometres south of the historic village of Ashcroft, BC, Honour Ranch will provide much-needed space and facilities for individuals to learn healthy strategies to cope with operational stress injuries, such as PTSD.
When Honour Ranch begins full operations in early 2020, it will offer education and support programs for military members, veterans, first responders and their families."
President of Honour House Society and Hon Col with 15th Field Artillery, Allan De Genova, explained that "This facility is the realization of a vision we had of creating a safe place to support our men and women in uniform who give unconditionally every day.
"Honour Ranch is the perfect setting to positively change the lives of the many brave people who reach out to us looking for help, each and every week. We can now better support those who serve."
Seaforth Highlander, MCpl Joe Allina, took his own life last year following a battle with acute PTSD.
"If I would have had Honour Ranch up and running, I would have saved Joe, I feel bad about that, and so Joe is truly my inspiration behind getting this ranch up and running. I think about him every day, and I've been pushing to get here," noted De Genova.
Photo: Honour Society Facebook Page Group of volunteers painting Adirondack Chairs for the Ranch
The idea to have a ranch began a few years back, with donors offering funds, land, and furniture to help towards the final outcome. The Ashcroft property totals 120 acres, with 10 cottages as well as a main lodge.
When discussing the new ranch opening in Ashcroft, Captain (ret.d) Trevor Greene, Seaforth Highlanders, said, "Honour Ranch is Phase 2 of Honorary Colonel Al De Genova's enlightened and compassionate mission to help wounded first responders and soldiers."
Brass and Unity is Veteran Owned and Operated. The Honour House Bracelet. Adjustable with hematite beads and a brass shell casing. All proceeds go to Honour House.
The ranch will also welcome the families of soldiers, veterans, and first responders. "Al knew instinctively that family plays a critical role in recovery, so he put his considerable energy and enthusiasm into creating Honour House. Now he has created a serene countryside refuge where soldiers and first responders struggling with PTSD can begin their healing journey," Greene added.
Bob Parkinson, Honour House director, and Health and Wellness Director for the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, explained, "Studies show that mental health support delivered in a natural setting, as a partner in the therapeutic process, helps people overcome barriers and increases recovery. Many of our first responders and military face intense and stressful situations that can affect their mental health."
Read more: Brass and Unity raises money and awareness for military veterans.
"Honour Ranch will provide a safe and comfortable place of recovery. We hope these programs and mental health specialists will show some of our bravest Canadians that it's okay to ask for help," Parkinson added.
The Honour House Society held a ceremonial launch earlier this month ahead of their official ranch opening later this year.
Honour House Ranch PTSD
Ambar Syed
Born and raised in London, England, Ambar moved to Canada in 2017 after marrying her husband in the CAF. She has always loved writing and started her blog, Her Little Loves, in 2015 while studying for her B.A. (Hons) in English. Ambar is excited to write for CMFMAG and contribute towards the military family community.
Together We Stand Foundation supports military families of deployed members this holiday season
Military Family Resource Centre creates and distributes deployment kits for military family members
New Program offers military personnel, Veterans, and family members connect
Boardwalk offering military personnel quality apartments with a discount
Christmas New Year's Travel Program 2020
Veteran Organization elects new president
Centre for Chronic Pain research launches
NOW AVAILABLE: CAF Families Can See a Doctor Online
Rolling Barrage heading across country to raise money and break PTSD stigma


Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) has grabbed attention from the analysts, when it saw a value increase of 1.38% or 0.07 points in the last trading session to close at $5.15. A total of 1.73 Million shares exchanged hands during the intra-day trade compared with its average trading volume of 2.58 Million shares, while its relative volume stands at 0.67. Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) has a market cap of $1.14 Billion and the number of outstanding shares have been calculated 221.57 Million.
Shares of Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) currently have an Average Brokerage Recommendation of 1.73, number of Recs in ABR is 11 while industry rank of the company by ABR is out of 265. Out of the analyst recommendations 4 rate Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) stock a Buy, 6 rate the stock Outperform, 6 rate Hold, 1 rate Underperform and 0 recommend a Sell.
Taking a glance at where the stock might be directed in the future, on a consensus basis, the sell-side has a 52 week price target of $5.93 on the stock, this valuation is based on 16 number of opinions. The most optimistic analyst sees the stock reaching $8 while the most conventional has $4.25 target price.
In order to check on the sell-side rational, we can also take a peek at some technical indicators. Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA)'s price sits 11.27% above from its 50-day moving average of $4.47 and 19.2% far from the stock's 200-day moving average which is $4.85. Stock's twelve month price oscillated between $7.10 and $2.46. The stock hit its twelve month high on 04/17/17, and twelve month low on 08/28/17. The Average True Range, a measure of volatility is at 0.27, however its weekly and monthly volatility is 6.59%, 6.09% respectively. The company's Relative Strength Index which shows price strength currently stands at 66.74.
Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) as of recent trade, has shown weekly upbeat performance of 12.94% which was maintained at 21.46% in 1-month period. During the past three months the stock slid -14.59%, bringing six months performance to 5.1%. Yearly performance of the stock shows a bearish trend of -26.74% while year-to-date (YTD) performance reflected -1.53% negative outlook.
While taking a glance at financials, we can look at a number of key indicators. Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) has trailing twelve month Return on Assets of 4.3%, which is key indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total assets. The company currently has a Return on Equity of 19.3% and a Return on Investment of 11.4%. ROI is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or to compare the efficiency of a number of different investments.
While having a peek at profitability ratios Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA) has trailing twelve month gross margin at 31.3%, its trailing twelve month operating margin stands at 11% whereas its trailing twelve month net profit margin spots at 5.6%.
However looking at valuation ratios the stock has 5 year expected PEG ratio of 0 whereas its trailing twelve month P/E ratio is 18.13. The company's forward price to earnings ratio for next fiscal year is 10.98. Fmsa Holdings Inc (NYSE:FMSA)'s price to free cash flow for trailing twelve months is 15.17. Its beta value stands at 2.18.
The company's quick ratio for most recent quarter is 1.7 along with current ratio for most recent quarter of 2.1. Total debt to equity ratio of the company for most recent quarter is 2.34 whereas long term debt to equity ratio for most recent quarter is 2.28.


Classic Invoicer is a web-based invoicing and client management system implemented using Laravel 5 framework. It uses JQuery and MYSQL database. Classic Invoicer system will give you the opportunity to create custom invoices and send them to your clients directly, It will also help you in managing and tracking your income by the detailed reports it produces.


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Шарль Огюст Артюр Арну́ (Артур Арно, ; , , Лотарингия, Франция — , ) — французский политический деятель, революционер, анархист, писатель и журналист.

Биография
Сын профессора литературы Эдмона Арну. Оппозиционный журналист. Автор статей с критикой Второй империи. Увлекался теософией и мартинизмом.

Последователь Прудона. Активный участник Первого интернационала (1864).

После провозглашения Третьей республики 4 сентября 1870 года был назначен заместителем мэра 4-го округа Парижа.

Член Парижской Коммуны (1871). В марте 1871 года избран в Совет Коммуны от 4-го и 7-го округов. Первый член Комитета по иностранным делам, затем — входил в Комитет по труду и торговле (с 6 апреля), пропитанию (с 21 апреля) и образованию (с 4 мая).

Редактировал журнал Коммуны — Journal officiel de la Commune de Paris. После падения Коммуны бежал в Швейцарию, вернулся во Францию после амнистии в 1880 году.

Автор книг «Государство и революция» (1877), популярной «Истории Парижской Коммуны», опубликованной в 1878 году в Брюсселе. Издал несколько романов под псевдонимом Артур Матти.

Примечания

Ссылки
 Статья в Литературной энциклопедии
 Работы Арну
 A. Arnould, membre de la Commune
 Арну, Артур // La grande encyclopédie

Анархисты Франции
Французские писатели XIX века
Деятели Парижской коммуны
Приговорённые к смертной казни
Журналисты Франции
Мютюэлисты

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Decoration Mariage Champetre Rustique Mariageoriginal Page 3 images that posted in this website was uploaded by Carrie-movie.net. Decoration Mariage Champetre Rustique Mariageoriginal Page 3equipped with aHD resolution 600 x 788.You can save Decoration Mariage Champetre Rustique Mariageoriginal Page 3 for free to your devices.
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Cedar Rapids, IA - Nominations are now open for the Cedar Rapids Kernels sixth annual Military Heroes Baseball card set. The card set will represent each branch of the military and honor those who are currently serving our country, veterans who have served in the past but are no longer active, and those who bravely fought for our country, but have since passed away.
Nominations forms are available by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours, or online by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online by clicking here, mailed directly to the Kernels offices or dropped off at the stadium during normal business hours. Please include a photo of the Military Hero with your completed nomination form.
The first 30 submissions will make it into the 2019 card set, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Thursday, January 31st, OR, until 30 submissions are received.
To give all past and current military the opportunity to be honored in the Military Heroes Card Set, we ask that those veterans included in card sets from 2014 to 2018 not be nominated.
The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. Those military heroes selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field following the July 4th game, and will receive four tickets to that game.
For more information on the Military Heroes Baseball card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Andrea Brommelkamp at (319) 896-7603 or by e-mail at andrea@kernels.com.


A single-car accident on Tuesday morning left one person dead and another injured. The accident, which took place on a heavily-trafficked highway Loop 820 westbound close to White Settlement Road, occurred after a driver (carrying one passenger) lost control of the car. According to police, the vehicle spun out of control and hit a sign on the highway.
Although the exact details of the victims have not been released, police do note that one was pronounced dead on scene, and the other was rushed to a nearby hospital. The conditions of the surviving victim have not been disclosed at this time.
It's easy to think about car wrecks as massive, catastrophic collisions between multiple cars. However, not all accidents involve more than one car - in fact, nearly half (48 percent) of all deadly Texas auto wrecks are single-vehicle, according to statistics from the International Institute for Highway Safety.
But if another unruly driver isn't to blame, what can cause a car to wreck? The range of answers is broad. We all know Fort Worth roads are bogged down by construction, potholes and heavy traffic, and external factors should always be taken into consideration.
Unfortunately, "internal" factors are just as likely to cause a single-vehicle collision. Speeding, alcohol and drug use, cell phone use, eating while driving, tailgating and drowsy driving are all linked to higher single-car crash rates.
What Insurance Is Used in a Single-Vehicle Collision?
If you're a passenger in a car when the driver wrecks, you have options under Texas law. Namely, you can make a claim against the responsible party (aka: the driver) by filing an injury claim under their bodily injury (or liability) insurance. Filing a claim against their insurance will allow you to recover money for your medical bills, missed work days, etc.
Alternatively, if external factors were to blame (like a poorly-marked construction zone caused the driver to crash), you can make a claim against the city or construction company responsible. If the above coverage isn't sufficient to cover the cost of your injuries, you should check to see if underinsured motorist coverage is available to you.
In the above case, the biggest question that had not yet been answered is what caused the accident. The answer - whether it was internal or external factors - will dictate what happens next.


You might think that wine pairing is not important and if you just buy the most expensive one, nope. Imagine this, you are invited to a fancy dinner with important people, and of course you don't want to look like a jackass coming in empty-handed or not mature enough, bringing along soda or juice. Continue below and find out how to choose wine to pair with different foods.
As a general rule, white meat such as chicken or turkey breast pairs well with white wines like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, while dark meat like duck and other game go well with medium-bodied red wines such as a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.
Are best with Zinfandel, Nero d'Avola, and Chardonnay.
Shiraz, Rioja or Chianti Classico–to name a few of many!
Chardonnay, with its delicious vanilla notes, is an excellent choice to serve with lobster. Just be sure to choose varieties with more mineral and only light touches of fruit and oak.
With grilled snapper, try Pinot Noir or a California Merlot. Salmon is a red wine fish. Serve with a California or Oregon Pinot Noir, a red Burgundy or a Beaujolais from France. If you prefer a white wine, choose a subtly oaked, elegant Chardonnay from California.
Pairing is the chemistry of mixing acids and fats, sugars and spices, and then using alcohols and tannins to compete with the intensity of the food. No need to buy the most expensive bottle of wine to impress with your wallet; buy the right one and impress them with your sophistication, watch this video to understand why expensive wine doesn't mean better.
Tannins can bind with proteins and break fats. Rich meaty foods will tend to go well with higher tannin wines. It is a matter of avoiding bad combinations. Wines with high iron content will cause fish to leave an undesirable aftertaste. That's why we use the rule of thumb to pair white wine with fish and red wine with red meat. There are, however, plenty of good red wines that are low in iron and would pair well with fish. Want to learn more about wine? Check out our other wine-related postings here and here to start!


Hello, my name is Rabbi Michel Masagia , from Temple Israel of Hollywood Los Angeles. I am so excited to take a group of families from my Synagogue to Israel. I have been planning this trip for two years, and now that we are here, it is unbelievable. It is great to see members of my synagogue with their children, grandchildren, parents, and kids of all ages come and do exciting things together. The activities we do range from hiking Massada, walking through ancient tunnels, visiting old synagogues, and being able to laugh and find meaning together, in essence seeing ourselves through this land. The experience in Israel allows one to understand the relationship between Arabs, Christians, Jews, Bedouins, Muslims, while walking through the Jewish quarter and seeing the old churches and graves on the mount of olives. In truth, everything comes to life here, and the Torah that we read about is not just words, but it is actually right there, we are walking on the land of the Torah. It has been unbelievable.


Anu Day Spa for Men Blog is our tool to communicate with all of our clients, and pass on to them pertinent information related to the gromming options for the modern men. It will include relevant information about Skin Care, Body Hair Removal (waxing, trimming, shaving, and manscaping), and Body Treatments including massage therapy.
Everyone will have the opportunity to comment, ask questions, and participate in the different discussions.
Valentines Day the time of the year when people show feelings of love, affection, and friendship. Whether it's by sending a handwritten letter, flowers, or candy. Anu Day Spa is here to help our clients with the Valentine's Day Special package that'll be mesmerizing for the both of you Couples or Best Friends! We know that you all are just curious of what the outstanding benefits of this particular package holds. This is why we are here, and here it is in a nutshell!
Is a skin care luxury which primary functions are to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation, as well as cleanse the skin, and increase ones body blood circulation. From helping our moisturizer absorb better, to increased relaxation. Recognizing that the skin is the largest organ in our body, a good scrub promotes detoxification while, also draining lymph nodes from your body internally.
Also known as a "'Body Mask"'. This spa treatment is created to enhance the health and apperrance of the skin. The nourishing oil and herbal body wrap we provide has intensive moisturizing properities comprising to hydrate for a improved smooth complexion. Furthermore, it's critically relaxing once fully wrapped, known to decrease stress for whole body wellness.
A facial is a spa therapy and massage that leaves your skin cleaner, softer, younger, and truly transformed. You will certainly reap the benefits of this facial, as this transforming experience helps reduce the impact of sun exposure, smoking, and enviromental factors. Facial help reduce stress, which stress is quickly the rising to number in the process of premature aging. Keep in mind, regular facials are the key to clear, radiant skin no matter the time of the year!


See below for a list of membership charges and equipment hire charges. It should be noted that any equipment should be collected from the compressor room at Xcite on Thursday evenings after 7:15pm and be returned by the following Tuesday. Failure to return hire kit on time will result in an additional hire charge.
The benefits of membership include access to club excursions such as boat trips and weekend breaks, free use of the swimming pool on club nights, access to the club compressor as well as diving within a familiar and friendly community.


Nibbi Tackles the Sacred Heart Preparatory Field House.
When Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School in Atherton, California, undertook to build a field house for its football team, the school's main concern was creating a facility that would fit in with the campus's impressive architecture and reflect the quality of the school and its athletic programs while remaining within a very tight budget.
The 8,000 square-foot facility is masonry with a metal deck and concrete risers for seating. The first floor has an equipment room, locker rooms, restrooms and offices. The second floor provides storage space, and the third floor contains an enclosed press box and viewing area.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for builders on the project was the sensitive nature of the site. It was built on a K-12 campus while school was in session, and crews had to be careful not to present safety risks or disrupt life at the school. Like many projects, the Sacred Heart field house had a critical completion date, as it needed to be open the first day of the 2007 football season. Atherton town ordinances prohibited construction work in the evenings, on weekends, and before 8 a.m. weekday mornings, so it was very important to adhere to the construction schedule for this project.


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University of Applied Sciences
Campus of Kiel University of Applied Sciences, Sokratesplatz 54.33331, 10.18066— 54.33331, 10.18066
Jörg Plickat
Plickat counts among Germany's most recognized sculptors internationally. Initially figurative in his art, his vocabulary changed after 1985 to become more abstract and cubic, though the human figure is often still discernible. Corten steel, and sometimes bronze, has been his main material of choice since 2000.
Born 1954 in Hamburg, in 1982 he received Diploma in Sculpture. Visiting professor at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid and Faculty of Arts, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Guest lecturer at China National Academy of Art, Hangzhou and Tsinghua University Beijing. Held over 320 exhibitions worldwide, more than 90 sculptures are exhibited in public spaces in ten countries of four continents, has participated in NordArt since 1999.
Labyrinthum
This monumental cubes is the result of a sequence of mathematical functions. Here five arcs were added and then the Boolean function of Intersection was generated with one big cubic solid. It is quite difficult to imagine this process, as one can hardly recognize the purist elementary solids the sculpture is generated from – however, it is not absolutely necessary to understand to get the aesthetical impression. From the inside of the two cubes a specific dynamic develops, interacting with the sharply broken outer skin. The penetrations form mighty edges, whose strength is subtly questioned by the morbid rustiness.
Artwork partners


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Speaking in LA
I spoke in three eighth grade classrooms at the Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles today. The kids were so sweet and seemed impressed with the book series. They especially liked the Anne Frank / Iowa connection and the story of Eva Schloss (whose mother married Otto Frank after the war). It appeared history came alive for the students when I talked about my young author's accomplishments.
A teacher stopped me afterward saying her students were excited to write a story and at the same time, two girls came up and said they couldn't wait to get started. There are so many stories to tell in the Los Angeles area so it's very exciting to think of these students searching for stories to tell.
I'm honored to be speaking at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMOTH) so if you know anyone in the LA area who is free at noon tomorrow, tell them to stop by.
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust


Schaefer IT Consulting designs innovative solutions for businesses of varying size and complexity. We provide ongoing support via on-site visits, remote support and help-desk services. SITC specializes in designing practical security solutions tailored to each clients particular needs. We work hard to create an impressive network of strategic partnerships to better serve you.


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Aspen Waite reach out to the business world with dedicated radio station
Aspen Waite Radio launched online and via a free app in July 2020. Describing the station as 'the home of work/life balance', Aspen Waite say that it: 'combines great music and business and features a wide range of shows and podcasts to educate, entertain and enjoy'. Aspen Waite Radio broadcast on DAB in Portsmouth on the 2nd of November and will do the same in Wales next month, welcoming millions of new listeners across the area.
The radio station is available to listen to online at www.aspenwaiteradio.com, where it is also possible to download the free listening app. Aspen Waite actively encourage anyone who might like to be interviewed or showcase their business on the radio station to contact them at studio@aspenwaiteradio.com. They are keen to celebrate other businesses: their journey and future.
Aspen Waite are a firm of business advisors with national coverage, combining a multitude of business services under one roof and aspiring to 'build a world where no business owner feels alone'.
Their Friends Programme was set up last April in response to the Covid 19 crisis and has since provided support, advice and financial assistance to hundreds of businesses across the UK. Their endeavours were rewarded in March 2021 with a Somerset Business Award for Outstanding Achievement.
You can follow Aspen Waite Scotland on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AspenWaite, Twitter https://twitter.com/AspenWaite and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-waite-chartered-accountants/ or by getting in touch with jon.storer@aspen-waite.co.uk .


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


In 2013 Amy started working for James Caan as a strategic advisor. After just 3 months she launched Recruitment Entrepreneur (RE) with his backing. RE is now in its second year, and is the fastest growing recruitment venture capital fund in the country. Recruitment Entrepreneur is designed to invest only in early stage recruitment companies. They provide funding but also tailored support (from the nitty gritty back office functions, through to mentoring and CEO coaching). Amy graduated from Cambridge University in 2008 and joined the Strategy team at Deloitte Consulting. At Deloitte, Amy worked with SMEs and large Corporates, helping them set their business growth plans as well as supporting businesses that were preparing for sale. Amy's role at Recruitment Entrepreneur is to help each Entrepreneur set and achieve their personal goals, as well as defining the strategy of the RE portfolio as a whole to make sure they are always offering the very best support. She is also focused on supporting Entrepreneurs towards the right exit, at the right time, to create as much value for them as possible.
So…. you're DEFINITELY going to start your own recruitment business?!