1g1e0

[1g1e0]

Patti Blagojevich Voices Hope on Commutation

The wife of imprisoned former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich voiced optimism Thursday that President Donald Trump might commute her husband’s sentence. Trump has pardoned Dinesh D’Souza and said he would consider a commutation for Blagojevich. (May 31) AP

Source Article

The post Patti Blagojevich Voices Hope on Commutation appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/patti-blagojevich-voices-hope-on-commutation/

[1g1e0]

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5 score, TV channel, how to watch live stream

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) drives past Boston Celtics’ Al Horford (42). ( Houston Rockets bounce back vs Golden State Warriors, even Western Conference finals at 2-2 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) gestures during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Rockets in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

The Houston Rockets bounced back from a 41-point drubbing in Game 3 Sunday night, rallying to beat the Golden State Warriors 95-92 Tuesday to even the Western Conference finals 2-2.

James Harden scored 30 points, Chris Paul added 27 and the Rockets, who opened the game in a 12-0 hole and rallied from a 12-point deficit early in the fourth quarter, hung on in a must-win Game 4.

Stephen Curry had 28 to lead Golden State, which was without reserve Andre Iguodala (left knee). Kevin Durant added 27 and 12 rebounds for the Warriors.

Game 5 is Thursday in Houston.

[Read the AP recap here]

…

Get the live scoreboard and stats as the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors meet in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals:

What: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors, Western Conference finals Game 4

When: Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. PT

Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland

TV: TNT

Live stream: Watch TNT and the TNT app

Line: GSW -8.5

Over: 224

Series: Warriors lead 2-1

Complete schedule for the Western Conference finals:

Game 1: Warriors 119, Rockets 106

Game 2: Rockets 127, Warriors 105

Game 3: Warriors 126, Rockets 85

Game 4: Tuesday, May 22 | Houston at Golden State | 6 p.m. PT on TNT

Game 5: Thursday, May 24 | Golden State at Houston | 6 p.m. PT on TNT

Game 6: Saturday, May 26 | Houston at Golden State | 6 p.m. PT on TNT

Game 7: Monday, May 28 | Golden State at Houston | 6 p.m. PT on TNT

Is it time for the Portland Trail Blazers to explore breaking up their prolific backcourt duo and trade CJ McCollum in order to balance the roster and build a team better equipped to compete in the NBA Playoffs? (Sean Meagher/Staff)

A light dose of Portland Trail Blazers links for Tuesday, May 22.

* Over at The Ringer, Bill Simmons and ESPN’s Zach Lowe talk plenty of NBA, including a look ahead to the summer and discuss the possibility of the Blazers moving CJ McCollum (h/t to Blazersedge.com for the transcription):

Bill Simmons: Is CJ McCollum on the Blazers next year?

Zach Lowe: I’m going to say no.

Simmons: I’m going to no as well.

Lowe: Again, you’re forcing me at metaphorical gunpoint to make these calls, but I’m going to say no. I’ve said before there’s going to be crazy stuff that happens in the offseason because teams are taxed out and just kind of unhappy about life and Portland fits that to a T, so I’ll say no.

The two kick around a few trade ideas involving McCollum, but none that will set your hair on fire:

Simmons: Is there another team we’re missing?

Lowe: The McCollum deal I floated once and is a favorite among league insiders is McCollum for Drummond–sort of two teams just exchanging big money contracts and trying to reset themselves.

Simmons: I wouldn’t do that.

Simmons: He is!

Lowe: I don’t think they’re wrong. And they think Collins is going to be a really good stretch five. So I just don’t see it.

Simmons: If you were running Portland, would you keep McCollum and trade Lillard because he has more value?

Lowe: No.

Podcast and video of Simmons and Lowe available at The Ringer.

* Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey joined Dwight Jaynes and Aaron Fentress of Rip City Radio/NBC Sports Northwest on Monday to discuss everything from the draft combine, to the playoff upset, to Portland’s pick at No. 24 and much more. You can listen to the entire 24-minute interview here. A few of Olshey’s answers below:

Olshey on draft depth: "We do see a lot of depth, we see guys that can contribute, we see guys that positionally can be fits for our organization. We also see a lot of teams that are building, that are looking for multiple picks, that potentially we could get involved in some deals like we did a couple years ago when we moved the 23rd pick for Mason Plumlee, and find an impact player because while we see the draft depth this year, I think other teams do as well. There are teams that are really trying to build with youth and take a longer lens to this thing. I think our pick will have value both ways, whether we select and add a young player we think can grow and contribute to the organization or whether we use that piece as an asset to acquire a veteran player with an established body of work that can step into a playoff team and contribute in April."

Olshey on how the first-round loss to the Pelicans provided a wake-up call: "I think the way that series went provided a really clear lens as far as what we need to do this offseason to build the roster to avoid that in the future. And knowing that some of the futures plays in terms of youth, trade exceptions, draft picks, maybe the focus needs to be shifted toward guys we know hit certain benchmarks and have bodies of work that we can rely on when we get into April and take some of the risk out of the room when we get into playoff series."

Olshey on drafting talent vs. need: "I think it’s about adding talent. I think when you’re in a market like ours, when it’s far more difficult to buy your way out of trouble with free agency, you have to find your talent through the draft. And I think if you do your job properly, you can get a far more talented, better player longterm out of the draft than you can via trade or the other vehicles we have. I think you’ve got to go all in on talent — talent figures it out, it finds a way and it always starts there. Character is big for us up here obviously and the chemistry with our group and how guys would fit in. I think at the end of the day talent finds its way onto the court. It’s our job to acquire it and Terry and the coaches do a great job developing the young guys and then putting them in the position to maximize their potential."

* Frank Urbina of Hoops Hype looks at potential landing spots for free agent-to-be Jusuf Nurkic, listing, along with the Blazers, the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards as teams who could be interested in the Bosnian Beast. Urbina ultimately identifies the Blazers as the most likely outcome:

And because of how cap-space poor the rest of the league will find itself this summer, it could come at an even cheaper price than they could have ever imagined when they traded for the big man.

It’s tough to envision any team shelling out cash to sign Nurkic. His play thus far as a professional has been inconsistent, and his affinity for awkward floaters as opposed to dunks and long mid-range jumpers instead of three-pointers hurt his future outlook.

Nurkic himself probably wants to prove he can be at least close to an elite center before agreeing to his next contract.

That’s why Nurkic taking the qualifying offer (a move another young big man, Nerlens Noel, tried last offseason) for 2018-19 and testing out the market again next summer could be his wisest course of action.

The qualifying offer would pay Nurkic a measly $4.8 million next year, but it would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2019, when more teams will have money to spend.

Best-case scenario, Nurkic excels with the Blazers, showing all-out effort on a nightly basis while averaging a double-double on efficient shooting splits, and helping lead Portland to the second round of the playoffs for just the third time since Lillard’s arrival.

* According to ESPN, Damian Lillard ranks 51st among the 100 most famous athletes in the world.

Source Article

The post Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5 score, TV channel, how to watch live stream appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/boston-celtics-vs-cleveland-cavaliers-game-5-score-tv-channel-how-to-watch-live-stream/

[1g1e0]

Fox News, 21st Century Fox Settle Discrimination Suits With 18 Ex-Employees

Fox News and its parent company 21st Century Fox FOX 0.16% said they have reached settlements with 18 former employees of the news channel who had filed lawsuits that included allegations of racial and gender discrimination.

Terms of the settlements weren’t disclosed, but a person familiar with the matter said the cases were settled for around $10 million. There are no nondisclosure agreements as part of the settlements, the person said.

The first suit, filed in March 2017 in New York state court, was brought by two black women who worked in the payroll department at Fox News. They alleged that they were subject to racial slurs and insults by their superior and that they were subjected to a hostile work environment.

Other employees from payroll and accounting subsequently joined the suit, as did Kelly Wright, an on-air personality. Mr. Wright argued that discrimination based on his race had kept him from advancing at the network. Mr. Wright is leaving the network.

“ Kelly Wright has informed Fox News of his desire to pursue new opportunities,” Mr. Wright said in a statement. “He thanks Fox News and wishes it well as he moves forward to the next phase of his career.”

Related

Fox News and the employment law firm of Wigdor Law LLP, which represented the plaintiffs, separately released similar statements Tuesday, saying: “The parties have reached mutual agreements that resolve various cases involving former Fox News employees.”

Individual defendants included Judith Slater, a former comptroller of Fox News who was fired last year in the wake of some of these complaints. She has denied wrongdoing. Fox News’s executive vice president of legal and business affairs, Dianne Brandi, was also a defendant in the suit. Ms. Brandi, who also denied wrongdoing, has been on a voluntary personal leave of absence from the company since October.

The discrimination suits came in the wake of the sexual-harassment scandal at Fox News that led to the ousters of Roger Ailes, the late former Fox News chief executive, and prime-time star Bill O’Reilly. Some of the women who accused the men of sexual harassment were paid settlements. Messrs. Ailes and O’Reilly each denied wrongdoing.

After an initial harassment suit was filed against Mr. Ailes by former on-air talent Gretchen Carlson, the network worked with a law firm to conduct a probe into the workplace environment at the network and to investigate additional claims. 21st Century Fox has paid tens of millions in settlements related to harassment suits and other workplace complaints in the past two years.

Last November, 21st Century Fox created the “Fox News Workplace Professionalism and Inclusion Council” as part of its efforts to address concerns about the work environment inside Fox News. The council was created as part of a settlement with a shareholder who accused the company of breaching fiduciary duty by failing to address the “hostile work environment” at Fox News.

The Wigdor firm has represented many employees in their legal claims against the network and parent company. The U.S.-based firm also tried to derail 21st Century Fox’s efforts to acquire the 61% of European pay TV company Sky PLC that the media company doesn’t already own.

Douglas Wigdor, a partner at the firm, met with British regulators last year in an effort to argue that 21st Century Fox didn’t meet the standards to hold broadcast licenses in the U.K. Fox pushed back hard against that assessment. The U.K. regulators decided that Fox meets broadcasting standards, but they have yet to announce whether Fox’s takeover proposal won’t hurt competition, the second factor needed to allow the deal.

21st Century Fox is selling the lion’s share of its entertainment assets to Walt Disney Co. in a $52.4 billion deal that is pending. Fox News isn’t part of that sale and will remain with other assets that would form a new company.

21st Century Fox and Wall Street Journal parent News Corp share common ownership.

Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com

Appeared in the May 16, 2018, print edition as ‘Fox Settles Discrimination Suits.’

Source Article

The post Fox News, 21st Century Fox Settle Discrimination Suits With 18 Ex-Employees appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/fox-news-21st-century-fox-settle-discrimination-suits-with-18-ex-employees/

[1g1e0]

Here’s How Many People In Charlotte Live In A ‘Park Desert’

CHARLOTTE, NC — It’s no secret that public parks are essential to a community’s health, particularly for kids. They provide a safe place for people to gather, explore and play. They give dogs a place to frolic. They often increase the value of surrounding homes. And they can serve as a home for major festivals and events.

But new data crunched by The Trust for Public Land released last week suggests many Americans — one in three — don’t have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home.

In Charlotte, 290,493 residents, or 36 percent, live near a park. Conversely, 524,306 residents live in so-called "park deserts."

Here’s a breakdown of Charlotte:

Total parks: 212 Total acreage: 9,091, which is equal to 6,887 football fields Percent of kids who live within a 10-minute walk of a park: 34 percent

To see which neighborhoods have the most and least access to a park, click here and enter your city’s name. Then scroll down about half-way and click the button labeled "DIVE DEEP: See where your community needs parks the most."

The dark green areas on the map indicate existing park space and the red areas show neighborhoods that need a park. The blue circled numbers indicate the best locations for new park development, ranked by how significant an impact it would have on the neighborhood.

Nationwide, just 54 percent of people live near a park, the organization found.

"Today, more than 100 million people in communities across America don’t have a park within a 10-minute walk of home — and that’s 100 million too many," Diane Regas, president and CEO of the organization, said in a release. "ParkServe will help us address this challenge, so every person in America can experience the countless benefits of having a park close to home."

The group says this is the first time in America’s history that every park in each urban municipality has been mapped. Residents can now determine who has and who lacks walkable access to a park, an important tool for city planners.

The tool also allows people to see the percentage of residents who live near a park by income, ethnicity, age and other demographic factors.

"The ParkServe data platform takes the guesswork out of planning where to put a park," said Breece Robertson, the director of the group’s geographic information system. "It tells mayors and recreation departments, ‘To serve the most people in need, build a park right here.’ "

Patch reporter Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Photo via Shutterstock

Source Article

The post Here’s How Many People In Charlotte Live In A ‘Park Desert’ appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/heres-how-many-people-in-charlotte-live-in-a-park-desert/

[1g1e0]

Houston girl’s too-relatable spray tan fail goes viral on social media

Spray tans are an easy way to get a summer glow, that is unless you get wet too soon after the application.

One Houston teenager learned the importance of staying dry following her spray tan application when she cried shortly after her visit to the salon.

REMARKABLE: Houston woman shares before, after photos of her transformation

Alex Vinklarek, 17, of Houston, shared photos of her spray tan fail on Twitter on April 24, with the caption, "I’ve always been told not to cry after a spray tan."

Her honesty resulted in more than 20,000 people retweeting her and more than 91,000 likes on the social media post at the time of writing.

The world record for the most spray tans in one hour was shattered by a Kristin Little, owner of BodiBronze Sunless Tan, in Champaign, Illinois on Monday. Kristin beat the previous record of 78 spray tans by spraying 107 volunteers in 45 just minutes. The event organizers might have added to their record further still, but ran out of volunteers to spray! All proceeds went to the Charles W. Christie Cancer Center.

Media: Ruptly TV

Teen Vogue reports that Vinklarek is no stranger to getting spray tans and got the treatment done before a cheerleading competition. But after it was applied, she was watching a tearjerker internet video, which caused the waterworks to start flowing.

At first, only two teardrops fell, Vinklarek told Teen Vogue.

"I immediately realized [what happened], and opened my camera to look at [my face]," Vinklarek told Teen Vogue. "I saw that I had two streaks, and I started bawling my eyes out. I also kept trying to stop crying, but every time I looked at myself I cried more because it looked so awful."

WHOOPS: Texas teen’s senior photos hilariously spoiled after she falls off a cliff

Chron.com has reached out to Vinklarek but has yet to hear back from her.

Vinklarek shared her experience on Twitter and dozens of other spray-tan users responded with hilarious reactions and relatable photos of their similar experiences with spray-tan fails.

To see some of the funniest reactions, go through the photos in the gallery above.

Heather Leighton is a digital reporter at Chron.com. She considers herself as a Jack(ie) of all trades and covers various topics from entertainment to politics. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on Twitter at @loveheathernoel.

Source Article

The post Houston girl’s too-relatable spray tan fail goes viral on social media appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/houston-girls-too-relatable-spray-tan-fail-goes-viral-on-social-media/

[1g1e0]

The Wolverine Daily Newsstand: April 21

Don’t miss out on any of our exclusive football, basketball and recruiting coverage. Click here to get your 30-day free trial!

Redshirt sophomore guard Charles Matthews has until May 30 to potentially withdraw his name from the NBA draft.

"After careful consideration with my parents and coaching staff, I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft without hiring an agent. I give thanks to the Lord for this amazing opportunity, as well as the entire University of Michigan for their support. Go Blue!"

• Andrew Vailliencourt, TheWolverine: NBA Front Office Executive Thinks Moe Wagner Will be Drafted in First Round

—

• Learn more about our print and digital publication, The Wolverine

Source Article

The post The Wolverine Daily Newsstand: April 21 appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/the-wolverine-daily-newsstand-april-21/

[1g1e0]

Check Out These 41 New Jobs In The Charlotte Metro Area

CHARLOTTE, NC — Companies across the Charlotte and Lake Norman region are looking for new employees, and Patch and Zip Recruiter have heaps of openings on our searchable jobs board.

Here are recent postings for job openings in the Queen City area. Click on the job title for more information.

Find more jobs on the Charlotte Jobs board found here.

General MANAGER, Cost Plus World Market 8150 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262 The General Manager has the highest level of authority within the store, and is responsible for the overall management of his/her store. The General Manager (GM) is the foremost decision-maker in regard to every aspect of the store’s operation, i.e., personnel, product procurement, merchandising and customer service. The General Manager position requires strong leadership skills to train, supervise and …

A Small Miracle, 322 E Statesville Avenue, Mooresville Our Team Needs You ! ASM provides one on one services for individuals with developmental disabilities. You will be providing assistance with daily living skills and teaching techniques that will pave their way to independence. We have open cases in Mooresville, Statesville, and Huntersville. The week night evening shifts range from 230pm to 9pm and weekend shifts range from 9am to 9pm. There are limited day shifts open at this time…

Sales Consultant Modern Backyard Huntersville, NC, USA There must be at least 2 years experience in sales , or a really good reason why you think you are the ONE! This dynamic firm is seeking a high energy sales associate with retail sales experience

Outside Sales Representative TruGreen Huntersville, NC, USA POSSIBLE SAME DAY JOB OFFERS OUTSIDE SALES REPS-9 Openings Sells residential lawn care services to new and existing customers both in-person and by phone. Starts the selling season through …

Kitchen & Bath Cabinet Sales Stone Charlotte, NC, USA We are seeking a Kitchen & Bath Cabinet Sales rep to join our team! 15 Year old company is looking for an EXPERIENCED Kitchen & Bath Cabinet Sales representative Responsibilities: * Selling Kitchen …

Business Operations – Consultive Sales Global Resources Charlotte, NC, USA This position requires 10 years of executive, sales or business ownership experience, analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with business owners, senior management and boards …

Sales Representative MGS-RPO Charlotte, NC, USA On-line (in plant) solution selling by utilizing processing & equipment efficiency knowledge Working with the Sales Enablement Tools (ShowPad) to sell Bostik’s value propositions in the market. 60 …

Regional Sales Manager Symmetry Financial Group Huntersville, NC, USA By focusing on a more balanced distribution of commissions, SFG is truly committed to sharing the wealth of opportunity with you, all while delivering high levels of service and training to our sales …

Samsung Sales Representative Needed ASAP! Weekly SALARY/ FULL TIME NAM, Inc. Huntersville, NC, USA Samsung Sales Representative Needed ASAP! Weekly SALARY/ FULL TIME New Age Marketing is a leader in the marketing industry based on the results they have provided to their client’s through the …

Sales Representative G and C Services Unlimited LLC Charlotte, NC, USA Consults with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support. Performs administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales …

Pest Management Sales & Service Professional Terminix Services, Inc Huntersville, NC, USA Terminix Service, Inc. has 2 (two) Pest Management Sales & Service Professional full-time positions available in the Huntersville, NC area. * Company vehicle provided – with fuel card. * Full time …

Sales Representative – Home Security Sales – Full Training Defenders Charlotte, NC, USA Defenders has an immediate opening for a Sales Representative **_in your local area_** to help residential homeowners select the best security and technology solutions for their needs and budget

Sales Account Manager – Inside / Outside Sales ColorID, LLC Cornelius, NC, USA Experience with business-to-business, cold-calling and on-site customer presentations and technical saleswould be a benefit as well as a college or university degree. Prior career experience in any …

In-Home Sales Reps – HOME DEPOT Leads, Carolina Water Products Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Water Products, a RainSoft dealer and the local Home Depot Wholesale Contractor for water treatment is looking for 2 EXPERIENCED water treatment sales representatives or In-Home sales …

Outside Sales Agent Allstate Huntersville, North Carolina, USA Hiring an Insurance Sales Professional for a Local Allstate Agency Are you looking for a career with a local small business with the backing and support of a brand people recognize and trust? Working …

Sales Representative American Lantern Press Charlotte, NC, USA Manufacturer of Popular survival devices seeks willing-to-learn members for our sales team here in Charlotte. Hourly base fee plus extremely generous sales percentage. Long term opportunity for the …

Outside Sales Representative Roof and Windows Restoration Contractors of America, Inc Charlotte, NC, USA Strong Sales Associates $96 -168k per year A FEW POSITIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE – Sales Reps, Team Managers, Territory Managers Statewide Insurance Restoration Contractor needs help tackling the …

Inside Sales Representative eb.com Charlotte, NC, USA Sales experience? Awesome, but not necessary. We can teach you everything you need to know. Top candidates Inside Sales Representative position should be super motivated, competitive, eager to get on …

Sales Representative Industrial Battery & Charger Charlotte, NC, USA The Sales Person achieves branch sales and service goals by selling products and services through the development of new customers and continued support of current customers. E ssential Job Functions …

Regional Sales Representative – Carolinas DECRA Roofing Systems Charlotte, United States You will join the DECRA sales team as we undertake an exciting growth initiative that is taking our organization to the next level * With talented and visionary leadership in place, we’re building …

Kiosk Manager-Wireless Sales Inside Costco Wireless Advocates Matthews, United States Wireless Advocates operates retail kiosks and online sales activities for our retail partners: Costco Wholesale, Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), and Navy …

Sales Support Specialist Nucentric Solutions Huntersville, NC, USA The Sales Support Specialist is a vital part of our Sales Team by taking care of the following functions: * Working with the Pre-Sales Engineering and Outside Sales team to gather …

Sales Representative American Dream Home Improvement Paw Creek, United States American Dream Home Improvement (ADHI) is now hiring Sales Representatives, Sales Managers, and SalesProfessionals to join the ADH I Dream Team. Our sales team members are some of the best trained …

Inside Sales Representative — Customer Care Center United Rentals Charlotte, United States United Rentals is offering an excellent opportunity for career-minded Inside Sales Representatives who are ready to grow their career to the next level. To facilitate top rate service to our …

Sales Management Trainee Enterprise Huntersville, United States Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer service or operations, this program will prepare you to create your ideal career. As a Management Trainee, you can count on a defined …

Outside Sales/Route Sales Manager – Full Training Mac Tools Join our growing team selling our world class tools & equipment. Route available with 325 existing customers, no cold calls, full training and a protected route. Apply now

Entry Level Sales and Customer Service Associate Harvest Marketing Group, Inc Charlotte, NC, USA We are currently seeking someone to fill our entry level sales and customer support position. Due to the rapid growth and expansions within our company we are looking to hire immediately. Working at …

Retail Sales/CSR- Management Trainee *PAID TRAINING* NAM, Inc. Huntersville, NC, USA We are looking to staff 4-5 more retail stores with 7-8 full time Customer Service, Sales, Management, and Marketing Associates to keep up with the expansion! New Age Marketing, Inc. is a Promotional …

Energy Advisor / $20 an hour+ / PAID WEEKLY! Energy conservation solutions Cornelius, NC, USA Must have experience with outbound calling, or phone sales experience. You are qualifying homeowners who have inquired about our products and then setting up a FREE consultation. We are calling to … Automotive Sales Consultants, $40K Plus Bonuses, Great Schedule Huntersville Ford Huntersville, NC, USA 13825 Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078 Automotive Sales Consultants $40K – Plus Bonuses! Great Opportunity for Advancement! Please Apply Online and Attach Your Resume Today! Walk-In Applicants …

Retail Sales Consultant Haverty’s Furniture Charlotte, NC, USA Are you interested in a retail sales position that you can turn into a fun and rewarding career with a great company? Join our team at Haverty Furniture Companies! A trusted name and iconic brand in …

Customer Service Representative (BDC), Top Hourly Pay, Benefits! Subaru Concord Concord, NC, USA Handles all Internet sales inquiries personally * Sets appointments for Sales Team * Will be on the phone and computer all day * Responsible for all inbound phone calls and high volume of e-mail …

Marketing Sales Representative – B2B SenText Solutions Huntersville, NC, USA Make up to $400 Commission on every sale! * Realistically sell 1 deal per day! * Receive 100% Lifetime Vested Residuals beginning IMMEDIATELY! * Residuals and Commissions paid DAILY! * We provide all …

Insurance Sales Agent NC Farm Bureau Cornelius, NC, USA We are seeking a Full Time Insurance Sales representative to join our firm! You will be responsible for working out of our book of business exclusively selling Property & Casualty as well as Life …

MARKETING & SALES ASSISTANT- Entry Level New Age Marketing, Inc. Huntersville, NC, USA Position Summary of the MARKETING & SALES ASSISTANT The Marketing & Sales Assistant position will assist the marketing team in the implementation of all marketing activities, working closely to …

Merchant Sales Agents SenText Solutions Cornelius, NC, USA … sales, events, special hours, contests, etc. Merchants Want Our Service Only 2% of our merchants leave us each month. Customers Want To Hear From Their Local Merchants Only 1.6% of our merchant …

College Students – Sales & Marketing Internship – #1 College Food & Drink App Hooked Charlotte, United States As a sales intern, you will not be stuck in an office but instead, you will be going around town building relationships with local business owners. Over the summer you will be working …

Management Training / Customer Service / Sales – Full Time The Marketing Organization, Inc. Huntersville, NC, USA The Marketing Organization is a private sales and marketing firm with 23 locations around the US, The Marketing Organization is a vibrant and diverse team that focuses on customer retention and new …

ENTRY LEVEL Customer Service (Marketing & Advertising) New Age Marketing, Inc. Huntersville, NC, USA As a company our goal is to provide the same marketing and sales services as a standard firm at a fraction of the price. Our success and rapid growth has set new industry standards and they are in …

Customer Support / Product Specialist Otofonix Huntersville, NC, USA The Customer Support / Product Specialist is a mix between a Customer Service Representative and processing incoming sales. This entry-level opportunity is perfect for an energetic, self-starter who …

Management Trainee – Entry Level Position Capstone Consultants Huntersville, NC, USA Sales and Marketing * Leadership Development * Training and Coaching * Team and Territory Management At Capstone, we manage all the marketing and sales in a given market to maximize revenue and …

Charlotte, NC Job Board

Source Article

The post Check Out These 41 New Jobs In The Charlotte Metro Area appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/check-out-these-41-new-jobs-in-the-charlotte-metro-area/

[1g1e0]

Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. Opens New Self Storage Facility in Asheville, North Carolina – Charlotte Business Journal

ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. (SSGT), a public non-traded real estate investment trust sponsored by SmartStop Asset Management, LLC (SmartStop), announced today that the company has opened a new, two-story self storage facility located at 3173 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville, North Carolina.

"We are pleased to open this new, self storage facility in the heart of Asheville, the largest city in Western North Carolina," said H. Michael Schwartz, chairman and chief executive officer. "Centrally located on the alternate route of U.S. Highway 25 and just south of Mills Gap Road, the facility provides convenient access to quality self storage with a number of amenities."

The indoor storage facility is 100 percent climate controlled and features covered loading and unloading areas, computerized lobby access, elevators and moving carts. The property is under video surveillance and is well-lit.

About Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. (SSGT) SSGT is a public non-traded REIT that focuses on the acquisition, development, redevelopment and lease-up of self storage properties. The SSGT portfolio currently consists of 25 operating self storage facilities located in 10 states comprising approximately 17,000 self storage units and approximately 1.9 million net rentable square feet of storage space. Additionally, SSGT owns two development properties in the Greater Toronto Area which will be comprised of approximately 1,700 self storage units and 170,000 net rentable square feet of storage space once completed.

About SmartStop Asset Management, LLC SmartStop is a diversified real estate company focused on self storage assets, along with student and senior housing. The company has approximately $1.5 billion of real estate assets under management, including 113 self storage facilities located throughout the United States and Toronto, Canada, comprised of approximately 71,000 units and 8.2 million rentable square feet. SmartStop’s real estate portfolio also includes five student housing communities with approximately 2,800 beds and 1.1 million square feet of space, as well as three senior housing communities with approximately 350 beds and 250,000 rentable square feet of space. SmartStop is the sponsor of Strategic Storage Trust II, Inc., Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc., and Strategic Storage Trust IV, Inc., all public non-traded REITs focusing on self storage assets. The facilities offer affordable and accessible storage units for residential and commercial customers. In addition, they offer secure interior and exterior storage units as well as outside storage areas for vehicles, RVs and boats. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.SAM.com and more information regarding SmartStop® Self Storage in the United States and Canada is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

Julie Leber

Lauren Burgos

Spotlight Marketing Communications

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.5172 ext. 703

949.427.5172, ext. 704

julie@spotlightmarcom.com

lauren@spotlightmarcom.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-storage-growth-trust-inc-opens-new-self-storage-facility-in-asheville-north-carolina-300625206.html

SOURCE Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc.

The information on this page is provided by PR Newswire. All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution of this content without prior written consent from PR Newswire is strictly prohibited. Charlotte Business Journal is not responsible for this content. Learn more about this service.

Source Article

The post Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. Opens New Self Storage Facility in Asheville, North Carolina – Charlotte Business Journal appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/strategic-storage-growth-trust-inc-opens-new-self-storage-facility-in-asheville-north-carolina-charlotte-business-journal/

[1g1e0]

Straney, Charlotte Alexander Anderson

GREENSBORO Ms. Charlotte Alexander Anderson Straney died peacefully from natural causes in Greensboro, NC on March 25th at the age of 71. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd., Raleigh. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be private. Charlotte is survived by her brother, Glenn "Chip" Anderson, Jr. and wife Judy; nephew, Kevin Anderson and wife Perri and their children, Tyler and Garrett. She is preceded in death by her former husband, Jim Straney; nephew, Christopher Anderson and her cats, Snicklefritz, Bippy and Godzilla. She was born on September 14, 1946, in Raleigh, NC to Grace and Glenn Anderson. After attending elementary school at Ravenscroft, and Daniels Middle School, she graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1964. Charlotte went on to attend High Point College, Meredith College, and Kings Business College. In 1965, she was presented at the North Carolina Debutante Ball by the Terpsichorean Club. Charlotte’s career began with the three years she served as secretary to the director of the Greensboro Jewish Federation, followed by three years at the Eastern Music Festival as executive secretary to the director. Though her tenure there was brief, she continued to volunteer for EMF for 35 years. The professional highlight of her career was the eleven years she served as executive secretary to William "Bill" Rogers, president of Guilford College. After retirement, she remained engaged in many capacities at the College up until the present date. Her philanthropic passion was fulfilled when she established and provided the initial funding for the William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center Endowment at Guilford College. Charlotte’s services to community and others included the following: active with the Raleigh Wesley Foundation, co-editor of Newsletter Administrator Broughton High School Class Website, former president Raleigh Chapter of Up with People, Board of Adjustments for the City of Burlington for twelve years, former president Diabetes Association of Burlington, she designed statewide raffle for American Diabetes Association for several years, was a former member of NAMI Group Burlington – National Alliance on Mental Illness , Guilford College – assistant secretary, Board of Trustees, member Guilford College Art Gallery Endowment. In addition, she was a member of New Garden Friends Meeting, member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall with the Greensboro Choral Society, and she was a member of the Legacy Society at the Bryan Series in Greensboro. Charlotte believed in paying it forward, lived to help other people – particularly those who couldn’t help themselves. Stubborn, sassy, more punctual than people gave her credit. Edited and proofread numerous doctoral dissertations. Generous. Loved the dance floor even when it took a wheelchair to get there. Valued friendships. Enjoyed concerts, festivals and lecture series. Control freak, mentally organized, editor par excellence. Kind. Knew her way around a semi-colon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to William R. Rogers, Director of Friends Center Endowment at Guilford College, Advancement Office, 5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410. Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences may be made through brownwynneraleigh.com.

Source Article

The post Straney, Charlotte Alexander Anderson appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/straney-charlotte-alexander-anderson/

[1g1e0]

French Open prize money increases to $48 million

PARIS — Total prize money for the French Open will go up by around 8 percent this year, with the men’s and women’s champions winning $2.7 million each.

Roland Garros director Guy Forget says the total prize money will reach $48 million.

This year’s tournament in Paris is scheduled for May 27-June 10.

Source Article

The post French Open prize money increases to $48 million appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/french-open-prize-money-increases-to-48-million/

[1g1e0]

Michael Cera Is Married! See His Wedding Ring

Michael Cera with Nadine in Brooklyn on March 11, 2018. TheImageDirect.com

Surprise! Michael Cera is married to his longtime girlfriend, Nadine, a source tells Us Weekly.

The low-key couple were spotted together in Brooklyn on Sunday, March 11. The Superbad actor, 29, showed off his gold wedding band while packing on the PDA with his new wife. They were all smiles as they braved the cold weather in coordinating Canada Goose parkas and beanies.

While it is unclear when Cera and Nadine began dating and when they tied the knot, he has been wearing the ring on his left hand since at least January 2017. His rep had no comment when Us Weekly reached out.

The Arrested Development alum is notoriously private about his personal life. He previously dated his Scott Pilgrim vs. the World costar Aubrey Plaza, but they never went public with their relationship. However, the Parks and Recreation alum, 33, eventually spilled the beans.

“Oh, Michael. I dated him for a long time,” she said during an interview on RuPaul and Michelle Visage’s podcast What’s the Tee? in November 2016. “A year and a half. We drove across the country after we shot that movie and almost got married in Vegas.”

Cera and Plaza maintained a close friendship after their breakup. “We love each other. We’re still really good friends,” she said at the time. “He’s just a weird little freak, and we speak the same language. He’s one of the funniest people I know.”

In addition to Superbad and Arrested Development, the actor is best known for his roles in Juno and This Is the End. He made his Broadway debut in the 2014 production of This Is Our Youth and currently stars alongside Chris Evans in the stage play Lobby Hero.

Sign up now for the Us Weekly newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics and more delivered straight to your inbox!

Want stories like these delivered straight to your phone? Download the Us Weekly iPhone app now!

Source Article

The post Michael Cera Is Married! See His Wedding Ring appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/michael-cera-is-married-see-his-wedding-ring/

[1g1e0]

The 2018 Razzie Awards: Check Out The Full ‘Winners’ List Here

Tonight, all of Hollywood is assembling for the Academy Awards, where the best movies of 2017 will receive their Oscars. However, before this celebration of a really solid year of movies takes place, the 2018 Golden Raspberry Awards — better known as the Razzies — as announced its list of "winners." A counterpoint of the Oscars, the Razzies award the worst movies of the year, and the nominees this time around include the likes The Emoji Movie, Fifty Shades Darker, and Transformers: The Last Knight. The "winners" have been announced and The Emoji Movie is going home as the worst movie of 2017.

Worst Picture: The Emoji Movie

Worst Actor: Tom Crusie, The Mummy

Worst Actress Tyler Perry, Boo! 2: A Madea Halloween

Worst Supporting Actor: Mel Gibson, Daddy’s Home 2

Worst Supporting Actress: Kim Basinger, Fifty Shades Darker

Worst Remake, Rip-off, or Sequel: Fifty Shades Darker

Worst Director: Tony Leondis, The Emoji Movie

Worst Screenplay: Tony Leondis, Eric Siegel, and Mike White, The Emoji Movie

Worst Screen Combo: Any Two Obnoxious Emojis, The Emoji Movie

The worst of the worst have been decided. Taking the top award this year, The Emoji Movie has been named Worst Picture. Otherwise known as the movie where Patrick Stewart voiced poop, The Emoji Movie was an animated film that explored the world inside of a smartphone, where all the emojis are alive and all the apps are places to visit. It’s like Toy Story or The LEGO Movie, but with none of the class or genuine thought applied. The film featured the voice talents of T.J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, and Patrick Stewart. The other nominees in the category included The Mummy, Fifty Shades Darker, Baywatch, and Transformers: The Last Knight. These movies aren’t great, but they are more mediocre than bad, so, yeah this goes to you, The Emoji Movie.

The other "top" (I’m starting to get irony overload) winners for the Razzies include Tom Cruise from The Mummy and Tyler Perry for Boo! 2: A Madea Halloween for Worst Actor and Worst Actress, respectively. While The Emoji Movie took the most awards, Fifty Shades Darker was right behind it. The capper to the Fifty Shades trilogy didn’t impress critically and definitely didn’t sit well with whoever it is that decides these nominations in the first place. Even though Transformers: The Last Knight had quite a few nominations, it didn’t win any of the categories.

Not many people were a fan of The Emoji Movie and that was certainly the case for the Razzies. I’m typically against the Razzies on the grounds that they are more mean-spirited than fun jabbing, but The Emoji Movie was certainly no diamond in the rough. It also made Jordan Peele quit acting, so yes, give that sucker some Razzies. As for the other nominees, I don’t think many of them are outright terrible. Sure, Baywatch and Daddy’s Home 2 aren’t smart (or funny) comedies, but they are more harmlessly bad than outright terrible.

We can’t promise that 2018 won’t have some stinkers in the bunch, but you can plan accordingly and see them all for yourself by using our 2018 movie release schedule. For more movie news, keep it right here at CinemaBlend and we’ll keep you updated with new information as soon as it becomes available.

Source Article

The post The 2018 Razzie Awards: Check Out The Full ‘Winners’ List Here appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/the-2018-razzie-awards-check-out-the-full-winners-list-here/

[1g1e0]

Berkshire Hathaway Benefits From U.S. Tax Plan

Warren Buffett has one man to thank for Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s BRK.A 0.87% $29 billion windfall in 2017: President Donald Trump.

The Omaha billionaire backed Mr. Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign. But new tax cuts the president signed into law last December provided Berkshire with the sizable one-time gain that helped inflate annual profits to nearly $45 billion.

Other American corporations like AT&T Inc. and Comcast Corp. also booked large paper gains as a result of the new tax legislation.

Mr. Buffett, Berkshire’s chairman and a Democrat, expressed reservations last year about the need for corporate tax cuts. But he also said any drop in corporate taxes would benefit many of Berkshire’s businesses and its shareholders.

“I got a million shareholders at Berkshire Hathaway. And they would all love to see a corporate tax cut,” he said on CNBC in October. But, he added, “we have a lot of businesses, 60 or 70. I don’t think any of them are noncompetitive in the world because of the corporate tax rate.”

When asked on CNBC in January if he would have voted for the new tax law, Mr. Buffett demurred: “I would have had a different bill myself.”

The tax changes lowered Berkshire’s estimate of how much it would have to pay in taxes if it sold the stock investments it currently holds. Berkshire has around $100 billion in unrealized gains on equity investments, Mr. Buffett has said, and those gains are now expected to be taxed at a 21% rate, down from 35%.

The immediate net windfall for Berkshire was $29 billion, which helped push Berkshire’s net earnings to $44.94 billion in 2017 from $24.07 billion the prior year while offsetting declines in certain businesses. Berkshire’s operating earnings fell 18%, from $17.6 billion in 2016 to $14.5 billion in 2017, as hurricanes and other catastrophes caused losses in the company’s insurance operations.

Berkshire’s book value per share rose 23% in 2017, the company said, compared with a 22% total return in the S&P 500, including dividends. Its overall net worth increased by $65 billion, $29 billion from the tax benefits and $36 billion from operations.

Mr. Buffett said in a letter released to shareholders Saturday that the increase in the company’s net worth was “real” but “a large portion of our gain did not come from anything we accomplished at Berkshire.”

The annual letter from Mr. Buffett is widely read by investors and analysts. This year, the 16-page document was shorter than usual and left out some of Mr. Buffett’s usual themes on the economy and the future prospects of the U.S.

“This is a company that would like to hold itself up as having a superior business model and a superior strategy, yet the bump from the results came from something that was not their doing,” said Cathy Seifert, equity analyst at CFRA Research. “It was a very subdued letter.”

The tax gain is the latest example of how Berkshire has benefited from Trump’s election. The company’s stock price climbed in the months following the election on the expectation that reduced taxes and regulations would boost Berkshire’s businesses, which range from a railroad and utilities to industrial manufacturers and retailers.

Mr. Buffett also said last year that the company planned to sell some of its losing stock investments in 2017, when they would be more advantageous from a tax perspective. Berkshire sold shares of International Business Machines Corp. throughout 2017 and sharply lowered its IBM stake in the fourth quarter.

However, at Berkshire’s annual meeting last May, Mr. Buffett said rising health-care costs were a bigger threat to the competitiveness of U.S. companies than taxes. Berkshire joined Amazon.com Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. in January to form a new company to figure out how to reduce health-care costs for their employees. The company is in the early stages of planning, and Mr. Buffett didn’t write about it in his letter.

He did address the conglomerate’s growing cash pile and lamented the lack of well-priced acquisition opportunities. Berkshire’s cash, which is mostly invested in Treasury bills, ballooned to a record $116 billion at year-end.

“We will need to make one or more huge acquisitions,” Mr. Buffett wrote in his letter. Prices for businesses were too high for his taste in 2017, he said, but “our smiles will broaden when we have redeployed Berkshire’s excess funds into more productive assets.”

In October, Berkshire took a 38.6% stake in truck-stop company Pilot Travel Centers LLC, which will increase to an 80% stake in 2023. But two potential large deals fell through last year. Kraft Heinz Co. dropped a $143 billion offer, which would have been partly backed by Berkshire, for Unilever PLC. And Texas power-transmission company Oncor terminated a deal with Berkshire’s utility arm in favor of a higher offer from Sempra Energy .

Some of Berkshire’s 60-odd subsidiaries completed acquisitions, but those deals tend to be small. Berkshire spent $2.7 billion on bolt-on acquisitions in 2017, the company said, up from $1.4 billion the prior year.

Mr. Buffett also avoided giving any new hints about his succession planning after promoting two executives to vice chairmen last month.

He reiterated his advice that individuals should invest passively and avoid high money management fees while discussing the final tally from his bet that an S&P 500 index fund would outperform a basket of hedge funds over a decade.

Write to Nicole Friedman at nicole.friedman@wsj.com

Source Article

The post Berkshire Hathaway Benefits From U.S. Tax Plan appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/berkshire-hathaway-benefits-from-u-s-tax-plan/

[1g1e0]

Charlotte ‘Black Panther’ Challenge Aims To Empower Black Youth

CHARLOTTE, NC — This weekend, Marvel’s superhero blockbuster "Black Panther" opens across the country, promising to take millions of theatergoers on a thrilling trip to the fictional land of Wakanda.

One Charlotte man wants to help kids in North Carolina take the trip to Wakanda, too.

"In communities where many of our youth are surrounded by crime, poverty, social challenges this a much needed escape," said Tracey Suggs, who has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking donations for theater tickets for kids to see the movie.

Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, "Black Panther" is the story of T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), who returns to the isolated but technologically advanced country to take the throne after the death of his father, the king.

Other stars include Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Denzel Washington, Forrest Whitaker and Andy Serkis. The movie was filmed largely in Georgia at Pinewood Atlanta Studios.

Subscribe

It is the first film in the wildly popular Marvel franchise to feature a black main character and consists of a largely black cast, as well as having a black director (Ryan Coogler). As such, it has spurred conversations about the importance of minority representation in television and film, with individuals and groups working to make sure as many minority children as possible see it.

A New York man started a nationwide movement called the "Black Panther Challenge," which aims to get as many young black people to see the movie as possible by challenging community leaders to raise money to get youths to theaters. More than 400 GoFundMe campaigns nationwide have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars as part of the Black Panther Challenge.

Images on a big screen help shape culture, just as television and books shape worldviews, Suggs wrote. "It’s of the highest importance that we see ourselves portrayed as powerful, intelligent, loving, successful, and as leaders in our world communities," Suggs said.

Suggs’ goal is to take as many kids to see the movie as he can in cities across the state, such as Charlotte, Elkin, Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Winston-Salem and Goldsboro. You can learn more about his campaign here.

PHOTO: Michael B. Jordan (left) and Chadwick Boseman (right) in a scene from "Black Panther" (Photo by: Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios/Disney)

For more news like this, sign up for our free daily newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Charlotte Patch. Access Patch on the go with our iPhone app or our brand new app for Android phone users.

Patch Editors Doug Gross, Elizabeth Janney contributed to this report.

Source Article

The post Charlotte ‘Black Panther’ Challenge Aims To Empower Black Youth appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/charlotte-black-panther-challenge-aims-to-empower-black-youth/

[1g1e0]

Starboard to Launch Proxy Fight to Replace Entire Newell Brands Board

An activist investor is launching a proxy fight to oust the entire board and chief executive of Newell Brands Inc., NWL -2.97% a conglomerate that makes everything from Elmer’s glue to Mr. Coffee machines.

Starboard Value LP is aligning with three former executives of Jarden Corp., which Newell bought less than two years ago in a $15 billion deal, in its campaign to change course at the company, according to people familiar with the matter.

Unhappy about how the sprawling collection of consumer brands has been run since the 2016 deal, former Jarden management want to replace CEO Michael Polk and run the business, the people said.

Starboard and its allies hold a stake of just under 5% in Newell, the people said. The fund has been the most aggressive activist investor in seeking to remove whole boards, and has had success doing so.

Newell said Friday that Starboard notified the company it intends to nominate 10 board candidates. The Wall Street Journal first reported the plans Thursday.

“Newell Brands has a diverse, experienced Board that is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and all shareholders,” Newell said in a statement. “The Newell Board and management team continue to take decisive action to deliver strong financial and operational performance and are committed to achieving Newell Brands’ transformation objectives.”

Martin Franklin, Jarden’s former chairman, resigned his position as a Newell director last month after attempting unsuccessfully to take control of the board and reverse initiatives put in place by Mr. Polk, The Wall Street Journal reported last week.

Mr. Franklin, former Jarden CEO Jim Lillie and another former executive, Ian Ashken, who also resigned from the Newell board, will work with Starboard in its campaign. The group wants to install Mr. Lillie as CEO and Mr. Franklin as chairman of the board, the people said.

Mr. Franklin believes that Mr. Polk and Newell’s board made critical missteps in integrating the two companies, which put Mr. Coffee machines, Rawlings gloves and Coleman camping gear under the same corporate roof as Elmer’s glue, Rubbermaid containers and Graco strollers, The Journal reported.

The company, its share price down about 40% from a year ago, announced last month that it would unload brands and shed half its factories in a bid to improve profitability. It has a market value of nearly $14 billion.

The company’s recent move to focus on nine core consumer divisions and shed everything else is a reversal for Newell, which has spent billions of dollars to acquire rivals. It more than doubled in size when it acquired Jarden, which had also used a series of deals to amass a collection of household products.

Days before the latest restructuring was announced, Mr. Polk hadn’t yet shared the plan with the entire board, according to people familiar with the situation. Mr. Franklin had urged the board to exact greater scrutiny of Mr. Polk and was unsatisfied with the response, the people said.

A serial deal maker, Mr. Franklin built Jarden by scooping up dozens of brands over a decade before stepping aside as CEO in 2011. He was lauded by shareholders for Jarden’s outsize returns, which are likely to be compared with Newell’s share performance since the deal. Newell’s ownership roster is littered with former Jarden holders who held on to their shares as a way to continue to bet on him.

Newell was forced to lower forecasts in 2017 and Mr. Polk, the CEO, blamed weak back-to-school sales, struggling retailers and the spate of hurricanes.

Mr. Franklin believed the strategy Mr. Polk followed for integrating Jarden and Newell worsened performance. After the two businesses combined, many executives were running new, larger units but lacked accountability and expertise to deal with challenges in the market, the people said.

Jarden had been known for giving individual unit heads autonomy and clear responsibility for results.

Starboard is known for pushing companies to change leadership and directors. It announced three new investments in the past two months, and two of these are ongoing board fights: Mellanox Technologies Ltd. , where it is also seeking to remove the entire board, and Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc., where it is seeking half the board seats.

The fund is best known for winning a 2014 vote to overthrow the directors of Darden Restaurants Inc., the owner of the Olive Garden chain.

Write to Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com and David Benoit at david.benoit@wsj.com

Appeared in the February 9, 2018, print edition as ‘Starboard Aims to Oust Newell Board.’

Source Article

The post Starboard to Launch Proxy Fight to Replace Entire Newell Brands Board appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/starboard-to-launch-proxy-fight-to-replace-entire-newell-brands-board/

[1g1e0]

Customers Don’t Like Duke Rate Hike, Or Paying For Coal Ash Cleanups

Opponents of Duke Energy’s rate hike waved green paper to show support for a speaker at Tuesday’s hearing in Charlotte.

Duke Energy’s request to raise electricity rates by 13.6 percent in western North Carolina got a chilly response from customers at a public hearing Tuesday night in Charlotte. Some worry about the monthly bill increases, while others say the company needs to share the blame and cost of what they see as past mistakes.

Richie Johnson lives in a Housing Authority apartment building on Prosperity Church Road, and says she already has trouble paying for electricity, even though she’s unplugged most of her appliances.

"There is no way with Social Security I can afford 19 more dollars. That’s a loaf of bread, a dozen of eggs, and a bottle of milk," she said.

N.C. Utilities Commission chair Ed Finley looks on as Brian Kasher of Charlotte reads a statement opposed to Duke’s rate hike.

Residential customers would see the largest increase. Duke wants to raise those rates an average of 16.7 percent in its western North Carolina territory, which includes Charlotte. That’s $18.72 more for a typical customer.

Callina Satterfield of Charlotte urged regulators to reject one part of Duke’s request, an increase in what’s called the basic customer charge.

"That basic customer charge hits everybody, but it hits poor people the hardest. They have to pay that basic charge even if they never turn on their lights or heat," Satterfield said.

The company says the increases are needed to pay for construction and modernization of facilities, planning costs for a South Carolina nuclear plant Duke decided not to build, and for cleaning up coal ash around the state.

James Sprouse of Charlotte said neither the coal ash cleanup nor the failed nuclear project should fall on ratepayers.

"It is time they take full responsibility for their poorly engineered actions and stop putting the cost burden on the citizens of North Carolina," he said.

Charlottean Steve English agreed.

"It was 10 years ago that Duke told us coal was cheap, clean and reliable. Only now they’re giving us the bill for the coal, because they want us, the ratepayer, to pay the bill for the coal ash cleanup. Turns out it wasn’t so cheap," English said.

Amy Brown of Belmont shows regulators her covered swimming pool, which she says is contaminated by nearby coal ash pits at the Allen plant.

Rate hike opponents got a key ally last week, when the state’s utility consumer advocate, the Public Staff, called for a $289 million rate decrease – not an increase. Satterfield brought that up as well.

"Please listen to the Public Staff, and deny Duke’s request," she said.

The courtroom was silent as she spoke, but many in the crowd waved green slips of paper to signal their approval, the visual equivalent of applause. More than a hundred people were in the courtroom, with more outside, and about 50 signed up to speak.

Duke Spokesman Tim Pettit said during a break that Duke’s rate request is based on its own calculations of what’s needed.

"Any adjustment to our rates will ultimately be up to the commission to evaluate that and determine what rate adjustment might be necessary, as a result of our investments," he said.

It was the last of three public comment sessions on the rate hike. A hearing before the full utilities commission begins next month in Raleigh.

Source Article

The post Customers Don’t Like Duke Rate Hike, Or Paying For Coal Ash Cleanups appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/customers-dont-like-duke-rate-hike-or-paying-for-coal-ash-cleanups/

[1g1e0]

Circle K Joins Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Athletics as the District’s Preferred Pregame Snacks Provider

“We live in a great community. We are fortunate to have excellent schools and terrific high school sports,” explained Mark Ostoits, Vice President of the Southeast Division of Circle K. “We are excited to be a part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools athletics and are proud to partner with our local schools to support student-athletes, their coaches, and their families."

Circle K is a strong advocate of public education and scholastic athletic programs. With their investment, CMS Athletics will continue to work with National Amateur Sports (NAS), a leader in the high school sports marketing space, to provide impactful opportunities and automated information to more student-athletes, coaches, administrators and families than ever before.

“CMS Athletics is very pleased to join in community partnership with Circle K,” said Sue Doran, Athletic Director for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “This partnership will strengthen our commitment to provide consistent opportunity and resources to our schools, student-athletes and families.”

For more information about CMS Athletics and their community partners, please visit their platform. The web address is cmsathleticzone.com and is operated by National Amateur Sports.

About Circle K:

Circle K is the global convenience brand of Canadian convenience store company Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. The company has more than 7,863 locations in North America. Under licensing agreements, an additional 1,500 stores are operated under the Circle K banner in 13 other countries and territories around the world. Circle K is committed to helping people on-the-go refuel—from Polar Pop™, fresh-brewed Simply Great Coffee and Made To Go snacks to gasoline and diesel fuel. It is based in Charlotte, N.C. To learn more, visit www.CircleK.com

About National Amateur Sports:

National Amateur Sports (NAS) is a full-service sports marketing firm focused on growing amateur athletics programs. By leveraging technology, NAS eases administrative burdens and enriches the quality of school’s media assets. The improved platform drives traffic and attracts community partners eager to reach this valued demographic through targeted marketing campaigns and community good will. These partnerships generate much needed revenue for interscholastic sports.

Source Article

The post Circle K Joins Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Athletics as the District’s Preferred Pregame Snacks Provider appeared first on 1 G 1 E.

Read More At: http://www.1g1e.com/circle-k-joins-charlotte-mecklenburg-schools-athletics-as-the-districts-preferred-pregame-snacks-provider/