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World's Leading Specialty Battery Franchise Achieves Historic Success with Unprecedented Commercial Sales Throughout 2024 HARTLAND, Wis. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus , the world's leading specialty battery franchise, has marked a historic milestone in October 2024 , setting all-time commercial sales records across its franchise and systemwide channels. Total systemwide commercial sales grew by 23.7% year-over-year, with franchise commercial sales increasing by 24.4%, marking the highest monthly performance in the company's history. The record-breaking success in October was not an isolated achievement, but rather a continuation of a historic 2024. Batteries Plus has experienced more than 20% year-over-year growth in systemwide commercial sales for five of the first 10 months of the year. Year-to-date, total commercial sales have grown by 16.1% through October. "Achieving this record-breaking October is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our franchisees and the ongoing strength of our commercial growth strategy," said Scott O'Farrell , Chief Commercial Officer of Batteries Plus . "Our commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions for our commercial partners continues to position us as a leader in the industry." This October milestone also capped off a flawless 10-for-10 streak in exceeding commercial sales targets for 2024, driven by Batteries Plus's commitment to exceptional service, in-stock availability, and a diversified approach across consumer and commercial channels. The company has exceeded its sales plan for every month, currently 2.6% ahead of plan through October. Remarkably, the top eight commercial sales months in franchise history have all occurred this year, demonstrating the strength and scalability of the franchise system. "October's success is just the beginning of an exciting period for Batteries Plus," said Joe Malmuth , Chief Development Officer . "We're witnessing substantial growth across all facets of the business. This record-breaking performance is a direct result of our team's tireless efforts to drive meaningful results for our franchise owners and customers alike." Building on this momentum, Batteries Plus is looking ahead to close the year strong, with plans to enhance its market presence, introduce new business partnerships, and continue the expansion of its franchise network that has reached over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide. In 2024, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times' Top 400 list at #128 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine 's Franchise 500 ® Hall of Fame, alongside placements on Entrepreneur 's Franchise 500 ® and the Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners lists. For more information on Batteries Plus, including franchise opportunities and a virtual store tour, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com . ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI , is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli , a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City . To learn more about one of Forbes ® ' Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Danny Stewart , Fishman Public Relations, dstewart@fishmanpr.com or 847-945-1300 ext. 266 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/batteries-plus-celebrates-record-breaking-commercial-sales-month-surpassing-major-milestones-in-franchise-and-systemwide-commercial-growth-302315675.html SOURCE Batteries PlusApple halts effort to build iPhone hardware subscription service
Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road. A desert oasis outside of Dubai draws a new caravan: A family of rodents from Argentina AL QUDRA LAKES, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A desert oasis hidden away in the dunes in the far reaches of skyscraper-studded Dubai has drawn a surprising new set of weary world travelers: a pack of Argentinian rodents. A number of Patagonian mara, a rabbit-like mammal with long legs, big ears and a body like a hoofed animal, now roam the grounds of Al Qudra Lakes, typically home to gazelle and other desert creatures of the United Arab Emirates. How they got there remains a mystery in the UAE, a country where exotic animals have ended up in the private homes and farms of the wealthy. But the pack appears to be thriving there and likely have survived several years already in a network of warrens among the dunes.
( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - The Jordanian-Egyptian Fajr Company, Advanced Central gas Company“ProGas,” Tanmia petroleum Company, and Traditional fashion Garments Factory on Wednesday signed agreements to supply Natural gas to the main compressed natural gas (CNG) station project in the Hashemiyah area. The agreements were signed by CEO of Fajr Company Fouad Rashad, CEO of ProGas Fadi Shoubaki and CEO of Tanmia Natural Gas Company Mohamed Tarabili. ProGas and Classic Fashion also signed a separate agreement for the transportation and distribution of gas to the factory, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. During the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted the significance of these agreements as part of Jordan's national project to deliver natural gas to various areas and industrial clusters nationwide. He also said that the initiative aims to reduce energy costs for the industrial sector, attract investments, create jobs and boost the national economy. Kharabsheh also announced plans to provide natural gas to industrial zones in Maan's Rawda area, Muwaqqar, Mafraq Development Zone, and other industrial estates. Utilising natural gas in these regions is projected to lower energy costs by around 60 per cent, easing financial pressures on economic sectors, enhancing competitiveness, accessing new markets, and increasing productivity, he added. The project will feature "state-of-the-art" technology and adhere to global standards, including advanced fast-fuelling compressors, distributors, and remote monitoring and control systems for both the main station and transport vehicles. A sub-reduction station will also be installed within the factory premises. The agreements with ProGas represent a "milestone" for Jordan, allowing the company to establish CNG facilities and distribute gas via specialised vehicles to factories not connected to the main gas network. This project, in cooperation with Tanmia Natural Gas Company and Fajr Company, is designed to maximise the economic benefits of natural gas utilisation in the Kingdom. MENAFN18122024000028011005ID1109009874 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Revolution in AI: B2B Takes the Lead. Uncover the Next Tech FrontierNortec Minerals Corp. ( CVE:NVT – Get Free Report ) shares hit a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02, with a volume of 138000 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Nortec Minerals Trading Down 25.0 % The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.23, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of C$801,000.00, a PE ratio of -2.00 and a beta of 0.75. Nortec Minerals Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Nortec Minerals Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company explores for gold, zinc, copper, lead, silver, and lithium deposits. It holds interests in the Tammela project located in southwest Finland; the Sturgeon Lake VMS property located in Ontario, Canada; and the Mattagami River zinc project located in Ontario, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nortec Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nortec Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
In a recent development, Apple criticized Meta Platforms, accusing the social media giant of requesting excessive access to its software tools. Apple claims this could jeopardize user privacy and security, further intensifying the competition between these tech behemoths. According to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, effective since last year, Apple is mandated to facilitate interoperability with competitors. Failure to comply could result in a hefty penalty of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Thus far, Meta has filed 15 interoperability requests, seeking extensive access to Apple's technology. This exceeds the number submitted by any other company, raising concerns about potential privacy and security implications, as noted in Apple's report. (With inputs from agencies.)WASHINGTON — NASA described a plan to launch a multi-billion dollar spacecraft in 2026 as “overly optimistic and not credible” in a September letter to Maryland lawmakers that Capital News Service obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests. On Sept. 4, NASA informed Congress it was ending the $2 billion OSAM-1 project, which was expected to service existing satellites and expand their lifespans in space, among other capabilities. Twelve days after the announcement, nine Maryland lawmakers demanded that NASA explain why it cancelled the project, which was based at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt. In its response, dated Sept. 25, NASA cited numerous risks, an overly ambitious plan and a low return on investment as rationales for ending the project. “The majority of NASA technology demonstrations are less complex and have orders of magnitude lower project lifecycle costs (in the $10 million-$100 million range) than OSAM-1,” said the letter signed by Alicia Brown, NASA’s associate administrator for the office of legislative and intergovernmental affairs. “Therefore, NASA is willing to take more risk in managing these technology demonstration projects. ... OSAM-1 is considered by NASA to be a high cost and highly complex project.” Multiple parts of NASA’s response were redacted in the copy of the letter CNS obtained. Since its start in 2015, the OSAM-1 project has been subjected to sizable cost increases and delays, leading to NASA first announcing the mission’s shutdown on March 1. The agency has stood firm on its decision despite urging from the Congress, especially members of the Maryland delegation. The NASA website for the project says the OSAM-1 mission “is developing an unprecedented capability for a robust, cost-effective space infrastructure.” Despite NASA’s insistence on cancelling the mission, Maryland lawmakers continually have advocated for OSAM-1 to proceed, citing the importance of the project and the efforts of the workers at Goddard. As of Aug. 31, OSAM-1 had 249 contractors and 76 civil servants associated with the project, the letter said. In a statement, Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, as well as Maryland Reps. Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey, maintained their criticism of NASA for ending the mission. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger separately told CNS he concurred with the sentiments of his fellow Democrats. “This critical program provided NASA a distinct solution to a difficult challenge: maintaining our satellites in space,” the lawmakers said. “With the capabilities being developed by OSAM-1, NASA had the opportunity to both service satellites while still in orbit and extend the useful lives of these valuable assets,” they said. “In its shortsighted decision to cancel this mission, NASA has put these important long-term benefits aside, while also undermining the tireless efforts of our Goddard workforce.” An OSAM-1 independent review estimated development of the mission would cost $1.6 billion, a 200 percent increase since its inception. Originally targeted to launch in 2020, OSAM-1 was years behind schedule. Congress provided $227 million for OSAM-1 in the 2024 fiscal year budget and had a 2026 target launch for the spacecraft. In the letter, NASA said any plan for a 2026 launch would involve risks not normally taken for a project this expensive. To execute the mission, NASA would have had to treat OSAM-1 as a Class D mission according to the letter, which normally represents a “lower priority mission with medium to low complexity.” The cost to launch the proposed mission would be $353 million as of Oct. 1, while the shut down costs are $29 million, according to the letter. One of the major dangers of the 2026 plan, according to the letter, was a reduction in testing. With the new plan, there would be less testing on the overall system, on the launch site and on some of the systems within the spacecraft.
Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) Shares Bought by Commerce BankThursday, December 19, 2024 Tampa International Airport marked a significant milestone on Wednesday as officials, along with business and community leaders, celebrated the groundbreaking of Airside D, the airport’s first new terminal in nearly two decades. Standing on the expansive airfield, where flags outlined the future terminal’s footprint, attendees were given a glimpse of Airside D’s potential to support the region’s rapid growth and the expected surge in passengers and flights. “This state-of-the-art Airside will help us continue our tradition of staying ahead of trends by adding 16 gates for both domestic and international flights at TPA,” Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. “It will also feature the latest technology for our passengers when it opens in 2028. We’re going to do it the Tampa way.” Lopano was joined by prominent leaders integral to the project, including Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Tampa Mayor and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board Member Jane Castor, TPA’s Executive Vice President of Planning, Development, and Maintenance Smitha Radhakrishnan, and Hensel Phelps Southeast Regional Vice President Justin Starnes. “The state of Florida has a nationally renowned, world-class transportation system and it’s because of partners like the TPA that we can truly say that,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said . “Airside D is a shining example of how we lead in infrastructure and continue to build world-class facilities that support the growth of the state of Florida.” The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Airside took place on the airfield where the facility will be constructed, located northwest of TPA’s Main Terminal. This site was previously home to the original Airside D, which debuted with the airport in 1971. The outdated facility was decommissioned and demolished in 2007, and the space has since been utilized for overnight aircraft parking. Guests at the event enjoyed a lively flash mob performance to kick off the ceremony. They also had the opportunity to view a scale model of the future Airside and explore its design through a virtual reality station set up in the event tent. “This day is a monumental day not just for the city of Tampa, but for the entire Tampa Bay region,” Tampa Mayor and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board Member Jane Castor said . “TPA is such a jewel in the crown of the Tampa Bay area, and it is something that every single traveler gets to experience.” Airside D will feature two levels and a mezzanine, including two airline lounges, a bright and open international arrivals processing area on the ground floor, glass boarding bridges offering stunning views of the airfield, and a variety of new shopping and dining experiences. As the centerpiece of Phase 3 of Tampa International Airport’s Master Plan, this project is designed to meet the demands of increasing traveler numbers. Currently serving around 25 million passengers annually, the new Airside D will position TPA to accommodate up to 35 million passengers each year by 2037. ”Make no mistake, this Airside will be all about the passenger journey and we are going to make it magnificent,” said Smitha Radhakrishnan, TPA’s Executive Vice President of Planning & Development and Maintenance. “As this project progresses, there are going to be several opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to be part of this project, and that is a priority for TPA.” Spanning approximately 600,000 square feet, Airside D will be the largest terminal at Tampa International Airport upon its completion. The project, with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, is slated to open to the public in 2028. Recent renderings unveiled earlier this month showcased Airside D at the 30% design phase. These visuals were developed by the project’s design-build team, led by construction firm Hensel Phelps in collaboration with architecture and engineering company HNTB Corporation and design partner Gensler. The final design is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. “Airside D is something that Hensel Phelps, HNTB, Gensler are all very passionate about and proud of, and we really hope that the entire Tampa Bay area will be as enthusiastic and support the new Airside D as much as they have the existing airport here today,” Hensel Phelps Southeast Region Vice President Justin Starnes said . A $91 million enabling contract, approved by the HCAA Board during its December meeting, will kickstart onsite work at TPA. This initial phase includes installing security fencing around the future Airside’s perimeter, removing concrete, setting up contractor offices, and conducting utility work, among other preparatory tasks.