New Albany, Miss. — After a full review of its business opportunities, market conditions and other options, Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG) has reached the difficult but necessary decision to begin the process of permanently closing its manufacturing facility located in New Albany, Miss. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden, dramatic and unexpected conditions outside of the company’s control. The unprecedented and major economic downturn and the governmental-forced closures of many of RSG’s customers have contributed to these unforeseeable business conditions. As a result, product manufacturing will be consolidated to …
vendors
Tampa, Fla. — 2020 has been difficult for facility managers (FMs), especially those in small businesses. Challenges surrounding cash flow, remote work and personal safety are understandably top of mind. In addition to all these COVID-19 related challenges, hurricanes and summer heat are on their way. CNN reports that a broad spectrum of experts predict an above-average number of storms; some project an extremely active season. An average of predictions for the season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, forecasts eight hurricanes and 17 named storms. By comparison, …
Norcross, Ga. — Hera Lighting has promoted Dustin Carpenter to director, business development. He will lead Hera’s business development team as they work together to serve all retailers in North America. “As partnerships with large retailers continue to grow for Hera Lighting, we are excited to have Dustin leverage Hera’s business development efforts to better serve the entire retail, hospitality and commercial markets,” says Brad Stewart, executive vice president of sales for Hera Lighting. Carpenter has a successful track record in retail display lighting, in particular. He has spent the …
— By Graham Campbell — Choosing a new POS: 5 tips to avoid unexpected costs in the long run. Shopping for a new POS system can be a difficult process. Whether owners have a restaurant, salon, retail store or other type of business, the right POS system can help drive sales, manage their business and even leverage e-commerce features like online ordering, third-party delivery or loyalty programs. However, the wrong POS system can cause serious problems for any business, including unexpected costs. To avoid these incremental costs further …
Tampa, Fla. — There is no good time for store flooding, but it’s even more difficult for facility managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for one Georgia facility manager, MaintenX was able to turn around a bad situation, quickly, professionally and — most importantly — safely. When the mobile phone store reopened, the staff faced 3 inches of standing water throughout the shop (due to a leaky toilet), and the adjacent store was also damaged. After reaching out to MaintenX, its Emergency Response crew was able to respond in less …
— By Mac McConnell — How to create a consistent luxury shopping experience across locations. Imagine you’re a shopper who just stepped into a luxury goods store. You are greeted by a sharply attired, uber-friendly store employee who hands you a tall glass of chilled sparkling wine and offers to give you a guided tour of the newest inventory. “No thanks for now,” you say, explaining that you’d rather do some browsing first. As you stroll through the aisles, you take in the impressive sights: the finish of …
Oak Brook, Ill. — Let’s Pave has recognized the toll COVID-19 has taken on assisted living communities across the country. In an effort to provide a well-deserved ‘Thank You’ and support to those medical professionals, aides and staff members who are risking their health and well-being, Let’s Pave has raised more than $40,000 in 24 hours, which will be distributed to various healthcare and assisted living facilities throughout the country, starting in the Massachusetts area. The company’s goal is to raise much more over the next few weeks. Let’s Pave …
Dallas — Connex, the multi-site facilities network, formerly known as PRSM, has announced its board of directors and has selected new officers for the 2020-2021 term. The new officers are: Chair: Jordan Campbell (pictured), Facilities Manager, BOTTEGA VENETA Vice Chair: Anthony Armato, Director, Facilities & Energy Management, ULTA Beauty Treasurer: Grant Baecker, President, Authority HVAC Secretary: Jaclyn Frenzel, President, OnSite, Inc. As immediate past board chair, Myriah Kingen, director of facilities management for DaVita Kidney Care, will continue to serve on the board. The association membership also elected two new …
Carson, Calif. — Clipper Corporation is supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) — face masks and no-touch thermometers — to restaurants, grocery chains, retail stores and foodservice companies in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the core product line of Clipper’s foodservice branch traditionally includes items like hot pans, fry baskets and plates, Lina Hu, the company’s CEO, organized a pivot when she saw the need for PPE. Leveraging a proprietary distribution network, Clipper has turned on a dime, manufacturing millions of masks within just 1 week. First, Clipper provided these …
— By Steve Peldiak — A spilled glass of water can easily be resolved. But the same amount of water on the floor from an unknown source could represent a major costly repair. Spring showers and the winter thaw have begun. Rain or snow melting from the rooftop finds its way to a clogged gutter, causing the water to run between the interior and exterior wall. This could unknowingly go on for days and weeks. By the time the water is visual, the damage has already been done. Mold …