According to the 2016 Franchise Business Economic Outlook report, employment growth in the franchise sector will continue to outpace the growth of employment in all businesses economy-wide, as it has in each of the last six years. The franchise industry is set to grow by 1.7 percent in 2016 which added over 13,000 new franchise businesses, generating over $900 billion in economic output and 278,000 new jobs in 2015.
Kumon, the world’s largest education franchise, continues to flourish as it surpassed company milestones in 2015 with nearly 300,000 students enrolled in its math and reading programs nationwide.
“Many of our 1,500 franchise owners opened Kumon centers after experiencing first-hand how Kumon gave their own children an academic advantage that put them ahead of their peers,” says Larry Lambert, vice president of franchise recruitment at Kumon North America. “Kumon is helping thousands of aspiring small business owners transform their lives with a career that rewards them and changes the lives of youth every day.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7720256-kumon-franchise/
Hair2wear recently announced that Sally Beauty, the world’s largest beauty retailer, will be expanding its partnership with the Hair2wear Christie Brinkley Collection. The retailer will add three more Christie Brinkley styles to its shelves in stores in every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, increasing the total selection from two to five pieces. In addition, Sally Beauty will also carry all five looks on its website at sallybeauty.com/hair2wear.
“I’m absolutely thrilled at the success of our partnership with Sally Beauty so far, and I couldn’t be happier that they’ve decided to expand their offerings to include even more styles,” said Brinkley. “This has been such an incredible opportunity that’s allowed us to expand our reach to more women than ever.”
The new styles include the Fishtail Braid Headband, a headband in an on-trend fishtail pattern made to layer up or wear alone; the Full Sweeping Side Fringe, a clip-in piece that gives you all the flirty fun of bangs without the commitment; and the Natural Tone Hair Wrap, a casual yet elegant way to dress up an updo without looking overly formal. Each style is available in a wide variety of shades, ranging from Light Blonde to Almost Black.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7768751-hair2wear-sally-beauty-expands/
The Epilepsy Foundation launched the “Talk About It!” public service announcement featuring actor Greg Grunberg to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue about epilepsy and seizures. Greg, best known for his roles on Heroes, Alias, and Felicity, has an adult son who lives with epilepsy, a condition that affects nearly 3 million Americans. The Epilepsy Foundation and Greg teamed up for this PSA, sponsored by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., to drive much needed conversation about epilepsy – bringing the condition out of the shadows and honoring a community that deserves better awareness and understanding. More information about the PSA and initiative can be found by visiting the Epilepsy Foundation at epilepsy.com.
Knoxville Zoo is now Zoo Knoxville, emphasizing its commitment to animals first and foremost. The new brand for East Tennessee’s beloved destination attraction is an expression of its core values: wildly fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. The launch of the zoo’s new brand is the culmination of extensive market research and reflects the nonprofit organization’s focus on delivering dynamic guest experiences while inspiring action for wildlife and wild places.
“We deliver an unforgettable guest experience. We’re wildly fun,” said Lisa New, president and CEO. “Zoo visitors love connecting with magnificent animals in natural habitats and enjoying facilitated fun. It’s about making lifetime memories with your kids.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7754151-knoxville-zoo-rebranding/
The sixth annual Productive Innovation Index released by IDEA Pharma today, which ranks biopharmaceutical companies by their ability to successfully bring innovations to market, sees Johnson & Johnson top the industry for the fourth year running.
The Productive Innovation Index measures, scores and celebrates a company’s ability to deliver innovation to patients, by objectively evaluating performance data based on a rolling five year period (2010-2015), and operates on the premise: if you gave the same molecule to two different companies in early phase, which would make the best of it?
The success of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and its consolidation of 1st place across the past four years’ rankings is driven largely by innovations in the field of oncology, immunology, neuroscience and cardiovascular/metabolism. Notable performers include Zytiga® (prostate cancer), Imbruvica® (chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma (co-developed and co-marketed with Pharmacyclics, an AbbVie company)), Simponi®/Simponi Aria® (rheumatoid arthritis), Stelara® (psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis), Invega Sustenna® and Invega Trinza® (schizophrenia).
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7770851-johnson-and-johnson-tops-idea-pharma/
The new edition of the Habanos Festival will feature an outstanding international musical line-up. For five whole days, from the 29th of February to the 4th of March, this annual event dedicated to Habano cigars will gather more than 1,500 attendees from over 50 countries that will discover this year’s major launches in an exclusive and inspiring setting.
The Welcome Event, dedicated to the Hoyo de Monterrey Reserva Cosecha 2012, will have Alexander Abreu, renowned trumpet player, composer and winner of a Latin Grammy, and his group Havana D’Primera to close the evening. On the other hand, the Gala Evening, in tribute to Cohiba on its 50th Anniversary, will feature performances by such distinguished artists as Chucho Valdés, the Cuban pianist and composer, winner of five Grammys and three Latin Grammys; Estrella Morente, the Spanish Flamenco singer; or Jorge Drexler, the Uruguayan singer and songwriter, winner of an Oscar and two Latin Grammys. They will share the stage with rising popular international names in Cuban music such as Alain Pérez, Geidi Chapman and Cucu Diamantes.
Talent will also be enjoyed at the International Habanosommelier contest, that this year celebrates its 15th anniversary, and will bring together the world’s best “Habanosommeliers”, the winners of all the previous editions, with the challenge of finding the “Maestro de Maestros” of Habanos pairings with the most famous drinks and cocktails.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7767951-top-music-artists-to-play-habanos-festival/
Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, which is available today on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, is a heartwarming adventure about the power of friendship and discovering who you are meant to be.
In this epic journey, a young apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend while traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape. Arlo learns not only the value of friendship, but also how to confront his fears and discover what he is truly capable of.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7765751-disney-the-good-dinosaur/
Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has named Hershel “Woody” Williams of Ona, West Virginia, as the Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Rare Life Award. Eagle Rare will donate $50,000 to Williams’ charity, the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, and host an awards ceremony in Lexington, Kentucky on February 27, 2016.
The Rare Life Award is an annual recognition program created to honor individuals who exhibit courage, leadership, survival, devotion, character and heroism. Candidates are nominated by friends, family and colleagues. Their stories and photos are posted online at www.eaglerarelife.com.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7761951-2016-rare-life-award/
Five international apprentices visited global construction and mining equipment manufacturer XCMG's headquarters in Xuzhou, China for a one-week immersive XCMG Apprentice Program from January 18 to 24.
The program was the company's first time bringing global apprentices to China; five apprentices from the United States, Brazil, Russia, Kenya and Pakistan stood out from a global selection.
The participants came from different backgrounds but shared the same interest towards the construction and machinery industry. In addition to the comprehensive tour led by XCMG employees that included visits to the crane assembly factory and Asia's largest vibration and noise lab, as well as engaging activities like operating excavators, the apprentices also acted as their mentors' assistants, learning about the state-of-the-art technologies in construction machineries through a day's work.
"XCMG has a keen focus on cultivating talents and encouraging communication through educational programs like XCMG Apprentice, which has introduced XCMG's technological and innovational achievements to the international community," said Wang Min, chairman and president of XCMG.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7764851-xcmg-apprentice-program/
A new solar power system is installed in the United States every 1.6 minutes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). With the number of residential solar installations expected to increase this year by 35 percent according to GTM Research, more consumers will have an opportunity to choose the best solar solution for their home, saving on electricity bills while generating clean energy. Offering a record-setting, proven solar power solution, SunPower reminds homeowners that better solar technology exists and is accessible today.
“Solar technology differs widely from brand to brand, so it’s important for consumers to consider that not all panels deliver the same amount of energy, look elegant on a roof, or are guaranteed to last as long as promised,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. “SunPower® panels are the most efficient that homeowners can buy, and we stand behind them for a quarter century. We’re proud to hold the world-record title for efficiency.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7706151-sunpower-residential-solar-panel/
It is amazing to think of the undiscovered treasures that are lurking in attics, cellars and barns around the world, following Campen Auktioner’s recent discovery of more than 50 Renault automobiles in a barn on the Danish island of Funen in January this year.
Although many of the cars are non-runners, they were carefully prepared and waxed before being placed into storage for almost five decades. The Danish collection bears all of the call signs of a dedicated enthusiast with a great passion for Renault and their contributions to the families of the fifties, sixties and seventies.
The owner of this amazing discovery, Anker Krarup, calmly maintains that his collection is a consequence of pure coincidence; it began very simply when he decided to upgrade from a bicycle to an automobile in 1968. He chose the Renault 4CV because he once sat at a dinner table with a man whose wife drove the same model. Despite having a broken heater, and later a broken engine, the 4CV was repaired and used for many years- it even helped Krarup to woo his wife-to-be along the way.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7763751-classic-automobile-collection-denmark-barn/
For decades, drivers have been accustomed to accessing and driving cars with physical keys. But no longer. In a ground-breaking move for the automotive industry, Volvo Cars plans to become the world’s first car manufacturer to offer cars without keys from 2017.
Volvo customers will be offered an application for their mobile phones to replace the physical key with a digital key. The innovative Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology, will offer Volvo customers far more flexibility, enabling them to benefit from entirely new ways to use and share cars.
The new Volvo app enables the digital key on the customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does, such as locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and allowing the engine to be started.
This new technology will also offer customers the possibility to receive more than one digital key on their app allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations – according to their changing mobility needs.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7761852-volvo-phone-as-key/
