Mike Berg – CitizenNewsWire http://citizennewswire.com Reports from the globe Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:31:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.9 https://i0.wp.com/citizennewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-cnw3-e1597538475492.png?fit=32%2C32 Mike Berg – CitizenNewsWire http://citizennewswire.com 32 32 182810965 Best Shopping Deals found on Amazon says Recent Study http://citizennewswire.com/2020/11/24/best-shopping-deals-found-on-amazon-says-recent-study/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:31:07 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1980 An ever-increasing number of online shoppers turn to Amazon for the convenience and competitive pricing.

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An ever-increasing number of online shoppers turn to Amazon for the convenience and competitive pricing. Not surprisingly, a recent study, comparing the top online and in-store retailer in the U.S., showed that Amazon provides the lowest prices and best shopping deals.

Amazon has best shopping deals according to new study. image: needpix.com

The results come from an annual ‘Price Wars’ study by a company called Profitero. This was the fourth year that the study has been performed.

As part of the study, a comprehensive analysis is performed which compares prices on over 18,400 consumer products. These fall into 21 categories most often bought by consumers.

The list of product categories included household supplies, health and personal care, office supplies, home furniture, electronics, appliances and others.

The study looks at the prices of those items across a number of major retailers. Both online and brick-and-mortar, the retailers were Amazon, Walmart, Target, Staples, Home Depot, Wayfair, Macy’s, Walgreen’s, CVS, Kroger, Nordstrom, Best Buy, Lowes, and Chewy.

According to the study, “Amazon offered customers the lowest prices most often and most consistently.”

While the complete results of the study can be found on Profitero’s web site, here are some of the highlights:

Consistently, Amazon was found to offer the lowest priced option in all categories. At the top of the list for savings was Home Furniture. In this category, Amazon was 35% more affordable than other retailers. Not far behind, Vitamins and Supplements were on average 34% cheaper.

These were followed closely by Health and Personal Care and Beauty products. Consumers would save 26% and 22% respectively by shopping for these items on Amazon versus the other retailers.

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Fisker Moves Closer to Delivery of its Ocean SUV http://citizennewswire.com/2020/11/23/fisker-moves-closer-to-delivery-of-its-ocean-suv/ Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:30:52 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1969 Fisker announced this week that it has completed another engineering milestone putting it one-step closer

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Fisker announced this week that it has completed another engineering milestone putting it one-step closer to delivering the Fisker Ocean SUV to consumers.

Fisker Ocean SUV
Fisker is another step closer to production of its electric SUV.

In a press release, the company indicated that it had completed the Preliminary Product Specification gateway with help from its affiliate – Magna International Inc. Fisker touts this PPS gateway as a key engineering and purchasing milestone for completion of the Ocean SUV.

As part of this achievement, the company was able to confirm preliminary design specifications as well as key components and subsystems. It also confirms the planned timing for future gateways leading up to the launch of actual production – just over a year from now.

“Today’s announcements demonstrate our team’s ability to set aggressive targets and achieve them on time,” commented Fisker Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Henrik Fisker.

“Completing these important engineering and purchasing milestones demonstrates how well the Fisker and Magna teams are working together and keeping our rapid, capital-light product development program on-track towards the delivery of the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV, expected to commence in Q4 2022.”

Under the terms of an agreement reached last month, the Fisker Ocean SUV will initially be manufactured exclusively by Magna in Europe.

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Avoid Cyber Crime while Holiday Shopping Online http://citizennewswire.com/2020/11/22/avoid-cyber-crime-while-holiday-shopping-online/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:40:26 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1963 Leading computer anti-virus software company McAfee, explains how to stay safe and avoid becoming a

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Leading computer anti-virus software company McAfee, explains how to stay safe and avoid becoming a victim of cyber-crime while holiday shopping online this year.

The company is basing their advice on years of experience as well as recent studies about online shopping habits and intentions of consumers.

Holiday Shopping Online
Tips to avoid scams while Holiday Shopping Online. image: PhotoMIX-Company

McAfee recently analyzed the results of its 2020 Holiday Season: State of Today’s Digital e-Shopper survey. The results show that, “while consumers are aware of increased risks and scams via the internet, they still plan to do more shopping online – and earlier – this holiday season.”

Nearly two-thirds of consumers in America say that they believe online scams and cyber-crime are more prevalent than ever. Despite this, just over one-third of them still plan to do more holiday shopping online this year than ever before.

The study also showed that a lot of the increase in online holiday shopping is being driven by current pandemic. Over the last year consumers have come to rely more on online shopping for the majority of their purchases.

If face, the survey showed that nearly half of consumers are buying more products online since the COVID-19 pandemic began. What’s more, 18% say they buys something online every day, while 34% shop online 3-5 days a week.

All of this creates an attractive market for cyber criminals and internet scams. Criminals know that less than one-third of consumers who receive an email or text message, touting online shopping discounts, will check to verify whether the message a scam.

“With results showing the growing prevalence of online shopping, consumers need to be aware of how cybercriminals are looking to take advantage and take the necessary steps to protect themselves- and their loved ones- this holiday season,” said Judith Bitterli, VP of Consumer Marketing at McAfee.

Here are some steps to shop online safely this holiday season:

  • Employ multi-factor authentication to double check the authenticity of digital users and add an additional layer of security to protect personal data and information.
  • Browse with caution and added security using a tool like McAfee WebAdvisor to block malware and phishing sites via malicious links.
  • Protect your identity and important personal and financial details using McAfee Identity Theft Protection, which also includes recovery tools should your identity be compromised.

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First Women’s Bank to Fund Women Owned Businesses http://citizennewswire.com/2020/11/09/first-womens-bank-to-fund-women-owned-businesses/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:59:46 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1915 In a move that aims to close the gap on gender inequality,related to women owned

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In a move that aims to close the gap on gender inequality,related to women owned businesses, Fiserv announced that it’s backing the launch of First Women’s Bank. The bank will focus on helping women get the funding they need for operating small business. It’s mission is to “grow the small business economy and advance the role of women within it.”

The First Women’s Bank is set to open its doors in the first half of 2021 – beginning with its flagship location in Chicago.

First Women’s Bank will be an innovative commercial bank and the only bank in the country with a strategic focus on the women’s economy,” said Marianne Markowitz, president and CEO at First Women’s Bank.

Markowitz went on to explain that the bank will also use technology to connect small businesses capital that they need. Beyond that, their mission and resources will also provide opportunities to promote gender equality and inclusion.

Although First Women’s Bank has a primary focus on lending and financial services to support women, it will also seek business and opportunity from a wide range of clients.

This wide range includes those clients sought under Fiserv’s Back2Business initiative. This program is designed to provide assistance and backing to small, minority-owned businesses. Especially those small business that have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

In addition to financial support, the Back2Business program provides business expertise, technology solutions, and helps to build and leverage strategic partnerships.

“The mission of First Women’s Bank made them an ideal choice for a Back2Business partner,” said Todd Horvath, head of Account Processing Services at Fiserv. “We look forward to working with them to bring the program to Chicago.”

Fiserv is providing guidance on technology solutions which will align with First Women’s Bank overall strategy and goals. Many of these solutions, they believe will improve the customer and employee experience, and set the bank apart from its competition.

First Women’s Bank is a pioneer, and it is a privilege to be their partner as they build a bank to serve the growing women’s economy,” said Danelle Hawig, vice president of segment strategy for Bank Solutions at Fiserv.

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Fisker Ocean Electric SUV reveal set for 2021 Auto Show http://citizennewswire.com/2020/10/25/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-reveal-set-for-2021-auto-show/ Sun, 25 Oct 2020 22:43:34 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1811 California-based Fisker Inc. told the press last week that it will reveal the Fisker Ocean

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California-based Fisker Inc. told the press last week that it will reveal the Fisker Ocean at the upcoming 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all electric SUV Fisker Ocean was originally scheduled for a reveal at the 2020 show. But that was canceled due to the pandemic.

The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show will run from May 21-31 at the LA Convention Center.

Fisker Ocean Electric SUV
Fisker Ocean Electric SUV set for an unveiling at the LA 2021 Auto Show in May.
Photo: Business Wire

In addition to being the company’s first electric SUV, this launch of the Fisker Ocean represents the company’s first production vehicle. According to Fisker, Ocean will deliver class-leading range and performance, along with functional interior space which includes third-row seating.

“It’s with great excitement that we’re making the global debut of the Fisker Ocean here in our home city of Los Angeles,” said Henrik Fisker, Chairman and CEO of Fisker.

“As befits the world’s first digital car company, we are also planning to showcase several Fisker-unique technologies that will support our differentiated ownership experience and vehicle functionality.”

While Fisker is based in California, the company has developed a partnership in Europe with Magna International. Magna will assemble the Ocean in Europe, with production scheduled to being in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Despite the fact that production has not yet begun, Fisker has already inked a deal for 300 vehicles. These Oceans will be delivered to Viggo, a Danish ride-hailing service.

Viggo, plans to use the Fisker vehicles to build its all-electric fleet. With it the company hopes to set a new standard for urban transportation.

Some see Fisker as a company which could eventually become a rival to Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors. But with production of its first electric vehicle still over a year away, that could take some doing.

To learn more about Fisker and the company’s vision for eco-friendly electric vehicles, visit www.FiskerInc.com.

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Brockman & Smith Caught in largest Tax Fraud Scheme http://citizennewswire.com/2020/10/19/brockman-smith-caught-in-largest-tax-fraud-scheme/ Mon, 19 Oct 2020 19:58:20 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1744 According to a report in the Washington Post, Robert T. Brockman, a billionaire from Texas

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According to a report in the Washington Post, Robert T. Brockman, a billionaire from Texas was indicted in the largest tax fraud scheme ever seen in America.

“The allegation of a $2 billion tax fraud is the largest ever tax charge against an individual in the United States,” David L. Anderson, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, said at a news conference.

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Robert Brockman and Billionaires – Robert Smith were caught in a massive tax fraud scheme. credit: Daily Mail

The 79 year-old Brockman was indicted by a federal grand jury late last week. Among the 39 charges levied by prosecutors are, including tax fraud, wire fraud, evidence tampering and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that Brockman’s criminal actions started in 1999. It was then that they say be started to move money into overseas accounts and “covering his tracks” as he did so.

A former Marine, Brockman worked at Ford and IBM before starting his own company, Universal Computer Systems. About 30 years later, in 2006, his company was acquired by Reynolds and Reynolds – keeping Brockman as Chief Executive.  

In a statement to the New York Times the company said that it “is not alleged to have engaged in any wrongdoing, and we are confident in the integrity and strength of our business.” They went on to say that what Brockman did occurred “outside of his professional responsibilities.”

Over the last 2 decades, Brockman allegedly developed and used a network of entities in Bermuda and Nevis to income from the government, and hid other untaxed profits in banks in Bermuda and Switzerland.

Along with Brockman, Robert F. Smith is listed as a co-conspirator. Smith, a 57-year-old billionaire, fell into the spotlight in in 2019. In May of that year, he pledged to pay off all the student loans for the graduating class of Morehouse College, an all-male, historically Black college in Atlanta.

Smith is the founder of a private equity fund – Vista Equity Partners. However, the firm had only one investor – Robert T. Brockman.

Prosecutors say that Smith helped Brockman hide his profits earned through Vista in offshore accounts so he could avoid paying taxes.

Robert Smith made a deal with prosecutors to testify against Brockman. In exchange, Smith will avoid prosecution while admitting to his part in the scheme. He will however, have to pay $140 million in taxes and penalties for the $43 million in federal taxes he evaded from 2005 to 2014.

Brockman is currently out on a $1M bond after pleading not guilty on the charges.

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2020 Nobel Prize for Economics Awarded to Milgron & Wilson http://citizennewswire.com/2020/10/18/2020-nobel-prize-for-economics-awarded-to-milgron-wilson/ Mon, 19 Oct 2020 03:03:48 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1740 Earlier this week, The 2020 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to two Stanford University

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Earlier this week, The 2020 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to two Stanford University researchers. Paul Milgron and Robert Wilson were selected by the Nobel Assembly for what is called the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

The pair received this year’s Nobel Prize for what the assembly cited as “improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction formats.”

Watch the 2020 Nobel Prize for Economics Announcement

Video: Announcement of the 2020 Prize in Economic Sciences – Oct 12,2020.
credit: nobelprize.org

Celebrating their achievements, the National Science Foundation (NSF) released a statement in which they touted the work, done by Milgron and Wilson, that led to the award.

The NSF has been a sponsor of the two researchers over the years. The pair had received funding for research into game theory. This work ultimately helped them develop the auction system for which they are now being honored.

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan issued the following statement on the Nobel announcement:

“Cooperation and competition are fundamental aspects of economics, and they govern the complex auctions societies use to allocate everything from minerals and energy to landing slots at airports,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.

“Understanding how bidders process information is crucial for designing these auctions, especially when the seller’s primary goal is to benefit society.”

The auction formats that Milgron and Wilson developed allow multiple, simultaneous transactions in a highly complex and efficient manner.

Why Auction Formats are Nobel Prize Worthy

If you’re wondering why the development of complex auctions deserves government funding, here’s an example.

2020 nobel prize economics
Credit: © Johan Jarnestad/The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T and others have to pay license fees to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the use of the radio spectrum in which they broadcast and receive all of your cell phone calls and data.

There is a limited amount of this spectrum bandwidth. As a result, competing carriers pay a premium for it. What’s more, they have to bid for it with the FCC.

According to the NSF, the license fees from these wireless carriers have been worth over $60 billion for U.S. taxpayers. The auction formats developed by the Nobel Prize winning pair are used to award the bids and generate that revenue.

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Top Business Ideas emerge amid COVID-19 http://citizennewswire.com/2020/10/13/top-business-ideas-emerge-amid-covid-19/ Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:50:41 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1693 In many ways, the United States is something of a leader when it comes to

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In many ways, the United States is something of a leader when it comes to great business ideas and technological innovations. Behind the scenes, capitalism and the rewards for innovation, typically spur this type of growth.

business ideas
image credit:mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

We will take a look at some of the top areas for business opportunity and growth for this year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, business in the US, and around the world, innovate to find ways to prosper.

In the US, businesses and entrepreneurs have the tools and opportunity to be successful. Their drive, and the resulting multitude of small businesses help to fuel the country’s economy.

Businesses are trying many new and innovative ideas to grow their business and make it reach new heights and levels of success. Here are a few of the most common in 2020.

Top Ideas for Business in the US

The US has adopted many new ideas that are surely contributing to the growth of their businesses. These ideas apply with the US and across the globe.

  • E-commerce for small businesses:

With so many people staying home more, ecommerce is perhaps more important than ever for small businesses. Small businesses need to be able to connect with customers in their homes, if they can’t get them to a store.

We’ve seen this to a large extent within the food service industry. Virtually all restaurants have re-tooled their approach by providing to-go ordering, and using 3rd party delivery services. All of this typically begin done online.

  • Consulting company for international trade:

The US has also started a new way of communicating with the people to improve the business market. This comes in the form of international trade and the consultation required for the same.

A number of companies specialize in helping businesses navigate what may be the new waters international trade. The provide experienced individuals who can help them open new markets and spread their business all over the world.

  • Proper cybersecurity for all businesses:

Cybercrimes are a growing threat in today’s world. In response, an increasing number of businesses are offering services to combat the threat.

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LegalShield to host Leadership Convention Online http://citizennewswire.com/2020/09/26/legalshield-to-host-leadership-convention-online/ Sun, 27 Sep 2020 01:05:09 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1574 Amid the pandemic, some business conventions are returning in a ‘virtual’ fashion. Today, LegalShield announced

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Amid the pandemic, some business conventions are returning in a ‘virtual’ fashion. Today, LegalShield announced that it will hold its upcoming LegalShield Leadership Convention Online.

LegalShield is a provider of affordable prepaid legal service plans for individuals, families and small businesses. They currently provide coverage for 4.4 million customers across the US and Canada. This includes coverage for over 141,000 businesses, and more than 40,000 companies now offer LegalShield’s plans as a benefit to their employees.

For a small monthly fee (around a dollar per day), members and their families have access to top rated law firms for a variety of needs – at no additional cost.

Overview of the LegalShield plan. credit:LegalShield

Covered items include things like Estate Planning, Name Changes, and uncontested Divorce. Members get legal advice their attorney on an unlimited number of personal legal topics and can have letters written and sent on their behalf to resolve disagreements, recover fees, negotiate settlements, etc.

Their law firm will also review contracts and other legal documents. If a member receives a traffic ticket, their lawyer will represent them in court to try to get points removed or the case dismissed.

The service levels the playing field by providing everyday people, and small businesses, with the power of a law firm. This includes 24/7 emergency access to speak directly with a lawyer if they believe their rights are being violated.

Because of the pandemic limits on large gatherings, LegalShield will for the first time livestream its Fall Leadership Convention to employees on October 9-10.

They are anticipating a record number of associates across the U.S. and Canada to attend the 2 day event online.

The focus will be on leadership and personal development training.

“This year’s Leadership Convention provides a unique platform to focus on leadership development at all levels,” said Don Thompson, President of the LegalShield Network Division.

“Our goal is to equip and empower thousands of independent associates across North America with transformational skills that will result in higher confidence and success in every area of life, not just in business.”

One of the Keynote speakers at this year’s convention will be Don Yaegar. Mr. Yaegar is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, and associate editor at Sports Illustrated.

He has written more than 30 books, including 11 New York Times best-sellers.

In addition to its legal services plan, the company also provides an Identity Theft protection and repair service with its IDShield product.

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Publix Opens Pharmacy Inside Halifax Medical Center http://citizennewswire.com/2020/09/23/publix-opens-pharmacy-inside-halifax-medical-center/ Wed, 23 Sep 2020 18:39:33 +0000 http://citizennewswire.com/?p=1520 Imagine being able to get your prescriptions before you ever leave your doctor’s office –

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Imagine being able to get your prescriptions before you ever leave your doctor’s office – skipping the trip to a pharmacy. Thanks to a joint venture between Publix and Halifax Medical Center, that is now a reality.

On Monday of this week, Publix Pharmacy opened its 14th in-hospital location. This one is inside the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Publix opening pharmacies inside hospitals.
credit:qwesy qwesy / CC BY

This change adds a lot of convenience for patients. Rather than having to make a separate stop on the way home from their doctor, the in-hospital pharmacy will provide their prescription to them before they leave.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Publix Pharmacy to provide our patients access to their medications in the most efficient and timely manner,” said Halifax Health President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Feasel.

Publix currently operates 1,252 grocery stores across 7 states in the southeastern US. In addition to their supermarket business, Publix also has in-store pharmacies. This announcement is a further expansion of that service.

This expansion is yet another example of a business refining their model. In addition to providing a better experience for the customer, its a smart way to garner additional revenue and build trust in their pharmacy business and brand.

Halifax Health operates a number of hospitals and medical centers along Florida’s east coast. They provide health services throughout Volusia and Flagler counties.

According to a press release, Publix plans to continue partnering with hospitals in all of its territories.

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