Charlotte-Area Walmarts Fined Over $22k For Excessive Price-Scanner Overcharges

0

Several Charlotte-Area Walmart stores have been fined over $22,000 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Standards Division Measurement Section (NCDA&CSSDMS).

According to a press release from the NCDA&CSSDMS, 3 Walmart locations in Mecklenburg County and 1 Walmart location in Gaston County were found to have significantly high overcharge error rates for common items.

“As many stores continue to suffer from staffing shortages due to the pandemic, our Standards Division has seen a significant increase in stores with price scanner errors,” noted Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It is always a good practice for consumers to check their receipts as well as the price on the shelf to make sure that they are paying the correct amount.”

According to a press release from the NCDA&CSSDMS, the following Walmart locations in Charlotte and Belmont were fined:

  • (Gaston) Walmart at 701 Hawley Ave., Belmont has paid $2,685 in fines. An initial inspection in November 2021 found a 10-percent error rate based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A follow-up inspection in December 2021 found a 4.67-percent error rate based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in February.

  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart at 7735 North Tryon St., Charlotte has paid $9,785 in fines. An initial inspection in October 2021 found a 7-percent error rate based on seven overcharges in a 100-item lot. A follow-up inspection in November found a 7-percent error rate based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A third inspection in January found a 9.33-percent error rate based on 28 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be re-inspected.

  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart at 3209 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte has paid $6,185 in fines. An initial inspection in October 2021 found a 12-percent error rate based on six overcharges in a 50-item lot. A follow-up inspection in November found a 5.67-percent error rate based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A third inspection in February found a 9.33-percent error rate based on 28 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be re-inspected.

  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart at 3240 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, has paid $3,510 in fines. An initial inspection in October 2021 found a 3 percent error rate based on three overcharges in a 100-item lot. A follow-up inspection in December 2021 found a 6.33-percent error rate based on 19 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in February.

If you notice any overcharges at your local Walmart, please report it to the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.

What To Look For In A Cosmetic Dentist

0

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a boom in cosmetic dentistry. With video conferencing tools becoming a greater part of our lives, people became more aware of how people perceived their smiles. Reasonably, they sought out cosmetic dentists to make their smiles better. For many people looking to improve their smiles, finding the right cosmetic dentist can be tricky. Some people travel from Charlotte NC all the way to Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, just for that perfect smile. So here’s what you need to know to get the right cosmetic dentist for you, whether you’re traveling from Charlotte or anywhere else.

What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do?

According to the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry (CAED) cosmetic dentistry is all about creating positive changes to your teeth and smile. The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures are tooth whitening and application of porcelain veneers, but cosmetic dentists have so many other tools to bring about those positive changes.

These procedures result in you looking better, having a more appealing smile, and having a higher self-esteem, among other benefits.

For example, Dr. Sabourin has been helping patients achieve more confidence and brighter smiles with Invisalign in San Diego as well as other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Your Cosmetic Dentist Must Have the Right Credentials

Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Rather, any dentist can become a cosmetic dentist. The AACD has created a set of standards for responsible esthetics, which your cosmetic dentist should abide by. As you look for a cosmetic dentist, see if they are a member of the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), which is the largest and most respected dental professional body in the world. Membership in other bodies such as CAED is also a good indicator of high standard practices. This will be a signal that your dentist operates under these responsible esthetics.

In addition, you should look through your cosmetic dentist’s website to see what their credentials are. You should also do some research and look through their Google reviews, to see what other patients think about the cosmetic dentist you are thinking of going to.

You should also look for a dentist who has shown a commitment to continuous education. This tells you that the cosmetic dentist is improving their skillset, learning how to use the latest technology, and expanding their knowledge. For instance, a provider known as the Kerrisdale cosmetic dentist is constantly partaking in continuous education to become a better dentist. There’s another reason why continuous education is important: cosmetic dentistry is larged untaught in dental schools, so dentists have to undertake postgraduate training in the subject in order to get good at it and master its principles. Organizations such as the AACD provide members with learning opportunities. So don’t just take a cosmetic dentist at their word. Without continuous education, there is no way to know that they have mastered the field.

Experience is very important. You want a dentist who has had an opportunity to treat a wide variety of patients and conditions. So check to see how long your cosmetic dentist has been practicing and if possible, how often they have done the procedure you are looking to do.

You should also get a consultation with cosmetic dentists to see if you will have the right empathy with them, and what they can tell you about how they will treat your problem. Empathy is important because you should feel comfortable speaking to your dentist and telling them about your dental problems and you want a dentist you feel communicates in a clear way so expectations are set correctly. To help you with your search, you may check out this dentist who offers services like teeth whitening, veneers, and high-quality dental implants in Colorado Springs.

Studies Show the Consequences of Not Getting Enough Sleep at Night

0

It is critical for you to get enough sleep at night. Studies have shown that the average adult requires between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who have a difficult time falling asleep. There are other people who have a hard time staying asleep. It is important for you to think about what you can do to sleep better, such as getting a better mattress, going to bed at a consistent time, and avoiding screens before bed. What happens if you do not get enough sleep at night? Remember that if you are having a hard time getting the sleep you need, you should reach out to a medical professional who can help you.

1. You Have a Hard Time Focusing the Next Day

One of the first issues you may experience is that you may have a difficult time focusing the next day. By going to sleep at night, you give your brain a chance to recharge. If you do not get enough sleep at night, your neurons do not rejuvenate as they should. Your neurotransmitter production levels may drop. Furthermore, your central nervous system may not communicate as efficiently as it should. All of this can make it very difficult for you to focus on everything you have to do the next day. It may take you longer to complete everything on your to-do list, which can increase your stress levels. This going to have other consequences as well.

2. Your Relationships Become Strained

As your stress levels begin to rise, you may feel that your relationships with your family members and friends become a bit strained. You may not have as much patience for issues that come up during the day, and you may find that you lash out at people around you. Your family members may start to get frustrated with you, your friends may not want to spend time with you, and your professional relationships may experience problems as well. You need to make sure that you do everything you can to stay in a good mood. Even though everyone gets in a bad mood from time to time, you can reduce the frequency with which you are in a bad mood if you focus on getting enough sleep at night.

3. The Little Things Become Much Bigger

Finally, the little things become much bigger. What this means is that small issues that may not have bothered you in the past may become major problems when you do not get enough sleep at night. Furthermore, things that would ordinarily take you a few minutes now feel like moving a mountain. All of this can make it much more difficult for you to take advantage of everything that life has to offer. Therefore, you should do everything you can to improve the quality of the sleep you get at night. 

Focus on Getting Enough Sleep at Night

Clearly, there are a lot of consequences you may experience if you do not get enough sleep at night. Fortunately, this is not something you need to deal with it on your own. If you are having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, you should reach out to your primary care doctor for advice. If you are still having a difficult time getting enough sleep at night, you should see if your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist who can help you tackle your sleep difficulties. That way, you make sure your body gets the rest it needs to recover for the next day.

5 Ways to Transform Your Data With Matillion ETL

0

Are you looking for a way to improve your business’ data? If so, you should consider using Matillion ETL. Matillion is a powerful ETL tool that can help you transform your data in ways you never thought possible.

In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to get started with Matillion ETL. Whether you are just starting or you are looking for new ways to improve your data processing, these tips will help you get the most out of Matillion!

What Is Matillion ETL?

Before we get into the ways you can use Matillion ETL to transform your data, let’s first take a moment to understand what Matillion is and what it does.

In short, Matillion is an Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) tool. ETL tools are used to extract data from one or more sources, transform that data into a format that can be used by other systems or applications, and then load (or write) the transformed data into another system or application.

Matillion and Amazon Redshift.

Matillion ETL is a cloud-based ETL tool that was specifically designed for Amazon Redshift. Amazon Redshift is a powerful cloud-based data warehousing service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

The key benefits of using Matillion ETL with Amazon Redshift are its scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Amazon Redshift can scale quickly and efficiently to accommodate changes in data volume or complexity, and Matillion ETL can be used to process data from a wide variety of data sources. While Matillion ETL can be used with other data warehouses, it is optimized for use with Amazon Redshift.

This means that Matillion ETL can take advantage of the unique features and capabilities of Amazon Redshift to provide you with a powerful ETL solution. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that are looking to improve their data processing capabilities without incurring the high costs associated with traditional data warehousing solutions.

The Five Ways To Get Started With Matillion ETL.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what Matillion is and what it does, let’s take a look at some ways you can use Matillion to transform your data.

Use Case #1: Extracting Data From Multiple Sources.

One way you can use Matillion to transform your data is by extracting data from multiple sources. For example, you may have data stored in an on-premises database, in the cloud, or a variety of other places.

With Matillion, you can easily extract this data and load it into your data warehouse. This will allow you to have a single source of truth for your data, which can be extremely valuable for reporting and analytics.

Use Case #2: Transforming Data for Analysis.

Another way you can use Matillion to transform your data is by transforming it for analysis. For example, you may have data that is in a format that is not compatible with your reporting tools.

With Matillion, you can easily transform this data into a format that can be used by your reporting tools. This will allow you to get more value from your data and make better decisions for your business.

Use Case #3: Loading Data Into a Data Warehouse.

As we mentioned before, one of the main uses for Matillion is to load data into a data warehouse. This can be extremely valuable for businesses that need to store large amounts of data.

With Matillion, you can easily load your data into Amazon Redshift. This will allow you to take advantage of the scalability and performance of Amazon Redshift.

Use Case #4: Replacing an ETL Tool.

If you are currently using another ETL tool, you may be looking for a way to replace it. Matillion ETL can be a great replacement for many existing ETL tools.

One of the benefits of Matillion is that it is specifically designed for Amazon Redshift. This means that you can take advantage of the unique features and capabilities of Amazon Redshift.

Another benefit of Matillion is that it is a cloud-based ETL tool. This means that you can easily scale up or down as your needs change.

Use Case #5: Getting Started With Data Warehousing.

If you are new to data warehousing, Matillion ETL can be a great place to start. Matillion is specifically designed for Amazon Redshift, which makes it a great choice for businesses that are looking to get started with data warehousing on AWS.

Another benefit of Matillion is that it is a cloud-based ETL tool. This means that you can easily scale up or down as your needs change.

Final Thoughts: Using Matillion ETL for Your Business.

Matillion ETL can be a great tool for businesses of all sizes. If you are looking for a way to transform your data, Matillion ETL is worth considering. If you have data that is not high quality, Matillion ETL can help you improve it. With Matillion, you can easily extract data from multiple sources and then transform it into a format that is suitable for analysis. This will allow you to get more value from your data and make better

For more information about Matillion ETL, please visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Fractional Ownership Of Commercial Real Estate: Enabling Indians Living Abroad To Invest With Low Prices

0

You would be lying if you said you never fantasized about acquiring those piercing towers, luxurious office spaces, and gleaming showrooms at some point in your life. But what kept you from going any further? Buying Commercial Real Estate costing crores is out of reach for most people. At least, it was the case until the introduction of fractional real estate ownership. Individual investors can now own a piece of Grade A commercial real estate through fractional ownership, causing a real estate investment storm.

Every passer-by has been drawn in by the piercing towers, luxurious office buildings, and gleaming showrooms. Millennials spending half of their days working in luxurious office spaces have all fantasized about acquiring one at some point in their life. However, buying commercial real estate costing crores is out of reach for most people. At least, it was the case until the introduction of fractional ownership. Individual investors can now own a piece of high-grade commercial property through fractional ownership, causing a real estate investment storm.

Real estate investments get limited to residential buildings for a long time. But that is changing. Analysts predict that fractional ownership India will exceed $5 bln. in the future years. Individual investors may buy a piece of high-end CRE in metro towns that are home to MNCs, IT parks, and warehousing operated by E-commerce giants for as little as Rs5 lakh. As the tempest of fractional ownership rages on, a mist of fear and ignorance perplexes the Indians.

What exactly is Real Estate Fractional Ownership?

The average investor frequently faces a scarcity of feasible investment possibilities in the real estate sector. Bank fixed deposits do not provide positive returns. Stock market investments provide favorable yields but also carry a high risk.  

But, investment in commercial real estate is attracting considerable interest notion at this time. Commercial properties are appreciating and stable asset that generates monthly returns and long-term earnings. Aren’t they valued in crores? Do you not require deep pockets to invest in it? Welp! 

You can now invest in that massive commercial property through fractional ownership. But, how so?

Fractional ownership is where a number of investors acquire high-grade commercial real estate in chunks or fractions. They share ownership of a high-value commercial real estate by investing in such a property. The resulting returns and income get allocated among the property’s fractional owners. Fractional ownership decreases a single investor’s financial strain by allowing to create consistent cash flows and rewards. Furthermore, through investing in many commercial office buildings in different areas, investors diversify portfolios.

For example, a prime office building in a favorable location in Bangalore is worth Rs100 crores. A significant MNC has already pre-rented the commercial property, assuring consistent cash flow and capital appreciation. An investor only with INR 20 L to start investing, on the other hand, is unable to purchase the house on his own. However, with an online fractional ownership platform like Assetmonk, individuals share and co-own the commercial building with a group of comparable investors. Via Assetmonk, an investor only needs to contribute a minimum of Rs. 10 lacs. Yay! Consequently, ordinary individuals can participate in CRE worth Rs 100 crore for a fragment of the property cost. 

Fractional Ownership Enables You To Invest In Real Estate At a Low Price?

There is no shame in admitting that we have run away from commercial real estate investments because we do not possess the lacs and crores needed to invest. It is perfectly understandable if you have refrained from taking a loan from the bank to finance the investments. Also, lack of information and relevant contacts have kept most Indians from engaging in Grade A commercial buildings. 

However, the technology has enabled and leveled the field for the commoner in various sectors and venues. The commercial real estate sector is more accessible to investors by becoming fractional owners. All that gets needed for the investor is investing Rs. 10 Lacs. He can invest in any commercial space with only INR 10 L. Despite inexperience and limited resources, fractional ownership permits middle-class persons to own a portion of yield-generating commercial assets in numerous places. Partnerships with fractional ownership platforms like Assetmonk help people develop wealth, diversify their portfolios, and earn consistent earnings by easing their road to investing in commercial real estate. Employees working in massive office buildings may soon be the proprietors of commercial premises.

How Else Can Fractional Ownership Benefit You?

  • Property Appreciation: Owning a fraction of a commercial property is cost-effective and provides a double return. The first is the benefit of direct investment returns, while the second is the benefit of asset appreciation. Because you own a piece of the real estate, the worth of your stake will rise as well. It is well-known for its institutional investments. However, it is becoming a realistic investment option for astute middle-income investors.
  • Rental Income: Rental income is deposited directly into the account each month. Through continual rental revenue and appreciation, commercial property fractional ownership gives a high return on investment. Commercial property investment in India has risen at a CAGR of 16 percent over the previous five years. Aside from the value gain, you may anticipate a 15 percent rise in rental income returns over the following three years if you buy with a respected fractional ownership company. It is incorporated into the rental agreement to safeguard against future inflation, guaranteeing that your investment remains stable over time.
  • Tenants: Occupants in residences frequently depart, causing the owner to lose rental money until a new tenant gets found. Every commercial property has a three-year lease term. The lease, however, can get extended. It merely ensures a consistent income. Clients in high-end properties include large multinational corporations, banks, and information technology firms with massive budgets. They pay their rental fees on time. Furthermore, because of the time, effort, and money engaged in transforming the apartments into offices, such tenants typically extend their renting term. For higher returns, it is best to invest in a pre-leased property.
  • Stability: The commercial real estate dipped during the nationwide lockdown. But, it quickly recovered in the third quarter. You may rely on passive real estate income instead of the turbulent financial markets. Year on year, the net absorption of commercial real estate climbed by 63 percent. Furthermore, new completions jumped to 59%. Covid-19 decreased the global values of real estate. But, because of the extensive outsourcing sector of the country, commercial leasing rose in the same period, per industry observers. Over 63% of commercial space rented in India gets used by international enterprises. It should convey a strong message to Indians and NRIs the moment has arrived to invest in commercial real estate. The values of commercial property will soar in the years ahead. As a result, it is a great moment to start investing in fractional ownership investment.
  • Cost-effective: Fractional property investment is one of the low-cost real estate investments. Premium-quality office space in Bengaluru costs Rs 400 crore to rent. It is a massive investment that is usually only doable for High-Net-Worth Individuals. But, through fractional ownership, you may become an owner of the property with others for as little as Rs 10 lakh and enjoy the returns from rental income varying from 6% to 10% each year. Such an investment might provide a rental income spanning from INR 60,000 to INR 1 L annually. A comparable residential property, on the other hand, would generate only 1.5 percent to 3 percent. Covid-19 significantly impacted the residential real estate, where home values fell by 2% to 7% in the preceding year.

A Beginner’s Guide To ITIL Certifications

0

Introduction 

Information Technology Infrastructure Library, also known as ITIL for short, is a structural framework for the Information Technology (IT) industry around the world. ITIL is used in most IT businesses and activities to increase the overall efficiency of the processes. If this sounds confusing, fret not. ITIL is the up-and-coming thing right now in the flourishing IT industry. If you’re looking to enter the IT industry but are unsure of how to do so, getting an itil qualification is a step in the right direction. Read on to find out what exactly is ITIL and how you can jump on the bandwagon.

What is ITIL?

ITIL essentially is a framework that allows businesses of varying sizes to build a strong internal foundation. The framework provides the best methods for dealing with IT services. Whether is it managing customer relations, increasing productivity within the workplace, or creating a reliable IT system, ITIL helps to improve the workplace settings and workings while making sure that businesses refrain from making common mistakes. 

The ITIL can be implemented in businesses and institutions through a third party. This individual would have to attain an ITIL certification at one of the ITIL Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs). At the ATOs, participants will have to undergo training and pass the relevant examinations before attaining the ITIL certificate. 

ITIL is popular amongst many businesses due to its versatility and adaptability. It can be adopted in businesses of varying sizes or industries. Even big brands such as NASA, IBM, and HBSC use ITIL to ensure efficiency in their businesses. 

Types of ITIL Certifications

Being ITIL-certified implies that one is equipped with the skills to best manage the processes and industrial terminologies of the IT sector in any business. These are extremely niche skills that require an ITIL certification to be recognized. Given that IT is prevalent in many businesses, ITIL-certified professionals have highly sought after. There are four main levels of certifications to be achieved. 

ITIL Foundation

As the name suggests, the first level of ITIL certification covers the important basics of the framework that is crucial for the subsequent levels. The ITIL foundation will teach you the seven essential ITIL practices, the four dimensions of service management, fundamental notions of service management (which comprises service relationships and value creation), as well as the ITIL service value system (SVS). With this foundational understanding of the ITIL framework, individuals can help organizations to increase efficiency. 

You’ll have to attain a certain number of credits and pass the examinations before being officially certified. After getting your ITIL foundation certification, you have the option to choose either the ITIL managing professional certification or the ITIL four strategic leader certification in the next level.

ITIL Managing Professional 

The ITIL managing professional essentially teaches an individual the ropes of running smooth and successful IT processes in a workplace. It can be broken down into four sub-modules.

ITIL Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI)

This module equips individuals with the know-how of managing the employees in the organization in terms of their working styles and personalities. Employees with managerial positions are best suited to take this module as they will learn how to work with and balance the relationship with their colleagues as someone with a superior position. This module aims to allow the organization to constantly be learning and improving. 

ITIL Specialist Create, Deliver & Support (CDS)

This module focuses on service management activities and teaches individuals how to utilize innovative ways to appeal to and serve customers. The skills gained from this module allow IT practitioners to incorporate their IT knowledge in to the customer service aspects of businesses. 

ITIL Specialist High Velocity IT (HVIT)

This module is all about enabling the delivery service of organizations to run at optimum speed. The supply chain and delivery aspects of businesses, especially bigger companies can be extremely complex. A delay or hiccup in one part will likely cause a chain reaction. The HVIT teaches individuals to use technical strategies and technologies such as Automatic Testing, Cloud, and Automation to ensure a smooth delivery process. 

ITIL Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV)

This module explores different ways to attract the customer’s attention given the globally competitive nature of industries. IT-enabled services techniques will be taught and individuals can apply these techniques such as CX and UX design, SLA design, and customer journey mapping in organizations to increase overall stakeholder satisfaction.

ITIL Strategic Leader

Covering the aspects of business strategies, ITIL provides two sub-modules.

ITIL Strategist Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI)

This module is the exact same one that was mentioned under the ITIL Managing Professional section!

ITIL Leader Digital & IT Strategy (DITS)

This module teaches individuals to use IT techniques to complement digital business strategies. It requires individuals to think out of the box as the real-life challenges from new technologies are ever fluctuating and complex.

ITIL Master

Finally, the fourth and last certification is the ITIL Master certification. The highest level of all, ITIL Master-certified individuals have to prove their abilities in the real workplace environment. This certification is curated differently for the individual. There are no set modules or examinations to take. 

To be qualified for the ITIL Master certification, you are required to have the above-mentioned ITIL certificates, hold a managerial position in ITSM, and show how you have applied the knowledge in real life.

Costs of ITIL certifications

Depending on your location of residence, the type of course you choose (online vs in-person), and whether you have internal training with your current company, the price of the certifications will vary accordingly. 

 

The registration of the examinations typically ranges from $150 to $500 and this does not include the modules. If you’re currently employed, try requesting your company to foot the bill and explain how this can be beneficial to them too.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, attaining these ITIL certifications will greatly boost your career growth given the high demand for IT professionals. The process of attaining these certifications matters more than the certificate itself. It is the knowledge that you learned and the way to apply them to real-world situations that companies are looking for. With that, all the best!

​​What Is the Future of Cyber Security?

0

You’re probably familiar with having to go through a range of security checks when you log into your online banking account – or using password-protected filing systems at work. Whenever you use the Internet to access private information or accounts, the measures in place designed to protect the owner of said information, are forms of cyber security. 

As we use the Internet for more and more of our daily activities, data security has become an issue that concerns us all. It’s certainly true that we entrust a lot of private information to devices that most of us don’t fully understand. Thankfully, cyber security keeps this information safe online – playing a bigger role than we might think in our lives. 

Cyber security: a recap

Cyber security was developed in reaction to the various forms of malware that emerged when the Internet became more popular. Similar to how businesses hire security firms to ensure the safety of their staff, clients and buildings – cyber security services protect the digital realm from viruses and hackers looking to steal data and information.

As technology only continues to evolve – from the Internet of Things to artificial intelligence – cyber security needs to grow with it if we are to combat the various threats that exist in the virtual world.

So, what does the future of cyber security look like? 

An inevitable growth in popularity

It’s likely that cyber security will only continue to grow in popularity. Like other digital phenomena such as social media, which we’ve seen evolve exponentially in the last decade, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit with other areas of the virtual world. 

When it comes to cyber security in particular, recent technological advancements such as cloud computing have opened up a number of possibilities for cyber security’s growth. Now, it seems that the encrypted, backed up, password-protected cloud servers are more secure than real life safes and filing cabinets – with state of the art tech allowing businesses and individuals alike to keep their data, documents and information more safe than ever before. 

Not a want, but a need

We can’t talk about the future of cyber security without recognising the pure need for it, too. As more and more businesses have started to move into the digital world, cyber security has emerged as a necessity as cyber attacks become more and more common. While the Internet offers endless opportunities for growth and development, its dark side means that many of us are vulnerable when navigating digital spaces. 

Across industries, from online banking to digital data storage, cyber security is vital in maintaining safety for businesses and their stakeholders across the globe – so we’re likely to see more uptake of cyber security measures too. Plus, with the increase in remote working since the pandemic, more companies are having to invest in technology that grants remote and safe access to company information, intranets and platforms. 

It’s clear that cyber security will branch out into different sectors, as well as become more established in the areas it’s already used in. It will play a crucial role in the future of almost everything in the virtual world, and make sure that the Internet remains a safe place for us all.

In times of war, Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) stands out for its Italian excellence

0

With the recent news on the War in Ukraine, many countries have established sanctions against Russia. The United States has also followed this decision, but some questions are being raised when it comes to the aerospace industry: will this ban affect aircraft production? In face of such a scenario, it is Italian excellence which poses another option for the sector.

In a market dominated by multinational enterprises, Magnaghi Aeronautica Spa is an Italian company that stands out for its quality in the design, certification, production and subsequent marketing of landing gear systems, equipment, hydraulic, and electronic systems for aerospace use. According to Paolo Graziano, CEO and president of the company, it is the resourcefulness typical of Italians, the technical skills and technological research that allows MA Group to compete with enormously larger American or Chinese companies.

Graziano says that, oftentimes, international customers are surprised when they discover that Magnaghi Aeronautica is Italian, or more precisely Neapolitan. But it is precisely their midsize apport that allows the company to maintain the agility, speed, and dynamism. “These are fundamental characteristics in today’s market, although they are foreclosed to larger companies,” says Graziano.

But more than technical expertise, the CEO stresses that it is human capital that makes for their success: “Technology without the competence of the technicians to supervise it is useless. We not only have engineering technologies and processes that represent the state of the art in our sector, but also highly qualified technicians, whom I know perfectly well and who have my absolute trust.” This posture adopted by Graziano has thus granted Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) an award recognition as Top Employer 2022 in Italy.

In addition to that, the Italian company has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin Sikorsky-Boeing to provide fully integrated landing gear systems for the DEFIANT X® helicopter. To keep up with an accelerating pace of innovation, Graziano says his company’s secret is to use a vertical conception of excellence: “Every single aspect of the production process, every single component has an equal importance, in a constant search for uncompromising quality.”

More than making a difference in the aerospace industry, Magnaghi Aeronautica (MA Group) is also constantly working to follow the environmental agenda. For Graziano, this is no longer a choice, but a duty that every company should take. “Committing to safeguarding the planet means respecting future generations by giving them a healthy ecosystem,” claims the CEO, adding that the MA Group Landing Green project was created exactly for that.

The MA Group Landing Green project includes a series of initiatives aimed at improving not only recycling processes, reuse and energy saving, but also making the concept of sustainability fit the company’s modus operandi on its own. “It is also in the field of research and development that we try to find innovative solutions and technologies that are as ‘green’ as possible”, adds Graziano by mentioning how these solutions are being applied to trolleys. “We will probably also produce trolleys for fully electric aircraft, therefore totally sustainable and technologically advanced.” 

In 2022, the MA Group is doing something new: they are adding sustainability to their balance sheet. After all, as stressed by Graziano, these actions and projects that are being implemented deserve special attention and the company is happy to share the news with their employees and customers. “It is the ability to adapt, to find quick solutions, to respond quickly to customer requests that allows us to be competitive,” concludes the CEO.

Magnaghi is the core of MA Group, synonymous with excellence in the aeronautical sector. From its creation, in 1936, to today, the company has conquered the international market, becoming partners with some of the most important aircraft manufacturers in the world. With offices in Italy, United States and Brazil, MA Group’s revenue has increased from €19m to €91m in the past 20 years.

Outback Steakhouse Selects Charlotte To Launch New ‘To-Go’ Focused Restaurant Prototype

0

Charlotte has just been selected as a test market for Outback Steakhouse’s new prototype restaurant design. The new prototype will feature a smaller size, new technology and a revamped interior design to focus primarily on to-go, delivery, and Outback’s newly launched catering program.

The new high-tech 5,000 square foot free stand building is located at 2128 Freeman Park Drive in Charlotte’s Steele Creek area.

According to a press release from Outback, the new design features ‘edgy art pieces’, and expanded bar, and a redesigned kitchen layout to streamline online ordering.

“The smaller size also allows us to bring restaurants to areas where larger units may not have been possible,” said Brett Patterson, President of Outback Steakhouse.

In 2022, the restaurant plans on opening 3 prototype locations in Charlotte, Fort Worth, TX, and Polaris, OH. The company plans to build an additional 75 to 100 to-go-focused restaurants across the nation over the next couple years.

SEC Charges Charlotte Man With Operating $7 Million Ponzi Scheme

0
via Facebook

The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed an emergency action charging Wynn Charlebois with operating a $7 million Ponzi scheme.

According to the SEC’s complaint, since 2019, Charlebois is claimed to have defrauded at least 75 investors, mostly residents of the Charlotte area, using multiple bogus investment opportunities. Most recently, the complaint notes that Charlebois offered investors opportunities to share in the profits earned by participating in the exercise of fictitious options contracts, but instead used investor funds to pay his family’s debts and personal expenses, including his mortgage payments, vacations, and private school education for his children.

The official SEC filing specifically alleges that:

“Since the early 2000s, Charlebois has held himself out as a self-made investor and a consultant to private businesses. Trading on his social capital in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, and his network of former co-workers from an investment bank where he was employed decades ago, Charlebois, as early as 2005, solicited investors to provide funds to him for a variety of investment opportunities, executed through a variety of entities he owned and controlled.

Among other things, he has successfully solicited investors to enter into loan agreements whereby the funds were used to participate in the purchase and resale of aircraft; promissory notes whereby the funds were to be invested in a variety of private companies; and subscription agreements whereby the funds were to be used for the purchase of shares in a technology company.

Most recently, Charlebois has offered investors the opportunity to participate in investments in which profits would be earned through the exercise of stock options he purportedly holds.

A review of certain bank records for various Charlebois’ accounts over a three year period, from February 5, 2019 through April 30, 2022, reflect that at least $7.1 Million of investor funds flowed into them, of which at least $4.4 million was paid to investors. These accounts reveal a constant cycling and re-cycling of money between business and personal bank accounts in an effort to keep average daily balances up, cover posted transactions, and demonstrate ongoing activity in order to obtain merchant cash advances from various lenders.

During this three year period of time, at least $904,528 was paid-out by Charlebois to non-traditional money lenders, such as “Kash Capital”, “Last Chance Funding”, and Liquidibee”, for short-term, high interest advances against the future revenues of Charlebois entities. During the same time period, there were more than 700 separate non-sufficient fund and overdraft charges for the Charlebois accounts, totaling $39,265 in fees.

In addition to paying former investors with new investor money, Charlebois used investor funds to finance his and his family’s lifestyle.

From May 21, 2019, to April 1, 2022, Charlebois directed investor funds in the amount of $121,996.61 to a private university where one of his children attends school; $65,408 to a private high school where another one of his children attends school; and $2,985 to a social club in Charlotte. Since December 31, 2021, personal mortgage payments in the amount of $8,698.12 have been paid by Charlebois from the WC Private bank account. These payments also came from investor funds.

The funds Charlebois received from investors were not invested as he said they would be, and he had no income stream from anything other than the money he received from new investors, loans from personal friends, and merchant cash advance loans.

For example, on December 28, 2020, there was a beginning balance of $5,925.29 in the Charlebois’ personal joint checking account. That day, an investment of $100,000 was wire transferred into the account from one of his investors. Within 48 hours, Charlebois transferred $93,000 of that investor’s $100,000 investment to other Charlebois accounts, of which $81,818.49 was wire transferred to previous investors prior to the end of the year, and $6,195.50 was wire transferred to repay merchant cash advance loans to, among others, Kash Capital and Liquidibee. On the same day, the Charlebois family arrived in Beaver Creek, Colorado, for a vacation, during which time they spent over $9,165, including $1,195.20 for “Vail Limo Service”, $1,792.71 for ski access, rentals and purchases, $1,412.45 at restaurants; $1,493.91 at hotels, including the Ritz Carlton and Park Hyatt (of which $475.00 was charged at the Park Hyatt spa), before they arrived home on January 2, 2021. By January 4, 2021, the personal joint checking account had a balance of only $263.88 and on January 5, 2021 the same investor made another $100,000 investment into the Charlebois’ personal joint checking account and all but $2,190.02 was spent as of January 8, 2021, again paid out via wire transfers to previous investors, wires for payments of merchant cash advance loans, personal expenses, and cash withdrawals.

The Charlebois family made a second ski trip to Colorado, also in January 2021, during which time they spent over $3,400 in four days, at places such as the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and various restaurants and ski locales in the surrounding Beaver Creek and Vail area.

In March 2021, the Charlebois family travelled to Boca Grande, Florida for a weeklong vacation, during which time they spent $8,792.41, despite a negative balance in Charlebois’ personal joint checking account during the trip.

Upon his return to Charlotte on March 22, 2021, through April 13, 2021, Charlebois raised at least $570,000 from investors and obtained $43,000 in new merchant cash advance loans. During this time-period, the Charlebois family traveled to Austin, Texas, and Dallas, Texas (where one of his children attends a private university), and spent over $5,927 during their five day trip.

By April 15, 2021, virtually all of the new money Charlebois raised from investors and obtained from loans had been spent paying former investors, repaying merchant cash advance loans, and financing the family’s Texas trip, leaving the Charlebois business and personal joint checking accounts near zero balances. In addition to the aforementioned travel expenditures, Charlebois spent at least $10,993 in airfare during 2021.

From in or about November 2021 through the present, the Defendants’ Ponzi scheme has defrauded at least three investors of at least $350,000, through the offer of investments in the exercise of stock options in various private entities that Charlebois claimed he owned.

Charlebois has made numerous false and fraudulent misrepresentations to investors, and has provided fabricated documents to them, to induce them to invest money with him and the entities he controlled, and has engaged in a repeated pattern of lulling activity with
investors once they raised questions about their investment amounts and purported gains.”

The official SEC complaint charges Charlebois and his company WC Private LLC with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

According to the Secretary of State, Charlebois’s company, WC Private LLC, has a registered office address of 2149 Norton Road – a $1.6 million Myers Park home. According to Mecklenburg County Tax Records, the home is currently owned by Wynn A D Charlesbois and his wife Katie Charlesbois.

The SEC is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, an asset freeze, an accounting, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.

The SEC’s ongoing investigation is being conducted by Melissa Mitchell and Krysta Cannon, and supervised by Matthew McNamara and Justin Jeffries. The SEC’s litigation will be led by Robert Schroeder.