Latest news with #Barletta
Winnipeg Free Press
30-07-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Harvest celebrates 40 years with community barbecue
St. Boniface Weston Harvest Manitoba is marking a major milestone next month and hosting an anniversary gathering to celebrate 40 years of serving Manitobans, while feeding hope across the province. The free community barbecue event, open to everyone, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. at 1085 Winnipeg Ave. CEO Vince Barletta has been with Harvest Manitoba since 2021. In those four years, Barletta has seen a lot of change, but some things have remained the same, including the level of commitment from his team and the continued kindness of Manitobans. Supplied photo Harvest Manitoba volunteers, pictured here at Harvest's market garden event last year, will host a free, community barbecue on Thursday, Aug. 21 to mark the organization's 40th anniversary. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at 1085 Winnipeg Ave. 'I appreciate seeing the generosity of Manitobans. It takes a province to feed a province. No one does that better than we do in Manitoba, from farmers, agricultural groups, the business community, [to] donors, volunteers… people donating time and food. The generosity amazes me. It doesn't work without them,' he said, noting that last year alone there were 66,000 documented volunteer labour-hours. 'After 40 years, there is great opportunity to celebrate and thank people who have been involved.' Winnipeg Harvest, which collected and shared food within the city limits, was founded by Lee Newton, who passed away a number of years ago. The idea sprouted in 1983, and by 1985 the facility opened its doors in its original location in St. Boniface on rue St. Joseph. At that time the much smaller operation collected and distributed 200,000 pounds of food in its first year. In its 35th year, Manitoba Association of Food Banks joined forces and resources with the Harvest family to become the fourth-largest food distributor of its kind in Canada. Now known as Harvest Manitoba to better reflect the people they serve, where they serve, and the range of contributions they receive, the organization will distribute more than 200,000 pounds of food every week. Harvest collects and shares 13 million pounds of healthy and nutritious food to hungry Manitobans every year. But even with the ever-increasing and ongoing needs, Barletta said there is hope. 'The thing that hasn't changed is the vision for a healthier future. No Manitoban goes hungry — that has been there since day one,' he said. 'There are so many people who need a food bank for a short time in their life, because of lack of employment, an injury, a change in family situation, maybe they're new to Canada… they need the food bank,' Barletta explained. 'It's there for them until they don't need it. There are thousands of stories like that every year.' According to Barletta, the reality is that with income inequality in Canada, people are going into debt to put food on the table. 'The biggest change overall since the pandemic is that, years ago, if you had a job you didn't need to go to a food bank. This past year, 45 percent of people who visit a food bank have a job. There are similar statistics across the country — sometimes they have more than one job.' Supplied photo Harvest Manitoba, which started as Winnipeg Harvest, was founded by Lee Newton. By 1985, the first facility opened its doors in its original location in St. Boniface on rue St. Joseph. Over 50,000 Manitobans visit a food bank every month and over 108,000 Manitobans access a Harvest Manitoba program monthly, whether it's a school program, employment and training, a soup kitchen, or day care. More communities are being served than ever, including in the North, and these days around forest fire relief. 'There are so many people and organizations who have come up with creative ways to help: sporting teams, employee groups, church groups, individuals. Instead of gifts for a birthday they collect for Harvest Manitoba… people have food drives, they make and sell crafts, flowers, jewelry… We are blessed, we have literally thousands of donors helping in any way they can so families having nutritious food on the table.' Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. Harvest Manitoba looks forward to welcoming Manitobans at their special celebration. 'We are not going to turn anybody away. We are closing the street down to give tours,' Barletta said, of the rain-or-shine event. The gathering is open to everyone and packed with activities for the whole family. There will be hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as vegetarian options. Visitors can sip on delicious mocktails served by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. Activities will include a graduation ceremony to celebrate Harvest trainees. There will be live band performances, self-guided tour stations throughout the building to see how Harvest helps feed Manitobans, viewing historical displays that highlight key moments from a 40-year journey, and games and activities for kids. Barletta says it will be a chance for people to reconnect, share stories, and to say thank you. Admission is free, but tickets are required. You can RSVP online at or by phone at 204-982-3581. Janine LeGalWolseley community correspondent Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for Wolseley. Know any interesting people, places and things in Wolseley? Contact her at: janinelegal@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
Canadians facing higher costs, more debt
According to the Credit Counselling Society, the cost of living continues to climb in Canada but wages simply aren't keeping pace. This widening gap is forcing an increasing number of Canadians to rely on credit cards not just for emergencies, but for everyday necessities like groceries and utility bills. 'Canadians are increasingly using their credit to cover basic living expenses,' says Amanda Martin, Credit Counselling Society's partnerships and education interim director. 'No longer for just emergencies, but it's more, 'I need groceries, I have a hydro bill.'' This growing reliance on credit is a strong indicator of a deeper affordability crisis, with credit counsellors pointing to high debt levels as a major concern. According to the Credit Counselling Society, in 2023, the average unsecured debt for an individual was $22,000. Story continues below advertisement That number jumped by 30 per cent in just two years, with the average unsecured debt now exceeding $28,000. Manitobans, too, face a similar problem. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Manitoba Harvest, a food bank, is now reporting a significant shift in who is seeking their services. 'Working people coming to Harvest, that's been the biggest change in terms of who's coming to a food bank,' says Vince Barletta, CEO of Manitoba Harvest. 'Traditionally, we saw a lot of individuals who are on income assistance, benefits or the unemployed using food banks.' And Barletta is not talking about a small bracket of people. 'This past year, almost 45 per cent of people who visited a food bank in Manitoba… have a job,' he says Story continues below advertisement This increased demand weighs heavily on food banks. 'This year, Harvest will spend around $4.5 million buying food to supplement the tens of millions of food value that is donated from across the agricultural and food sector here in Manitoba and beyond,' Barletta says. And while organizations like Manitoba Harvest will continue to serve and raise money for those who need it, reliance on credit debt and food banks should raise major concerns.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Bridge contractors say RIDOT issued flawed RFP in countersuit against state
Traffic flows in both directions on Interstate 195 on the eastbound side of the Washington Bridge on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 3:50 p.m. Demolition work that has removed much of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge is expected to be completed in December. (Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera) Two of the 13 firms being sued by the state for allegedly doing negligent work on the westbound Washington Bridge have filed a counterclaim, alleging the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) failed to tell them about a key inspection report. The counterclaim filed by Barletta Heavy Division Inc. and Aetna Bridge Company in Providence County Superior Court Thursday argues they should have been alerted to the findings of a January 1992 report by Lichtenstein & Associates, at the time they bid for the state's $78 million contract to rehabilitate the Washington Bridge in 2021. The 1992 report was cited by the state in its lawsuit against the firms, claiming they all should have known about deterioration in the concrete drop-in beams and signs of distress in the grout and cantilever beams that were eventually deemed a risk to the bridge's structural integrity. The westbound span on Interstate 195 was closed in December 2023 when engineers determined the bridge was at risk of collapsing. 'RIDOT knew or should have known, or ought to have known, that the Washington Bridge incorporated a unique design that limited the ability to determine its condition from visual inspections alone,' the counterclaim states. The westbound bridge is expected to be rebuilt by November 2028 and cost up to $427 million. Chicago-headquartered Walsh Construction Company was awarded the state's contract on June 6 after two attempts by Gov. Dan McKee's administration to secure a bridge builder. Work is scheduled to begin in July, which overlaps with the ongoing demolition of the existing bridge by Aetna, which is among the 13 firms being sued by the state. The Warwick-based contractor is expected to complete its work by the end of 2025. Barletta and Aetna claim the state concealed the true condition of the bridge and neglected to conduct the appropriate testing ahead of issuing a request for proposals in 2021. Instead, the companies allege that they received a project scope which did not identify any structural deficiencies with the post-tensioning system. The 1992 report called for RIDOT to perform additional radiographic and other evaluation of the Washington Bridge before any future attempts to rehabilitate the span over the Seekonk River. 'The Rhode Island Department of Transportation may have averted a costly and disastrous emergency closure of the Washington Bridge last December if it had followed recommendations in a detailed 1992 inspection report,' Barletta spokesperson Sallie Hofmeister said in an emailed statement. Because of the state's alleged failure to investigate the bridge, Barletta and Aetna claim they were deprived of incentives available after successful completion of the initial rehabilitation project. The two firms have asked the court to issue a judgment against the state for all of its damages plus interest. The state's initial August 2024 complaint seeks to recover damages based on alleged economic losses and physical damages, along with breaches of contracts. RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin deferred comment to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha's office, which is handling the state's case. 'Counterclaims are to be expected in a case like this,' Timothy Rondeau, a spokesperson for the AG's office, said in an emailed statement.'The state stands by the allegations in its complaint. As this is part of ongoing litigation, we have no further comment.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Winnebago Industries to Announce Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results on June 25, 2025
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, plans to issue its third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results before the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. At 9:00 a.m. CT, the Company will conduct a conference call hosted by Michael Happe, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Bryan Hughes, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. You are invited to listen to the call via the 'Investors' section of the Company's website, The event will be archived and available for replay for up to one year. To access the replay, click on About Winnebago Industries Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit Contacts Investors: Ray Posadasir@ Media: Dan Sullivanmedia@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Winnebago shares tumble following preliminary Q3 results
-- Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO) stock fell sharply by 10% after the company released its preliminary third quarter fiscal 2025 results, which did not meet analysts' expectations. The leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer announced ahead of the Baird 2025 Global Consumer Technology & Services Conference that for the quarter ended May 31, 2025, it expects net revenues of approximately $775 million, with reported earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.55 to $0.65 and adjusted diluted earnings per share between $0.75 and $0.85. Analyst consensus had anticipated a higher Q3 EPS of $1.37 on revenue of $810.4 million. Winnebago's President and CEO Michael Happe attributed the weaker-than-expected performance to growing macroeconomic uncertainties that dampened consumer sentiment and led to a cautious dealer network, particularly in the final two months of the quarter. Happe noted that market pressures were most pronounced in the Winnebago Motorhomes business unit, prompting the company to take significant steps to manage inventory, align production with market demand, and prepare for a stronger product offering in the future. Despite the challenges in the motorhomes unit, Happe highlighted positive developments in other areas of the business. He pointed out that Grand Design Towables is gaining market share in the travel trailer segment, and the launch of the Grand Design Lineage series motorhome products is generating strong dealer and consumer demand. Furthermore, Newmar's Class A diesel market share has surpassed 30%, and the expansion of its product line-up is expected to bode well for the future. Additionally, the marine segment, including Barletta premium pontoons and Chris-Craft luxury runabouts, continues to see retail market share gains. Winnebago plans to update its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook during its third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results conference call scheduled for June 25, 2025. The company's leadership remains focused on managing the business proactively to generate profitable growth over the long term, despite the near-term challenges. Related articles Winnebago shares tumble following preliminary Q3 results Tokyo CPI steady in May, core inflation rises past expectations to over 2-yr high Japan CPI grows more than expected in April as wage hikes boost spending Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
