Latest news with #Brix
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Length of Service Award program may increase volunteer firefighter, EMT participation
A row of firefighters' helmets, coats, and boots in suspendered pants hang at the ready at a fire station. (Stock photo by Doug Wilson via Getty Images) Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed into law a bill allowing municipalities to establish a Length of Service Award program for members of volunteer first-responder organizations. Under the provisions of House File 1002, municipalities that establish such a program can apply for matching state funding. The state funding will be awarded on a dollar-to-dollar basis for awards of up to $500 per person. Volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and emergency peace reserve officers are eligible for a Length of Service Award. 'It's more like we're unpaid firefighters and first-responders,' said Kent Brix, first vice president of Iowa Firefighters Association. 'We all go through the same training as professionals, we deal with the same situations as professionals. It's just that small communities can't afford to hire people full-time.' According to Brix, volunteer participation is a major problem, with most volunteer departments down five to six people. Across the state, he estimates, 100 to 150 people are dropping out of volunteer first-responder programs each year. Many of the volunteers are age 50 to 70 — and sometimes older. Low volunteer rates mean that some communities are very short on people to respond to emergency calls. Brix believes that by providing an incentive for volunteers, it will increase participation in the programs. 'It takes so much of your time with all the training required by the state and new rules,' said Keith McDavid, a former Pleasantville volunteer firefighter of 33 years. 'It's a lot of time and effort. And the amount of time a volunteer puts in is crazy sometimes, especially if you become a volunteer EMT.' When McDavid became a volunteer, the fire and rescue teams in Pleasantville were separate with around 20 members each. Now both teams have been combined with only a total of only to 15 to 20 members. He also noted that participation on an individual basis is diminished, with many members unable to put in as much time. The result is a reduction in capability to address emergency situations in a timely manner. McDavid said he was never personally interested in a monetary reward, but notes that one of the biggest issues for volunteers is the cost of equipment. During his time in the service, his team would buy used firetrucks through eBay and refurbish them with the assistance of members who had experience as mechanics. Brix said that affording firetrucks, buildings and equipment is a major issue for organizations. Volunteer fire organizations get a certain amount of tax money from their community, he said, and they hold around two to three fundraisers each year, but even then it's a 'constant money chase.' 'It's something to protect a person's life, so it's not cheap,' Brix said. 'We always have different equipment we have to have to protect ourselves and protect our communities.' Reynolds also signed House File 969 on Friday, a bill dealing with cancer coverage for firefighters. The bill expands the definition of cancer for the Peace Officers' and 411 Retirement Systems so that it covers all forms of cancer.
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
NatureSweet Unveils Even Sweeter Glorys® Cherry Tomatoes
SAN ANTONIO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NatureSweet®, the trailblazer in premium produce, is thrilled to unveil a refreshed and even more irresistible Glorys®. These vibrant cherry tomatoes are now packed with even more sweetness and flavor, delivering an elevated taste experience to consumers everywhere. The new, sweeter Glorys® excels in flavor, quality, texture, color, and burst, and consistently ranks as the top cherry tomato choice in extensive consumer testing when compared to other brands. NatureSweet is also proud to debut a fruit variety that boasts exceptional resistance to disease— an important advancement in safeguarding and securing our food supply. The new, sweeter Glorys® excels in flavor, quality, texture, color, and burst, and consistently ranks as the top cherry tomato choice in extensive consumer testing when compared to other brands. Share 'Our journey to find a sweeter cherry tomato variety began in 2022, leading us to a dozen countries where we sampled fruit from a range of seed companies,' says Gilberto Rojas, NatureSweet's Senior Manager of New Varieties. 'This particular variety stands out for its aromatic richness and exceptional sweetness, scoring high on the Brix scale. Its superior flavor, disease resistance, and high yield truly make it a superstar in the world of tomatoes.' Glorys® is ideal for grilling, sautéing, roasting, baking, and even snacking— much like NatureSweet's popular Cherubs® grape tomatoes, which have long been the top choice for snacking and hold the number one spot as the best-selling brand. The new, sweeter Glorys® provides consumers with another healthy, delicious option, offering high levels of Vitamins A and C, with fewer than 50 calories per serving. 'This is one of the sweetest tomatoes our sensory panel has ever tested,' says Julieta Ramírez, NatureSweet's Manager of Sensory Evaluation, who leads a department dedicated to identifying optimal varieties for all NatureSweet produce. 'What's even more exciting is that consumer testing confirmed this excellence, with Glorys® earning top scores in key categories, highlighting its broad appeal.' Glorys® 10oz package can be found at supermarkets nationwide. The product features proprietary packaging made from 100% recycled PET. For product images, photos, and video, click here. About NatureSweet® (NS Brands, Ltd.) NatureSweet® is the leading brand in snacking tomatoes and a trusted provider for greenhouse-grown vegetables. As the largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company and greenhouse grower in North America, it operates on more than 1,500 acres of greenhouse space, growing premium tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. The company's team of nearly 9,000 associates ensures every product is handpicked at peak freshness, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to supermarkets across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Its mission is to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that encourages other companies to replicate it. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, NatureSweet has earned B Corp, Fair Trade, and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.
Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah invited to prestigious global tourism summit in Malta
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 Text Size: Joniston with Brix (second left) and STB deputy chairman Datuk KL Tan (second right) at the dinner gathering, on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's global tourism visibility received a major boost with an invitation from Lufthansa City Centre (LCC) for the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to attend its prestigious General Assembly in Malta this November. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also STB chairman, hailed the invitation as a strategic opportunity to showcase Sabah to over 500 travel leaders from 85 countries. Advertisement He said the biennial summit offers a key platform to promote Sabah's strengths in nature, culture, community-based tourism, and its rising potential in the Mice sector. LCC International managing director Heiko Brix, who extended the invitation, described Sabah as an authentic, nature-rich destination ideal for both leisure and business travel. Currently in Sabah for LCC's Asia Pacific meeting, Brix's endorsement has prompted Joniston to propose Sabah as a potential host for a future LCC global summit. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah poised to attract high-value MICE and eco-tourism markets, says Lufthansa City Center chief
Joniston, Tan, Brix and the delegates of the LCC Regional Meeting APAC today. KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Sabah's unique blend of nature, sustainability and infrastructure has positioned it as a promising destination for high-value tourism segments such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and eco-tourism, says Heiko Brix, managing director of Lufthansa City Center International. Speaking to reporters when met at the LCC Regional Meeting APAC here today, Brix expressed his admiration for the destination and confidence in its alignment with current global travel trends. 'I would like to express my gratefulness being here, having the opportunity to showcase this wonderful destination to our Lufthansa City Center partners. I must say there is a very strong match with what our customers are looking for, a sustainable destination,' said Brix. 'As a network, we are actively exploring ways to foster sustainable travel. More travellers, especially from Europe, are looking to explore new, nature-rich and environmentally-conscious destinations and Sabah fits that perfectly,' he added. Although European tourist arrivals to Sabah are still relatively modest, Brix believes there is great potential to expand, especially with LCC's extensive global reach across 110 countries and 320 partner agencies. 'We are happy to be here, and we are sure that after this experience, we can further develop these opportunities, not just for Europeans, but globally. We cover over 110 countries and have a vast network of partners,' he said. As a leading global travel agency franchise with strong expertise in the MICE sector, LCC is encouraged by rising demand from clients across Germany, Europe, and beyond. 'We clearly see that the MICE segment, not only for Lufthansa City Center but across the trade in Europe, is growing steadily. Within our network in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa, our MICE specialists are reporting rising interest and bookings,' Brix revealed. Describing Sabah as an ideal MICE destination, he highlighted its appeal as a venue for meetings in nature, offering a balance of city convenience and rich biodiversity. 'This is a perfect place to host meetings in a city that isn't too large but has excellent infrastructure and fantastic flight connections. And it is not just about business. Many of our clients love to combine work trips with nature-based leisure experiences,' he said. Many Germans might not immediately recognise Sabah, but once you say Borneo, it clicks and now that we've experienced it, we become ambassadors for this destination, said Brix. Beyond MICE, Brix believes Sabah is perfectly suited to the growing niche market of nature seekers and explorers. 'Our customers increasingly value destinations that are lesser-known, authentic, and offer adventure. Sabah has exactly that from pristine forests to coastal escapes. It is not about mass tourism, but rather about the explorers. And that segment is growing,' he said. He concluded by emphasising LCC's strength in the Free Independent Traveller (FIT) segment and its strong Asian destination knowledge, especially among Germans and Europeans who 'love Asia and love discovering the unknown.' 'There is so much more to be explored here, and the message we're taking home is that Sabah is ready to welcome the world,' he said. In welcoming LCC to Sabah for the first time, Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, said the event signals growing international recognition of Sabah as a strategic MICE partner. 'This regional meeting reinforces our potential as a preferred MICE destination in the Asia Pacific. Through partnerships like these, we not only showcase Sabah's diverse tourism offerings but also strengthen our ties with global travel leaders who share our passion for authentic, sustainable travel experiences. 'The timing of this gathering is especially meaningful as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with Sabah proudly adopting the tagline 'Explore Sabah' to invite the world to discover what makes us truly unique,' he said. The LCC Regional Meeting APAC, Joniston added, continues to serve as a platform for strategic dialogue, fostering innovation and collaboration across borders in one of the world's most dynamic travel markets. 'We would also like to thank Sabah Tourism Board Deputy chairman Datuk KL Tan, who is an LCC member. For me, he was, in a way, instrumental in bringing this meeting here,' he said. Last year Sabah received 8,000 tourists from Germany. The Lufthansa City Center (LCC) Regional Meeting APAC was held from May 14 to 16 with outstanding local support from the Sabah Tourism Board and the local Lufthansa City Center member and DMC partner Borneo Trails. The event gathered 40 high-level LCC travel agency owners and decision-makers from 11 countries, including participants from Germany, 10 ASEAN countries as well as China, underscoring the global relevance of the APAC travel market. Kota Kinabalu was chosen as the venue as it is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for MICE. Its unique blend of modern infrastructure, strategic location, and natural beauty offers a compelling proposition for event organizers and Lufthansa City Center as global travel network worldwide. At the same time its excellent connectivity within the APAC region made them vote for Kota Kinabalu for the first time in the LCC history. This year's agenda is built around five pressing topics shaping the industry, global geopolitical impact on the APAC region, AI and innovation in travel, Sales in the digital age, DMC and destination authenticity and modern airline retailing.
News18
09-05-2025
- General
- News18
'Egg Of The Sun': This Rare Japanese Mango Costs More Than Diamonds
Last Updated: At Japan auctions, a single pair of Miyazaki mangoes, known as the "Egg of the Sun", can fetch an astonishing Rs 2.7 lakh (roughly $3,000). As summer's heat settles across the country, so does the seasonal craving for mangoes. But among the baskets of golden Alphonsos and Dasheris lies a rare, ruby-red jewel that has stunned both taste buds and wallets – the Miyazaki mango, widely considered the most expensive mango on Earth. Known poetically as the 'Egg of the Sun", the Miyazaki mango is a marvel of colour and craftsmanship. With its deep crimson skin and lusciously sweet flesh, this mango isn't just a fruit – it's a luxury item cultivated with meticulous care in Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture. Each fruit is pampered from the moment it begins to flower. Pollination isn't left to nature; it's done by hand. Once the fruit begins to grow, it's cradled in individual mesh nets, protecting it from pests and dust while ensuring uninterrupted sunlight for perfect ripening. This intense level of precision farming is what gives the Miyazaki mango its signature look and exceptional taste. Rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre, and natural sugars, the mango boasts a Brix score (a measure of sweetness) of 15 or more – placing it well above average mangoes in both taste and texture. The flesh is soft, buttery, and so decadently sweet that it often replaces dessert entirely. All this care comes at a price. At auctions in Japan, a single pair of Miyazaki mangoes can fetch an astonishing Rs 2.7 lakh (roughly $3,000) especially when they meet the highest quality grade and are labeled as 'Eggs of the Sun'. Their rarity and labour-intensive production process ensure that only a limited number ever reach this elite category. In 2021, Surendra Singh, a farmer from Bihar, made headlines by successfully cultivating Miyazaki mangoes on in India. After importing two saplings from Japan, Singh managed to harvest 21 mangoes in his very first season. His quiet agricultural experiment ignited widespread interest among farmers in growing high-end, exotic fruits. Although Indian-grown Miyazaki mangoes don't yet command the same prices as their Japanese counterparts, their very presence hints at a transformative shift in the country's farming landscape. First Published: May 09, 2025, 17:26 IST
