Latest news with #DDP
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
The saga of the Richmond gym stuck on port-a‑potties for over 100 days
For more than 100 days, Jake Rowell's gym has been without working toilets because of damage to a sewer pipe during construction at the nearby Diamond District project. Why it matters: Rowell's saga is proof that being the next-door neighbor to a shiny new development in a rapidly changing city can really stink. The big picture: Rowell moved his 18-year-old RVA Performance Training gym to Hermitage Road in 2017. Construction on the $2.4 billion Diamond District Development — the largest development deal in the city's history — began last year. How it happened: The gym's toilets stopped working in April because Dominion Energy crews hit a sewer pipe when relocating some power poles, according to Rowell, developer Diamond District Partners, and a representative for the out-of-state owner of the building the gym is in. "There are multiple parties involved including the landowners and contractors," a Dominion Energy spokesperson tells Axios. "We have an ongoing dialogue and are working toward an agreeable solution." Friction point: Who should pay to fix the johns? The gym property owner's rep says Diamond District Partners should, because it owns the land and hired Dominion to dig. DDP says it offered to, but the gym property owner asked instead for a new, more expensive sewer line. The proposed fix wasn't a long-term solution, per the gym property owner's rep. Zoom in: Rowell took to Instagram at the end of May to vent about the delay, and the headache that the massive construction project brought to his door. He hoped the post would get his plumbing working again. Instead, it got him a set of double-wide, high-end port-a-potties plus an accessible single unit, courtesy of DDP. Behind the scenes: DDP tells Axios it's spent $5,600 on these "air-conditioned portable restrooms," and it's about to shell out another $2,800 for a third month. Yes, but: As anyone who's used them can attest, there's a difference between port-a-potties and indoor toilets with working plumbing, and that difference has everything to do with one being indoors and having working plumbing and the other not. What they're saying: Rowell tells Axios the lack of plumbing-reliant amenities (the gym's showers are also unusable) has cost him clientele and other headaches. In addition to the gym, he runs the nonprofit LiftPD, which provides free training to people with Parkinson's disease. It's these clients, especially, who Rowell worries about because the disease affects their mobility. Many of these clients use walkers or wheelchairs and, for them, the extra steps needed to go outside to use the restroom can feel impossible. "This is more than just an inconvenience," Rowell says. He says it feels like he's getting pushed out of his longtime business home to make way for new development. But at the same time, he feels stuck. He knows another 15,000 square feet of warehouse space in the heart of the city at a reasonable price won't be easy to find again. What's next: Once all the parties agree to a resolution, Powell says, it's his understanding that it'll take six to eight weeks to get the plumbing working again.
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Innovative Warehouse Solutions Partners with Passport to Expand Seamless Global Fulfillment
FARMINGDALE, NY, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovative Warehouse Solutions (IWS), a leading U.S.-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Passport, a premier international shipping carrier. This collaboration enhances IWS's capabilities to offer clients streamlined global distribution through Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) services. With this new alliance, IWS clients can now reach customers in over 180 countries via DDP, simplifying and accelerating cross-border e-commerce fulfillment like never before. Known for its technology-forward fulfillment solutions across apparel, beauty, health, and merchandise sectors, IWS continues to invest in infrastructure and partnerships that offer clients greater speed, transparency, and reliability. By integrating Passport's advanced international logistics technology directly into its operations, IWS is setting a new standard for seamless global shipping and enhanced customer experiences. Insights from Brian Gibbons, CEO of Innovative Warehouse Solutions To shed light on the importance of this partnership, Brian Gibbons, CEO of IWS, shared his perspective: 'Brian, what was the main goal for IWS behind this new partnership?' 'Over the past few years, we've optimized our domestic shipping partnerships, ensuring efficiency, speed, and reliability. However, international fulfillment has always felt a little off — like we were wearing running shoes for domestic shipping and wooden clogs for international. International shipping is inherently more complex, even before recent global tariff changes. Our previous partners could clear customs and complete deliveries, but the experience was not as frictionless or brand-centric as we wanted it to be for our clients.' 'Do you believe Passport can prevent this friction?' 'Absolutely. Passport has built a technology and logistics company focused solely on the needs of international e-commerce brands. Their backend systems are light years ahead of anything else we've seen. What's even more impressive is their confidence — they don't just promise good service; they take full responsibility by handling customer support for delivery issues on behalf of the brand. In a logistics environment where margins are razor thin, that commitment says everything about their capabilities and their technology stack.' 'Beyond fewer issues in shipping, what other features made Passport stand out to IWS?' 'The technology doesn't just help us internally — it's a powerful tool for our clients too. Brands can seamlessly integrate Passport's systems into their own websites. They can display local currencies, like AUD for Australian shoppers, and give customers real-time, accurate shipping rates that include duties and taxes if they choose DDP. This reduces cart abandonment, eliminates unpleasant surprises at delivery, and ultimately protects brands' margins by ensuring full transparency.' 'Anything else your clients will benefit from?' 'Definitely. For one, clients who first import goods into the U.S. and then re-export internationally can claw back a significant portion of previously paid duties and taxes — a huge financial advantage. Passport can even serve as the seller of record, making it easier to comply with country-specific tax regulations and reducing administrative burden for brands.' 'Another major feature is the custom-branded tracking pages Passport offers. Instead of generic carrier tracking portals, brands can fully customize the tracking experience. They can embed promotions, videos, QR codes, or direct links to their social media pages, turning the shipping experience into a marketing channel. The tracking itself is more robust too, offering more scan events and better visibility, which minimizes customer anxiety and keeps the brand front and center during the entire delivery journey. No other carrier we've seen offers this level of integration and brand enhancement.' About Passport Passport is a modern international shipping carrier specializing in e-commerce logistics. Their services include comprehensive customs management, compliance support, localized customer service, and real-time tracking. With DDP services, Passport allows brands to offer upfront duty and tax payment options to international customers, eliminating unexpected fees and smoothing the delivery experience. Their DDU services provide additional flexibility for brands preferring recipient-based duty management. Serving over 220 global markets, Passport's platform is built to make international shipping as seamless and brand-aligned as domestic delivery. About Innovative Warehouse Solutions Innovative Warehouse Solutions (IWS) is a technology-driven third-party logistics provider specializing in comprehensive fulfillment services for both B2C and B2B clients. Known for its robust inventory management systems, seamless API integrations, and deep vertical-specific expertise across apparel, beauty, health, and consumer goods industries, IWS is committed to delivering scalable solutions that support brands through every stage of growth. With a relentless focus on efficiency, transparency, and innovation, IWS helps brands optimize their operations and expand into new markets confidently. Media contact Brand: Innovative Warehouse Solutions Contact: Media team Email: [email protected] Website: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
News18
31-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Dricus Du Plessis Praises Tom Aspinall, Predicts Long UFC Championship Reign
Middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis, praised heavyweight Tom Aspinall, calling him a next-gen talent. UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has officially joined the Tom Aspinall hype train, and his praise is nothing short of music to MMA fans' ears. The South African champion recently dropped some serious knowledge about what makes the English heavyweight such a special talent. 'He's (Aspinall) almost the next generation of heavyweight, in my opinion, where he moves like a middleweight. He's light on his feet. He can grapple, he can strike, he can wrestle, so I'm really happy for him. I think he's going to be a great champion and I think he's going to be a champion for a long time. I don't think there's a lot of heavyweights on his level right now," Du Plessis said in an interview. He also revealed that Aspinall caught his attention from day one. 'The first time you saw Tom Aspinall fight, you knew there was something special," he said. The praise comes at a perfect time for Aspinall, who recently ascended to undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones' retirement. The 32-year-old Englishman has been on an absolute tear, showcasing the exact qualities du Plessis highlighted. With explosive first-round knockouts over Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich, Aspinall has proven he possesses that rare combination of technical brilliance and devastating power. 'Usually I can watch guys fight and I can get a feel for what the plan of attack is and the strategy and what they're gonna do and the way they're gonna move. With DDP, it's just a complete mystery," Aspinall had said. The heavyweight division needed the energy injection, and Aspinall appears ready to deliver. His record-breaking UFC average fight time of just two minutes and two seconds demonstrates the finishing ability that has du Plessis impressed. With his first title defense against Ciryl Gane on the horizon, Aspinall has the perfect opportunity to prove that du Plessis' prediction about his championship longevity is spot-on. Meanwhile, du Plessis has his own title defense to worry about, facing the dangerous Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The grappling streamroller, Chimaev, is undefeated in his career and has been dominant in almost all his performances. Dricus, undefeated in the UFC, can prove to be the kryptonite needed to derail 'Borz", while Chimaev's suffocating offensive wrestling can halt the South African's blitzes. Whatever the result, one can always count on du Plessis to deliver pure, unadulterated entertainment in the octagon and outside of it. view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 09:25 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Korea Herald
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Dongdaemun park to light up with immersive media art show from July 31
Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, located near Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, central Seoul, will showcase immersive media art on its historic stone walls and green spaces around the park for the first time this summer. The Seoul Design Foundation announced Thursday that it will host Seoul Light DDP 2025: Summer from July 31 until Aug. 10, marking the first time for the Seoul Light DDP event to be held during the summer. The event, launched in 2019, has positioned itself as one of Seoul's signature media art festivals, traditionally taking place in the fall and winter only on the DDP grounds. Seoul Light DDP also earned further international recognition in February this year when it won the iF Design Award after having earned the Red Dot Award and IDEA Bronze in 2023. Every evening from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors to the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park will be able to enjoy large-scale media art displays under the theme of 'Timescape: Texture of Light.' Regarding this summer's Seoul Light DDP, a Seoul Design Foundation official commented that it 'goes beyond' the previous media art format. 'Going beyond the previous media facade format displayed on the DDP's 222-meter-long walls, we've expanded the exhibition to cover the entire park area and the newly created water space (in the park),' said a Seoul Design Foundation official. 'We believe this will create an even more immersive experience for visitors.' This year, a media facade along the walls of Hanyang Doseong — also known as the Seoul City Wall — along with installation artworks and laser art of seven different themes will be showcased. Artwork using fog and lasers will be displayed at the new water space in the park. 'For the summer season, the newly created water space in the park will help visitors cool off from the summer heat while enjoying media artworks,' an official from Seoul Design Foundation added. The event will also kick off on July 31 with an opening ceremony, featuring a fashion show with hanbok, South Korea's traditional clothing. The fashion show will be organized in collaboration with traditional hanbok brand Geumdanje and the pattern-driven modern hanbok label Oueur. 'Seoul Light DDP is an artistic experiment that transforms the city itself into a stage for our senses. It is a public media content that is completed by light, people and space,' said Seoul Design Foundation CEO Cha Kang-heui. 'The combination of the historical landscape of the Seoul City Wall and the modern architectural beauty of DDP will present a new artistic experience and model where city and art coexist for its visitors.'
Axios
15-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
High-tech toilets land in downtown Detroit
Downtown welcomed two high-tech public bathrooms last week as part of a pilot project prioritizing cleanliness and more luxurious, free facilities. Why it matters: Finding a clean, accessible public toilet downtown can be a hassle, since businesses often restrict use of their private restrooms. State of play: Throne Labs, out of Washington D.C., worked with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) to install two of the company's bathrooms in Cadillac Square. They have flushing toilets, running water sinks, decorative wallpaper and baby changing stations. What they're saying: The new Thrones will help raise the bar for downtown's public restrooms, Eric Larson, CEO of the DDP, said in a statement. "From food truck festivals to fitness classes, access to clean, safe restrooms is a key part of creating a welcoming environment." Throne is providing and servicing the bathrooms at no cost to the DDP during the pilot, Larson tells Axios. 🧻 Joe's thought bubble: My recent Throne visit was a success. The facilities were spotless and easy to use. I scanned the QR code on the door and was prompted to send a text. The door automatically opened right after pressing send. The toilet flushed with the appropriate strength and the faucet worked perfectly. How it works: Each bathroom has 21 sensors that track cleanliness and usage. Thrones use solar power and don't need a water or sewer line. Cleaning teams monitor sensor data and user feedback to prioritize their operations, Throne COO Jessica Heinzelman tells Axios. "That's one of the biggest selling points — we are able to keep it nice," she says. Users are given an anonymous ID and their data is only used for Throne's internal operations, Heinzelman says. For those without phones, Throne works with its partner cities to provide entry cards. Zoom out: Detroit's the third Michigan city to try Throne, joining Ann Arbor and Royal Oak. In D.C., the program is on hold due to funding issues, upsetting neighborhood organizations and public officials. If you go: Detroit's toilets are open 24 hours a day. What's next: The DDP and Throne will collect data and community feedback through mid-August to decide whether to continue the pilot.
