Latest news with #Marquardt
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Australia Official Inflation Holds Steady, Despite Near-20 Percent Surge in Egg Prices
Australia's annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.4 percent in April, reinforcing market expectations that the Reserve Bank may again lower interest rates at its next meeting in July. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirmed on May 28, that headline inflation for the month matched February and March. While this was slightly above the market forecast of 2.3 percent, the figure remains well within the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) inflation target band of 2 to 3 percent. Trimmed mean inflation—regarded as the RBA's preferred measure for assessing underlying price pressures—edged up slightly to 2.8 percent in April, from 2.7 percent the previous month. Egg Prices Surge Nearly 20 Percent, While Rebates Drive Down Electricity Costs Among the top contributors to annual inflation were food and non-alcoholic beverages (up 3.1 percent), housing (up 2.2 percent), and recreation and culture (up 3.6 percent). While overall food inflation slowed compared to March, egg prices surged 18.6 percent year-on-year due to supply constraints caused by bird flu outbreaks and the government-backed cull of over 1 million birds. 'While annual inflation eased for most food categories in April, egg prices were up by 18.6 percent in the past 12 months,' said Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics. Related Stories 5/14/2025 5/16/2025 Housing costs rose at a moderate pace, with new dwelling prices up 1.2 percent and rents increasing 5.0 percent—though both were down slightly from March. Electricity prices, meanwhile, fell 6.5 percent over the year to April, helped by taxpayer-backed rebates. 'Without all the Commonwealth and State government rebates, electricity prices would have risen 1.5 percent,' Marquardt added. 'Substantial and Sustained' Inflation Progress: Chalmers Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the data, calling it 'encouraging news.' 'It shows that the progress that we have made together as Australians on inflation has been substantial and it has been sustained,' Chalmers said. 'It is actually the longest period where both measures of inflation have been in a target range since this monthly data started being collected in 2018.' Rate Cut Odds Grow as Price Stability Persists The latest CPI report arrives just a week after the central bank cut the official cash rate to 3.85 percent. Financial markets are now betting heavily on a further reduction, with odds of another cut in July sitting at 78 percent this morning. RBA Governor Michele Bullock recently signaled that she is open to more cuts if inflation remains in check. 'We are prepared to reduce rates again if inflation continues to trend downward and broader economic indicators remain supportive.' However, the Board struck a cautious tone, warning of heightened global uncertainty and volatility in financial markets over the past three months. The statement noted that recent tariff announcements had prompted a market rebound but added that, 'There is still considerable uncertainty about the final scope of the tariffs and policy responses in other countries.'
Associated Press
05-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Blue Sky Scrubs Honors Nurses Week with 20% Off All Products and a Commitment to Giving Back
Blue Sky Scrubs Honors Nurses Week with 20% Off All Products and a Commitment to Giving Back in Austin, Texas. We help fund future nurses through mentorship. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, May 5, 2025 / / -- In celebration of National Nurses Week, Blue Sky Scrubs, the Austin-based designer medical apparel brand, is proud to announce a special promotion honoring nurses and healthcare professionals everywhere. From May 6–12, all customers will receive 20% off all Blue Sky Scrubs products—no exclusions, no minimum purchase required. This exclusive offer is a heartfelt thank you to the medical heroes who work tirelessly to keep communities safe, healthy, and cared for. For over 20 years, Blue Sky Scrubs has designed, manufactured, and distributed luxury medical clothing, including handcrafted scrub caps and scrubs, from its headquarters in Austin, Texas. Known for blending style with functionality, the company is deeply rooted in service and gratitude, especially when it comes to recognizing nurses—the backbone of healthcare. 'National Nurses Week is more than a calendar event—it's a chance to truly honor the people who show up every day with compassion, strength, and selflessness,' said Shelby Marquardt, founder and chief designer of Blue Sky Scrubs. 'Our mission has always been to support healthcare professionals, not just with the best-fitting scrubs, but with meaningful gestures that show we care.' A Week of Style, Savings, and Support During Nurses Week, Blue Sky Scrubs is rolling out a sitewide 20% discount, valid on all products—including their best-selling scrub caps, performance stretch scrubs, lab coats, loungewear, and accessories. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout on the company's website, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for busy healthcare workers who deserve a wardrobe refresh. 'Our scrubs are built for long shifts and tough days,' added Marquardt. 'But just as importantly, they're designed to make nurses feel confident, stylish, and valued—because they are.' Giving Back to Healthcare Communities In keeping with its legacy of social responsibility, Blue Sky Scrubs is also using Nurses Week as a platform to give back to communities in need. As part of the celebration, the company has pledged to donate scrubs and caps to nonprofit medical missions, nursing school programs, and community clinics across the U.S. and abroad. Earlier this year, Blue Sky Scrubs supported multiple humanitarian trips to underserved regions by donating apparel to nurses and doctors serving on the front lines in countries such as Honduras, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. Now, during Nurses Week, the company is expanding its reach by identifying new partners to help equip and uplift even more healthcare workers. 'Every nurse deserves to feel appreciated, no matter where they serve,' said Marquardt. 'By outfitting mission teams and educational programs, we hope to spread a message of unity, generosity, and global compassion.' Healthcare organizations and individuals interested in nominating a clinic or nursing program for donations can do so directly on the Blue Sky Scrubs website. The company will be spotlighting select stories throughout Nurses Week on its social media channels to share the impact these caregivers make. A History of Heart Since its founding, Blue Sky Scrubs has always stood for more than clothing. The company was created by Marquardt, a former anesthesiology resident, who couldn't find scrub caps that combined professionalism with personal style. What began as a side project quickly grew into a national brand—one that now serves hospitals, clinics, and individual healthcare providers across the country and around the globe. In addition to premium products, Blue Sky Scrubs is known for its commitment to craftsmanship—with each item being handmade using top-quality fabrics, durable stitching, and fashion-forward design. The company is also committed to sustainability, reducing textile waste in manufacturing and using recyclable packaging whenever possible. 'Being a healthcare professional means making sacrifices daily,' Marquardt added. 'At Blue Sky, we want to be a part of lifting those professionals up—not just during Nurses Week, but every day of the year.' Join the Celebration To participate in the 20% Nurses Week discount, customers simply need to shop at between May 6–12, 2025. No code is necessary—the discount will be applied automatically at checkout. The promotion is open to all customers, whether purchasing for themselves, coworkers, or loved ones in healthcare. Throughout the week, Blue Sky Scrubs will also be highlighting nurses' stories and hosting giveaways on Instagram and TikTok. Followers are encouraged to tag their favorite nurse or post a video describing how a nurse has made a difference in their life, using the hashtag #ThankYouNurses. Select participants will win free scrub caps or gift cards as part of the celebration. About Blue Sky Scrubs Blue Sky Scrubs is a luxury medical apparel company based in Austin, Texas. For more than two decades, the company has designed and handcrafted high-quality scrubs, scrub caps, lab coats, and accessories for medical professionals across the U.S. and abroad. With a mission to combine comfort, performance, and style, Blue Sky Scrubs has become a trusted name in the healthcare industry. Every item is handmade with care, designed to last, and created to support the heroes who wear them. David Marquardt The Steam Team +1 512-451-8326 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Blue Sky Scrubs Celebrates International Women's Day with a Special Giveaway Honoring Women in Healthcare
Blue Sky Scrubs celebrates International Women's Day 2025 in Austin, Texas. This International Women's Day, Blue Sky Scrubs is honoring the incredible women who lead, inspire, and heal within the healthcare community. In celebration of women's achievements and contributions to medicine, the luxury scrub apparel brand is launching a special giveaway to recognize and uplift women nurses and healthcare professionals across the country. Starting Friday, March 7, 2025, Blue Sky Scrubs invites nurses, physicians, healthcare workers, and their colleagues to participate in a heartfelt social media campaign designed to share the stories, pride, and power of women in healthcare. The first 100 participants to post a TikTok or Instagram video from their workplace, sharing what being a woman nurse—or supporting women nurses—means to them, will receive a free, premium designer scrub cap from Blue Sky Scrubs. 'At Blue Sky Scrubs, we are passionate about celebrating women who have dedicated their lives to caring for others,' said Shelby Marquardt, founder and chief designer of Blue Sky Scrubs. 'International Women's Day is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the strength, compassion, and leadership women bring to healthcare, and we want to give back in a meaningful way.' How It Works: Participants must post a video on TikTok or Instagram from their workplace, briefly highlighting what it means to be a woman in healthcare or how they support women in the field. Whether it's a story of perseverance, a shoutout to a mentor, or a tribute to a team, Blue Sky Scrubs encourages participants to get creative and personal. Once the video is posted, participants simply need to tag Blue Sky Scrubs and send a direct message with a link to their post to claim their free designer scrub cap. The offer is available to the first 100 U.S.-based healthcare workers who submit a qualifying video. A History of Giving Back This initiative is just the latest in a long tradition of giving for Blue Sky Scrubs. Earlier this year, the company donated free scrubs to volunteers embarking on medical mission trips to underserved areas. In addition, Blue Sky Scrubs has supported nursing and medical students with scholarships and has partnered with local charities to provide support to healthcare communities across Texas and beyond. With this new campaign, the company hopes not only to celebrate International Women's Day but also to highlight the ongoing impact of women in the medical field, where they make up the majority of the workforce in nursing and a growing share in many physician specialties. 'Women have long been the backbone of healthcare,' Marquardt said. 'From the bedside to the boardroom, women in medicine are shaping the future of healthcare with their innovation, compassion, and resilience. We are proud to honor them this International Women's Day.' Celebrating Diversity and Strength Blue Sky Scrubs' giveaway campaign also serves as a reminder of the diverse stories and backgrounds that make up the healthcare profession. Women from all walks of life have made extraordinary contributions to medicine, and Blue Sky Scrubs aims to amplify their voices through this celebration. Whether it's a nurse balancing night shifts and family life, a first-generation medical student breaking barriers, or a team of women healthcare workers supporting one another through a challenging year, Blue Sky Scrubs wants to shine a light on these inspiring journeys. New Designs, New Energy Coinciding with the International Women's Day celebration, Blue Sky Scrubs is also unveiling several new designer scrub cap styles inspired by the vibrant spirit and strength of women in healthcare. The new collection features bold prints, elegant colors, and signature craftsmanship that customers have come to love from Blue Sky Scrubs. 'These caps are not just about style,' said Marquardt. 'They're about confidence, pride, and the feeling of being seen and celebrated for the incredible work women do every single day.' Join the Movement Blue Sky Scrubs encourages all healthcare workers—whether nurses, doctors, techs, or administrators—to join the celebration and share their stories. By coming together, the company hopes to spark conversations, strengthen bonds, and build a movement of recognition and gratitude that lasts far beyond International Women's Day. To learn more about the giveaway and how to participate, visit or follow Blue Sky Scrubs on Instagram and TikTok. This International Women's Day, let's celebrate the women who heal, lead, and inspire—one story, one smile, and one scrub cap at a time. Media Contact Company Name: Blue Sky Scrubs Contact Person: Azu Aguilera Email: Send Email Phone: 888-302-5837 Address:2209 Donely Dr. City: Austin State: Texas Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Blue Sky Scrubs Celebrates International Women's Day with a Special Giveaway Honoring Women in Healthcare
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery begins remodel
DES MOINES, Iowa — This week the rebirth started at an Iowa State Fair landmark, the old Steer 'N' Stein. After action taken by the Iowa State Fair, a new vendor was allowed to re-make the location into something entirely new. It will be called the Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. Changes coming to Hy-Vee Market Grille locations 'Our goal here was to really just open up the venue and try and get it so that if you're a person inside, you can look out and see because the true action happens down Grand Avenue and you can see what happens down the street and look down towards the Grandstand,' said Diana Marquardt, who is leading the remodel effort. 'Honestly, what an ideal location we were given like the Steer 'N' Stein carries a lot of nostalgia with the Iowa State Fair and we definitely want to carry on that type of nostalgia.' The plan also calls for live entertainment. 'That was one of the first things we started working on was what groups can we invite,' said Marquardt. 'One to two artists every day from things like dueling pianos so there's a great Hispanic band that comes out of Chicago, on the first Sunday afternoon.' The bottom line attraction for owner Joni Bell is the food. 'We've got some great creations. You're not gonna wanna miss them,' said Bell. 'Tony has really really put some good inspiration in this year and designed some new things that I've told him this is what I think would be good then he creates them.' Metro News: Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery begins remodel UPDATE: Missing Des Moines teen found safe Changes coming to Hy-Vee Market Grille locations 6-year-old autistic boy confirmed dead in Altoona drowning Jury convicts Des Moines man of woman's 2024 murder Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
02-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Blue Sky Scrubs Introduces the Margot Performance Ultra-Soft Jacket: The Ultimate in Comfort and Style for Medical Professionals
Blue Sky Scrubs, a leader in high-quality, fashion-forward medical apparel, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: the Margot Performance Ultra-Soft Scrubs Jacket. Designed for healthcare professionals who demand comfort, durability, and sophistication, the Margot Jacket is a game-changer in medical outerwear. AUSTIN, Texas - April 2, 2025 - Blue Sky Scrubs, maker of modern scrub wear for medical professionals, today announced the launch of its new comfortable and stylish line of activewear jackets. The line complements Blue Sky's professional medical scrub attire. Designed for comfort and functionality, the jackets allow the wearer to move well and feel comfortable. They feature high-quality fabrics, modern fits, and lightweight warmth to keep medical professionals comfortable during long shifts. In particular, the line is well-suited to operating rooms (ORs), which tend to be cold. The ultra-stretch activewear jackets are a perfect addition to the Blue Sky lifestyle brand. With features like soft and stretchy cozy fleece, microfleece-lined soft shells, and strategic pockets, the jackets are a natural choice for medical, veterinary, and assisted living professionals in clinical settings who often require layering due to variable indoor temperatures. They need to be comfortable doing their jobs and not be distracted. The jackets perfectly complement Blue Sky's hand-made, ultra-comfortable, athletic-inspired scrubs for people who need to move quickly, efficiently, and comfortably. 'The cozy fleece is so incredibly soft and stretchy that it is perfect for work or the weekend,' said Shelby Marquardt, founder and CEO of Blue Sky Scrubs. 'Our fleeces, soft shells, and puffer jackets layer up perfectly with scrub pants and long-sleeve tops. You will dream of the days that you can layer up. Our most popular jackets are super warm, water-repellent, and operating room compliant. Stretchy layers add just the right amount of warmth.' Marquardt explained, 'Regardless of the season, layers are a total necessity in the medical field. No matter the temperature, we give you great options with light, medium, or heavy-weight vests and jackets. We offer the most extensive collection of professional clinical clothing for medical and veterinary professionals so that you can be comfortable all day long.' It is easy to stay warm and stylish with Blue Sky's collection of women's scrub jackets, vests, hoodies, and outerwear. The apparel is designed for comfort and functionality. The medical outerwear features high-quality fabrics, modern fits, and lightweight warmth to stay comfortable during long shifts. 'Our collection has the perfect layering piece for any healthcare setting,' added Marquardt. 'Browse the online store for a wide variety of high-quality women's scrub jackets, vests, hoodies, and outerwear in various colors and sizes.' The Blue Sky brand is famous in clinical settings for its selection of medical scrubs, including women's and men's scrubs, nurse uniforms, scrub and surgical caps, lab coats, hoodies, vests, basic layers, compression socks, and surgical scrub clothing, specifically designed for comfort in clinical settings. Every hospital, operating room, veterinary clinic, and assisted living facility boasts Blue Sky scrubs, which enhance the lives of nurses, doctors, technicians, and lab professionals. Media Contact Company Name: Blue Sky Scrubs Contact Person: Azu Aguilera Email: Send Email Phone: 888-302-5837 Address: 2209 Donely Dr. City: Austin State: Texas Country: United States Website:
