Latest news with #Membership


RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Government approves final steps for Ireland to join CERN
The Government has approved the final steps for Ireland to become an associate member of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. Following a mandatory waiting period, the membership is expected to begin officially in October. CERN is an intergovernmental organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world on the Franco-Swiss border, just outside Geneva. The main focus of activity in CERN is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27km underground ring in which protons are accelerated and collide with one another. Associate membership will allow Ireland's researchers to participate in CERN's scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN. Membership will also allow Ireland's businesses to compete in CERN procurement programmes. Associate membership is expected to cost around €1.9 million a year, for an initial period of five years. Following today's Cabinet decision, the Taoiseach signed a Government Order to enable the State to meet its obligations under CERN membership. The remaining steps are now for Ireland to notify the Director-General of CERN that the internal approval procedures for the Associate Membership Agreement are complete, and to deposit an Instrument of Accession to the CERN Protocol on Privileges and Immunities with UNESCO. "Associate Membership of CERN will demonstrate Ireland's commitment to science and reaffirm our reputation as a centre for scientific investment," said Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said today's Cabinet approval is a milestone which authorises the final legal steps. "My Department will establish an expert advisory group in the coming months to guide our national approach to CERN membership," Mr Lawless said. "This group will work with my Department to maximise benefits for both Ireland and CERN," he added.


Fast Company
30-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
New Costco hours debut today: What to know about the chain's updated perks for ‘Executive' members
Starting today, Costco is rolling out a new schedule that introduces exclusive hours for its Executive members. The schedule was first announced in an email sent to members earlier this month, in which the big-box warehouse club detailed its plans to adjust its hours of operations to add some attractive new perks for its highest-paying members. The plan comes on the heels of a strong financial quarter for Costco: Per its third quarter 2025 earnings report, the company notched 8% year-over-year sales gains, from $57.39 billion last year to $61.96 billion this year. Here's what to know about the updated schedule: How are hours and membership perks changing? Previously, Costco's hours at most locations were 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Today, the company is introducing an earlier start each day that's only available to its Executive tier. Throughout the week, Costco will now open at 9 a.m. for Executive members, giving those card-holders an additional hour of shopping Sunday through Friday, as well as 30 added minutes on Saturday. In addition, Costco will offer Executive members a monthly $10 credit for orders of $150 placed through the company's 'Same-Day' service or Instacart. Outside of these Executive tier offerings, Costco also plans to expand its Saturday hours to a 7 p.m. closing time for all members starting on July 5. Why is Costco making these changes? To shop at Costco at all, customers need to purchase one of two membership plans: either the standard Gold Star Membership, which costs $65 per year, or the Executive Membership, which costs $130 per year. In the past, Costco has primarily attracted its most loyal shoppers to the pricier Executive Membership with an annual 2% reward on qualified purchases, which can rack up a maximum of $1,250 in cash back per year. Now, though, the company is trying to sweeten the deal with an exclusive shopping experience—a strategy that's already in place at Sam's Club, the retailer's main rival. Costco's adoption of the concept makes sense, given how central Executive members have become to its overall financial health. On a May 29 earnings call, Gary Millerchip, Costco's executive vice president and CFO, shared that the company now has 37.6 million Executive members, up 9% from the same quarter in 2024. He also noted that at the end of third quarter 2025, Executive members accounted for 47.3% of paid members but a whopping 73.1% of worldwide sales. Early access to the club's inventory (and its popular food court) is one way for Costco to keep its biggest spenders coming back for more.


Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Who is Sadie Novotny and why is the Sonoma County woman suing Costco for $14 million?
A woman from Santa Rosa, California, is suing Costco for more than $14 million, saying a heavy display cabinet fell on her while she was shopping, leaving her with serious injuries. Sadie Novotny filed the lawsuit on April 29, claiming the store was careless in how it managed its merchandise. She says this led to the accident that caused her permanent injuries. The case was first filed in California Superior Court in Alameda County, but was moved to the US District Court for Northern California on June 5, after Costco's legal team requested the change. Also Read: Apple agrees to $95 million Siri privacy settlement: How to claim your payment According to the lawsuit, Novotny was shopping at a Costco in Santa Rosa on March 22 when a large liquor cabinet fell on her 'without warning.' The suit says she suffered 'multiple, permanent and catastrophic' injuries, including a head injury and a traumatic brain injury. A Costco incident report included in the complaint shows that Novotny and her husband were trying to buy a liquor cabinet when the floor model suddenly tipped over. She said she managed to catch the cabinet and push it back, but right away felt pain in her 'right shoulder, forearm, hand, fingers and lower back,' according to the report. Novotny is suing for general negligence, but also for premises liability and products liability. In legal terms, premises liability means the store could be held responsible for injuries that happen on their property. Products liability means a defective or unsafe item may have caused harm. In May, attorney Nick Rineberg, who represents both Costco Wholesale Corporation ('Costco') and Costco Wholesale Membership, Inc. ('Membership'), filed a request asking the court to remove Membership from the lawsuit. He said, 'Costco and Membership are separate entities, Membership does not operate the subject premises, Membership does not employ any persons at the subject premises, and Membership does not own, lease, operate, or manage the subject premises.' The case is now being handled in federal court.


Global News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
Woman sues Costco for $14M after cabinet allegedly falls on her while shopping
A woman in California is suing Costco for more than $14 million, alleging that a display cabinet fell on her at one of the stores, resulting in severe injuries. The shopper, Sadie Novotny of Santa Rosa, Calif., originally filed the lawsuit seeking $14,110,000 in general and special damages on April 29, alleging that Costco acted negligently by failing to properly manage store merchandise, which she says led to her injuries. Novotny is suing the Costco corporation for general negligence, premises liability and products liability. She is seeking $9 million for pain and suffering, $5 million for emotional distress and additional damages for medical expenses and lost wages. According to court documents, viewed by People, Novotny claims that the liquor display cabinet fell onto her 'suddenly and without warning' on March 22 and led to 'multiple, permanent and severe injuries thereby, including but not limited to a closed head injury and traumatic brain injury.' Story continues below advertisement The lawsuit was initially filed in California Superior Court for Alameda County, but was moved to the United States District Court of Northern California on June 5 at the request of Costco's counsel after being served for the second time. In her initial incident report, Novotny wrote, 'My husband and I were buying a liquor cabinet. I was holding the flatbed when the floor model fell on top of me. I caught the cabinet and pushed it back. My right shoulder, forearm, hand, fingers, and lower back hurt after the accident.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Novotny also notes that Costco 'should have known that a condition on their property created an unreasonable risk of harm to users' and wrote that the company failed to protect customers or 'give adequate warning' to the store's conditions. She added that the display cabinet 'had thin legs' and was sitting on 'a defective or worn or otherwise inadequate wooden pallet, in an unreasonably dangerous manner, which posed a serious risk of harm to the public.' Story continues below advertisement The lawsuit alleges that Costco failed to properly inspect and maintain the display and argues that the wholesale company should have known about the possible danger. Nick Rineberg, a lawyer whose office is representing the Costco Wholesale Corporation and Costco Wholesale Membership, Inc., requested that Novotny dismiss membership from the initial complaint. 'Costco and Membership are separate entities, Membership does not operate the subject premises, Membership does not employ any persons at the subject premises, and Membership does not own, lease, operate, or manage the subject premises.' Claude Armand Wyle, Novotny's lawyer, told ABC News that a Costco representative told him they have footage of the incident, but won't send it to him to review. 'The employee told me that the video didn't happen the way I explained it,' Wyle told the outlet. 'I told her, 'Well, send it.' She then said, 'Oh no, you can only get that video through discovery.'' 'That meant I had to file a lawsuit,' Wyle added. 'I couldn't investigate any further. I was stuck. If I wanted to get to the truth, I had to file a lawsuit.' Wyle also said that Novotny went to the hospital an hour after the incident and doctors had reportedly diagnosed her with a concussion. Story continues below advertisement He added that his client feels slightly better now but still suffers from headaches and vision problems. A case management conference is scheduled for Sept. 4 at the San Francisco Federal Courthouse.

Daily Tribune
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Indian Ladies Association Elects New Executive Committee
The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) celebrated its Annual Day with a grand Gabga event at Reem Al Bawadi, Ramada Seef, marking a significant transition in leadership. Organized by the outgoing executive committee, the event served as both a celebration and a formal handover of responsibilities to the newly elected committee for 2025. A ceremonial pinning was conducted, symbolizing the official transition of duties. The event was honored by the presence of esteemed representatives from the Indian Embassy to Bahrain, including Mr. Ravi Jain, Mr. Ravi Singh, and Mr. Rajiv Mishra. This year's celebration was particularly momentous, recognizing Ms. Meena Bhatia's remarkable 50 years of membership in the association. Additionally, the gathering bid an emotional farewell to Ms. Nivedita Dutta, a past president and a dedicated member for over 25 years, as she prepares to leave Bahrain. Adding to the historical significance of the occasion, the ILA executive committee for 2025 was elected through a democratic electoral process for the first time in the association's 69-year history. The newly appointed team, led by President Smitha Jensen, won their respective board seats in a competitive election. In her acceptance speech, President Smitha Jensen expressed her gratitude to the members for their trust and support. She outlined her vision for the upcoming year, highlighting plans for engaging activities and workshops aimed at empowering women within the ILA community. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and representation within the association. The contributions of the outgoing executive committee of 2024 were acknowledged during the event. The departing leadership included President Kiran Abhijit Mangle, Vice-President Dr. Tejender Kaur Sarna, Treasurer Sheetal Shah, General Secretary Sarmistha Dey, Secretary for Public Relations Zamini Charak, Secretary for Entertainment Rrema Nair, Secretary for Membership Hilda Elizabeth Lobo, Secretary for Operations Smitha Jensen, and Secretary for Activities Dr. Gurpreet Kaur. Stepping into their new roles for 2025, the incoming executive committee includes President Smitha Jensen, Vice-President Fousia Sulthana, Treasurer Tessy Cherian, General Secretary Vani Sreedhar, Secretary for Public Relations Shilpa Naik, Secretary for Entertainment Sunanda Gaikwad, Secretary for Membership Vijay Lakshmi, Secretary for Operations Anuradha Sampath, and Secretary for Activities Kaihekushan Mohammed Omar Kazi. The event set a promising tone for the year ahead, with the new leadership committed to strengthening the ILA's role in the community through greater inclusivity, engagement, and empowerment.