Latest news with #NC-based
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Food Aid Matters to U.S. Workers and Manufacturers
As the CEO of a Charlotte, NC-based Design-Build firm, I have had firsthand involvement with the investment of billions of dollars in U.S.-based manufacturing facilities, and the thousands of jobs these facilities have created across our country. So, why would I have a connection to, or even care about, food aid sent to countries across the globe? My company works directly with the producer of a product that saves the lives of severely malnourished children worldwide: Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). These 'RUTFs' are simple, wallet-sized foil packets of mostly peanut butter, whey, and vitamins. Like a turbocharged but squeezable protein bar, this small but mighty, nutrient-dense food revives and nourishes children who otherwise might die. This product is intended for children facing severe malnourishment and starvation. Regardless of why this is occurring, the fact remains that these children lack basic staples that we in America, a global top food producer, take for granted. Unfortunately, the production and distribution of RUTF is under threat due to changes being made by the Trump administration. There is definitely merit to evaluating how taxpayer funds are being used. However, I believe it is critical that we not disrupt the flow of lifesaving products like RUTF. While it may now seem that this is just another 'tug on the heart strings' article, urging the U.S. government to spend dollars to save the world, I encourage you to read on. I do believe in assisting those in need, wherever they may live. But there is another side to this story that affects U.S. workers, farmers, and business interests. In fact, the RUTF aid program aligns with the Trump administration's stated goal of realigning U.S. foreign aid to support humanitarian and national interests, such as local industries, workers, and economies. My firm, A M King, is a classic American business success story. Started more than 20 years ago in one room as a bootstraps local job-creating enterprise, today we are 100% employee-owned, with 80 team members in highly paid professional jobs, and have generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue since our inception. Our specialty is designing and building food processing and food-storage facilities across the United States. That's what brought me to RUTF, professionally and personally. We have worked with an RUTF manufacturer, MANA Nutrition, to improve its Georgia production facilities. This nonprofit corporation buys 2 million pounds of peanuts a month from local farmers. From its 135,000 square-foot Fitzgerald production and warehouse facility, MANA Nutrition can produce 500,000 pounds of RUTF product per day and feed 10 million children a year. The facility also brings vital jobs to the community, supporting the economy and providing opportunities for families across the region. I believe this is what the Trump administration means by supporting U.S. manufacturing. Over the past several years of working closely with MANA Nutrition, I've come to know, understand, and appreciate their purpose, mission, and business. In my 40-year career of working with some of the nation's largest companies and a range of CEOs, I can truly say MANA Nutrition is a company founded on a noble cause, with a desire to change the world for the better. It's also a well-managed company, focused on efficient, effective business principles. Team members are all dedicated professionals who work hard and expect little in return. Mark Moore, MANA Nutrition's founder and CEO, was a missionary in Africa for many years. He knows the need from personal experience. He and others who fund this cause have made it their mission to end malnourishment. All funding to develop and build MANA Nutrition's production facilities comes from private donors. This is not a company seeking government handouts to build and sustain a business. I also know non-profits. I can discern when their mission is true and if their management is ethical. I also believe a non-profit should operate like a successful business, with efficiency and accountability. MANA Nutrition is one of these organizations. The only money MANA receives from USAID is to buy its RUTF product, which is then used only for humanitarian purposes. Lest anyone wonder, while MANA Nutrition is a customer, my support for continuing the production and distribution of RUTF is in no way an indirect business plea. My company is well-established and financially strong. My goal is to see MANA's mission and purpose continue, knowing they save lives every day with the product they produce. If RUTF funding isn't reinstated, MANA Nutrition may have to shut down, hurting not only the producer and their farmers, but their workers, community, and supply chain businesses. Most of all, it will impact those children who depend on America's big heart. As an entrepreneur, business founder, and a CEO, I understand the goal of ensuring U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, including on foreign aid. I also recognize that worthy investments that serve our national interests, even if they have broad bipartisan support, sometimes get caught up and canceled in efforts to make government work better. RUTF is worth saving. I'm urging the White House and Congress to keep funding the production and distribution of RUTF, for the benefit of American farmers and workers and children all over the world. Brian T. King is founder and CEO of A M King.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New 113-Room Hotel & 1.75-Acre Restaurant Pad Coming to Lynchburg
A new 113-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites and a 1.75-acre restaurant pad are coming to Lynchburg, Virginia, creating a dynamic hospitality hub along a high-traffic corridor with over 40,000 vehicles daily, and set to open in Fall 2026. LYNCHBURG, Va., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daly Seven, a leading hotel developer and operator in the Southeast, is excited to announce the development of a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites and an adjacent restaurant outparcel in Lynchburg/Campbell County, Virginia. The 113-room hotel is currently under construction at 15241 Wards Road, Lynchburg, Virginia. The new hotel replaces the existing Holiday Inn Express on Seminole Avenue, and is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites will offer guests the comfort, value, and consistency travelers expect from the IHG brand, including complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness center, and modern, well-appointed rooms. The hotel is designed to serve both business and leisure travelers visiting Liberty University, Centra Health, and the greater Lynchburg area. As part of the development, Daly Seven is also offering a 1.75-acre pad-ready restaurant outparcel, positioned at the front of the hotel site along the high-traffic Wards Road corridor, which sees over 40,000 vehicles daily. This site offers an exceptional opportunity for a fast-casual or full-service restaurant to serve a built-in customer base of hotel guests, Liberty University's 20,000+ undergraduate students, and local residents. "This development is designed to enhance both the guest experience and the surrounding community," said Noel Anderson of Daly Seven. "The combination of a trusted hotel brand and a well-positioned restaurant site will create long-term value for our partners and the Campbell County hospitality corridor." The hotel and restaurant will complement the surrounding commercial district, which includes the newly renovated Hampton Inn & Suites Lynchburg, newly renovated SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lynchburg, and Chili's. Together, these properties will contribute to a welcoming and convenient retail corridor at the southern entrance to Liberty University on Liberty Mountain Drive. Parties interested in the restaurant outparcel ground lease opportunity should contact Noel Anderson at (919) 872-3507 or admin@ Media Contact: Noel Anderson at (919) 872-3507 or admin@ Daly Seven, Inc. is a family-owned, award-winning hotel development and management company that has been operating hotels since its first property in 1983 and currently has 42 properties in NC, SC and VA. The Greensboro, NC-based company is recognized as an experienced hotel operator by Hilton Hotel Corporation, Marriott International, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group and Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and is a proud supporter of local communities and charities. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Daly Seven, Inc 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
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lowe's Q1 Earnings Preview: Can LOW Beat the Odds in a Tough Market?
As Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW prepares to unveil its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on May 21, before the opening bell, investors are eager to see if the company can beat market expectations. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter's revenues is pegged at $20.95 billion, which suggests a drop of 2% from the prior year's levels. The consensus mark for quarterly earnings has been stable over the past 30 days at $2.89 per share, which indicates a decline of 5.6% from the year-ago quarter's reported has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.9%, on average. In the last reported quarter, this Mooresville, NC-based company's bottom line outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a margin of 5.5%. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.) A primary area of concern for Lowe's remains the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home improvement segment. Discretionary spending in this category continues to be soft, particularly for big-ticket interior projects, as consumers navigate an uncertain economic backdrop. Elevated interest rates and lingering inflation have pressured household budgets, prompting a more cautious approach to non-essential home upgrades. We expect a year-over-year decrease in comparable sales of 2% in the first challenge for Lowe's is the overall housing market environment, which remains subdued. High mortgage rates and affordability issues have dampened home sales and turnover activity, suppressing demand for renovation and maintenance services. This is particularly noticeable among new homeowners, who traditionally drive significant demand for upgrades and repairs shortly after purchasing a these headwinds, Lowe's has been proactive in responding to evolving consumer behaviors and market dynamics. The Pro segment remains a significant growth driver for Lowe's as the company continues to execute its multi-year strategy to improve product offerings, fulfillment options and the overall shopping experience for professional customers. Furthermore, strategic investments in the Total Home strategy, including modernizing the supply chain and IT infrastructure and enhancing merchandising assortments, position the company to navigate the continued focus on omnichannel improvements, productivity enhancements and the expansion of same-day delivery through third-party partners is also helping improve cost control while broadening its customer reach. The relaunch of the MyLowe's Pro Rewards program, which targets small to medium-sized professionals, further strengthens customer loyalty and encourages repeat business. Moreover, leveraging advanced technologies like AI-driven demand planning and augmented reality tools is enabling Lowe's to better align its inventory and services with customer needs. Lowe's Companies, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Lowe's Companies, Inc. Quote As investors prepare for Lowe's first-quarter announcement, the question looms regarding earnings beat or miss. Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Lowe's this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that's not the case here. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks has a Zacks Rank #3 but an Earnings ESP of -0.43%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Here are three more companies you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season:Dollar General Corporation DG currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.67% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings per share is pegged at $1.48, implying a 10.3% year-over-year decline. Dollar General's top line is expected to rise year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues is pegged at $10.28 billion, which indicates an increase of 3.7% from the figure reported in the prior-year quarter. DG has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.2%, on Below FIVE has an Earnings ESP of +4.18% and currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3. FIVE's top line is anticipated to advance year over year when it reports first-quarter fiscal 2025 results. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its quarterly revenues is pegged at $961.1 million, which suggests an 18.4% rise from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. The company is expected to register an increase in the bottom line. The consensus estimate for Five Below's first-quarter earnings is pegged at 80 cents a share, up 33.3% from the year-ago quarter. FIVE has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 40.6%, on Stores BURL has an Earnings ESP of +1.78% and currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3. BURL's top line is anticipated to advance year over year when it reports first-quarter fiscal 2025 results. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its quarterly revenues is pegged at $2.52 billion, which suggests a 6.9% rise from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. The company is expected to register a decline in the bottom line. The consensus estimate for Five Below's first-quarter earnings is pegged at $1.40 per share, down 1.4% from the year-ago quarter. BURL has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 17.9%, on average. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Dollar General Corporation (DG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Five Below, Inc. (FIVE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Eton Advisors Enhances Rebalancing and Trading with intelliflo redblack
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--intelliflo today announced that Eton Advisors has successfully launched the cloud-based version of intelliflo redblack for rebalancing and trading, saving time, boosting efficiencies and improving their ability to implement customized solutions for clients. 'More firms continue to embrace the cloud-based version of intelliflo redblack because of the platform's modern architecture, sophisticated product capabilities and seamless scalability; it helps firms of all sizes future-proof their organizations.' Chapel Hill, NC-based Eton Advisors is a multi-family office managing $2 billion in assets. The firm was looking for a new rebalancing and trading solution after its previous provider announced it would no longer support independent offices. When evaluating potential solutions, Eton Advisors was looking for a more robust platform that would enhance their ability to serve clients effectively and meet their unique needs. With the cloud-based version of intelliflo redblack, Eton has gained a secure, scalable solution that automates rebalancing and trading while seamlessly integrating with multiple custodians. 'Implementing intelliflo redblack was a smooth process; intelliflo's team members were highly supportive and collaborative, helping us fully launch within our intended timeline,' said Brad Dalton, Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager. 'We've been live for several months now, and we have been pleased with the platform's intuitiveness, accessibility and advanced functionality. By simplifying and streamlining our rebalancing and trading, we have saved time and are well positioned to leverage the platform to efficiently serve our clients in a constantly evolving market environment. Plus, the intelliflo redblack support team has been consistently responsive and reliable, quickly providing high-touch service when needed.' Eton Advisors is also part of Focus Financial Partners, an interdependent network of wealth management, business management, and related financial services firms. Focus Financial recently selected intelliflo redblack as a key component of its wealth technology stack. 'More firms continue to embrace the cloud-based version of intelliflo redblack because of the platform's modern architecture, sophisticated product capabilities and seamless scalability; it helps firms of all sizes future-proof their organizations,' said Jennifer Valdez, President, Americas for intelliflo. 'We are proud to support Eton Advisors, helping to save time and enhance efficiencies as they continue to provide clients with the personalized, comprehensive service that sets their firm apart.' About intelliflo intelliflo widens access to financial advice through leading technology powering the financial advisory experience. We use open software architectures combined with unmatched industry experience to simplify a complex digital landscape to help advisors compete and grow. Our solutions support over 30,000 financial advisors worldwide, representing over three million end-investors, with over $1 trillion serviced across our platforms.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football program records perfect APR score
College Sports HBCU football program records perfect APR score DURHAM, N.C. – The HBCU football team at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a 'national champion' when it comes to the 2023-24 Academic Progress Rate (APR) Report, which the NCAA released on Tuesday. The Eagles posted their best single-year APR score ever-a perfect 1,000, which is the NCAA's highest standard of academic success. The APR is a measure used by the NCAA to track the academic progress of student-athletes on every Division I team through a team-based metric emphasizing variables such as eligibility and retention. 'This is a monumental achievement, one that should invite ongoing conversation about what's possible when student-athletes, support staff, coaches, and the university community move in alignment with shared direction and commitment,' said Kwadjo Steele, the NCCU Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support. North Carolina Central University is the only HBCU football team to earn a 1,000 single-year APR score and one of just a few Division I football programs (FBS or FCS) to achieve a perfect score this year. The achievement further proves that the Eagles refuse to compromise academic excellence while pursuing athletic championships. 'I am incredibly proud of our football team's achievement of earning a perfect APR score over 1,000,' head coach Trei Oliver said. 'This is more than just a number for us; it's the academic equivalent of winning a national championship. It speaks volumes about the kind of young men we recruit, the intentional culture we've built, and the total commitment of our coaching and academic staff.' Academic Perfection During the 2023-24 academic year, the Durham, NC-based HBCU notched a semester and cumulative GPA above 3.0 for both the fall and spring semesters. The team graduated 25 students, with 20 earning their undergraduate degrees and five receiving their master's degrees. 'While there are many deserving of thanks, we must begin by recognizing our student-athletes for their academic success,' Steele said. 'We also extend deep gratitude to our exceptional support team - Lucy Mason, Jenna Watts, and assistant football coach Tony Spencer - for the structure and accountability they provided throughout the year. Their behind-the-scenes work made a tremendous difference. Coach Oliver likewise deserves high praise for embracing a structure that upheld the same elite habits that drive championship-level success - on the field, in the classroom, and within the community.' The APR report includes a single-year score and a rolling four-year average to determine academic accountability. Teams must maintain a multi-average of 930 to compete for championships and avoid potential penalties. 'At NCCU, our football team's motto is 'Culture Over Scheme,' and this milestone is a direct reflection of that philosophy,' Oliver said. 'We don't just develop football players; we develop scholars, leaders, and men of character. This achievement proves that when you build a program on discipline, accountability, and family, excellence follows on the field and in the classroom. The Eagle standard is real, and we're just getting started.' The post HBCU football program records perfect APR score appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:54 PM.
