Latest news with #Thiessen
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BrandONE Welcomes JT Thiessen as New Partner to Accelerate Service Brand Growth
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BrandONE, a leading franchise development consultancy known for delivering strategic growth and franchise recruitment results, is proud to announce the appointment of Jonathan (JT) Thiessen as its newest Partner. This strategic move strengthens BrandONE's commitment to scaling franchise systems - particularly within the fast-growing home service verticals. Michael Mudd, Partner & CEO at BrandONE, shared: "We're absolutely thrilled to welcome JT Thiessen as our newest Partner at BrandONE. JT's unparalleled reputation, extensive experience, and deep knowledge of franchise systems will be invaluable as we continue to expand and refine our growth platform, particularly for service brands. "As part of a key strategic initiative, BrandONE is focused on bolstering our systems and processes to better serve the home service verticals. JT's experience as Chief Development Officer at Home Franchise Concepts and more recently with Rolling Suds makes him the perfect fit to lead this effort. His expertise in managing a diverse portfolio of 16 service brands has resulted in game-changing recruitment outcomes and an unwavering commitment to sustainable, unit-level growth. "JT's ability to drive results across such a large scale of brands, coupled with his impeccable reputation for quality growth, will be instrumental in advancing our strategic goals. We're excited to have him join BrandONE and continue our legacy of delivering exceptional results for our franchise brand partners." Thiessen brings over two decades of franchise leadership experience to BrandONE, with a track record of building high-performing franchise systems and delivering scalable, sustainable growth across diverse industries. JT Thiessen remarked: "I've long admired the team at BrandONE and have deep respect for both their mission and the client-first professionalism with which they pursue it. I'm honored to have been given the opportunity to join this powerhouse as a partner and look forward to bringing my passion for building first-in-class franchise brands to the table as we continue to grow." You will be able to hear more from JT and the BrandONE team on upcoming episodes of their podcast BrandONE-on-One – follow their Instagram for the latest releases: About BrandONE BrandONE is a franchise development consultancy that helps high-potential brands scale with precision and purpose. The firm partners with franchisors and private equity-backed systems to drive quality growth through strategic planning, lead generation, recruitment, and operational readiness. With a track record of building standout franchise systems, BrandONE combines real-world experience with a client-first approach to deliver measurable, unit-level results. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE BrandONE 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
Calgary Herald
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Mayoral candidate Jeromy Farkas launches petition calling for incumbent Jyoti Gondek to share donor info
Article content Gondek said her platform includes a pledge to create a 'sunshine list' that includes salary information for all city employees earning over a certain salary threshold. She didn't suggest what that threshold should be, however, adding she'd leave that to a third party to determine. Article content She also pledged public disclosure of all released FOIP requests and city or council contracts; and proactive release of more city documents, including more open budget disclosures. Article content In response to Farkas's petition, Gondek's campaign team said she will follow all rules set out by Elections Canada. Article content 'One of my opponents is working hard to make this campaign a two-person race,' she said in a statement. 'I will not be commenting on the theatrics of other campaigns or engaging in distractions from the work Calgarians elected me to do.' Article content Article content The campaign teams for Davison and Thiessen told Postmedia on Thursday they will release campaign donor lists later in the campaign period. Sharp's team did not immediately respond. Article content 'Our team is ensuring we are in full financial compliance with Elections Alberta,' Davison said in a statement, adding he is running on a platform of 'improving transparency and accountability' among city council. Article content Thiessen, who is the leader of The Calgary Party, called Farkas's petition a 'stunt' and 'gimmick.' He said he will disclose his list of financial supporters by Sept. 30. Article content 'I'm a lawyer by training,' Thiessen said. 'I intend to follow the rules and the laws as the province has enacted them. Everyone is going to know who the donors are on the Sept. 30 disclosure. I'm more interested in the Calgary Party. We believe in real trust and I don't think that stems from gimmicks.' Article content Article content
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
A camp experience for less than $5? Winkler-based ministry says it's possible
At first glance, the idea seems impossible: Send a child to camp — including food, songs, crafts, and discipleship follow-up — for less than the cost of a fast-food combo meal. And yet, that's precisely what Children's Camps International (CCI), a Winkler-based faith organization, has done for more than two decades. Now in its 23rd year, CCI has helped more than 4.3 million children in Asia and South America attend camp, many of whom have heard about the love of Jesus for the very first time. 'So far this year, we've already reached over 240,000 kids, and we're expecting to hit 340,000 by the end of the year,' says Dave Thiessen, Executive Director of CCI. 'And we're still doing it for under $5 per child, which includes a full year of follow-up.' At its core, CCI is a ministry of partnership. Instead of building new infrastructure overseas, the organization trains and equips local churches to run their own summer day camps, similar to vacation Bible school programs in North America. 'The model is intentionally low-cost and locally owned,' says Thiessen. 'We help churches run vibrant, Jesus-centred camps that include crafts, games, singing, food, and Bible teaching — all within their own neighbourhoods.' Children, typically aged 8 to 15, are invited from nearby communities to attend camp. For many, it's their first introduction to a message of love, hope, and value. 'A lot of these kids have never heard that there's a God who sees them and cares for them,' says Thiessen. 'It's life-changing.' The ripple effects of these camps are staggering. One story Thiessen shares involves a young girl in a restricted country in Asia. Her father used to pour milk over stone idols as an offering. His daughter attended a CCI camp simply because she was hungry. She came to know Jesus — and eventually, so did her father. 'Now he uses that milk to feed people in his village,' Thiessen says. 'Same cow, totally different purpose.' Another powerful story involves a man named Shiva who was seriously injured in a car accident. Alone in hospital, he was visited by a Christian couple, sparking a friendship and eventual faith conversion. When he returned home, he struggled to share his new faith with adults. Then he heard about CCI. 'He started one of our camps and now says, 'This is my church,' surrounded by hundreds of children,' Thiessen says. Back home, Thiessen says the ministry's Canadian supporters come from all walks of life — from farmers donating crops in regional 'Harvest for Kids' events, to high school students building and selling houses, to families running lemonade stands. 'Everybody's got a gift,' says Thiessen. 'If you're a farmer, farm for kingdom impact. If you run a business, use it to bless others. Everyone can play a role.' Recently, a collector car was donated to CCI and is now part of a sweepstakes fundraiser. Earlier this month, a slow pitch tournament in Winkler raised over $20,000 for the cause. Meanwhile, the agricultural community continues to show strong support, with active Harvest for Kids fields now planted in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. 'When it's time to thresh, everyone comes out to help,' Thiessen says. Currently, over 5,000 churches are on the waiting list to join CCI's network. The potential impact is staggering. 'If we had the funding today, we could send a million kids to camp this year,' Thiessen says. 'The infrastructure is in place. The churches are ready. We just need the resources.' Even more remarkably, most of the international churches now cover about 75% of the camp costs themselves. CCI's model is designed to reduce dependency over time, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. 'We don't want to parachute in and take over,' says Thiessen. 'We want to empower churches to disciple their own communities for generations. Legacy, purpose, and the long view For Thiessen, who spent years in business before joining CCI, the work is personal. 'This is the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most fulfilling,' he says. 'It's not about building an empire — it's about transforming lives.' He says the mission is ultimately a challenge to every Canadian: 'What legacy do you want to leave behind? What have you been gifted with? Use it. Whether it's $5 or five acres, invest it in something eternal.' Learn more at . — Steven Sukkau is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Have thoughts on what's going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
RCMP hunt for thieves tilting at windmill
It's an item that's not easily pinched. RCMP are on the lookout for a windmill that was stolen from a southwest Manitoba property. 'I've got almost 25 years of policing, and this is the first time I've ever investigated a stolen windmill,' said Sgt. Darcy Thiessen. SUPPLIED The windmill was stolen from the Rural Municipality of Grey in early July. He expects the thieves would have needed a trailer to take it away. 'It definitely would be hard to hide, and you're not just going to transport it on the back of a pickup truck,' he said. The theft, which happened more than six kilometres southwest of Elm Creek in the Rural Municipality of Grey, was reported to police on the morning of July 7. The windmill, which is worth $3,500, is believed to have been stolen between July 4 and July 6. It's nearly 7 metres tall and weighs roughly 113 kilograms. Thiessen said it's used to aerate ponds so fish and other wildlife have enough oxygen. So far, no leads have turned up. 'If you'd see this windmill strapped on the back of a trailer, a lot of people wouldn't think anything of it because a lot of people can purchase these at auctions and other places,' he said. 'It's not like it would like stick out or look out of the ordinary.' Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. Thiessen said that while it might be 'kind of neat' to have, there's not much value in it. It's not easy to pawn and it's not worth selling as scrap metal because there's not much steel on the structure, he said. Julia Webber, owner of Ontario-based Fish Farm Supply Co., which sells windmills across Canada, said this is first time she's heard about a windmill being stolen. She said it's common for the windmills to be reinforced by pounding spikes nearly one metre into the ground — making the theft even more baffling. RCMP asked anyone with information about the theft to call Carman RCMP at 204-745-6760 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Los Angeles Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Cargo ship carrying new vehicles to Mexico sinks in the North Pacific weeks after catching fire
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A cargo ship that had been delivering new vehicles to Mexico sank in the North Pacific Ocean, weeks after crew members abandoned ship when they couldn't extinguish an onboard fire that left the carrier dead in the water. The Morning Midas sank Monday in international water off Alaska's Aleutian Islands chain, the ship's management company, London-based Zodiac Maritime, said in a statement. 'There is no visible pollution,' said Petty Officer Cameron Snell, an Alaska-based U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson. 'Right now we also have vessels on scene to respond to any pollution.' Fire damage compounded by bad weather and water seepage caused the carrier to sink in waters about 16,404 feet deep and about 415 miles from land, the statement said. The ship was loaded with about 3,000 new vehicles intended for a major Pacific port in Mexico. It was not immediately clear if any of the cars were removed before it sank, and Zodiac Maritime did not immediately respond to messages Tuesday. A salvage crew arrived days after the fire disabled the vehicle. Two salvage tugs containing pollution control equipment will remain on scene to monitor for any signs of pollution or debris, the company said. The crew members of those two ships were not injured when the Morning Midas sank. Zodiac Maritime said it is also sending another specialized pollution response vessel to the location as an added precaution. The Coast Guard said it received a distress alert June 3 about a fire aboard the Morning Midas, which then was roughly 300 miles southwest of Adak Island. There were 22 crew members onboard the Morning Midas. All evacuated to a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby merchant marine vessel. There were no injuries. Among the cars were about 70 fully electric and about 680 hybrid vehicles. A large plume of smoke was initially seen at the ship's stern coming from the deck loaded with electric vehicles, the Coast Guard and Zodiac Maritime said at the time. Adak is about 1,200 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. The 600-foot Morning Midas was built in 2006 and sails under a Liberian flag. The car and truck carrier left Yantai, China, on May 26 en route to Mexico, according to the industry site A Dutch safety board in a recent report called for improving emergency response on North Sea shipping routes after a deadly 2023 fire aboard a freighter that was carrying 3,000 automobiles, including nearly 500 electric vehicles, from Germany to Singapore. One person was killed and others injured in the fire, which burned out of control for a week. That ship was eventually towed to a Netherlands port for salvage. Thiessen writes for the Associated Press.
