Latest news with #Thrive
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Winnebago Launches Thrive: A Bold New Direction in Towable RVs
Winnebago Thrive - Exterior Winnebago Thrive Bunk House Front to Back View Winnebago Thrive Back to Front View MIDDLEBURY, Ind., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago®, a pioneer in recreational vehicles for over six decades, proudly announces the launch of the all-new Thrive™, a high-quality, lightweight, modern travel trailer developed to redefine comfort and design expectations in its category. Thrive represents a renewed energy for the Winnebago brand, reflecting a commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused RV experiences that elevate owners' time outside. Launching with two debut floorplans, the 18FBS and 22MBH, Thrive offers options ranging from 22 to 33 feet in length with one to two slide-outs, designed to suit a wide range of lifestyles—from weekend adventurers to full-time explorers. 'Thrive is more than a travel trailer—it's a statement,' said Adam Gudger, Product Manager for Winnebago's towables Thrive product. 'We identified an opportunity to serve design-conscious buyers seeking a refined, upscale experience— without making things complicated. Thrive fills that space with thoughtful craftsmanship, innovative features, and styling that surprises in all the right ways.' Why Just Camp, When You Can Thrive?Thrive is built around the belief that premium outdoor living shouldn't be a compromise. It addresses a growing consumer desire for easy, elevated comfort while introducing a new class of laminated towables that offer more comfort, more flexibility and more intentional design than other travel trailers on the market. Every door and drawer throughout Thrive features soft-close technology, complemented by thoughtful residential details like roller blackout shades, integrated utensil organizers, and pull-out recycling bins—ensuring the comfort inside is every bit as refined as the experience outside. Each Thrive travel trailer is built with core features that exceed customer expectations, including: Scenic Design: Large windows throughout, including a new frameless panoramic front window with LED trim lighting, bring in natural light and the beauty of the outdoors Residential Comfort: A residential comfort king bed with built-in storage, recessed ceiling lighting, bedside reading lights and blackout roller shades creates a restful retreat at day's end. New, U.S.-built Furniture Line: An exclusive seating collection crafted in the U.S. and inspired by high-end residential design, offers a sleek, tailored aesthetic paired with the plush comfort today's glampers crave. State-of-the-Art Kitchen: Sleek fiberglass countertops with integrated sinks, built-in utensil drawers, soft-close cabinets and pull-out pantry and trash systems make cooking a joy. Next-Level Tech and Utility: JBL® Bluetooth® indoor/outdoor speakers, stackable washer/dryer prep on select floorplans, and power stabilizer jacks makes for effortless setup while enjoying the comforts of home. Thrive underwent rigorous validation testing at Transportation Research Center (TRC), one of the country's top automotive proving grounds—where every component, from the slide-outs to the frameless front window to the soft-close cabinetry, proved its strength and staying power. 'Thrive reflects how people want to live and travel today,' said Grant Smith, Product Manager for Winnebago's towables unit. 'It's not just about getting from point A to point B—it's about having a space that makes every trip feel like an upgrade. And this is just the beginning. We have a full lineup of thoughtfully designed floorplans on the horizon that will expand the possibilities for how and where campers can enjoy the outdoors.' Thrive will begin arriving at Winnebago dealerships nationwide starting late May through early June, just in time for the summer travel season. For more information, to view floorplans, or to locate a dealer, visit About WinnebagoWinnebago is an iconic outdoor lifestyle brand that has been building industry-leading recreational vehicles since 1958. From motorhomes to travel trailers, every product is built with pride and precision, and backed by a commitment to quality, service, and community. For more information, visit Winnebago is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO), a manufacturer of premium leisure travel and outdoor recreation products under the five brands: Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for company news releases, visit Media Contact:Christine Bear | Marketing Manager, Winnebago cebear@ 317-364-5301 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Gen Z, don't be fooled by GenAI financial advisers
THE wealth management industry is prepared to court its newest potential clients: Gen Z. Instead of trotting out older professionals with decades of experience, companies are utilising generative AI to develop digital assistants. These new 'experts' even come with the ability to use slang to appear relatable and relevant to their target demographic. Embracing the newest technology is yet another cultural shift in the financial services landscape that disrupts some of the norms in the industry. We've seen it with the development of robo-advisers and the rise of 'finfluencers'. Cue the traditionalists turning their noses up at how far the financial advice field has strayed from its origins. After all, future iterations of GenAI really could accelerate the long-prophesied doomsday for flesh-and-blood financial planners. But now isn't the time for humans to declare defeat. Until advanced versions of the technology arrive, people should be doubling down on the one significant advantage they have against their digital counterparts: soft skills. Providing investing advice is only one facet of the job. The role is part therapist, accountability coach and teacher. Real people can push back against panicked requests to sell in a turbulent market instead of simply executing an order. A person understands how and when to ask more questions to determine the reason behind a request for conservative investments such as bonds or CDs (certs of deposits) even at a young age when it's detrimental to be overly cautious. The problem for many young adults is that accessing this more holistic approach, which goes beyond stats and data, is costly. Financial advisers usually get paid in one of two ways: assets under management (AUM) – a percentage of a customer's investments each year – or a flat-rate fee. The latter varies based on the level of service. A comprehensive financial plan can cost thousands of dollars. AUM ranges from 0.25 to 1.5 per cent, with some advisers reducing the cost as the size of a portfolio grows. The greater barrier to entry is the possible minimum investable assets requirement, which often hovers between US$500,000 and US$1 million. Fifteen years ago, these factors prohibited access for millennials. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up Cost-effective alternatives This reality paved the way for cost-effective alternatives in the form of robo-advisers, such as Betterment and Wealthfront, with significantly lower AUM and no asset minimum. The companies sent shockwaves through the industry as many wondered if machines would finally usurp man. As years passed, it became obvious the two could have a symbiotic relationship. In fact, it turned out millennials ultimately did crave some soft skills, which led to platforms launching versions that gave customers access to humans. Instead of cratering the industry, the robo-advisers forced their living counterparts to compete in different ways. Some diversified their services, including offering virtual counsel, and others targeted less-affluent clientele. While it's easy for the regular consumer to conflate a robo-adviser with GenAI, the two are not the same. The latter is built on language-learning models instead of the mathematical-centric AI models and machine-learning algorithms that provide the underpinnings for companies such as Betterment and Wealthfront. Gen Z investors may be more attracted to GenAI because it can simulate how people speak and even look. Plus, the cohort is more primed to be early adopters of the tool. They've grown used to receiving free, one-size-fits-all money guidance online. A stunning 77 per cent of teens and 20-somethings use online platforms and social media to answer their money questions, according to a 2025 Credit Karma survey. But they should remember that the technology's modern iteration is new and, like humans, fallible, which results in inaccurate or misleading information known as 'hallucinations'. Bullish on AI Even with all these issues to resolve, companies are bullish on GenAI's ability to spit out 24/7 guidance and woo new clients. Arta Finance, a wealth management startup, is at the forefront of providing an AI financial adviser with Arta AI. The 'AI agents', as the company refers to its investment planner, product specialist, and research analyst offerings, can respond to queries by voice or text (and do so in the aforementioned generationally appropriate slang). Arta is only available to accredited investors and offers access to human professionals, but the company plans to make Arta AI available to other financial services companies – a move that could give all kinds of retail investors access to its product. It's likely that plenty of platforms won't wait to license the service and instead will develop their own. Robinhood Markets plans to launch Robinhood Cortex, an AI-powered digital research assistant, this fall. The app offers a variety of investing options, including Robinhood Strategies, the company's robo-adviser. Unlike Arta Finance's offering of real-life advisers alongside its AI agents, Robinhood customers can currently only access a support team, which is mostly available to handle administrative questions. And that's a huge pitfall. Companies that don't prioritise establishing relationships with real professionals can cause retail investors to panic in turbulent times, especially novice ones who are able to access advanced opportunities, such as trading options. Granting inexperienced customers access to higher-level investing products without proper support can be financially, mentally and emotionally ruinous. Robinhood should know. In 2020, it paid the largest Financial Industry Regulatory Authority fine in history – US$70 million – for its technical outages, lack of due diligence before approving customers to trade options and sending of misleading information. There is a place for AI in the financial advisory sector, and in due time, it will become a dominant feature. That part is clear. But it's also obvious that rushing the timing would be a mistake. BLOOMBERG
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, flexi-work hires: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flexi-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, flexi-workers: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flexi-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A third of employers raising their reliance on contract, part-time workers: Jobstreet survey
[SINGAPORE] Hiring confidence in Singapore has rebounded in recent times, with 42 per cent of employers planning to employ more permanent staff in the first half of 2025, based on Jobstreet by SEEK's Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report released on Tuesday (May 27). This was a mark higher than the 32 per cent of employers who expressed confidence in a more active job market for the second half of 2024. The increased figure was in line with Singapore's 2025 forecast gross domestic product growth of about 1 to 3 per cent. The survey was conducted between September and October 2024, and received responses from 887 hirers and human resources professionals in Singapore across a range of industries such as trade and manufacturing services, engineering, and technology and data. While permanent employment is in demand, 31 per cent of employers said they are increasing their reliance on contract, part-time staff and flex-work hires this year, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This was primarily driven by small and medium-sized businesses, the report indicated, with their key reasons including the need to expand their business, looking for a more flexible workforce, and requiring new roles and skill sets. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up In 2024, 76 per cent of companies awarded bonuses, with the average payouts remaining consistent with the previous year. Only 79 per cent of businesses implemented salary increases last year, down from 84 per cent in 2023. Staff promotions fell to 54 per cent in 2024, compared to 59 per cent in the year before. Those promoted in 2024 also received lower compensation increases – in the 1 to 5 per cent range – as compared to those who received promotions in 2023. On the other hand, various non-monetary perks such as flexible work arrangements, mental health days and family care gained traction among businesses to enhance quality of life and employee well-being. Benefits such as additional paternity leave (16 per cent), family care leave (14 per cent), and maternity leave (12 per cent) gained popularity in 2024, reflecting how employers wish to better support employees' family lives. This was in line with Singapore's enhanced parental leave policies, such as the Enhanced Government-Paid Paternity Leave and New Shared Parental Leave schemes. Additionally, companies in Singapore these days are investing more in long-term employee career development, with plans to expand access to training or self-learning programmes (8 per cent), apprenticeship or mentoring opportunities (9 per cent), and job rotation opportunities (9 per cent) in 2025. Top full-time permanent job functions hired in 2025 The report noted that the top three job functions for 88 per cent of companies hired in 2024 remained consistent with those in 2023. Administration and human resources took the top spot at 36 per cent, followed by accounting at 28 per cent, then sales and business development at 23 per cent. New entries to the top five permanent full-time job functions were that of customer service at 16 per cent, and branding and marketing at 14 per cent. AI literacy as a 'must-have', though adoption still lags A key qualification today for many jobs is fluency in artificial intelligence (AI), with 54 per cent of employers now considering it during hiring and candidate assessment, and nearly one in five viewing it as a primary consideration. But despite this demand, only 15 per cent of businesses have implemented AI tools to assist with recruitment. The main barriers to adoption include the perception that AI is unnecessary in the recruitment process (51 per cent), concerns about losing the human touch and personalisation (44 per cent), and lack of knowledge or access to AI applications (40 per cent). 'Singapore's job market is entering a new chapter,' said Vic Sithasanan, managing director at Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore. 'Where salary once reigned supreme, the data shows us that employers and jobseekers are now focused on AI readiness, work-life flexibility, and meaningful career development.' 'For jobseekers, standing out means not only demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous upskilling, but also displaying real-world AI skills and a willingness to embrace qualities that are now essential to thrive in Singapore's job market.'
