Industry News

ADAM BRYANT May 4, 2013 The New York Times This interview with Steve Case, chief executive of Revolution, an investment firm, was conducted and condensed by Adam Bryant. Mr. Case was also a founder of America Online. Q. What were some early leadership lessons for you? A. The earliest ones probably related to just understanding that everybody is wired a little bit differently. Just because you think a certain way or are inclined to react a certain way doesn’t mean everybody thinks and reacts the same way. I think people just naturally presume that they look at a problem in a certain way and frame the issue in a certain way and that everybody else would look at it the same way. I learned in my 20s that there are a lot of different ways to look at things, a lot of different filters that people put on, partly based…

ANAHAD O’CONNOR May 3, 2013 The New York Times There are many new food products, like this gum, that contain high levels of caffeine. Most people who want a quick caffeine fix look for it in liquid form. But lately it has become increasingly easy to find foods that are intentionally laced with it. Caffeine is being added to a growing number of products — jelly beans, waffles, water and even potato chips. In fact Wrigley, the chewing gum manufacturer, is now promoting a line of caffeinated gum, with each piece containing as much caffeine as half a cup of coffee. In response to the growing trend of caffeinated foods, the Food and Drug Administration recently announced that it planned to investigate the safety of caffeine in food products, particularly focusing on its effects in children and adolescents. On Friday, the agency released more information on its investigation, along with…

May 3, 2013 http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350570.htm The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that, in response to a trend in which caffeine is being added to a growing number of products, the agency will investigate the safety of caffeine in food products, particularly its effects on children and adolescents. Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine at FDA, answers questions about his concerns and possible FDA actions. Q: The announcement comes just as Wrigley’s (a subsidiary of Mars) is promoting a new pack of gum with eight pieces, each containing as much caffeine as half a cup of coffee. Is the timing coincidental? A: The gum is just one more unfortunate example of the trend to add caffeine to food. Our concern is about caffeine appearing in a range of new products, including ones that may be attractive and readily available to children and adolescents, without careful consideration…

Kelmeny Fraser April 29, 2013 The Courier-Mail The way has been cleared for Costco to open its first Queensland retail outlet in North Lakes. AMERICAN retail giant Costco has been given the green light by the Newman Government for its first Queensland store, dealing a huge blow to rival Westfield’s attempt to lock the competitor out. The decision, to be announced today, could see consumers shopping at the highly anticipated megastore as early as next year. It is expected to open the door to other Costco centres around the state under plans for a “massive phase of expansion” and shake up the discount petrol market by taking on retail fuel schemes run by Coles and Woolworths. The ruling is one of the few times the LNP administration has used its call-in powers to short-circuit a likely protracted court battle. Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Jeff Seeney has cited the…

Heidi Braithwaite April 29, 2013 Quest Newspapers POLICE are seeking public assistance after a woman was thrown in the air and petrol left gushing from a broken bowser in a daring drive-off at Mt Warren Park, southeast Queensland, last week. Police said drivers were so determined to steal petrol they were now risking the lives of their family and friends. Police said the incident occurred at the Mt Warren Park Caltex after an alert console operator approached the car to check the registration plates. They are still searching for both offenders and want anyone recognising the alleged offender to contact police. Surveillance video shows the woman launched into the air before landing hard on the ground, narrowly missing being covered in fuel pouring from the damaged bowser when the driver of the car bearing stolen plates sped away as she filled up. Logan District Inspector Darren Harland said drive-offs were…

April 26, 2013 NACS Online The country wants to significantly lower smoking and control the sale of tobacco at retail. HANOI – On May 1, stricter laws aimed at reducing smoking will go into effect in Vietnam, Xinhua reports. The measures also will control the sale of tobacco. The emphasis of the new laws will be on making sure smoking bans in schools, hospitals, government buildings and agencies are followed. Advertisements and marketing of cigarettes will also be reviewed. In a separate move, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade will cap tobacco traders at 1,000 by 2015, with another 760 licensed between 2016 and 2020. Between 2016 and 2020, the ministry would grant licenses at the ratio of one tobacco trader for every 50,000 citizens. The Ministry of Health released new fines on underage smoking and lighting up in smoke-free zones. Venues with smoking bans would also be fined…