text:
Whole Foods Market
|This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (June 2013)
|Traded as
NASDAQ-100 Component
S&P 500 Component
|Grocery store
Health food store
|September 20, 1980
|John Mackey
|Austin, Texas, United States
Number of locations
|420 (Jan 2015)[1]
Key people
|John B. Elstrott (Chairman)
John Mackey (Co-CEO)
Walter Robb (Co-CEO)
Jason Buechel (CIO)
|Total assets
|Total equity
Number of employees
|58,300 (2010)[4]
Whole Foods Market, Inc. is an American foods supermarket chain specializing in organic food that first opened on September 20, 1980. With stores in the US, Canada, and the UK,[5] Whole Foods Market is headquartered in Austin, Texas[1] and has its main produce procurement office in Watsonville, California.[6] As of 2015[update], founder John Mackey and Walter Robb served as co-CEOs of the publicly traded company.[1][7]
- 1 History
- 2 Product quality
- 3 Rating systems
- 4 Purchasing
- 5 Environmental record
- 6 Efforts
- 7 Criticism and controversy
- 8 Awards and recognition
- 9 Labor relations
- 10 Management system
- 11 See also
- 12 References
- 13 External links
Early years[edit]
In 1978, John Mackey and Renee Lawson borrowed $45,000 from family and friends to open a small natural foods store called SaferWay in Austin, Texas (the name being a spoof of Safeway). When the couple were evicted from their apartment for storing food products in it, they decided to live at the store. Because it was zoned for commercial use, there was no shower stall, so they bathed using a water hose attached to their dishwasher.[8][9][10]
Two years later, John Mackey partnered with Craig Weller and Mark Skiles to merge SaferWay with their Clarksville Natural Grocery, resulting in the opening of the original Whole Foods Market on September 20, 1980. At 12,500 square feet (1,160 m2) and with a staff of 19, the store was quite large in comparison to the standard health food store of the time.[11]
The following Memorial Day, on May 25, 1981, the most damaging flood in 70 years devastated Austin. Whole Foods' inventory was ruined, and most of the equipment was damaged. The loss was approximately $400,000; Whole Foods Market had no insurance. Customers, neighbors, and staff pitched in to repair and clean up the damage. Creditors, vendors, and investors assisted in helping the store recover, and the store reopened 28 days later.[11]
Beginning in 1984, Whole Foods Market began its expansion out of Austin, first to Houston and Dallas and then into New Orleans with the purchase of The Whole Food Company in 1988. In 1989, the company expanded to the West Coast with a store in Palo Alto, California. While opening new stores, the company fueled rapid growth by acquiring other natural foods chains throughout the 1990s: Wellspring Grocery of North Carolina, Bread & Circus of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (banner retired in 2003), Mrs. Gooch's Natural Foods Markets of Los Angeles, Bread of Life of Northern California, Fresh Fields Markets on the East Coast and in the Midwest, Florida Bread of Life stores, Detroit-area Merchant of Vino stores, and Nature's Heartland of Boston.[13] The company's 100th store was opened in Torrance, California, in 1999.
The company started its third decade with additional acquisitions. The first was Natural Abilities in 2000, which did business as Food for Thought in Northern California.[14] After the departure of then company president Chris Hitt and regional president Rich Cundiff, Southern California region, John Mackey promoted A.C. Gallo, president of the Northeast region and Walter Robb, president of the Northern California region to Co-COO and soon after added the titles of Co-President. This led to the promotion of three new regional presidents and a new era for the company. David Lannon became president of the Northeast region, Anthony Gilmore became president of the Southwest region, Ron Megehan became president of the Northern California region. In 2001, Whole Foods also moved into Manhattan.[15] Later that year Ken Meyer became president of the newly formed South region and Whole Foods Market acquired the assets of Harry's Farmers Market, which included three stores in Atlanta.[16] In 2002, the company continued its expansion in North America and opened its first store in Toronto, Ontario.[17] Further continuing its expansion, Select Fish of Seattle was acquired in 2003.[18] In 2005, Whole Foods opened its 80,000-square-foot (7,400 m2) flagship store in downtown Austin. The company's headquarters moved into offices above the store.[19]
Whole Foods Market's expansion has increased the need for products and processing plants. In response, the company added its 365 Everyday Value product line and purchased Allegro Coffee Company in 1997. A seafood processing plant was opened in Atlanta in 2003, the year in which Whole Foods became the United States' first national "certified organic" grocer.[20]
In 2008, Whole Foods opened its southeast distribution center in Braselton, Georgia, also making it its first green distribution center for the company.[21]
In the summer of 2013, Whole Foods opened up two brand new facilities within just two months of each other in Minnesota. The first location was in Maple Grove, Minnesota and the second was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As of now, there are currently six Whole Foods facilities within Minnesota, which makes Minnesota the leading state in the MidWest for Whole Foods stores.
As of August 2007[update], Whole Foods Market plans four stores in the state of Hawaii.[22] On Oʻahu and in the City and County of Honolulu, two of these are in development in Honolulu CDP, at Kāhala Mall in Kāhala,[23] and at Ward Village in Kakaʻako.[24][25]
United Kingdom[edit]
In 2004, Whole Foods Market entered the United Kingdom with the acquisition of seven Fresh & Wild stores.[13][26] In June 2007, it opened its first full-size store, a total of 80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2) on three levels, on the site of the old Barkers department store in Kensington High Street, West London. Company executives claimed that as many as forty stores might eventually be opened throughout the United Kingdom.[27] However, by September 2008, in the wake of Whole Foods Market's financial troubles, Fresh & Wild had been reduced to four stores, all in London. The flagship Bristol branch was closed because it had "not met profitability goals".[28] In the year to September 28, 2008, the UK subsidiary made a £36M loss due to a large impairment charge of £27M and poor trading results due to the growing fears of global recession.[29] However, in 2011, global sales grew +8% each financial quarter as shoppers returned to the chain.[30] A first Scottish store was opened on November 16, 2011 in Giffnock, a suburb of Glasgow. A new UK store in Cheltenham opened on November 7, 2012, creating 150 jobs.[31] Whole Foods Market Inc. currently operates 9 different Whole Foods locations: in Camden Town, Cheltenham, Clapham Junction, Giffnock, Kensington, Piccadilly Circus, Richmond, Stoke Newington, and most recently Fulham.[5]
Acquisition of Wild Oats Markets and antitrust complaint[edit]
On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market, Inc. and Wild Oats Markets Inc. announced the signing of a merger agreement under which Whole Foods Market, Inc. would acquire Wild Oats Markets Inc.'s outstanding common stock in a cash tender offer of $18.50 per share, or approximately $565 million based on fully diluted shares. Under the agreement, Whole Foods Market, Inc. would also assume Wild Oats Markets Inc.'s existing net debt totaling approximately $106 million as reported on September 30, 2006.[32][33][34]
On June 27, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an administrative complaint challenging Whole Foods Market, Inc.'s acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. According to the complaint, the FTC believed that the proposed transaction would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating the substantial competition between two close competitors in the operation of premium natural and organic supermarkets nationwide. The FTC contended that if the transaction were to proceed Whole Foods Market would have the ability to raise prices and reduce quality and services. Both Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats stated their intention to vigorously oppose the FTC's complaint and a court hearing on the issue was scheduled for July 31 and August 1, 2007. Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey took the unusual step of initiating a blog on the subject to explain his opposition to the FTC's stance. Papers filed by the FTC revealed that for several years Mackey posted highly opinionated comments under the pseudonym "Rahodeb" on the Whole Foods Yahoo! investment message board, raising serious legal and ethical questions.
On July 29, 2008, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned the district court's decision allowing the merger. The Court of Appeals ruled that "premium natural, and organic supermarkets" ("PNOS"), such as Whole Foods and Wild Oats, constitute a distinct submarket of all grocers. The court ruled that "mission driven" consumers (those with an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility) would be adversely affected by the merger because substantial evidence by the FTC showed that Whole Foods intended to raise prices after consummation of the merger.[35] In 2009 Whole Foods agreed to sell the Wild Oats chain.[36]
In October 2007, the company completed the sale of all 35 Henry's Farmers Market and Sun Harvest Market stores to a subsidiary of Los Angeles grocer Smart & Final Inc. for $166 million.[37]
On October 2008, as part of the ongoing FTC antitrust investigation, Whole Foods Market subpoenaed detailed financial records, market studies, future strategic plans, and other information from New Seasons Market, a regional competitor based in the Portland area.[38][39] CEO Brian Rohter expressed concern about handing sensitive information over to a direct competitor, and the company has filed a motion with the FTC to block the subpoena.
SEC investigation[edit]
The online postings of Whole Foods Market's CEO, John Mackey, became the subject of an informal inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to The Wall Street Journal.[40] Mackey posted numerous messages on a Yahoo financial forum under the user name "rahodeb,"[41] according to a court document filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and postings on Yahoo! The postings came to light during an FTC investigation of Whole Foods Market's planned takeover of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Mackey's messages painted a bright future for Whole Foods Market Inc., the largest U.S. natural and organic grocer, and downplayed the threat posed by competitors. While it isn't clear that Mackey violated any laws in his postings, the issue has raised numerous legal questions. The newspaper also reported the SEC was likely to examine whether Mackey's comments contradicted what the company previously said or were overly optimistic about the firm's performance.
The SEC considered whether or not the CEO had selectively disclosed material corporate information, which could violate a securities law passed in 2000 (known as Regulation Fair Disclosure) designed to prevent executives from sharing information with favored clients or analysts. On July 17, 2007, Whole Foods Market stated that its board had formed an independent committee to investigate the postings. The SEC cleared Mackey of the charges on April 25, 2008.[42]
California vs. Whole Foods[edit]
Reacting in part to a study released by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) in March 2008, in addition based on their own testing, the Attorney General of California has filed a major lawsuit against personal care and household cleaning product companies whose products recently tested highest for the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane.[43] The California state attorney general filed a lawsuit against cosmetic companies, including Whole Foods Market Inc., for allegedly selling natural body care and household cleaning products that tested high for a cancer-causing chemical, in violation of state law. California v. Avalon Natural Food Products, No. RG08389960 (Alameda Co., Calif., Super. Ct.).[44] California's state attorney general Jerry Brown filed a lawsuit against Whole Foods Market Inc. for failing to label its cosmetic products containing 1,4-Dioxane.[45] The suit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court on May 29, 2008.[45] Under Proposition 65, companies must label products that contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.[45] Each violation carries civil penalties as high as $2,500 a day.[46] The lawsuit states: "Plaintiff alleges that each defendant has known since at least May 29, 2004 that the body washes and gels and liquid dish soaps contain 1,4-Dioxane and that persons using these products are exposed to 1,4-Dioxane."[47] The suit names Austin-based Whole Foods Market Inc. as a defendant, which markets the 365 brand sold in the company's stores.[47] In a statement, Whole Foods spokesperson Libba Letton said the company investigated the claims and does not believe "these products represent a health risk or are in excess of California's Proposition 65 Safe Harbor level for 1,4-dioxane."[48] "These companies need to stop treating the inclusion of cancer causing chemicals in their products as 'business as usual' and reformulate before consumer confidence in the natural products and organics industry is permanently damaged," says consumer activist David Steinman who conducted the OCA study and originally exposed the presence of 1,4-Dioxane in baby bubble bath products in his book Safe Trip to Eden.[43][49][50]
Whole Foods Market hires armed security personnel for some of its retail locations, either directly or contracted through security companies. Some locations hire off-duty police officers for store security.[51] Whole Foods Market hires third party security vendors[52] to issue automatic civil demands[53] in case of shoplifting. There is a strict "no heroes policy" in effect, which prohibits store employees from directly interfering with shoplifters.
Financial history[edit]
- January 1992: Whole Foods goes public, trading shares on the NASDAQ Stock Market as WFMI.[13]
- November 1993: WFMI stock splits 2 for 1.[13]
- June 2001: WFMI stock splits 2 for 1.[13]
- October 2001: Moody's upgrades WFMI debt ratings.[13]
- May 2002: WFMI added to S&P MidCap 400 Index.[13]
- December 2002: WFMI added to the NASDAQ-100 Index.[13]
- January 2004: Whole Foods Market paid its first dividend ever, 15 cents on each share of the company's stock.[13]
- November 2004: Board of Directors approves 27 percent increase in quarterly dividend to $0.19 per share.[13]
- March 2005: WFMI joins the ranks of the Fortune 500, entering the list for the first time at No. 479.[54]
- April 2005: Board of Directors approves 32 percent increase in quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share.[13]
- November 2005: Board of Directors approves 20 percent increase in quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share and announces special $4.00-per-share dividend.[13]
- December 2005: Whole Foods Market stock splits 2 for 1, the third stock split in the company's history.[13]
- November 2006: The company's salary cap was raised from 14 times the average pay of a full-time worker to 19 times the average pay. This is up from the original eight-times cap that was set in the late 80's.[55] Additionally, the company announced that CEO John Mackey will receive a salary of one dollar (started January 1, 2007), and will forgo any future stock option awards.[55]
- November 2006: Whole Foods Market's stock dropped 18 percent after the company lowered its 2007 sales forecasts.[56]
- August 2007: A federal judge cleared the way for Whole Foods to merge with its rival Wild Oats Markets Inc., discounting recent arguments that the reduced competition would lead to higher prices.
- March 2009: Federal judge orders the divestiture of Wild Oats Market as well as one of Whole Foods existing stores.
- December 2009: In a December 24, 2009 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Co-founder and CEO John Mackey voluntarily gave up his chairmanship, a position he had held since Whole Foods' inception in 1978. John Mackey will still remain on the board of directors. The new chairman will be John Elstrott.[57]
- May 2011: The stock symbol changed from WFMI to WFM.[58]
- May 2013: WFM stock splits 2 for 1.
- February 2014: Whole Foods Market acquired seven Dominick's finer foods stores in Chicago from Safeway Inc.[59]
Product quality[edit]
Whole Foods Market only sells products that meet its self-created quality standards for being "natural", which the store defines as: minimally processed foods that are free of hydrogenated fats as well as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, and many others as listed on their online "Unacceptable Food Ingredients" list.[60] Whole Foods Market has also announced that it does not intend to sell meat or milk from cloned animals or their offspring, even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled them safe to eat.[61][62]
The company also sells many USDA-certified organic foods and products that aim to be environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible. Stores do not carry foie gras or eggs from hens confined to battery cages due to animal cruelty concerns, as a result of successful advocacy by animal welfare groups. The Whole Foods Market website details the company's criteria for selling food, dietary supplements, and personal care products.[60]
According to CNN, the extent of Whole Foods Market's nutritional screening is it "doesn't carry any food containing trans fats or artificial coloring".[63]
Until June 2011, body care products sold at Whole Foods Market could be marketed as organic even if they contained ingredients not listed by the USDA as acceptable for use in organic food.[64] "Products made using petroleum-derived and other synthetic or chemical ingredients, prohibited in organic foods, can be found among the organic shampoos and lotions made by Avalon, Nature's Gate, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Kiss My Face and other brands", said Urvashi Rangan, an environmental health scientist at Consumer Reports. This is because the federal guidelines that regulate organic food labeling do not apply to cosmetics.[65] Starting in June 2011, personal care products sold at Whole Foods Market were required to follow the same USDA National Organic Program standards for organic food. This required products labeled "Organic" to contain 95 percent or more certified organic ingredients.[64]
Whole Foods Market has been criticized that its products may not be as progressive as they are touted to be. Author Michael Pollan has contended that the supermarket chain has done well in expanding the organic market, but has done so at the cost of local foods, regional producers, and distributors.[66] Parts of the debate have taken place publicly through a series of letters between Pollan and Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey.[67]
Ronnie Cummins, national director of the United States Organic Consumers Association, said that Whole Foods Market simply uses the term natural as a marketing tool.[68] Cummins concluded that "Whole Foods Market now is a big-box retailer – and it's much more concerned about competing with the other big boxes than issues of ethics and sustainability."[69] Similarly, researcher Stacy Mitchell of the New Rules Project argues that the corporation's aggressive marketing of local food is more hype than substance.[70]
In a Wall Street Journal article in August 2009, John Mackey acknowledged that his company had lost touch with its natural food roots and would attempt to reconnect with the idea that health was affected by the quality of food consumed. He said "We sell a bunch of junk".[71] He stated that the company would focus more on health education in its stores.[72]
Rating systems[edit]
In an effort to allow their customers full-transparency in purchasing Whole Foods Market has developed a number of in-store rating systems for various departments. The Seafood department has a Sustainability Rating System for wild-caught seafood[73] while farm-raised seafood has to meet aquaculture standards[74] both rated in accordance to third-party auditours. The Meat department has a rating system in partnership with the Global Animal Partnership based on animal welfare.[75] The produce department has a rating system based on farming practices which include measures of a farm's environmental, GMO transparency, worker safety and wage practices.[76] The grocery department has an Eco-scale rating system for its cleaning products which measures their environmental impact.[77] Each system is in place to allow customers to make the most educated choices within Whole Foods Market. There are efforts to create more rating systems in other departments.[78]
Whole Foods Market purchases products for retail sale from local, regional, and international wholesale suppliers and vendors. The majority of purchasing occurs at the regional and national levels to negotiate volume discounts with major vendors and distributors. Regional and store buyers are focused on local products and any unique products necessary to ensure a neighborhood market feel in the stores. Whole Foods says that the company is committed to buying from local producers that meet its quality standards while also increasingly focusing more of their purchasing on producer- and manufacture-direct programs.[79] Some regions have an employee known as a "forager", whose sole duty is to source local products for each store.[80]
Whole Trade Guarantee[edit]
In April 2007, Whole Foods Market launched the Whole Trade Guarantee, a purchasing initiative emphasizing ethics and social responsibility concerning products imported from the developing world. The criteria include fair prices for crops, environmentally sound practices, better wages and labor conditions for workers and premium product quality. One percent of proceeds from Whole Trade certified products will go to the Whole Planet Foundation to support micro-loan programs in developing countries. The company's goal, published in 2007, is to have at least half of its imported products from these countries fully certified by 2017.[81][82]
Environmental record[edit]
Whole Foods placed third on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of the "Top 25 Green Power Partners". The company also received the EPA Green Power Award in 2004 and 2005 and Partner of the Year award in 2006 and 2007.[83] The company plans on purchasing 458 gigawatt hours of wind energy credits. This will keep about 700 million pounds (300,000 metric tons) of carbon dioxide emissions out of the atmosphere. This is equivalent to taking 60,000 cars off the road or planting 90,000 acres (360 km2) of trees.
Environmental involvement[edit]
In May 1999, Whole Foods Market joined the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a global independent, not-for-profit organization promoting sustainable fisheries and responsible fishing practices world-wide to help preserve fish stocks for future generations.[84] The company first began selling MSC-certified seafood in 2000, and a growing selection of MSC-certified fish continues to be available.[85]
A January 8, 2007, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report listed Whole Foods Market as the second-highest purchaser of green power nationwide, citing its actions as helping drive the development of new renewable energy sources for the electricity generation. The EPA report showed Whole Foods Market using 463.1 million kilowatt hours annually. It was covered, 100 percent net-wise, by its total electricity from biomass, geothermal, small-hydro, solar, and wind sources.[86]
Eliminating plastic[edit]
In January 2008, Whole Foods Market was the first U.S. supermarket to commit to completely eliminating disposable plastic grocery bags to help protect the environment and conserve resources and many stores serve as a collection point for shoppers to recycle their plastic bags.[citation needed]
On Earth Day, April 22, 2008, Whole Foods Market eliminated the use of disposable plastic grocery bags company-wide.[87] Customers can now choose between paper bags made from 100% recycled paper or from a selection of reusable bags. The company also began offering "Better Bags", a large and colorful grocery bag made primarily from recycled bottles. The move from the traditional paper/plastic system to environmentally friendly and reusable bags has been packaged as an initiative the company calls "BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag".[88] The campaign is aimed at reducing pollution by eliminating plastic bags and reducing waste by encouraging bag reuse with "bag refunds" of 5–10 cents, depending on the store.
Humane treatment of animals[edit]
In 2002, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) began petitioning Whole Foods to take steps to ensure the improvement of treatment of animals sold in the stores.
Whole Foods created the Animal Compassion Foundation in January 2005, a separate nonprofit organization, to help other producers evolve their practices to raise animals naturally and humanely. According to Whole Foods Natural Meat Quality Standards and Animal Compassionate Standards, pulling feathers from live ducks, bill trimming, bill heat treatment, toe punching, slitting the webs of the feet, and toe removal are all prohibited in the raising of ducks for Whole Foods Market. Any ducks treated in this manner, treated with antibiotics or antimicrobials, cloned, genetically modified, or not allowed medical treatment when necessary are to be removed from Whole Foods Market stock.[62][89]
Whole Foods announced in June 2006 that it would stop selling live lobsters and crabs, but in February 2007 made an exception for a new Portland, Maine store that is able to meet "humane standards". The lobsters will be kept in private compartments instead of being piled on top of one another in a tank, and employees will use a device that gives them a 110-volt shock so that they are not boiled alive in a pot of water. Whole Foods will not be selling live lobsters at its other stores because they are not close enough to the lobster grounds.[90] This decision has been criticized by ex-lobsterman Trevor Corson as damaging a New England tradition and as removing people's connection to where their food actually comes from.[91]
Despite Whole Foods' welfare standards, it has come under harsh criticism from abolitionist vegans such as Gary L. Francione and animal rights groups such as Direct Action Everywhere who view the company's policies as a betrayal of the animal rights position.[92][93]
Whole Foods Market has a policy of donating at least five percent of its annual net profits to charitable causes. These donations are accomplished in multiple ways. Each store has the authority to donate food, labor or dollars to local not-for-profit organizations. Individual stores also hold 5% Days approximately four times a year, during which they donate 5% of that day's net sales to a local or regional non-profit or educational organization.
In 2005, the company created two foundations designed to effect solutions to global problems. The Animal Compassion Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for farm animals and the Whole Planet Foundation works to combat poverty in rural communities around the world through microlending.[94] In 2006, the company announced that it would be providing up to $10 million in low-interest loans to local producers.[95] The Local Producer Loan Program provided its first loan in February 2007.
In January 2004, in California, the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Environmental Health presented a notice of intent to file an anti-toxin lawsuit against salmon producers. This was in large part due to Whole Foods' involvement, including highlighting companies' failure to warn consumers the fish contained potentially dangerous levels of cancer-causing chemicals known as PCBs.[96]
In February 2006, Shareholders of Whole Foods filed a resolution asking Whole Foods to report toxic chemicals found in its products.[97] Substances such as Bisphenol A (BPA), found in products such as baby bottles and children's cups, are controversial. Whole Foods no longer sells baby bottles and children's cups made with BPA.[98]
In the wake of concern over the safety of seafood imports from China, on July 10, 2007, The Washington Post reported that Whole Foods imports a small amount of frozen shrimp from China, accounting for less than 2% of the company's total seafood sales. A Whole Foods spokesperson addressed the issue, saying "We're not concerned about the less than 2 percent. It's business as usual for us."[99]
Criticism and controversy[edit]
Whole Foods has frequently been the subject of resistance or boycotts in response to proposed store locations.[100][101][102][103] The corporation has also been criticized for its aggressive policy of promoting its own in house brands (e.g. 365) at the expense of smaller or local independent brands.[104]
On August 11, 2009, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey published an editorial in The Wall Street Journal criticizing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;[105] the editorial was controversial in the natural foods community.[106]
The company has created other controversies at various times involving business practices, labor issues, product selection, and failure to support farmers and suppliers.[107] In January 2011, they were criticized by the Organic Consumers Association for "surrendering" to global food giant Monsanto by selling GMO foods;[108] in March 2013, Whole Foods promised to label GMO-containing products in North American stores by 2018.[109] The company has drawn criticism for questionable science behind the claims of benefit of its products.,[110][111] including encouraging and selling drugs that are described to work under homeopathic principles despite the fact that homeopathy is pseudoscience.[112]
In 2013, two workers in Albuquerque, New Mexico were suspended for speaking Spanish. The resulting investigation revealed that Whole Foods has a policy of speaking "English to customers and other Team Members while on the clock".[113][114] The company soon revised its policy.[115]
The company was later caught overcharging customers in its California stores, and has agreed to pay an $800,000 settlement.[116] Whole Foods continued overcharging customers despite the settlement, with investigators alleging thousands of continued violations well into 2015.[117]
In May 2014, Whole Foods launched a pilot program to sell rabbit meat in 5 of its 12 market regions.[118] Because domestic rabbits are the third most common pet in the United States [119] as well as an animal rescued and sheltered alongside cats and dogs, this decision triggered a nationwide boycott of Whole Foods by the House Rabbit Society and their supporters.[120] In June 2014 Whole Foods awarded a financial grant to Oz Family Farms,[121] a family owned rabbit meat business.
In January 2015, a group of activists organized under the network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) released a video of laying hens from a Northern California farm that supplies eggs to Whole Foods. In the video, which featured footage of crowded, dirty henhouses and injured birds, DxE contended that the hens' welfare was severely compromised, even though numerous boards had labeled the farm as "Certified Humane".[122]
In 2015, an investigation by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs related to pricing practices led to a public admission by the company's co-CEOs that unintentional over-charging (and in some cases under-charging) for pre-packaged foods sold by weight had taken place in some New York stores.[7]
Awards and recognition[edit]
- Whole Foods Market has been included in Fortune magazine's annual list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For"[123] every year since the list's inception in 1998, most recently at No. 5 in 2007.[124][125]
- CEO John Mackey was named to Barron's list of the world's best CEOs, which recognizes 30 top corporate leaders who excel in not only profit growth and stock-price gains but also leadership strength and industry stature.[126]
- The Environmental Protection Agency awarded Whole Foods Market its top honor of Green Power Partner of the Year for 2006. The company was also presented with the Green Power Leadership Award in 2004 and 2005.[127]
- Based on 2005 revenue, Whole Foods Market is the fifty-fifth largest retailer in the United States.[128]
- In the 2006 Harris Interactive/The Wall Street Journal ranking of the world's best and worst corporate reputations, Whole Foods placed 12th overall and received the best score of any company for social responsibility.[129]
- Whole Foods was included in Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine's annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for 2007, ranking No. 54 out of 1,100 U.S. public companies surveyed.[130] The ranking is based on measures of corporate service to eight groups: shareholders, community, governance, diversity, employees, environment, human rights and product.
- Supermarket News ranked Whole Foods No. 23 in the 2007 "Top 75 North American Food Retailers" based on 2006 fiscal year sales of $5.6 billion.[131]
- CEO John Mackey was named the 2003 Overall National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year.[132]
- Whole Foods was named 'World's Greatest Food Retailer' by the British trade magazine The Grocer in 2006.[133]
Labor relations[edit]
Among its core values, the company lists "supporting team member happiness and excellence".[134] The company maintains that its treatment of workers obviates the needs for unions: At its U.S. stores, after 800 service hours, full-time workers are given an option to purchase health insurance coverage starting at $10 per paycheck for themselves (spouse and dependent coverage is offered for an additional charge).[135] Workers also have access to a company-funded personal wellness account, and the starting pay at most stores is highly competitive.[136]
CEO Mackey drew attention to Whole Food's health insurance program (offered through United Health Care in the US) for its employees in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal.[137] In the article he called his company's insurance plan a viable alternative to "Obamacare". Whole Food's health insurance plan is notable for its high deductibles – $2000 for general medical expenses, and $1000 for prescriptions. However, employees receive $300 to $1800 per year (depending on years of service) in personal wellness funds, which are intended to help make up the difference. Once an employee has met the deductibles, insurance covers 80% of general medical costs and prescriptions. It should also be noted that medications and doctor care for the treatment of any type of mental illness are explicitly not covered by the company's health insurance policy.[138] Mackey summed up his antipathy toward universal coverage in his op-ed by stating,
A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter. That's because there isn't any. This "right" has never existed in America.
A "Boycott Whole Foods" page on Facebook with more than 27,000 members was also created in response to John Mackey's position on health care.[139] Conversely, an alternative group on Facebook was set up in support of John Mackey and Whole Foods.[140]
Mackey, a libertarian, makes no secret of his opposition to unions at Whole Foods Market. Mackey believes that unions facilitate an adversarial relationship between management and labor.[10][141] An attempt at unionizing in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2002 was met with resistance from store management and Whole Foods was accused by labor activists of union busting. A 2004 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board upheld the actions of Whole Foods at the Madison store. Further attempts at unionizing Whole Foods Market stores have been unsuccessful. Michael Henneberry of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union said they failed to attract the interest of the employees at Berkeley's Whole Foods despite rallying there for seven years.[142]
Whole Foods was criticized for its refusal to support a campaign by the United Farm Workers (UFW) on behalf of agricultural workers laboring on strawberry farms.[143] During the late 1990s, the UFW persuaded several large supermarket chains to sign a pledge in support of improved wages and working conditions for strawberry pickers. Whole Foods chose instead to support the farm workers directly by holding a "National 5% Day" where five percent of that day's sales – $125,000 – was donated to organizations which provide social services to farmworkers.[144]
Management system[edit]
Employee structure and culture[edit]
Whole Foods Market consists of twelve geographic regions, each with its own president, regional administrative team, store-level leadership, and store-level team members. A 4-tier hierarchy of employment exists within the Whole Foods Company: Store Employment, Facilities Employment, Regional Offices, and Global Headquarters.
Employee benefits and incentives[edit]
|This section contains content that is written like an advertisement. (June 2013)
Every Whole Foods Market store allots a portion of its budget to employee development and evaluation. Each employee has access to the online "Whole Foods Market University", an online information portal that provides information to connect employees to the core values of the company and further knowledge about products. When a new employee is hired, he or she is assigned a mentor. On the store floor, the company uses a system of "team leaders" as opposed to "managers." Each employee has the opportunity to receive further training in various departments. Every employee is provided medical, dental, vision and life insurance. As for retirement savings, all those over 18 are eligible to participate in the "Growing Your Future" 401k savings program. All employees are given a 20% discount and allotted a certain amount of paid time off. These benefits accumulate over time, motivating team members to remain with the company.
Additional benefits include a Whole Foods Market employment discount. While all employees are provided a standard base discount rate of 20% on all store purchases, higher rates, up to 30% can be earned based upon employee physical fitness health tests that are given yearly.[145] These fitness exams are taken at the option of the employee.
Company structure[edit]
In total, Whole Foods Market is composed of seventeen companies, each specializing in a different product. In the 1990s, while new stores were being opened, other natural food chain stores were being acquired for horizontal integration. There was an increased demand for natural food products, which led to further expansion of Whole Foods Market. In 2007, Whole Foods Market purchased Wild Oats Market, a main competitor of the company. The Federal Trade Commission challenged this merger on the basis that it violated antitrust laws, essentially eliminating competition and inflating prices in the health foods market.[146] However, after sufficient dissent by the courts, a compromise was reached and the merger was allowed to go forward. This merger provided Whole Foods Market horizontal integration, as well as more control over competitors and price competition in the health foods market.
Subsidiary companies and suppliers[edit]
Whole Foods Market is based on a system of decentralized buying. Each vendor is approved at the regional level for corporate standards such as being non-gmo and Fair Trade.[147] Individual stores then decide which approved products to stock. They have a rolling ten-year distribution arrangement with UNFI.[148]
See also[edit]
- "It's Getting Real in the Whole Foods Parking Lot" (song)
- Health food store
- Specialty foods
- Supermarket
- Sustainable business
- ^ a b c Van Allen, Peter (May 8, 2013). "Whole Foods shares surge on sales report". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f "WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC 2013 Annual Report Form (10-K)" (XBRL). United States Securities and Exchange Commission. November 22, 2013.
- ^ a b c d "WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC 2014 Q2 Quarterly Report Form (10-Q)" (XBRL). United States Securities and Exchange Commission. May 16, 2014.
- ^ "2010 Form 10-K, Whole Foods Market, Inc.". United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ a b "Store List - UK". Whole Foods Market.
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company-info/us-national-offices
- ^ a b Theis, Michael (July 2, 2015). "Whole Foods CEOs admit to overcharging, say it was unintentional". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved 2015-07-03.
- ^ Smith, Evan (March 2005). "John Mackey". Texas Monthly. Retrieved October 27, 2011.[dead link]
- ^ Moore, John (March 21, 2005). "Run, Gun, and Have Fun – Whole Foods Market Style". Brand Autopsy. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ a b John Mackey on Whole Foods' Growth Marketplace, February 26, 2007.
- ^ a b "Whole Foods Market History". Whole Foods Market. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
- ^ Media Release. Whole Foods Market, Inc. March 27, 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Company Timeline[dead link], Whole Foods Market, last accessed February 26, 2007.
- ^ "COMPANY NEWS; WHOLE FOODS TO BUY NATURAL FOOD SUPERMARKET CHAIN". The New York Times. January 18, 2000. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ Fabricant, Florence (February 14, 2001). "New Market Concentrates On Organic Food". The New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ "COMPANY NEWS; WHOLE FOODS TO BUY ASSETS OF HARRY'S FARMERS MARKET". The New York Times. August 10, 2001. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ "Whole Foods Market to open in Toronto". Austin Business Journal. April 15, 2002. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ "Sustainable seafood distributor bought by Whole Foods Market". Puget Sound Business Journal. November 10, 2003. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ "New Whole Foods Market headquarters set for grand opening". Austin Business Journal. February 22, 2005. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Whole Foods opens Braselton center". Retrieved 2013-12-16.
- ^ "Stores in Development: Hawaii". Whole Foods Market website. August 17, 2007.[dead link]
- ^ Nina Wu (May 30, 2007). "Whole Foods Market prepares Kahala site for store". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
- ^ Andrew Gomes (February 9, 2006). "Whole Foods Market coming to Hawaiʻi". The Honolulu Advertiser.
- ^ "Whole Foods Market coming to Ward Centers" (Press release). Ward Centers. July 1, 2006.[dead link]
- ^ Renton, Alex (March 27, 2007). "Ripe target". The Guardian (London).
- ^ Whole Foods' British Invasion[dead link] Austin American Statesman, May 27, 2007.
- ^ Simpson, Aislinn (September 5, 2008). "Fresh and Wild closes store as consumers reject organic for cheaper deals". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved March 6, 2009.
- ^ Thompson, James (August 4, 2009). "Whole Foods makes £36m loss in Britain". The Independent (London).
- ^ "Earnings Preview: Whole Foods Feb 2012".
- ^ "Whole Foods targets Cheltenham with new store".
- ^ Whole Foods to acquire Wild Oats, Austin Business Journal, February 22, 2007.
- ^ Whole Foods to buy Wild Oats rival[dead link], Austin American-Statesman, February 22, 2007.
- ^ For Whole Foods, a natural decision[dead link], Austin American-Statesman, February 23, 2007.
- ^ "Whole Foods Market, Inc., and Wild Oats Markets, Inc. | Federal Trade Commission". Ftc.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-16.
- ^ George W. Reynolds, Ethics in Information Technology, Third Edition. Course Technology, 2010, p. 189
- ^ Henry's bought by Smart & Final[dead link], San Diego Union Tribune, October 3, 2007.
- ^ "UPDATED-Screw Market Share: Whole Foods subpoenas New Seasons' financial and marketing records". Wweek.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
- ^ "Full subpoena text" (PDF). Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ Whole Foods Is Hot, Wild Oats a Dud – So Said 'Rahodeb', The Wall Street Journal, July 12, 2007.
- ^ John Mackey panned Wild Oats on Web, Reuters, July 12, 2007.
- ^ "FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. April 25, 2008. Retrieved August 14, 2008.
- ^ a b "California Suit Against Whole Foods for Carcinogen in Body Care Products, with Corporate Puff Response from CEO John Mackey and the Truth from Nutritionist Cheryl Rounds". TransWorldNews, Inc. June 13, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ Tresa Baldas (June 24, 2008). "Battle Over Organic Products Turns Toxic". The National Law Journal. Retrieved April 1, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ a b c "Whole Foods, Other Firms Sued for Carcinogen in "Natural" Soap". Newsinferno.com. June 13, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Whole Foods, others named in suit filed by California AG over carcinogens". Austin Business Journal. June 11, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ a b "Whole Foods, Beaumont Products named in suit over carcinogens". Atlanta Business Chronicle. June 12, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ "State says some soaps lack proper warning". PressDemocrat.com. Associated Press. June 11, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "California Files Prop 65 Lawsuit Against Whole Foods, Avalon". Bloomberg. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ "California Lawsuit; Whole Foods, Avalon and Others With Products Containing Carcinogenic 1,4-Dioxane". PRLog. June 11, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
- ^ "Internet Archive Wayback Machine". Web.archive.org. 2004-01-05. Archived from the original on 2004-01-05. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
- ^ aaroncynic (2010-07-10). "Whole Foods Shoplifting Policy Raises Eyebrows". Chicagoist. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
- ^ Zimmerman, Ann (February 20, 2008). "Big Retail Chains Dun Mere Suspects in Theft". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ "Fortune 500 (2006) – Whole Foods Market". CNN. Retrieved 2013-12-16.
- ^ a b Whole Foods Market Announces Changes in Salary Cap and CEO Compensation, Whole Foods Market, November 2, 2006.
- ^ Whole Foods Shares Plunge After 2007 Forecast Cut, Bloomberg.com, November 3, 2006.
- ^ "Whole Foods CEO John Mackey Stepping Down As Chairman". The Huffington Post. December 25, 2009. Retrieved December 25, 2009.
- ^ "WFMI Changed to WFM on May 6, 2011". NASDAQ. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
- ^ "Whole Foods buys seven Dominick's leases in Chicago from Safeway". Reuters. 3 Feb 2014. Retrieved 27 Feb 2014.
- ^ a b [htcessed February 5, 2007.
- ^ Whole Foods won't sell meat from clones[dead link], Austin American-Statesman, February 14, 2007.
- ^ a b "Cloned Meat Q&A". Whole Foods Market. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
- ^ Gandel, Stephen. "Whole Foods: The whole truth – Whole Paycheck?". CNN. Retrieved 2013-12-16.
- ^ a b "Organic Body Care Policy". Whole Foods Market. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
- ^ Is Organic Shampoo Chemistry or Botany?, John Leland, The New York Times, May 18, 2003.
- ^ Paradise Sold, The New Yorker, May 15, 2006.
- ^ "John Mackey's Blog". Whole Foods Market. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
- ^ Mesure, Susie (September 14, 2006). "Too good to be true?". The Independent. UK.
- ^ Renton, Alex (March 27, 2007). "Ripe target". The Guardian (London).
- ^ Whole Foods Markup, Mitchell, Stacy. "The Bollard", September 5, 2007.
- ^ Paumgarten, Nick (December 4, 2010). "As Sales Slip, Whole Foods Tries Health Push". The New Yorker.[dead link]
- ^ Mclaughlin, Katy; Martin, Timothy W. (August 5, 2009). "As Sales Slip, Whole Foods Tries Health Push". The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/seafood-sustainability/wild-caught-seafood-sustainability-ratings
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/seafood-sustainability/aquaculture
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/quality-standards/animal-welfare-standards
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/responsibly-grown/produce-rating-system
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/environmental-stewardship/eco-scale
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthyratings
- ^ Whole Foods Market 2006 Annual Report[dead link] Whole Foods Market, last accessed March 28, 2007.
- ^ Langlois, Cherie. "Food & Kitchen – Foraging for a Change". Hobby Farms. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
- ^ Fair's Fair at Whole Foods The Motley Fool, April 2, 2007.
- ^ Whole Foods to Certify Sustainable Products California Green Solutions, March 30, 2007.
- ^ "Partner Profile". Epa.gov. 2010-11-17. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ Whole Foods Market Continues Commitment to Seafood Sustainability by Offering Marine Stewardship Council-certified Halibut[dead link], Marine Stewardship Council, May 4, 2006.
- ^ Whole Foods Market Introduces Certified Sustainable Seafood[dead link], Whole Foods Market, Inc., March 8, 2000.
- ^ EPA Top 25 Partners in the Green Power Partnership, US Environmental Protection Agency, January 8, 2007.
- ^ "Whole Foods Market to Sack Disposable Plastic Grocery Bags by Earth Day / Whole Foods". Media.wholefoodsmarket.com. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ Whole Foods Market : Bring Your Own Bag[dead link]
- ^ Farm Animal and Meat Quality Standards Program Requirements[dead link], Whole Foods Market, Last accessed January 16, 2007.
- ^ Whole Foods allows lobster sales in Maine[dead link], Austin American-Statesman, February 8, 2007.
- ^ Corson, Trevor. Boiling Point[dead link], Boston Magazine, July 2006. Last retrieved February 12, 2007.
- ^ "These animals are our dear friends" by Gary Francione, September 21, 2008, accessed March 16, 2009
- ^ "Animal Rights Group's Video of Hens Raises Questions, but Not Just for Farms". New York Times. January 8, 2015. Retrieved 2015-01-12.
- ^ Community Giving[dead link], Whole Foods Market, Inc., Last accessed February 12, 2007.
- ^ John Mackey's Blog[dead link], Whole Foods Market, Inc., June 26, 2006.
- ^ Environmental Issues. KnowMore.org.
- ^ Shareowner Action on Product Toxicity Shifts from Isolated Resolutions to Become a Campaign, Baue, Bill. SocialFunds.com. February 9, 2006.
- ^ Issues & Actions: Food Safety: Bisphenol-A[dead link], Whole Foods Market.
- ^ Merle, Renae; Yang, Xiyun (July 10, 2007). "A Hole in the Food Safety Net?". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Whole Foods' controversy at Jamaica Plain". organicguide.com. 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Shore, Derek (2014-02-25). "Possible Midtown Whole Foods Stirring Controversy Among Businesses". CBS. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Ham, David (2013-07-17). "Mayor opposes controversial West Seattle Whole Foods project proposal". KIRO-TV. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Moore, Galen (2013-11-11). "Whole Foods signs a lease in Beverly with controversy and hurdles ahead". bizjournals.com. Boston Business Journal.
- ^ Whole Foods Markup "The Bollard", September 5, 2007
- ^ Mackey, John. "The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare: Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ The Whole Foods Controversy in 15 Minutes "The Atlantic Wire", August 17, 2009
- ^ [2] Michael Bluejay website
- ^ [3] Organic Consumers Association
- ^ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story[dead link] "abc News", March 8, 2013
- ^ Schulson, Michael (2014-02-23). "Whole Foods: America's Temple of Pseudoscience". thedailybeast.com. The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Maloney, Field. "Is Whole Foods Wholesome?". slate.com. Slate (magazine). Retrieved 2014-02-06.
- ^ "Homeopathy for Baby". Whole Foods Market. Retrieved 2014-07-17.
- ^ Contreras, Russell (2013-06-07). "Whole Foods, 2 NM workers clash over suspension". yahoo.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Varela, Julio Ricardo (2013-06-06). "Opinion: Whole Foods' English-only policy is clueless and wrong". nbclatino.com. NBC. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Contreras, Russell (2013-06-14). "Whole Foods Revises Employee Language Policy". huffingtonpost.com. The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ "Whole Foods Caught Overcharging in CA". care2.com.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Jim. "Whole Foods accused of overcharging customers for prepackaged foods". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Whole Foods Market Rabbit Standards Development Process "Whole Foods Market"
- ^ U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics "American Veterinary Medical Association", 2014
- ^ Tell Whole Foods to Stop Killing Bunnies! "House Rabbit Society", July 16, 2014
- ^ OZ Family Farm wins grant from Whole Foods "Geyserville", June 20th, 2014
- ^ "Truth Matters: DxE Investigators Expose "Humane" Fraud at Whole Foods". January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ "100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR 2007". Fortune (CNNMoney). January 22, 2007.
- ^ Whole Foods Market Soars to Number 5 Spot on FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" List[dead link], Whole Foods Market, January 9, 2007.
- ^ Two Austin firms make Fortune 100, Austin Business Journal, January 8, 2007.
- ^ The World's Best CEOs Barron's, March 26, 2007.
- ^ EPA-Green Power Partners, Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed March 23, 2007
- ^ Top 100 Retailers: The Nation's Retail Power Players (PDF), Stores, July 2006.
- ^ Alsop, Ronald (January 31, 2007). "How Boss's Deeds Buff a Firm's Reputation". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ 100 Best Corporate Citizens 2007 (PDF), Corporate Responsibility Officer, January/February 2007.
- ^ 2007 Top 75 North American Food Retailers, Supermarket News, Last accessed February 24, 2007.
- ^ Ernst & Young Hall of Fame[dead link], Ernst & Young, Last accessed March 23, 2007
- ^ Booths Press Release[dead link], last accessed May 8, 2007
- ^ Core Values[dead link], Whole Foods Market
- ^ Whole Foods Market Benefits[dead link], Whole Foods Market
- ^ Field Maloney (March 17, 2006). "Is Whole Foods Wholesome? The dark secrets of the organic-food movement". Slate.
John Mackey, the company's chairman, likes to say, "There's no inherent reason why business cannot be ethical, socially responsible, and profitable." And under the umbrella creed of "sustainability", Whole Foods pays its workers a solid living wage—its lowest earners starting at $10.00 per hour and after several years of employment average $13.15 an hour. Although Mackey's stance on unions, as well as employment benefits as well as a substantial wage, there is, however two sides two the coin as "Team Members" could potentially be terminated for the most minimal things, such as having a bad day. Leadership at times has overly high expectations and has no human emotion, people skills and thinks of little mistakes as crucial grounds for termination. Whole Foods Market has a point policy with its employees where it is understood and advocated that this point policy effects everyone equally, but in reality it is up to leadership as to how much they want to enforce it.—
- ^ "The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare". The Wall Street Journal. 2009-08-11. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ Russell Mokhiber (August 25, 2009). "Boycott Whole Foods". Common Dreams.
The Whole Foods Market plan has no mental health coverage, and excludes or places a wide number of barriers to many essential services (for example, costly prescriptions that are medically necessary can only be received by using a complex mail order system that creates access issues).
- ^ NPR. "Health Care Uproar Swallows Whole Foods"
- ^ Facebook The Original: I Support Mr. John Mackey and Whole Foods, INC.[dead link]
- ^ John Mackey's Wal-Mart for the granola crowd[dead link], The Economist, July 28, 2005.
- ^ Union Backers to Hold Protest at Farmer Joe's[dead link], Contra Costa Times, January 26, 2007.
- ^ "Whole Foods Plays Dirty", Oritz, Paul. The Prism, May 1998.
- ^ "Whole Foods Fight", Metro Santa Cruz, September 3–9, 1998.
- ^ "5 reasons why it's great to work at Whole Foods". Fortune.
- ^ Federal Trade Commission. "FTC Consent Order Settles Charges that Whole Foods' Acquisition of Rival Wild Oats was Anticompetitive". News Release. March 2009. Web. Accessed on October 18, 2012.
- ^ "Information For Potential Suppliers". Whole Foods Market.
- ^ Brian Richards (19 February 2013). "How Whole Foods Transformed Its Relationship With United Natural Foods". fool.com.
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Whole Foods Market.
- Companies in the NASDAQ-100 Index
- 1980 establishments in Texas
- Companies based in Austin, Texas
- Companies listed on NASDAQ
- Health food stores
- Organic food
- Retail companies established in 1980
- Food retailers of the United States
- Supermarkets of Canada
- Supermarkets of the United Kingdom
- Supermarkets of the United States
- Retail companies of the United Kingdom
- Retail companies of the United States


text:
Customized Massage
$60.00 ~ 50min.
Gift Certificates
Cindy has consistently provided therapeutic and relaxing massages. She has been able to help relieve my neck and back pain through her Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Massage and her balance work. I am thankful to have a therapist with her skills. Have a great day. Deb
Cynthia is very professional and likely one of the best massage therapists in Indy. Her office is clean, comfortable, and located in an office building. I felt very relaxed after my appointment. Tara
Great Massage! Hope
My jaw was in so much pain, I was almost in tears. I called Cindy, she had an open time slot to fit me in. Almost immediately, I began to feel relief from the pain. I will be sure and keep regular appointments from now on. Kathy
Cindy came to our office and did chair massages. it was a great experience for our workers, they LOVED IT and look forward to many more! Thanks Jake!
"Cindy gives a therapeutic and relaxing massage with attention to technique and the individual. She is very in tune with my personal needs. I tend to clench my jaw and have a lot of tension and headaches as a result. Cindy works some magic to release that tension. I always leave feeling rejuvenated" Thanks again Cindy, Laura
When I scheduled my appointment with Cindy, I was ready to give up on massage! So many of the people that worked on me, left me in more pain, than when I came in. Their lack of experience and touch was not a plus in my book. Cindy is a very experienced therapist, with a quite caring touch. I will continue to book appointments with her, E/O week or sooner! Thank you for helping me Cindy! Sara
I went to a spa that Cindy was working at. I had been to several other therapist in that spa, but could not find one that suited my needs and that I felt comfortable with. When I went to Cindy, "WOW," is all I can say. She is like no other therapist I have been to. Her technique is uniqiue and benefited more than any other massage. She also helped with relieving the stress in my jaw, from my braces! Thank you, Cindy, Traci
Cindy helped relieve the stress in my upper back and neck that I had been having for months. She works on a neck like no other therapist I have been too. I will see her for many times to come. Thank you! Stacy
Cindy did a HOT STONE MASSAGE on me, it was fantastic!!! OMG!!! Thanks, Kelly
"The most relaxing massage ever!" Hot stones were oh so relaxing, I love the deep heat from the stones. Thank you, Chelsea
"The best massage I have ever had!" You rock Cindy! Thanks, Marti
When Cindy did Pfrimmer Deep Tissue on me, it left my muscles feeling free. This type of masssage also seemed to give me relief for a longer period of time, unlike some massages. I will keep coming back for more great massages from Cindy. Thanks for helping me feel better! Michele
Cindy has a technique like no other, she gets results when no one else can! Thanks again, Brad
Massage at it's finest, that's all I can say! I love Cindy's massages, she can work on my neck like no one ever has. She comes highly recommended by me. Thanks for everything Cindy! Lisa
The technique Cindy used to relieve my back pain was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I will visit her time and again, to continue to feel better. Great job, Cindy! Thanks, Dan
Very relaxing massage, I highly recommend her! Jackie
Cindy has a technique all her own! I feel so much better after each massage. "I am hooked." Thanks so much for making me feel so much better, Lisa
Fantastic massage, looking forward to many more, Thanks Cindy, Brenda
Cindy really helped my neck and shoulders feel better. I could actually move my neck again. Thank you Cindy, Sandy
Work had been giving me a major pain in my neck, so I called Cindy. A friend had told me she really helped with her neck pain. It was no joke, I felt so much better. I will tell all of my friends! Devin
After going to several other massage therapist I found Cindy. Her technique is like no one elses that I have experienced. I left feeling great and look forward to each and every appointment. Cindy has my highest recommendation! Thanks, Bob
I went to Cindy for a "HOT STONE MASSAGE." It was fantastic! I have never had such a relaxing massage. Cindy I will be back for more of those much needed massages! Thank you, Nancy

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Larry Benson passes away
Benson was owner of IPAC, served as Rey Feo LXV
Larry Benson, the owner of Ingram Park Auto Center and Rey Feo LXV, has passed away. He was 67.
Benson's death was announced Monday by his brother, Tom Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints.
"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to learn about the passing of my brother, Larry. He was not only a brother but a friend. We shared the excitement and thrill of owning sports franchises, automobile dealerships and other similar businesses both together and separately. This was very unique to me and something I cherished greatly. Larry's passion for business and sports was tremendous, but it was his passion for life, helping those in need and friends that will define my brother. He loved to travel and share those experiences with his family and friends. He loved the thrill and excitement of Saints game day and the tip off of an NBA game, especially his San Antonio Spurs. One of Larry's proudest moments was serving as the 65th El Rey Feo this past April, which in San Antonio is a very distinguished honor. El Rey Feo is responsible for raising millions of dollars for local students to continue their education. He will be greatly missed by both his immediate family, his son Larry, his extended family in San Antonio and New Orleans, his friends and the people that he worked with."
In April, Larry Benson donated $1.5 million to Saint Anthony Catholic School.
"Whatever they obtain in life someone can take away for them if they want to, but no one can take away an education," Benson said when he made the donation. "They can start over again if they need to, and they can be successful."
Benson served as Rey Feo LXV during Fiesta 2013.
He was also the majority owner of the San Antonio Riders of the World League of American Football franchise in 1991-92.
Details of his death were not immediately available and funeral arrangments were pending.
Copyright 2013 by KSAT.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Dolores M. Gardner, 79, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, with the love and support of her family by her side.
Dolores M. Gardner, 79, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, with the love and support of her family by her side.
Born in Herkimer on July 8, 1933, Dolores was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Barbuto) Fazio. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Herkimer High School and St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing. On Sept. 25, 1954, she was united in marriage to David Gardner at St. Anthony's Church by Father Orbano. She and Dave (Dad) shared 58 years full of love and trust as they raised their family and enjoyed their life together.
Dolores worked as an obstetrics nurse for many years at Herkimer Memorial Hospital and later at Mohawk Valley General Hospital in Ilion. As she lay in her hospital bed, she said to please say, "I loved each and every baby that I helped deliver." Later, she was a member of the yarn ministry of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Parish, making baby hats, baby blankets, lap blankets and shawls for people in the hospital.
Although being a nurse was her profession, Delores' nature was that of a nurturer. Not only was her true purpose found in loving and raising 10 children; she also proved to be a genuine and selfless person, sharing her heart, as she touched and cared for countless people. She is an adored wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.
Delores is survived by her beloved husband, David; her children, Andrea and Richard Hyde of Delanson, Rebecca and Bob Rifenburgh of Pompano, Fla., Cathleen and Peter Caliguire of Herkimer, David and Audrey Gardner of Chittenango, Connie and Randy Blais of Herkimer, Andrew and Cathleen Gardner of Mohawk, Christopher and Laura Gardner of Manchester, N.H., Effie and Tim Donlon of Concord, N.H., and Jodi and Mike Austin of Aldie, Va.; her cherished grandchildren, Jarred and wife Amy Hyde, Jessica and husband Jeff VanDeven, Anita and husband Mike Komarny, Sarah Rifenburgh and Dan Butcher, Deirdre Rifenburgh and Justine Abrams, Rob Rifenburgh, Joshua Caliguire, Corban and wife Ericka Caliguire, Carmi and husband Joshua Moore, David Christian Gardner, Shania Gardner, Summer Gardner, Dr. Dolores Blais and fiance Dr. Ian Mullikin, Clarinda Blais, Daniel Gardner, Mary Margret Gardner, Julia Gardner, Caroline Gardner, Emma Gardner, Elayna Gardner, Catherine Donlon, Elizabeth Donlon, Emmett Donlon, Ethan Donlon, Gardner Austin, Caleb Austin, Zachary Austin, Luke Austin and Danica Faith Austin; her precious great grandchildren, Canaan, Brevyn and Emery VanDeven, Lucy Komarny, Miley Butcher, and Giacobi Moore; her sisters, Clarinda and Robert Giammaria, Angie Fiorentino, Lucy and Donald Giffune; a brother, Angelo (Bart) and Ruth Fazio; her in-laws, Effie Netti, JB and Anne Gardner and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Delores was predeceased by her son, Daniel Gerard Gardner and brothers in law, Sal Fiorentino and Joseph Netti.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, (866-1011). Her funeral service will commence at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will take place, and at 11:30 a.m. from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, South Main Street, Herkimer, where her Funeral Mass will be offered by Reverend Thomas Lawless, pastor. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest.
Page 2 of 2 - The family is being cared for by Harry J. Enea, funeral director. To add to her online memorials, please visit www.eneafamily.com.
Comments are currently unavailable on this article
Location, ST | website.com


text:
|Rodeway Inn Hialeah Gardens hotels are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Rodeway Inn hotel rooms in Hialeah Gardens, FL for your group or personal travels. We list the best Rodeway Inn Hialeah Gardens venues so you can review the Hialeah Gardens Rodeway Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
Our service will show you discounted Hialeah Gardens, FL hotels that get similar quality scores of a Rodeway Inn.
Need 5+ Rooms? Lock in a group rate for Hialeah Gardens FL
All Rodeway Inn in or near Hialeah Gardens
Comparable hotels to Rodeway Inn
Next: Show All Available Comparable Hotels with Pricing >


text:
Used 2010 Volkswagen Wagon Values
Read more Read less
Volkswagen Prices and Values: Based in Germany, Volkswagen first arrived in the US in 1949 and has since become one of the most recognized brands on the road. The iconic Beetle is the best-selling single vehicle model in history, and remains one of the most identifiable vehicles in production. Volkswagen has a long history of incorporating diesel technology into its lineup and is leading the charge to bring modern clean diesel into the mainstream.
Select a used 2010 Volkswagen Wagon model
(2015 - 1942 including exotics and classic cars)
2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
A wagon version of the popular sedan, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen seats up to five passengers and has a refreshed appearance inside and out.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
A five-passenger wagon that is larger in size than the Jetta, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is offered in one FWD trim which now comes with the VW DSG automatic transmission.
2010 Volkswagen Routan
A seven-passenger minivan, the 2010 Volkswagen Routan is an efficient and well-equipped people mover wrapped in a stylish European package.
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
A compact crossover SUV, the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan seats up to five passengers and is available with FWD or AWD.


text:
Average Customer Review
Share your thoughts with other customersCreate your own review
Most Helpful First | Newest First
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars hands down a must have for any aspiring web designer,
Loren Fisher - See all my reviews
This review is from: Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Paperback)
I highly recommended this book. Read one chapter a day and I guarantee that you will come out of it with a much deeper understanding of the basic building blocks of web design, such as headers, graphic formats, tables, forms, as well as css.
Highly recommended for total beginners that aren't afraid too learn the more technical aspects of web design... this book pulls no punches, but it certainly isn't a "how to" or "project oriented" type of book. But nothing beats having it on hand when you are hunkering down to write a custom contact form for a client and you need to look up the correct tag to use to create a dropdown menu list, or adjust which items are preselected.
Do not get this book if you are a total newbie and just want a book to hold your hand through creating your first web site. This is not that type of book.
4.0 out of 5 stars Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference, 3rd ED,
By A Customer
This review is from: Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Paperback)
This is a good all around reference (not a "how to") book on web design. The does a good job is covering a broad topic. The book is structured as follows: (i) Web Environment Basics, (ii) Structural Layer (XML and XHTML), (iii) Presentation Layer (CSS), (iv) Behavioral Layer (JavaScript & DOM), (v) Web Graphics, and (vi) Media. Several chapters are devoted to each of these sections. The chapters are clearly written, thorough, yet concise. References are given throughout the book (it would also have been nice to have them collected in an appendix at the back of the book). Throughout the book the author gives a bit of history behind the various web design tools. I found this to be be quite informative by "filling in some of the blanks". My recommendation is, that if you are going to get into web design, this book will be a valuable resource. It won't teach you web design, but it will be a good reference to have to augment the areas not covered in "how to" books. I think that it is well worth the price.
5.0 out of 5 stars Web Design in a Nutshell,
Tami Brady "Integrated Whole Health" (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Paperback)
Web Design in a Nutshell is not merely an updated edition of the previous book (2001) of the same title. Extremely quick substantial changes in the web design systems over these past few years simply wouldn't allow for such an update. Instead, the author has composed this book from the ground up to address the issues and concerns of web designers in 2006. This reference covers all the basics of web design how tos from basics like choosing text elements and creating links through more challenging topics such as optimization of graphics and using flash on web pages. However, the portion of the book that I found most useful was the sections on designing sites for a variety of different browsers and increasing accessibility on your website. Together, these aspects create an easy to understand guide for those individuals wanting an introduction to web design or as very solid reference material for current web designers.
Most Helpful First | Newest First
Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference by Jennifer Niederst Robbins (Paperback - March 1 2006)
Not in stock; order now and we'll deliver when available


text:
In order to ensure a trouble-free treatment procedure, it is important for your therapist to have all treatment products handy. With our preparation desks, the required products (oils, crémes, muds …) can be prepared easily. The built-in heater keeps everything nicely warm. Always, a round stainless steel wash basin with standard fitting is integrated in the desks.
» Individually MadeOur preparation desks and counters are made-to-measure. They consist of a wooden base with solid doors and/or drawers, as well as a solid worktop made of laminated plastic or hand-made ceramic.
« Back to overview


text:
Grower's Cup. Fresh coffee. Just brewed. On the go.�2.50, added Aug/2011, see all Grower's Cup news & reviews
announcement by Grower's Cup
With Grower's Cup brewing a cup of fresh, Fair Trade, organic coffee on the hill is easy peasy. Grower's Cup is a durable lightweight bag filled with some of the world's best coffee. All you need to do is pour in hot water, wait and enjoy. This new, innovative product will be exclusively distributed by Rosker Ltd.
Grower's Cup is best described as a disposable French press. Inside the pouch you have a filter with 24g of freshly ground, speciality coffee. To brew three cups of coffee, all you need to do is open, pour in half a litre of hot water and brew for five-eight minutes. Five types of coffee are available � Ethiopian, Honduran, Guatalaman, Nicaraguan, and Bolivian. Each pack states the name of each plantation and its growing altitude, just like a fine wine does.
Grower's Cup is a Danish invention that comes from one of the leading barrista training academies. The unique brewing system preserves the coffee's natural oils, enhancing the coffee's delicate flavours and finer aromas that can only be achieved by using a French press. However, unlike the French Press, on pouring the first one-and-a-half cups the brewing process stops so the remaining coffee won't go bitter. In short, you can't brew a better coffee in a more convenient way.
Grower's Cup baristas have carefully selected an exclusive range of the finest coffees from around the world. All coffees are single estate or from named cooperatives. The berries are hand-picked and hand-sorted and then slow-roasted by Grower's Cup in small portions on their Micro-roastery, which enhances the coffees' unique character.
At £2.50 and super-lightweight, this little pouch of delicious fresh coffee will become an essential part of many outdoor enthusiast's packing list. Each sachet will give you three cups of coffee.
Stockist info from Rosker Ltd: 023 9252 8711; mailto:email@example.com
|£2.50. Free UK Delivery!
See this product at the Outside Ltd shop
Gear News and Outdoor Industry News at UKC and UKH presents climbing, walking and mountaineering equipment and stories that will be of interest to UKClimbing.com's readers. They are not gear reviews and are provided by companies that advertise with UKClimbing Limited. Please feel free to comment about the stories and products on the associated thread.


text:
Is pineapple ok to eat while pregnant?
people keep telling me that pineapple isn't good to eat while pregnant but when i ask "why" they don't seem to have an answer?
Posted: 05/18/2011 by stacystar87
Mom Answers
Sort by: best answers | most recent answers
1 - 10 of 13 answers
Pineapple is supposed to cause labor- but it doesn't.. just like no other food causes labor. When I was pregnant with my son I craved it big time. Ate a bowl mixed with cottage cheese almost every day. Pineapple is safe to eat- just like every other fruit...posted 05/18/2011 by Emkaed
I found out from the web that pineapple contains Bromelain, which in large quantities would soften the cervix and increase the risk of miscarriage. But unfortunately, I will have to live with the risk because it's the only thing keeping the morning sickness away (8 weeks pregnant). I usually eat a quarter after lunch, at the work cantine. When I read about how bad it could be, I gave it up but the whole next week was so miserable that I decided to eat it again. The effects are better sleep and a way better next day. Even in the weekend if I don't have 1-2 slices, the next day I feel bad, worsening with each passing day. So I decided my body is trying to tell me something, and will continue to eat the daily fresh quarter. Haven't tried the canned variety, but I don't trust all that sugar and the tin container. I'll also check with my doctor in 2 weeks time when the first visit is scheduled. Please tell me if your doctor was ok with the pineapple.posted 01/25/2012 by september_bloomer
I think it ok to eat pineapple, I ate alot of it, starting from my first trimester and up to date I still consume a lot of it, am in my week 20.posted 07/21/2013 by a BabyCenter Member
Eating Pineapple is perfectly safe what is of concern is the core. The core of a pineapple does contain high levels of Bromelain which can cause thinning and contractions if you eat a ton of it. You would have to eat quite a few cores to have this effect.posted 11/23/2012 by a BabyCenter Member
I am 24 weeks pregnant and all I eat is pineapples. it keeps my morning sickness away and all I do is crave pineapples and watermelonsposted 07/13/2013 by mslissettec
Well, with my first and second baby I ate a ton of it and they were both fine. I have never heard pineapple wasn't good. Probably not good to eat a lot since it has vitamin c in it and too much isn't good but that would be a ton of pineapple.posted 05/18/2011 by Shannon158
I ate pineapple from the day I found out with my son. I was 3 weeks when I found out. I ate maybe a pineapple every week. An the cervix thing they are talking about did not work on me haha! They still had to give me a pill (up there) to soften my cervix when they induced me. Pineapple is completely fine. But if you don't feel comfortable until you ask a doctor then do that. Now I'm on pregnancy #2 and still crave pineapple like crazy lol. Everyone is different :) have a great pregnancy.posted 06/18/2014 by a BabyCenter Member
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and I eat pineapples alot with lots of salt, at least 2 per week. I'm eating some while I type lol love it!posted 08/31/2013 by Pee.Wee8
I have always been told you can't have it while pregnant. I asked my doctors, and they said that pineapple is totally fine.posted 05/09/2012 by a BabyCenter Member
I have been eating a LOT of pineapple since my 2nd trimester and I am fine now. baby is still perfectly fine. im 33 weeks now.posted 05/06/2014 by SwitPaie
Answer this question


text:
Training Specialist I
Job DescriptionTITLE: Training Specialist I
EEO6 CODE: 5 = Technical/Para Professional
GRADE: Pay Grade 6
PAY PLAN: Annually
minimum 23,664.00
midpoint 29,142.00
maximum 34,620.00
PURPOSE: To organize and instruct classes in vocational, professional, scientific, and special training programs. Responsible for planning and organizing programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Teaches specialized courses. Promotes interest in classes through personal contacts or interviews. Assists in publicizing classes. Keeps enrollment and attendance records. Assists in preparing instructional materials. May correspond with individuals and organizations regarding courses. Conducts on-the-job training. Performs related duties as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION: $education
REQUIRED EDUCATION-OTHER: Bachelor's degree with major course work in business administration, education, personnel management, or other related fields.
News and Announcements
- Information Regarding Anthem Data Breach
- Merit Increase Guidelines for FY 15-16
- Employee Service Awards Program
- Outstanding Maverick Awards Program
- Holiday Schedule and Vacation Regulations for 2015-2016
- LGBTQA Program
- Wellness at UTA
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Resources
- 2015 Performance Review Memorandum
- Outstanding Maverick Awards Program
- New Criminal Background Check Procedure
- University Opens Lactation Rooms
- UT Arlington Named Fit-Friendly Worksite
- Retirees Club
- Dearborn National Offers Online Services
Quick Links
Benefits and Services
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- News About Your Benefits
- UT Arlington Work/Life Balance Resources
- Employee Assistance Program
- 2015-2016 Holiday Schedule and Vacation Regulations
- Benefits of Working at UT Arlington
- Employee Tuition Assistance Plan
- Wellness Programs
- Retirees Club
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendements Act (ADAAA) for Faculty and Staff
- Criminal Background Checks
Compensation and Employee Relations
- Pay Plan and Job Descriptions
- Performance Management Guide
- Merit Increase Guidelines FY2015
- Employee Separation Process
- Exit Interview Program


text:
You are about to report the comment below to the Crash.Net moderators as being abusive.
An abusive comment may contain profanity, personal attacks or commercial SPAM.
Please do not report this comment as being abusive if you simply disagree with the
comment posted. If this is the case then you can click on the "disagree" icon () in the upper right
of the comment's post to show your dissatisfaction.
Crash.Net moderators will view all reported comments and will act as they deem necessary.
This may be editing the comment or total deletion.
Im from Finland and started to watch racing when Mika Kallio was in 125cc in 2005. The problem with our country being so small and only few riders on top series we have none in Wsbk,Wss,Stock so ergo they dont really show the races. And where i was 25 years ago, depends really on my dad...


text:
Articles at InventorSpot.com
Long, Leggy, And Warm Protective Hoodies & Boots For Dogsby Lady Bee
If your dog lives with you inside a cozy, warm home in winter, he doesn't have the resistance to the elements that his ancestors had. Nor will he keep his puppy resilience his whole lifetime. Like humans, as pets age, the effects of cold, wet weather can be bone-chilling.
2009 Stamps Commemorate 10 Iconic British Designsby Toby
The British Royal Mail picked a panel of prominent designers to choose which designs Great Britain should commemorate in a design series of stamps for 2009. There were no rules for this panel; they chose designs from furnishings, fashion, transportation and even graphic design. Here are the 10 design icons that were chosen....
OLED's an Even Greener LEDby Katie Gatto
New and even more green LED's are coming out to market.
Nuclear Waste Disposal System: Great Idea?by Cosetta
Patent# US 6846967 also known as the Nuclear Waste Disposal System entered the world in 2005 and just won't leave. Perhaps it is waiting for the all clear signal from those controlling the sub-sea volcano which the inventor so stoutly advocates as the way for all nuclear wastes to go. Read on, and…. stand back a bit from the shore.
Is This Your Cup Of Tea? The Cup of Coffee Tabletop Fountainby Must Love Gadgets
This Cup of Coffee table fountain is a lot easier to "get" than the floating chained bottle of wine I posted a few weeks ago, but there is something unnerving about this endless coffee fountain.
Will China Lead as White Knight in Troubled World Economy?by M Dee Dubroff
World leaders with the largest cash reserves, which include Russia, India, Brazil and China recently met at the Group of 20 Summit and asked China to lead the financial way through the troubled forest of an unstable world economy. Can China assume this role? Read on, but don't invest yet.
Healthy Snacks Delivered To Your Office For A Grazing Lifestyleby Beth Graddon-Hodgson
Like cows, nutritional experts urge us humans to graze throughout the day; eating smaller portions of healthy snacks instead of binging during our 3 daily meals. A new company in the UK plays into this trend, by offering consumers a convenient method to snack. I bet their name won't come as a surprise either, accurately describing their nutritional services by calling themselves Graze.
Elder Driver Badges 'Leaf' Japanese Seniors Coldby Steve Levenstein
Anyone driving in Japan will soon notice curious badges on many of the other cars. Both are shaped like stylized leaves, with green & yellow (Wakaba) for first-year new drivers and red & yellow (Koleshiya) for seniors over 75. It's the latter that are ruffling a few feathers. After all, what person of advanced age wants to be likened to a dying leaf?
Scientists Discover Molecule That Targets Brain Tumorsby Rane
Researchers at the UC Davis Cancer Center have discovered a molecule that may provide hope for treating a highly deadly form of cancer.
Study Shows Brain is Affected by Seeing Family Membersby Rane
Do you have a positive or negative reaction when visiting your family for the holidays? A new study shows that seeing or spending time with your family can trigger activity in your brain that affects how you feel about them.
Tokyo Tower Celebrates Golden Anniversary with 24-Carat Gold Replicaby Steve Levenstein
Tokyo Tower notched an important milestone this past December 23 by celebrating its 50th anniversary. In tribute, Ginza Tanaka is offering a 26.4 inch tall replica made of 24-carat gold for the towering sum of 50 million yen - about $510,000.
Showerhead with Removable Electronic Media Device: Great Idea?by Cosetta
Patent# US 682353, which refers to a Showerhead with Removable Electronic Media Device is probably as silly as any invention can be. This combination shower head and electronic media device is a space saver in its own quirky way, but that does not change the fact that the concept is absurd. Read on and sort of cleanse to the music of your favorite mp3s!
Net-A-Porter Makes Sure Travelers Always Dress Their Best!by Beth Graddon-Hodgson
When traveling for business, you may not be aware of all the events that will make up your journey; or their corresponding dress codes. So you can impress other attendees with your business savvy, instead of causing them to focus on your inappropriate wardrobe choices; Net-A-Porter offers emergency wardrobe solutions with delivery directly to your hotel room.
Digital Voting and Security Possible for Overseas Americansby Katie Gatto
US Citizens Abroad may soon be able to vote digitally.
Brush Less With "Breath-Less" Toothpaste For Petsby Lady Bee
While I can't say that I like the name "Breath-Less," as bad breath is better than no breath at all, I'm willing to give this stuff a try.
Year 2036: The World According To Garthby Toby
African designers and artists are bringing their own unique talents into international design exhibitions, and the 2008 biennial St. Etienne (France) Design Show was no exception. One of the most interesting exhibits was Garth Walker's, a South African who was asked by the event organizers to create his vision of St. Etienne in 2036.
Asthma Inhalers Go Green, But At What Cost?by Boomer Babe
... Though the "green" inhalers have been on the market for a few years, and many doctors have been prescribing them, there is a sizable group of asthma patients who say they are ineffective. As the timely use of an Albuterol inhaler may make the difference between life and death, you can imagine how impassioned these patients are.
Remote Plastic Surgery: Great Idea?by Cosetta
Patent# US 6843793 known mysteriously only as a Surgical Instrument, is a highly complicated medical apparatus that entails the principle of remote plastic surgery. No, this is not done via a television remote or on an operating table in the rainforest in southwestern Borneo. It is, instead, a rather silly attempt to perform plastic surgery as a sort of game, like painting by numbers.
Russian Pays For Trademark Emoticon: What Will He Buy Next?by M Dee Dubroff
Would you buy an emoticon? One Russian businessman did, and he has trademarked that combination of punctuation marks used to convey a wink in text messages and email. The question is… why did he do it? Read on even though the answer still may not be clear.
IKEA Finally Brought To Nashville With ModerNash's Convenient Deliveryby Beth Graddon-Hodgson
ModerNash creates a smart business idea, by using someone else's to make their own. IKEA, inarguably, is one of the most popular, affordable furniture distributors around the globe. But, because locations are lacking in some regions of the United States, ModerNash offers a delivery service of their products, with no actual partnership with the company.


text:
Need Help Choosing a Doctor?
Call 1-800-82-SHARP to speak to a physician referral nurse. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
I have been a practitioner for 25 years serving Sharp and its clientele in good faith.
We have received your request. A physician referral nurse will contact you within one business day.OK


text:
How to get the most from your mobile strategy
Businesses across the world are gearing up their mobile strategy. Whether its mobile commerce, mobile marketing or simply improving business efficiency, smart-phones and mobile technologies really can revolutionize the way we do business. Often the most prominent dilemma for those going mobile is whether to invest in a native mobile app or a mobile optimised website. The decision is not always as easy as choosing one or the other, with each presenting different benefits and trade-offs. So how do you make the right decision? The answer is that this is highly dependant on what you aim to achieve and your organisational objectives.
Niche Marketing Strategy
If as a company you have a clear vision of the segment you are selling to and the best channel to market, the mobile application is often the best solution and enables the organisation to connect with its target audience more effectively by providing a richer more immersive experience, graphic intensive functionality and the ability to utilise the phones inbuilt hardware. These factors all contribute to apps enhancing levels of consumer interaction with products and services, the generation of greater brand loyalty and finally a boost to bottom line profits. An example of a Niche app is the IKEA interior planner, this app enables customers to view IKEA furniture in their own home with the use of augmented reality technology, helping to overcome a key consumer issue.
Mass Marketing Strategy
If as a company you are looking for mobile presence that can emphasise brand values, often a mobile website will do the trick. Companies that have a broad audience may also opt for a mobile website in order to provide something more general to suit all consumer groups. For instance Marks and Spencer recently decided to opt for a mobile website over a mobile app, why? To drive sales to local stores, to give customers access to opening hours, to allow users to browse facilities and finally to provide options for m-commerce. The argument for creating a mobile website is that it does not alienate any of Marks and Spencer's consumer groups by being too taylored and it is easily accessible and doesn't require a download, which makes it easier and quicker to use. It doesn't require any thing additional or different to the website, so it can be argued that there is no need for an app.
Growth Orientated
21st century businesses who use innovative business models often have greater success in today's fast changing technical landscape. By using a mobile app, companies are able to create something unique that can drive growth and generate public recognition, which in turn can enhance the brands profile. An interesting example of how app technology can be used to encourage sales is Cadbury, who recently launched a Blipper image recognition app, which requires a chocolate wrapper to be scanned in order to activate a game.
Cost Cautious
For companies that have tight budget constraints or are in their early stages the optimised website approach can often provide the best mobile opportunity, with cross platform capabilities, the ability to transfer coding from the web and with a cost that is considerably lower than that of a mobile application.
Customer focused
Users are no longer content with just consuming they want to play a more active role and interact with brands – wherever they feel the need. Mobile applications are ideal for this. These applications can include interactive forums, blogs, social media and can receive real time customer information. The Alton Towers application provides a number of tools to improve a visitors day out such as live queue times, car finders, games and an interactive park map, but also provides useful information to the park itself such as ride ratings and ride check ins. This type of application can be a great asset in improving the customer experience.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a mobile strategy. But what is often overlooked is that consumers are not necessarily using apps or mobile websites on a mutually exclusive basis. In fact there is a strong case for investing in both an application and a mobile website to maximise the impact of a mobile strategy.
Further information about our service
more detailsmobile apps development
more detailsweb design and development
more detailssoftware & systems
more detailsdigital marketing - website & apps
more detailspartner solutions


text:
2 Parks near Arkdale, Wisconsin
Necedah, Wisconsin 9.4 miles SW
Nekoosa, Wisconsin 10.62 miles NE
Hancock, Wisconsin 11.28 miles NE
Coloma, Wisconsin 13.31 miles SE
New Lisbon, Wisconsin 17.64 miles SW
Arkdale, Wisconsin (map) | (608) 564-7513
Sites: 500 | Latest Rate: $20.00 | 2 Reviews
|Clean Restrooms:
|Clean Showers:
Jun 2013 - $20.00
Very nice park. No four wheelers racing through the park. Very nice family and fishing park. Clean, seems to be well managed. Normally do not stay in a county park, but this is a diamond in the ruff for sure. Will come back or sure. - Camping Somewhere
Jul 2006 - $18.00
A very large park,431 acres. Has recent expansion of campsites and a new marina. We stayed in the new addition with a beach area to swim and park the boat. The park people are very helpful and friendly. The lake this park is on is the second largest in the state, fishing was good. They have a marked beach area, but where we were at,we had our own sandy beach that was shallow for quite a long distance. Great time for everyone, will be going back as this is one of our most favorite parks that we have been to. - traveling faemer
Arkdale, Wisconsin (map) | (608) 564-7818
Sites: 190 | Latest Rate: $35.00 | 3 Reviews
|Clean Restrooms:
|Clean Showers:
Aug 2010 - $35.00
We came to celebrate our son's birthday and we all had a wonderful time! The mosquitos were bad this year, but we still enjoyed our stay. The kids loved all of the activities and the people were all friendly and helpful. We already reserved our vacation for this year! - millfam
Jul 2010 - $33.00
The mosquito's are HORRIBLE! They do not spray for them, we could not stand to be outside at all (we live on a farm and are used to mosquito's but this was the worst we have ever experienced). There is no maintenance done to the roads, no gravel and when it rains there is water covering the roads, sites and all of the sites are sand. This makes for a big mess. We have a 28' travel trailer that barley made it into our site and we had to back down the driveway just to get out. If a tree falls they just leave the rotting stumps and you have to navigate around them. There is no TV reception and you must pay to use all of the outdoor play areas except for the swing sets. The showers looked terrible from what I could see. This is the first and last time we will be staying here. - Bree08
Jun 2009 - $36.00
This is a very nice, mostly seasonal-sites, which were all very well kept and clean. Family oriented, lots of kids activities. We stayed here for a 1 night stopover, and had a pull thru site. It was so nice in the middle and could see the kids playing in the activity area which is centrally located. Lots for the kids to do. We stayed there on a Friday night and it was pretty quiet, despite our site being close to the lodge/bar it wasn't annoying at all and quiet after 10:30. They have a nice store and lodge with a full menu and a bar/game room, with a separate game room area for the kids located near the activity area. 20 minutes to the Wisconsin Rapids, Wal-mart and several RV dealerships nearby. - ready2upgrade