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Ashley

CEO Daily Update – 2.18.2021

February 18, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: Lessons from a Builder | Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Switch | What is Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing Technology? | News to Start Your Day


Happy Thursday!

Get a charge knowing that today is National Battery Day! Observed each year on February 18th, today serves to appreciate the convenience batteries provide to our everyday lives!! Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin first coined the term “battery” in 1748 to describe an array of charged glass plates.


Whoa! Can you believe we are almost at the end of February already?! 

For me personally, it has really flown by and has pretty much been a blur. There is never a lack of items to do and focus on here at CK, but as you know I have also been working on selling my house, packing, buying/building a new house, and just trying to live and stay sane in between all of that. To illustrate the speed at how fast life and things move, below is a pic of what the new house looked like on January 9th and then what it looked like yesterday when I went by for the pre-drywall inspection. My jaw dropped when I looked at the pics side by side and knowing it has only been 39 days in between the pics.

While I was there at the inspection yesterday the Building Manager for the community just happened to be in the neighborhood and stopped by and walked through the inspection with us. My agent was in shock that a builder would take time to do that and actually interact directly with the buyer. (He gave me his card and cell number as well.) She said in her experience that builders usually try to avoid the buyers and agents as much as possible. Haha! It was very interesting talking with him about the new house, how they are building it, and his views on the building process and after. Couple of things I learned and walked away with from the builder as we talked:

  • Efficiency breeds speed and success – just because something moves fast doesn’t mean it is a bad job. The inspector was very impressed with the level of work that had been done. Build the process and then let the process do the job for you.
  • Treat others the way you would want to be treated / Put them in “your” shoes – Don’t just try to put yourself in another person’s shoes to see how they might feel, put them in your shoes and let them experience how you would feel or what you would want out of the exact situation. If it was you experiencing or buying something, you would want it to be easy, go smoothly, and be the best possible.
  • The job doesn’t stop when the house is finished – that is just the beginning of the job. When we provide a service, sell an item, or interact with a client/customer, it is all about relationship. The sell/service is just the beginning of the relationship. The real job comes after that with supporting, helping, and making sure the customer is happy with their decision for the long term.

I personally was blown away by the amount of time, and level of conversation, that the builder of a multi-million dollar housing agency took to have with me yesterday. That left a lasting impression on me as a buyer and as a person. The last thing my agent said to me was that we hit the jackpot with this builder. That’s probably the way every customer should feel when they interact with a business or company every time, if not they will find the jackpot somewhere else.

I know many of you are feeling the effects of the crazy weather that is plaguing most of the country. I pray that y’all are staying warm and safe. Hopefully, you will get some relief very soon.

Jason


Product Spotlights & Updates:

Let us introduce you to the WS-C2960X-24PS-L. This LAN Base Switch is a workhorse! It has 24 PoE ports, (12 PoE+ ports at 30 Watts or all 24 PoE ports at 15.4 Watts), all 24 ethernet ports are Gigabit, and it also has 4 SFP ports. We recommend the GLC-SX-MMD if you are in need of SFPs.  This is also a stackable model that allows you to stack 8 switches together into something we coined the “octostack” – it kind of reminds us of the megadesk scene from The Office. You’ll need an optional stack module (don’t worry we carry them) in order to gain access to the stacking capabilities. 

This Switch is perfect for all kinds of environments from a small branch office with a few phones, a few APs, and a dozen computers to larger campuses. This reliable and robust piece of equipment will be the envy of the other networking devices in your rack. Grab one or eight! It’s time to get your office connected!


What is Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing Technology? – CK Learning Center

No matter what kind of network you maintain, you always have the same demands: more speed, less cost, and larger capacity. For any network with heavy demands on data and/or distance, this always results in implementing fiber optics. This is a technology that grows and shifts every day, and it can be exhausting to stay on top of the mountains of information out there. To help with that, a few simple explanations of popular fiber optic tech can make your life a lot easier. In that effort, today’s lesson is on CWDM technology. It’s one of several fiber optic cable choices, and it can fill many roles.

What is CWDM? 

The acronym stands for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing. As the name states, it is a form of multiplexed fiber optics, so CWDM networks can send simultaneous, two-way communication. The term “coarse” refers to the wavelength spacing between channels. CWDM utilizes laser signals that differ in increments of 20 nm. A total of 18 different channels are available — with a wavelength range from 1610 nm to 1270 nm — and 8 can be utilized in a single system. Since each channel is capable of data rates of 3.125 Gbps, the aggregate ability is 10 Gbps for any CWDM cable.

Sometimes, it’s easier to understand the value of a piece of technology by comparing it to alternatives. In wavelength division multiplexing, DWDM (Dense WDM) is the other popular choice. DWDM has a wavelength spacing of 0.4 nm. That enables a denser packing of signals (hence the name) and can produce much higher data rates — up to 100 Gbps. The primary difference between CWDM and DWDM is that chromatic spacing. While DWDM can send and receive more information, the smaller differences reduce the tolerance of the signal and require far more precision in the laser design. This is why DWDM is much costlier per foot of cable than DWDM

Where is CWDM Best Used?

With high data rates, a low cost, and a good transmission range (up to 60 km), CWDM shines in many instances. It’s best at city-level applications. Many broadband internet providers build the bulk of their infrastructure on CWDM lines. Large campuses and data centers also benefit from integrating CWDM.

One of the often-overlooked advantages of coarse WDM is its compatibility with both GBIC and SFP connections. This makes it ideal for upgrading legacy systems that still use the older interface.

To summarize, CWDM is ideal for fast and long networks that don’t need more expensive speeds. It’s also ideal for a gradual upgrade of older systems.

The most important thing to remember is that you never have to marry a cable choice. Networks are living animals, and you’ll always find various niches within the design. CWDM can be your flexible line that keeps your options open, but you can still utilize other cable designs where the need arises.

This article is from the CK Learning Center. 


Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,354,057 active COVID cases, 18,597,664 have recovered and there have been 502,545 deaths. 
  • Amazon’s aircraft fleet is on pace to have doubled in size between May 2020 and June of this year. It’s one of several moves that signal a broader expansion of Amazon’s air cargo operations. The company recently posted job listings for maintenance managers and staff to oversee contractors, indicating Amazon Air is “one step closer to being set up to run like an airline.”
  • Power outages in Texas from the winter storm reveal a broader crisis: Climate change is fueling more frequent and destructive weather disasters that are overwhelming existing U.S. infrastructure. Utilities have begun rolling blackouts to east pressure on strained power systems and meet the high demand for heat and electricity amid freezing temperatures. Extreme weather events caused 67% more major power outages in the U.S. since 2000, according to an analysis of national power outage data by research group Climate Central. 
  • Walmart’s fourth-quarter earnings missed Wall Street’s expectations, as it tries to turn pandemic gains into sustained momentum and higher profitability. The big-box retailer’s e-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 69% and its same-store sales in the U.S. grew by 8.6%. Walmart CEO Dough McMillion said it will boost the wage of U.S. workers, raining the average for hourly employees to above $15 per hour.  
  • The United States needs to rapidly deploy Covid-19 vaccines and ramp up its surveillance before highly contagious variants take hold or the virus mutates again and makes the pandemic even worse, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. Three variants first identified in the U.K., South Africa and Brazil have given researchers some concern.  The variant first found in the U.K. has proven to be highly transmissible and early data suggests it could be more deadly. 
  • Facebook announced that it will now debunk common myths about climate change, further leaning to the arbiter of truth role that the company once renounced. The company said it plans to rely on experts from George Mason University, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and the University of Cambridge to identify and debunk climate change myths. Facebook has introduced these information hubs and relied on them as a key part of its tactic to combat the widespread problem of misinformation on its services. ​

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

CEO Daily Update – 2.17.2021

February 17, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: The Net | Yealink Wireless Headset Adapter | What Do I Do with my Tax Refund? | News to Start Your Day


Happy Wednesday!

Happy Ash Wednesday! Today signifies the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians. It’s also National Random Act of Kindness Day! Always remember, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop.


Do you guys remember that movie, The Net, with Sandra Bullock? It was a 1995 release about a computer analyst who gets caught up in some underground government stuff when she tries to debug a computer program (stored on a 3.5-inch floppy disk no less) and sees something she shouldn’t. It was pretty good, just not a film that aged well with the tech being so outdated now.

There’s a funny phenomenon here in our household with movie memory. Craig can recall lines from movies he’s seen years ago. If it was funny, it is even more likely he remembers it. Don’t ask him what he had for dinner two nights ago, how long we’ve been married, or where that paper he brought home yesterday – but if you need a movie quote, he’s your guy. Me, on the other hand, I retain more than the average information about daily life. Phone numbers, account numbers, where to find a copy of the deed to that house we owned in 2001 – no worries, I’ve got you. But if you ask me about a movie I saw last month, I am not very likely to remember that “really funny part” that Craig so easily recalls. It is like my brain has decided movies are non-important information and must not be stored in long-term storage. Anyone else like this?

All that to say, I have been reminded several times recently of this movie from 1995. I didn’t remember too many details about it until I watched the trailer just now, but I did remember that Sandra Bullock’s character was basically a recluse. She only left her house very occasionally and even had her groceries and food delivered. That’s nothing for us now, but my homebody self was pretty impressed with it back in the day. The times I have recalled the movie lately, I have kind of chuckled because I have become that girl. I leave the house once or twice a week, otherwise, you’ll find me homeschooling, at my computer, in the kitchen, or reading. Hopefully, no one sends me a 3.5-inch floppy with a secret program to decode…

Chat with you tomorrow,

Christin


Product Spotlights and Updates:

Today’s spotlight brings you to the Yealink EHS36 Wireless Headset Adapter. 

This unobtrusive device allows you to connect your Yealink phone to a wireless headset. It’s so small you could even tuck under a phone footstand so it’s out of view. The unit is also easy to install and all you need to do is to connect the EHS36 to the EXT port of your Yealink phone and connect your wireless headset base to the EHS36. 

One of the best features of this wireless headset adapter is something that could be easily overlooked is that the adapter gives you the ability to answer and end phone calls directly from the headset. There’s no need to walk back to your phone just to push a button to answer or end a phone call. 

The EHS36 is designed for most Yealink phones (see the EHS36 product page for a complete listing) and is fully compatible with Jabra, Plantronics, and Sennheiser brand wireless headsets. Grab one today and boost your phone call productivity!


What Do I Do with my Tax Refund? – Dave Ramsey Blog

Last year, the IRS reported giving out more than $305 billion in tax refunds, with the average refund clocking in at almost $2,500.1 With all the spending possibilities out there, how do people typically spend their tax refund?

It might surprise you to learn that most Americans said they planned to put their tax refunds into savings last year.2 That’s a much more responsible option than wasting it on some spending splurge. But while we’re all for building up a cash cushion, saving your refund for a rainy day may not be the best way to get ahead financially this year—especially if you’re still in debt.

Other folks from the survey (34%) planned to use at least part of their tax refund to pay off debt.3 Based on the average American household debt totals, we ran some numbers to find out what would happen if you used your entire refund to pay down your debt. We knew the results would be positive, but you may be surprised by how much you could actually save with this one simple step.

Crush Debt Faster with your Tax Refund 

Student Loans

The average student loan balance is more than $35,000.4 Let’s say your balance is $35,000 at a 6% interest rate. With a monthly payment of $400, you’ll pay on that student loan for around 10 years and shell out more than $46,000 total in principal and interest.

Let’s say you put your $2,500 tax refund toward your student loan balance. Using a student loan payoff calculator, you can see that doing this will help you pay off your loan almost a whole year sooner and save more than $1,800 in interest.

Now, let’s take things a step further. A $2,500 tax refund doesn’t mean you hit the jackpot. It’s simply the government returning your money—money you could have been using all year long to pay extra on your debt. Don’t wait until next year to get your money back. Work with a tax advisor to adjust your withholding today so you can bring home an extra $200 a month ($2,500/12), starting with your next paycheck!

Use that $200 to pay extra each month on the remaining balance of your student loan debt. With this method, you’ll pay it off in about five years instead of 10. And you’ll save over $5,500 in interest!

That’s how you put a tax refund to work! Here’s how that same scenario can work on your other debts:

Credit Cards

Households with debt currently owe an average of more than $14,500 in credit card debt.5,6,7 Yikes! At the minimum payment of 4% of the balance, and with a 15% interest rate, it’ll take you 13 years to pay that off. But if you apply $2,500 to the balance when you get your refund check and add that $200 to your monthly payment after adjusting your withholding, you’ll knock that sucker out in no time and save yourself thousands of dollars in interest!

Car Loans

The latest research shows that the average used car loan is almost $21,000 at a nearly 10% interest rate.8 Most people finance their cars for five years, although the average term is creeping toward six. With your one-time $2,500 payment followed by your increased monthly payments of $200, you’ll pay off your wheels two years sooner and save nearly $3,000 in interest!

Home Loan

As home prices continue to rise around the country, the average mortgage balance has swelled to over $202,000.9 Using our mortgage payoff calculator, you can see that with your tax refund and an increased monthly payment of $200 (from your newly adjusted withholding), you’ll pay off your home nearly three years early and save more than $12,500 in interest!

Roll Your Tax Refund Into Retirement

As long as you have at least $1,000 in a starter emergency fund, there’s no reason not to use your tax refund to pay down your debt. For those of you who are out of debt and have three to six months of expenses saved for emergencies, use our investment calculator to see how your tax refund can do great things for your retirement account.

With an initial investment of your $2,500 tax refund followed by monthly contributions of the $200 you gained after adjusting your withholding, you could add nearly $789,000 to your nest egg over 30 years! That’s a total of almost $75,000 of your money and more than $714,000 of growth. This is one simple way to catch up if you’re feeling behind on your retirement savings goals.

This article is from the Dave Ramsey blog. 


Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,401,811 active COVID cases, 18,479,418 have recovered and there have been 499,991 deaths. 
  • Japan launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign Wednesday, months after other major economies started giving shots and amid questions about whether the drive would reach enough people quickly enough to save the Summer Olympics, already delayed by the pandemic. Despite a recent rise in infections, Japan has largely dodged the kind of cataclysm that has battered other wealthy countries’ economies, social networks, and health care systems. But the fate of the Olympics, and billions of dollars at stake, makes Japan’s vaccine campaign crucial. 
  • Millions of residents in Texas were still in the dark Wednesday with no indication when their service might return as another winter storm moved across the southern part of the nation. In all, between 2 million and 3 million customers in the energy capital of the U.S. had no power two days after historic snow and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand for electricity for heat. 
  • Sri Lanka reopened its borders with a requirement unlike any other country that had opened before it – one that neither grants travelers free rein of the island nor boxes them into a hotel room for two weeks. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando referred to it as a “new concept” developed by the tourism authority – which allows tourists to travel the country in “bio bubbles,” or roving semi-isolated groups that let travelers sightsee without mixing with the local population. The rules apply for the first two weeks of their stay. 
  • Amazon had bought Selz, an Australian company that makes tools that enable businesses to more easily launch their own online stores. Amazon quietly acquired the e-commerce platform on January 15th but didn’t publicize the acquisition. Selz said in a blog post that it will work with Amazon to “build easy-to-use tools for entrepreneurs.”
  • The White House on Tuesday issued its first official statement on the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the West African country Guinea. The World Health Organization announced last week that it had confirmed new cases of Ebola in Butembo, a city in North Kivu Province in the DRC. Separately, officials in Guinea confirmed over the weekend the reemergence of Ebola in N’Zerekore, in southern Guinea. 

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

CEO Daily Update – 2.16.2021

February 16, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: Doodles | BOGO FREE Hand Sanitizer | What are KN95 Masks? | News to Start Your Day


Happy Tuesday!

February 16th is National do a Grouch a Favor Day and also National Almond Day! I think this calls for the perfect scenario to turn the grouches upside down! Go and grab your favorite pack of almonds and give it to them as a snack. I’m sure giving them the most heart-healthy snack on the market is sure to make their day better…don’t ya think?


I was recently reminded of a fun CK memory – and maybe the beginning of version 2.0 of that memory. I forget how this particular thing was started, maybe just a random request. A customer placed an order and put in the comments that they wanted a drawing on the box. Remember how I told you we like to do things that are memorable? We like to bring an unexpected online shopping experience and have fun doing it. Our creative guy in marketing at the time (we miss you, J!) was pretty good with freehand drawings, so we filled the customer request. It was shared with customers and others started asking for the same. It wasn’t often but enough to be a fun memory for us. 
 
Yesterday one of our managed account reps, Mandy, shared a picture her son had drawn. It was a picture of Switch – have you met Switch yet? He’s our mascot of sorts. I’ll tell you more about him sometime. For now, he makes an appearance on stickers and in some small places on the website and marketing materials. Here’s our stickerand also Mac’s version of Switch. Great job, buddy! 

So now version 2.0 of this is on the table – a Doodle Day for all the CK kids (and big kids) to come draw on some of the boxes we send out that week? Emailed artwork from CK kids and grownups alike? We are considering it. For now, I think Mac is willing to fill a few requests 😉
 
Until tomorrow,

Christin


Product Spotlights & Updates:

Just a reminder! We are still running BOGO FREE deals on some of our safety supplies and have just added our hand sanitizers to the list. Buy a 5 pack of either the 3.38oz or 8oz hand sanitizer and get another 5 pack for free! 

It is always good to stock up on hand sanitizers and continue to wash/sanitize your hands. These hand sanitizers adhere to the guidelines provided by the FDA and kill harmful germs in just seconds. 

The 3.38oz gel tube hand sanitizer contains 75% Ethyl Alcohol and contains an alcohol-based formula which is quick-drying and effective. The 100mL tube also contains moisturizer and Vitamin E to keep your hands smooth and healthy. 

The 8oz gel flip-top antiseptic hand sanitizer contains 70% Ethyl Alcohol and is fragrance free. This bottle also contains aloe vera which has antibacterial properties and ensures your skin to stay hydrated. Both hand sanitizers are small and perfect to carry with your everyday belongings and/or during travel!


What are KN95 Masks? – CK Learning Center

Choosing the right face mask for your safety (and the safety of those around you) can be confusing. What do all those different numbers and letters mean? And which type of masks do you really need? One of the most common masks available is the KN95, which you can find in our Safety Supplies section. Here’s some information about what a KN95 mask is, how it’s different from other types of masks, and a few recommendations on how to choose the best mask for your needs.

What is a KN95 Mask?

“KN95” is a designation for Chinese-made filtering facepiece respirators that meet China GB2626-2006 performance standards. Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) are disposable face masks that are subject to a variety of regulatory standards, with different countries and regions having their own specific designations. The standards that KN95 masks are subject to include physical and performance characteristics that they are required to meet.

According to a 3M technical bulletin (PDF) from January 2020, KN95 respirators must meet the following performance standards:

  • ≥ 95% efficiency
  • Flow rate of 85 L/min
  • ≤ 8% total inward leakage
  • ≤ 350 Pa inhalation resistance
  • ≤ 250 Pa exhalation resistance

This is not an exhaustive list but provides some of the key standards that masks must meet under GB2626-2006.

How is a KN95 Mask Different from an N95 Mask? 

In the United States, FFRs are regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The N95 respirator is the most common of seven types of FFRs approved for use in the U.S., and specific types of N95 masks are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as “surgical N95 respirators.” This means that they are approved for use in a healthcare setting. Note that not all N95 masks are cleared for surgical use.

The underlying difference between a KN95 mask and an N95 mask of any type is the performance standards that they were designed to meet. While KN95 masks meet Chinese standards, N95 masks are required to meet United States NIOSH-42CFR84 performance standards, which are closely comparable. Both, for example, are required to have filter performance that is at least ≥ 95% efficient. The FFP2 (Europe EN 149-2001) respirator meets similar European standards.

Due to shortages of N95 face masks in the U.S., the FDA authorized the use of non-NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, including (as of April 3, 2020) KN95 respirators from China, when needed.

Why are people concerned about KN95 masks? 

The greatest concern surrounding KN95 masks is whether they are suitable for hospitals and health care settings. Due to the potential for close contact exposure to those who are ill, it’s critical that these masks meet all performance standards to protect those who use them. A mask that meets KN95 standards should perform very similarly to an N95 mask, blocking 95% of particles, including bacteria and viruses. These masks should be tight and well-fitted, creating a seal around the nose and mouth to minimize leakage as much as possible.

What is a Medical Mask? 

Medical or surgical masks differ significantly from filtering facepiece respirators. These disposable masks are designed to be loose-fitting, unlike FFRs, and while they are fluid-resistant and effective at filtering out some airborne particles, they do not provide the full protection that an FFR offers. The FDA offers a useful comparison between surgical masks and N95 respirators at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks.

Surgical masks are regulated by the FDA under 21 CFR 878.4040. They are designed to block large particles and spray or splatter, preventing them from reaching the nose or mouth.

Should I Wear a KN95 Mask? 

The CDC does not recommend that the general public wear N95 masks; due to the limited supply, these FFRs should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.

In everyday situations, including going to a non-medical work environment or store, other types of face coverings – including KN95 masks, 3-layer protective masks, and cloth face masks – are recommended. Wearing a mask that fits closely to the face can help reduce the spread of viruses to others, particularly when other social distancing practices are followed as well.

KN95 masks that meet all regulator standards provide more protection than homemade cloth masks, but they should be used correctly. Use caution when donning or removing a mask; touching the outer surface after the mask has been worn could transfer germs from the mask to your hands. Always wash your hands before putting a mask on or taking it off so that you do not spread any germs from your hands to your face; wash your hands again after removing the mask. A KN95 respirator is designed for a single use and should, ideally, be discarded after use or if it becomes soiled.

This article is from the CK Learning Center. 


Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,461,762 active COVID cases, 18,359,110 have recovered and there have been 498,209 deaths. 
  • In a year without parades, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is all about house floats. The house floats movement was born on November 17, 2020, the same day the city announced there would be no parades during the upcoming Carnival season due to Covid-19. The house float movement has given birth to a mini economy, putting laid-off musicians and artists back to work, saving businesses, and fundraising for New Orleanians in need. 
  • More than 3.8 million households in Texas were in the dark Tuesday morning, as record-low temperatures boosted demand for power and heat that pushed the state’s electric grid to its limits. Rolling blackouts, typically seen on 100-degree summer days, were imposed in Texas. The frigid weather was part of the massive winter blast that brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the southern Plains, across parts of the Ohio Valley and the Northeast. 
  • Parler, popular with American right-wing users but which virtually vanished after the U.S. Capitol riot, re-launched its social media platform on Monday and said its new platform is built on “sustainable, independent technology.” In a statement announcing the relaunch, Parler also said it had appointed Mark Meckler as its interim chief executive, replacing John Matze who was fired by the board this month. 
  • A proposal for 73 townhomes and 26,400 square feet of retail space at a key entrance to Flowery Branch, Georgia is set to go before City Council Thursday, Feb. 18. The 11-acre development would be at 5519 McEver Road at the Gainesville Street/G.C. Crow Road intersection. The commercial part would face the intersection, with the homes behind it. “This property is a gateway to our downtown and adding a mixed-use project to this corner will help the continued development of downtown while providing services to the McEver Road corridor,” a city staff report says. 5519 McEver Road LLC  is seeking to rezone the land from agricultural to highway business and residential.
  • Elementary students in Los Angeles may return to their public school classrooms as early as this week as the number of new coronavirus infections in the county continues to drop. In a statement, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it told the school district – the second largest in the country – that the county’s case rate would meet the state’s requirement of 25 per 100,000 on Tuesday, allowing for reopening of elementary schools. 

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

CEO Daily Update – 2.15.2021

February 15, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: BBQ Love | TV/Monitor Wall Mount Brackets | Best Practices for Cable Management in Data Center | News to Start Your Day


Happy Monday!

Happy Presidents’ Day! Presidents’ Day was established in 1885 to honor George Washington’s birthday, which is on the 22nd…so Happy early Birthday to George Washington! We hope you will spend some time today to celebrate, honor, and reflect on the lives of all the presidents who made this great nation what it is today!


Good morning, you guys! Hope you all are keeping warm. The storms coming through the south and Midwest look pretty impactful. How’d your weekend rank on the love meter? We are not ones to go all out for Valentine’s Day, but the kids enjoy doing little things. We’ve been given lots of “I <3 U” crafts this weekend. Craig and I enjoyed an Italian date night after the kids were in bed. Low key but perfect for us. 

Do we have any smoked meat fans here? Craig received a Traeger smoker for Christmas and made a Boston butt on it this weekend. I gave it two thumbs up. We are planning some chicken wings later this week. What’s your favorite smoked meat? 

Christin


Product Spotlights and Updates:

Happy Monday! Are you struggling with body aches from bad posture and keeping the area around you tidy? Working from home and squeezing all your equipment on the desk in front of you can be difficult. Can’t find the perfect way to prop up your monitor? 

Our TV/Monitor wall mount brackets might be able to help! These brackets are great to mount your TV or Monitor to the wall and get it off your hands! We have three types of wall mounts: Fixed, Tilted, and Full Motion. The Fixed wall mount keeps your equipment sturdy in place. The Tilted wall mount allows you to tilt your equipment 5° up and 15° down. The Full Motion wall mount allows you to tilt your equipment up to 10° and has a swivel motion of 120°.

These wall mount brackets can be used for TVs/Monitors ranging from 23”-70” and can hold up to 165lbs depending on the bracket size. And lucky for you, some of our wall mount brackets are on sale today!


Best Practices for Cable Management Data Centers – CK Learning Center

Every network administrator in the world has a horror story about cable management. In data centers, those horror stories grow into genuine nightmares. If enough people work on a system for a long enough period of time, the cables will eventually turn into some type of Ethernet vine monster. Only strict adherence to cable management practices can prevent this disaster. The following best practices assume you already know some of the basics. Instead, they’re aimed to help you avoid subtler missteps that occur frequently in modern data centers.

Plan for Growth

Everyone says this. Everyone acknowledges. It’s still common for data centers to struggle with growing pains. This is the first and most important principle in cable management and network design because it applies to everything else you do. It is easiest to see when planning space for additional cables.

The challenge is finding the sweet spot. If you leave too much space for growth, you’re hurting efficiency. If there is too little, you hit major challenges with future upgrades. The safest and most reasonable rule to follow is that of 50 percent. If your initial design and subsequent add-ons always plan around 50-percent growth, you should stay close to the golden sweet spot.

The other component of planning for growth applies to equipment selection. As you already know, everything in your data center will eventually be obsolete. The most efficient way to manage the cost and labor of upgrades is to plan around cabling. Replacing or upgrading major pathways is the most labor-intensive work in a data center. So, any time that labor is required, it should be accompanied with cable upgrades. Spend the money on the most up-to-date cables and connectors, and you’ll save a lot of pain down the road.

Plan in General

Growth is important, but you need a good plan for the center to function correctly. So much goes into network planning that covering it all here is impossible, but cable management needs to be a central focus in general planning. Modular and gridded support structures enable you to access cables at any point, and it makes replacement and management much simpler. In general, you want an initial plan or add-on to your center to follow a gridded approach. There should never be any doubt as to where any given cable can be accessed for any plausible reason.

Cable Stress

You know the basics of cable management already. Labels and color-coding help to keep track of everything and cables should not be arranged willy-nilly. And, while you already understand that stress is bad for cables, many network engineers still allow too much in their systems. The key to managing cable stress is the same as doing any job in the world: use the right tools.

Horizontal and vertical hangers are widely available. They’re an easy place to consider cutting costs, but more often than not, this is a mistake. The hangers help manage cable stress, and they almost always save money in the long run.

The other key to alleviating stress is to take your time. Yes, labor is expensive. That’s exactly why you don’t want to be re-running cables that have kinks and tears. As much as you feel pressured to get work done quickly, it’s worth a small investment of time to make sure every bend has a gentle sweep and nothing is unceremoniously stuffed into a corner of your pathway. It’s the simplest thing in the world, and it costs data centers everywhere thousands of dollars a year.

Interference Management

The last tip for today is interference. This is slowly becoming less of a problem because fiber optic cables are less prone to interference in the first place. Regardless, you still have copper lines, and they still require care. As you know, major electrical circuits are the main sources of signal interference for those copper lines. You have to put as much space and shielding between these components as possible. None of that is new.

What might help you is to remember that a few parts of your data center have surprisingly powerful currents. Major power lines aside, fluorescent lights and liquid coolers surprise many designers with how much interference they can provide. Keep that in mind.

These tips aren’t enough to make a novice into an expert network engineer, but hopefully, they can help you steer clear of a few common mistakes that plague experienced professionals. In addition to these tips, you want to spend the time to thoroughly investigate your choices on connectors, boots, and cable structures. A few small decisions can save a lot of time and effort when you’re maintaining your data center.

This article is from the CK Learning Center. 


Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,540,344 active COVID cases, 18,225,135 have recovered and there have been 497,177 deaths. 
  • India could become the world’s second-largest Covid vaccine maker, according to consulting firm Deloitte. Analysts say the country has the capacity to produce for both its own population and other developing countries. Even before Covid-19, the South Asian country produced up to about 60% of the world’s vaccines – and at a relatively low cost. 
  • GM unveiled a new Chevy Bolt Electric Utility Vehicle, or EUV, alongside its newly redesigned Chevy Bolt Electric Vehicle on Sunday evening. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV is designed to bring the best of the Chevy Bolt, but in a taller and longer SUV-like proportion, GM executives said. Both vehicles include GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous highway driver-assist system. 
  • Amazon confirmed last week it has started putting AI-equipped cameras in some delivery vans. It already requires contracted delivery workers to use an app, called, Mentor, that tracks and scores their driving behavior. Like the cameras, the app is designed to improve driver safety, but Amazon employees say the technology produces errors and, in some cases, tracks their location after they clock out from work. 
  • More than 140 million Americans in 26 states were under some sort of winter advisory heading into Monday as a major winter storm swept through the southern Plains. The storm, which has already caused power outages and a number of pileups on icy roads, was expected to travel up the Northeast through Tuesday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Six inches to a foot of snow was forecast to stretch from the mid-Mississippi to Ohio Valleys, across the lower Great Lakes, and into northern New England, according to the service. 
  • Spotify is adapting a “Work from Anywhere” model, which will allow employees to choose whether they want to be in the office full time, be at home full time, or a combination of the two. The company will also introduce more flexibility around locations, so employees will be able to choose the country and city where they work. An increasing amount of companies are starting to consider remote work as a more permanent option due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

CEO Daily Update – 2.12.2021

February 12, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: Living in Limbo | Yealink Conference Phone, CP960 | What are the 7 Money Tendencies? | News to Start Your Day


Happy Friday!

Are you a fan of plums, nutmeg, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, and dates? Well, you’re in luck! It’s National Plum Pudding day! In England, traditionally every person in the home holds on to the wooden spoon to stir the batter and makes a wish! Here’s to a wishful day full of Plum Pudding! 


The good news is that things are progressing, the bad news is that there is still a LOT of packing and moving to do.

It is awkward to completely reduce everything you own into boxes, containers, and a storage unit. I mentioned last time about simplifying and getting rid of stuff. I feel like I have done a pretty good job of this. Now, it’s just everything else that is left that has to be packed. I feel like I have been going non-stop for about 2 weeks now – packing, cleaning, moving, storing, etc. My dog is not happy at all with all of this. All he wants to do in the evenings is go for a walk and then sit in the recliner and watch TV. I can’t say I blame him, but we haven’t been able to do that much lately. His world is being rocked just as much if not more.

So, we will be moving all of the big stuff this weekend (in the rain), and then the closing happens in a little over a week, and then we move in with my parents until the new house is finished. For a person whose life revolves around and craves routine, this should be interesting…err…fun. I am very thankful for this opportunity and the way things have been working out, but living in limbo and being out of a routine for a month or so is a jolt to the system. I guess God shakes things up and moves us out of our comfort zones from time to time just to keep us in check. haha!

I have to say that when I step back and look at everything God has done and how He has worked things out in this situation in such a short time, I can’t help but have a thankful heart. It really does blow me away…even with all of the packing and disruption of routine. It will be worth it!

I hope all of you have a great weekend!

Jason


Product Spotlights and Updates:

Happy Friday! We’ve been talking a lot about Yealink phones here lately, and for good reason! These phones are absolutely incredible in how they look and how they function! Today I wanted to take a minute to tell you about an awesome Yealink conference phone, the Yealink CP960. This phone is perfect for medium to large-sized rooms and features a beautiful 5” color touch screen. It combines a sensitive, full-duplex three microphone array for a 20-foot voice pickup range!  This phone features Yealink Noise Proof Technology which intelligently eliminates background noises and automatically mutes the microphone when no human voice is detected. When it detects human speech, it automatically turns back on seamlessly! The CP960 also features an incredible user interface known as the Yealink Pentagon Meeting Room. This simple and unique interface allows users to create a meeting directly from the phone, and to add new users to the meeting instantly and without confusion, and without interrupting the call. In addition, it features Yealink Hybrid UC Meeting which is designed to bridge calls from different devices into one conference call. By pairing your cell phone or device via USB or Bluetooth with your Yealink conference phone, your calls from your device can easily be connected to the CP960!


What are the 7 Money Tendencies? – Dave Ramsey Blog

You’re probably somewhat aware of your personality type: whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, a control freak or totally laid back. But did you know you have a money personality type too?

We each have our own tendencies that make up our money personality as a whole. You may not notice, but this plays out in real life all the time.

Think about a time when you’ve been out to dinner with a group of friends. When it comes time to pay the bill, some people in the group are great with splitting the check evenly, while others at the table cringe because they just want to pay for their order. That can get a little awkward, but it’s just because everyone is wired differently. So, let’s talk about your money tendencies.

What is a money tendency? 

Your money personality is made up of seven tendencies that identify how you handle money.

They are:

  • Spender or Saver
  • Nerd or Free Spirit
  • Experiences Person or Things Person
  • Quality Person or Quantity Person
  • Safety Person or Status Person
  • Abundance Person or Scarcity Person
  • Spontaneous Giver or Planned Giver

These tendencies are specific to how we deal with money. You likely lean toward one or the other of each tendency but don’t overthink it. It’s a spectrum, so you might be somewhere in between.

You’re wired to think and act in certain ways, and while none of the tendencies are right or wrong, they do have implications. Understanding them will help you make faster progress on your financial goals. So, let’s dig into them!

Spender or Saver

Spenders: They see so many creative possibilities when it comes to money. Whenever they have extra money, it’s burning a hole in their pocket and they can’t wait to spend it. Spenders have a healthy appreciation for spending money, and generosity might come more easily to someone with this money personality type.

Challenge for Spenders: If you’re a spender, you need to prioritize saving too.

Savers: They would rather keep their money tucked away for a rainy day. Putting money away for the future isn’t a huge sacrifice for them. It gives them a sense of security. They’re patient, responsible and willing to wait.

Challenge for Savers: If you save everything you make, you’re going to miss out on a lot of fun experiences that make life worth living.

Nerd or Free Spirit

Nerds: They have their tax return prepared for the dreaded April 15 deadline well in advance. Spreadsheets, amortization charts, and the budget make them feel in control of their money—which they love. They’re laser-focused on what they need to do to win with money, and they’re on top of the details and decisions.

Challenge for Nerds: If you live and die by the rules and the budget, you end up wearing out yourself and your family.

​Free Spirits: Tax Day is when? If this sounds more like you, you’re probably a free spirit. When it comes to money, they have a “let’s enjoy life” mentality. Just reading the word budget would make this money personality break out in hives.

Challenge for Free Spirits: If free spirits aren’t intentional about their money, they’ll look up in a few years and wonder where on earth it all went.

Experience or Things

Experience People: This part of your money personality is all about what you value in life. If you’d rather spend your money on experiences, like travel, concerts, or a day at the spa, you’re a person who values experiences. I love experiences, and I prefer to spend my money on eating dinner out or going to a movie rather than anything tangible.

Things People: If you tend to spend money on physical things, like clothes, shoes or the latest piece of technology, then you’re a person who values things. My husband, Winston, is like this, and his Christmas lists have included things like hunting gear and an adult-sized scooter.

Challenge for both: They’re both equally valid preferences. If you’re married, ask your spouse if they’d rather have an experience or a thing. After Winston and I figured this out, it helped us in our budgeting, gift-giving, and communication.

Quality or Quantity

Quality People: This money personality type wants things that are going to last longer. I find that people who value quality will research and plan their purchases beforehand. Quality spenders don’t tend to be impulse shoppers.

Challenge for Quality People: Ask yourself if it’s really necessary to spend more, or if there’s a less expensive option you would enjoy just as much.

Quantity People: They enjoy the creativity and possibility that variety offers. You like having ten options versus going back to the same thing over and over. People who lean toward quantity are often great bargain shoppers. They pride themselves on the art of a great deal.

Challenge for Quantity People: If you struggle with overdoing it on quantity, consider taking the Minimalists’ challenge to give you a different perspective.

Safety or Status

Safety People: People who value safety as part of their money personality want the security that money can bring. They want to know they can withstand job loss, a medical emergency or even just a dip in income.

Challenge for Safety People: Don’t let a safety mindset keep you living in fear. As you make money decisions, make sure you’re seeing and considering all of the possibilities, not just defaulting to the choice with the least amount of risk.

Status People: Someone with this kind of money personality is more likely to value a name-brand purse or luxury vacation. They’re also more likely to find a way to justify a larger purchase if, on some level, it makes them feel seen as successful.

Challenge for Status People: Knowing that you have that status tendency means you’ve got to keep your spending and your heart in check. The stuff you own doesn’t define you as a person.

Abundance or Scarcity 

Abundance People: People who live in an abundance mindset believe there’s always more than enough for everyone. They tend to take more risks and don’t fear the outcome of a decision. They also tend to be natural givers, believing there will always be a way to make more money!

Challenge for Abundance People: This glass-half-full mentality can interfere with making wise choices with money. If this is you, seek the advice of family and friends you trust before making a big purchase (even if it’s for someone else).

Scarcity People: People who operate under the assumption of scarcity make money decisions based on a belief that resources are finite. They hold onto possessions tightly because they “might need that someday.” And sometimes they fear losing things because they might not be able to replace them.

Challenge for Scarcity People: Don’t miss smart financial opportunities that will move you forward in life because fear is undermining your thinking. Always remember this: God will provide for you. There are no limits to his goodness and ability.

The abundance/scarcity tendency is one of the tendencies covered in my new personality quiz! Find out which tendency you lean toward here.

Spontaneous Giver or Planned Giver

Spontaneous Givers: People with this tendency in their money personality are quick to give. If they pass someone on the sidewalk asking for a donation, they jump at the chance. They love having the freedom to respond with their heart.

Challenge for Spontaneous Givers: Dropping $5 in a bucket here and there can feel good in the moment, but it may not have the impact you think it does. Emotional giving definitely isn’t wrong—just remember that if it’s the only way you give, you may miss opportunities that have a larger impact.

Planned Givers: Typically, planned givers take their resources and money very seriously. They don’t give to every good cause they hear about because they’ve already decided where they’re giving, and they’ve committed to it. They also avoid giving to individuals or nonprofits they haven’t researched.

Challenge for Planned Givers: If this is how you’re wired, try to leave room in your giving line item for the unexpected. You might find a lot of joy in blessing someone who isn’t expecting it.

It Pays to Know Your Money Tendencies

Now that you know your natural tendencies and their challenges, you can make better decisions for yourself and become more balanced. And remember: No part of your money personality is right or wrong—it just shows us how we’re wired.

For example, if you’re a spender, make sure you’re following a budget and setting aside savings too. If your spending is out of control and your savings account is empty, this is an area you need to work on.

Guys, if you’ll really work these 7 Money Tendencies, you’re going to see progress! You can get to a healthier money personality. The more you pay attention to why you spend (or don’t spend!) money the way you do, the more you can course-correct when you need to. Don’t put this off. In one year or five years or 10 years, you’re going to look back and be so, so grateful you started today.

This is from the Dave Ramsey blog. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,584,731 active COVID cases, 17,932,112 have recovered and there have been 486,929 deaths. 
  • The White House secured deals for 100 million additional doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccine and 100 million more of Moderna’s. During Thursday’s tour of the National Institutes of Health, President Joe Biden said the U.S. will have now enough supply of the two-shot vaccines to inoculate 300 million Americans by the end of July. Roughly 34.7 million out of some 331 million Americans have received at least their first dose of vaccine, according to the CDC. 
  • Disney reported strong growth in paid streaming subscribers and its first quarterly profit since early last year in its earning reports. Disney said it now has almost 95 million paid subscribers to its Disney+ streaming service as of the quarter ended Jan. 2, helping to offset losses in other segments affected by the pandemic. CEO Bob Chapek told analysts on the company earnings call that outlook for parks revenue and reopening is “really going to be determined by the rate of vaccination of the public.”
  • The CDC plans to issue new guidelines Friday on how to reopen U.S. schools as safely as possible. The pressure to reopen or expand in-person learning for students has been building across the United States in recent weeks as the impact of remote learning on education and family life has become more apparent. 
  • Defense lawyers at Trump’s impeachment trial are set to begin to make their case about why the former president should not be convicted of inciting last month’s attack on the U.S. Capitol. They’re prepared to concede that the violence was every bit as traumatic, unacceptable, and illegal as Democratic prosecutors described. But they also plan to argue that Trump had nothing to do with it. The argument is likely to appeal to the Republican senators who want to be seen as condemning the violence without convicting the former president. 
  • A group of Robinhood traders angered by recent weeks’ events are showing up at the company’s California headquarters, claiming they couldn’t otherwise get in touch with customer service. Menlo Park Police reports outline 10 incidents ranging from venting frustration to security guards, to one man throwing dog feces at the front door. Since Robinhood restricted buying of certain stocks on the app, users have filed more than two dozen lawsuits seeking damages. 

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

CEO Daily Update – 2.11.2021

February 11, 2021 by Ashley

Today’s Topics: Lunar New Year | Get Connected with Access Point Deployment Packs | What are Shielded Ethernet Cables? | News to Start Your Day


Happy Thursday!

It’s National Inventor’s Day & National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day! Maybe we can invent something to help us not spill our milk?! But actually…Here’s to a positive attitude even when things might not be going your way!


This Friday is Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year), so I thought I would share a little about it from one of our team members, Amy. Amy works in our Managed Accounts team doing lots of work behind the scenes to make sure your orders go out on time. Her family is from Vietnam, and she shared some of their experiences with us:

“Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year, this year will be on 2/12. It changes each year depending on the Lunar calendar. It’s usually at the end of January, early February. The Lunar calendar is the reason why some Koreans have two ages, an international age, and a lunar age! You can be born on Dec 31st but be two years old!

Lunar New Year is not celebrated in every Asian country. China, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and more countries celebrate it in their own special way. My family is from Vietnam so I’ll share some of our traditions with you. On the day of Lunar New Year, we hand out red envelopes called, Li Xi, filled with lucky money! Now that I’m an adult, I’ve been tasked to hand them out and see less of them haha! We also take this time to set up to pray to our ancestors. We offer them fruit, meals, and water. If you stop by [any Asian supermarket] this weekend, you can commonly find fruit such as apples or oranges in fancy boxes up to 3 to 4 times for this reason. Here are some videos of some meals we have during Tet (Lunar New Year in Vietnamese)!

There are usually lantern festivals celebrated in China towns across the US to celebrate. Dragon dances are my favorite part of the festival. If you are ever in NY during Lunar New Year, I highly recommended stopping by in NYC’s Chinatown and watching the parade they throw. It’s loud, colorful, and filled with delicious food! I recommend stopping by your local Asian Market and buying some moon cakes or a platter of Asian candy to celebrate!”

If you aren’t familiar with Chinese New Year and its traditions, I hoped you learned something today. If you do celebrate, do you do anything differently? We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Christin 


Product Spotlights and Updates:

Today’s Product Spotlight is brought to you by the Cisco AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9 Deployment Pack, which has everything you need for your office’s wireless setup. The kit includes the AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9 access point, which is a fantastic high-performance dual-band device designed for offices and similar RF environments. The radios on the AP support 802.11a through 802.11ac wireless network standards and are easy to manage. The deployment pack also comes with a standard ceiling mount as well as a recessed ceiling grid clip, a console cable, a power injector, and a power supply. It comes with everything, but the kitchen sink (as they say). Perhaps you already have all those accessories and just want the AP. You can purchase the AIR-CAP3702I-A-K9 device stand alone as well. 

Keep in mind these are controller-based access points but don’t fret, we carry Wireless LAN Controllers as well! We find that the AIR-CT2504-5-K9 would fit the bill nicely. If you don’t have WiFi at your office, I’m sorry to say, but you are living in the dark ages. Get out of the dark ages and get your WiFI on. 


What are Shielded Ethernet Cables? – CK Learning Center

What are Shielded Ethernet Cables? 

Currently, the use of high bandwidth applications has been on the rise, and network systems have started venturing into factory environments which have called for the use of shielded cables. In this new installation sector, the cable is used in areas with high electromagnetic interference (EMI). Even with improved ability to reject noise and handle gigabit Ethernet, these cables will not function properly in areas where there is high EMI if not properly shielded. A shielded cable will help in these high EMI installations ensuring safe and efficient data transfer.

STP and S/STP

These are the two basic types of shielded ethernet cables. STP cables with an overall generic shield whereas S/STP cables have a shield for each pair and an overall outer shield. The Shield of STP cables can either be a foil or a braid, but for additional strength, some cables can comprise of a foil shield and an outer braid shield.

SSTP and FTP

Cables that have an overall foil are known as FTP, whereas those with a braid are known as STP. STP is the generic name given to all shielded cables. At times, there arises confusion where FTP cables are assumed to be unshielded or that they are significantly different in terms of performance. In practice, the STP and FTP cables can be used interchangeably, and there is no apparent difference in their performance.

S/STP

The second type of cable is one that has each of the individual pair shielded and then there is an overall outer shield. This type of cable is referred to as S/STP. The purpose of having an inner shield is to ensure that there is no internal cross-talk between the pairs. This will help in ensuring that the cables meet the specifications of the Alien Cross Talk parameter which is significantly difficult to achieve with CAT6a and CAT7 systems. However, Alien Cross Talk is not a requirement when it comes to CAT6, CAT5e, and CATS systems. Additionally, it does not significantly contribute to the overall resilience of the cable when it comes to resisting external RF noise such as the one made at the mains induced spikes. The physical construction comprises of a foil on both the inner and overall outer shield. Additionally, there can be a braid which will improve the cable’s strength and also simplify the connection to the metal shields which are around the connectors.

Proper Ground Connection

It is worth noting that all the shielded Ethernet cables should have a ground connection for their shields. In case your cable has an incorrect ground connection, the chances are there will be ground loop currents and also the associated interference to the Ethernet signal. In the worst-case scenario, where the grounding is poor, the shield can end up acting like antennas; broadcasting high-frequency signals from the cable to the outer environment. This will interfere with the delicate co-located electronic equipment and also allow external detection of the Ethernet data.

What is the Drain Wire in Shielded Cables? 

Every shielded Ethernet cable should have a wire that stretches from the insulated wires to the shield. This is commonly known as the drain wire. Normally, the shield is connected to a specific pin in one end, which can even be the chassis. The connector shells are not connected anywhere and consequently, connecting the drain wire to pin 1 puts the entire cable at the potential of that pin. No current will be flowing, but the cable screening will be effective.

Bottom Line on Shielded Patch Cables

Ethernet cables should be shielded which helps increase the cable’s resilience and also makes it stronger. As such, when going for Ethernet cables, consider going for ones that are shielded to ensure safety and longevity.

This article is from the CK Learning Center


Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,586,691 active COVID cases, 17,827,323 have recovered and there have been 483,200 deaths. 
  • Mr. Peanut is joining forces with Spam. Kraft Heinz is selling its nuts business to Spam maker Hormel for $3.35 billion. The business, which includes most Planters products and the Corn Nuts brand, contributed about $1.1 billion to Kroft Heinz’s 2020 sales. Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio said the sale enables the company to focus on other snack brands, like Lunchables and P3.
  • As part of the massive redesign of Epcot that is currently underway, the Leave A Legacy blocks were removed. But because guests were promised their images would remain on display for 20 years, we knew they were being relocated to a new space outside of the park itself. Now that relocation has commenced, and it turns out Walt Disney World isn’t simply moving the same granite blocks to another location. Leave A Legacy has been completely redesigned. It’s now full of colors, and it looks gorgeous. Check it out. 
  • The effort to immunize more Americans against the coronavirus now includes major retail pharmacy chains. National drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens are among the more than 20 major retailers getting supplies of COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government this week. The federal program will be implemented in stages, based on available vaccine supplies, with shipments arriving as soon as Thursday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
  • Drivers passing through downtown Lawrenceville, Georgia may have noticed something a little different as this week began: a former city vehicle fueling station located on a triangle-shaped property by City Hall has started to disappear. The teardown is laying the groundwork for a gateway plaza and green space that will be built on the property this spring and through the remainder of the year to welcome visitors traveling north on Graying Highway into the downtown Lawrenceville area. 
  • When 31-year-old Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd takes her dating app company public Thursday, she’ll be noted not only for her youth but also as one of the few female founders to lead a firm to an IPO. Bumble, whose board is 73% women, priced its offering Wednesday evening at $43 per share, raising $2.2 billion and valuing Bumble at around $8 billion. The stock market response will act as a litmus test for companies founded by women, who account for just 7.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs. That’s an all-time high but still staggeringly low.

Filed Under: CEO Daily Updates

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