by KELLI FONTENOT
Published May 1, 2012 by The Heights Observer
Since its inception late last year, the Cain Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA) has focused on making a difference in the community.
Peter Titas, CPNA executive committee member, said that one of CPNA’s main objectives is to bring residents from Hyde Park Avenue, Superior Park Drive, Superior Road and South Compton together to build a stronger community and increase foot traffic in Cain Park.
“Our goal is to reduce crime by having a greater presence in the neighborhood park,” Titas said. “If there are people using the park, crime is less likely to occur. At least, that's our logic. The police and city have been great. They've installed call boxes, increased the number of bike patrols, and listened to our concerns. But if we want crime to go down, we need to be an active part of the solution.”
Michael Kinsella, another executive committee member, was robbed at gunpoint in the park two years ago. “It was pretty traumatic,” he said. “Everyone heard about the incident, but a lot of people didn’t know it was someone on our street. I think if that happened again today, we’d all rally together and be able to help that person. It’s that fear and isolation that we’re trying to overcome.”
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Cedar Lee District debuts QR code, mobile site
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published May 1, 2012 by The Heights Observer
By the end of May, visitors to the Cedar Lee district should begin to notice Quick Response (QR) codes displayed in shop windows. Those who scan the square barcodes with their phones will be directed to a new mobile site that aims to inform passers-by about local events and perhaps help them choose their next destination, according to Kelley Robinson, director of the Cedar Lee Special Improvement District (SID).
This Quick Response (QR) code will be displayed by Cedar Lee businesses to direct the district's visitors to the new Cedar Lee mobile site and business directory.
“We’re finding a lot of people are creatures of habit and come to the district but will often go to the same places,” Robinson said, noting that while most people recognize the Cedar Lee Theatre, non-Eastsiders who visit might not know where to find Anatolia Café, for example. The primary purpose of the new QR code and mobile site is to encourage visitors to check out businesses they don’t usually frequent. A convenient directory and map feature will help make navigating the district easy, Robinson said.
When scanned with a smart phone’s camera, a QR code directs the user to a mobile website or app. The use of these visual links has skyrocketed recently, according to Robinson, who pointed out that many local newspaper ads now contain QR codes. They are used to promote products, distribute coupons, aid in the search for missing children, and are even being etched into gravestones to give people a way to digitally revisit memories of the departed. The popular technology is being used in Northeast Ohio for community building, and nearby districts, including Tremont and University Circle, are using mobile marketing, Robinson said.
"Having already established a social media presence, Cedar Lee making a mobile site was a natural next step," she said.
Published May 1, 2012 by The Heights Observer
By the end of May, visitors to the Cedar Lee district should begin to notice Quick Response (QR) codes displayed in shop windows. Those who scan the square barcodes with their phones will be directed to a new mobile site that aims to inform passers-by about local events and perhaps help them choose their next destination, according to Kelley Robinson, director of the Cedar Lee Special Improvement District (SID).
This Quick Response (QR) code will be displayed by Cedar Lee businesses to direct the district's visitors to the new Cedar Lee mobile site and business directory.“We’re finding a lot of people are creatures of habit and come to the district but will often go to the same places,” Robinson said, noting that while most people recognize the Cedar Lee Theatre, non-Eastsiders who visit might not know where to find Anatolia Café, for example. The primary purpose of the new QR code and mobile site is to encourage visitors to check out businesses they don’t usually frequent. A convenient directory and map feature will help make navigating the district easy, Robinson said.
When scanned with a smart phone’s camera, a QR code directs the user to a mobile website or app. The use of these visual links has skyrocketed recently, according to Robinson, who pointed out that many local newspaper ads now contain QR codes. They are used to promote products, distribute coupons, aid in the search for missing children, and are even being etched into gravestones to give people a way to digitally revisit memories of the departed. The popular technology is being used in Northeast Ohio for community building, and nearby districts, including Tremont and University Circle, are using mobile marketing, Robinson said.
"Having already established a social media presence, Cedar Lee making a mobile site was a natural next step," she said.
Trend Report: Capitalizing On Cherry Candy
Published May/June 2012 by Candy & Snack TODAY
Resonating with nostalgic Boomers and consumers looking for cherry varietals, cherry flavored candies are on trend and a valuable option for both everyday and seasonal sets. Associate Editor Kelli Fontenot reports.
CHERRY FLAVOR IS A REAL FORCE in the candy category, and a number of suppliers are capitalizing on consumer interest in sourcing cherries from particular regions. They are also offering variations on cherry by blending it with other classic flavors.
Trends expert Kara Nielsen, of CCD Innovation, tells Candy & Snack TODAY consumers are becoming more aware of the array of fruits available to them.
“More people are learning about Rainier and Montmorency cherries and all the different options, which means candymakers can tap into some of those varieties in the future to develop more distinguished confectionery products,” she explains.
According to food trend researcher The Hartman Group, Inc., tart cherries are appealing to consumers who are hesitant to buy products containing exotic fruits with high antioxidant claims. Hartman says cherries provide the same benefits of reduced inflammation, speeding recovery and overall health without the hype. In fact, the “all-American” cherry is now a favorite among athletes and health-focused consumers, according to the researcher, which adds the industry should expect to see more varietals, including Bing cherries, in the snack food category.
CHERRY FLAVOR IS A REAL FORCE in the candy category, and a number of suppliers are capitalizing on consumer interest in sourcing cherries from particular regions. They are also offering variations on cherry by blending it with other classic flavors.
Trends expert Kara Nielsen, of CCD Innovation, tells Candy & Snack TODAY consumers are becoming more aware of the array of fruits available to them.
“More people are learning about Rainier and Montmorency cherries and all the different options, which means candymakers can tap into some of those varieties in the future to develop more distinguished confectionery products,” she explains.
According to food trend researcher The Hartman Group, Inc., tart cherries are appealing to consumers who are hesitant to buy products containing exotic fruits with high antioxidant claims. Hartman says cherries provide the same benefits of reduced inflammation, speeding recovery and overall health without the hype. In fact, the “all-American” cherry is now a favorite among athletes and health-focused consumers, according to the researcher, which adds the industry should expect to see more varietals, including Bing cherries, in the snack food category.
Dollar Stores: It’s Chic To Save
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published March/April 2012 by Candy & Snack TODAY
In what some are calling the fastest-growing trade class, dollar stores are focused on front ends, maintaining key price points, and offering seasonal options to a growing consumer base.
MAJOR DOLLAR CHAINS are opening stores, remodeling existing locations and attracting a wider shopper base with a focus on adding consumables and targeted candy and snack merchandising. At the same time, they are concentrating on the checkout, clip strips and secondary placement to boost sales.
The four largest U.S. chains — Dollar General Corp.; Dollar Tree, Inc.; Family Dollar Stores, Inc.; and 99 Cents Only Stores — operate 21,500 stores, according to Ann Natunewicz, national manager of retail research for Colliers International. As of mid-2011, the three largest drug chains — Walgreen Co., CVS Caremark Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. — combined to operate 19,700 stores, illustrating the significance of the dollar channel, she says.
Mark Keschl, national director of retail for Colliers, explains: “Five or six years ago, the Walmarts, Targets and Home Depots of the world were adding units and expanding square footage. Those were large in terms of square footage, but in terms of units, it’s nowhere near dollar stores.”
Natunewicz notes candy plays a significant role in dollar stores as an impulse buy.
“Consumers are looking for little indulgences and luxuries,” she says. “If consumers are there more frequently and there’s a good variety of candy in the store, they are more likely to pick it up.”
Illustrating the channel’s potential, Dollar General plans to open about 625 new stores in 2012, in addition to remodeling or relocating about 550, according to Tawn Earnest, senior director, corporate communications. With about 7,200 square feet of selling space, the average Dollar General location offers candy near the cash register, as well as in an aisle within the food assortment, though Earnest says the actual amount of space can vary.
“Dollar General’s approach to merchandising is simplicity,” Earnest says. “We know our customers are busy, so we set up and merchandise our stores to make locating departments and finding particular items easy.”
Family Dollar expects to open 450 to 500 stores in its next fiscal year, according to Josh Braverman, communication director. Each store features a full candy aisle, as well as candy at checkout and seasonal items merchandised in a promotional aisle, he says.
“Candy and snacks have held a long tradition of importance in our business,” he tells Candy & Snack TODAY. “Years ago, we started with salty snacks and candy, and that’s what people saw our business as, but it allowed us to build a customer base and offer other things.”
At all its stores, which average 7,000 square feet, the retailer is improving lighting, repainting, adding square footage, and renovating the parking lots. “We’re also looking at the adjacencies,” he adds, noting the food section is now next to a food storage section, for example. “It’s a major program aimed at providing our customers with a better shopping experience from end to end.”
Published March/April 2012 by Candy & Snack TODAY
In what some are calling the fastest-growing trade class, dollar stores are focused on front ends, maintaining key price points, and offering seasonal options to a growing consumer base.
MAJOR DOLLAR CHAINS are opening stores, remodeling existing locations and attracting a wider shopper base with a focus on adding consumables and targeted candy and snack merchandising. At the same time, they are concentrating on the checkout, clip strips and secondary placement to boost sales.
The four largest U.S. chains — Dollar General Corp.; Dollar Tree, Inc.; Family Dollar Stores, Inc.; and 99 Cents Only Stores — operate 21,500 stores, according to Ann Natunewicz, national manager of retail research for Colliers International. As of mid-2011, the three largest drug chains — Walgreen Co., CVS Caremark Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. — combined to operate 19,700 stores, illustrating the significance of the dollar channel, she says.Mark Keschl, national director of retail for Colliers, explains: “Five or six years ago, the Walmarts, Targets and Home Depots of the world were adding units and expanding square footage. Those were large in terms of square footage, but in terms of units, it’s nowhere near dollar stores.”
Natunewicz notes candy plays a significant role in dollar stores as an impulse buy.
“Consumers are looking for little indulgences and luxuries,” she says. “If consumers are there more frequently and there’s a good variety of candy in the store, they are more likely to pick it up.”
Illustrating the channel’s potential, Dollar General plans to open about 625 new stores in 2012, in addition to remodeling or relocating about 550, according to Tawn Earnest, senior director, corporate communications. With about 7,200 square feet of selling space, the average Dollar General location offers candy near the cash register, as well as in an aisle within the food assortment, though Earnest says the actual amount of space can vary.
“Dollar General’s approach to merchandising is simplicity,” Earnest says. “We know our customers are busy, so we set up and merchandise our stores to make locating departments and finding particular items easy.”
Family Dollar expects to open 450 to 500 stores in its next fiscal year, according to Josh Braverman, communication director. Each store features a full candy aisle, as well as candy at checkout and seasonal items merchandised in a promotional aisle, he says.
“Candy and snacks have held a long tradition of importance in our business,” he tells Candy & Snack TODAY. “Years ago, we started with salty snacks and candy, and that’s what people saw our business as, but it allowed us to build a customer base and offer other things.”
At all its stores, which average 7,000 square feet, the retailer is improving lighting, repainting, adding square footage, and renovating the parking lots. “We’re also looking at the adjacencies,” he adds, noting the food section is now next to a food storage section, for example. “It’s a major program aimed at providing our customers with a better shopping experience from end to end.”
Coventry Street Fair postponed; summer movie series being planned
by KELLI FONTENOTPublished April 26, 2012 by The Heights Observer
The Coventry Street Fair has been postponed until 2013, but enhanced programming for the Coventry Music and Movie Summer Series aims to keep the community engaged, according to Steve Presser, marketing and publicity director for the Coventry Village Special Improvement District (CVSID).
“We’re going to program more things during the evening,” he explained. “What we want to do is bring positive activities to the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park and get the community to come together and celebrate our neighborhood.”
The summer series, a collaboration between Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park and the CVSID, will feature movies shown on a 20-foot screen in the park at dusk on Thursday nights beginning in June, through July. Genres range from comedy to action to animated films, and all selections will be family friendly, Presser said.
VIP Interview: Paul Minger, Walgreens
Published March/April 2012 in Candy & Snack TODAY
New candy products and iconic brands draw millions of consumers into Walgreen Co. stores daily. Category Manager Paul Minger says maintaining the perfect balance can increase turn and attract serious sales.
MAINTAINING A BALANCE between new candy products and nationally ranked SKUs is a major focus for Paul Minger, Walgreen Co. category manager, confections purchasing. He has developed strategies that help drive sales and reinforce in shoppers’ minds that the company is both on the cutting edge with new products and is also a consistent source for their favorite mainstream brands.
One example is the retailer’s Item of the Month program that launched a few years ago. Cashiers are encouraged to ask shoppers if they’d like to try a featured candy bar or a new type of gum once they’re at checkout. The program has also promoted items such as flu shots, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toothbrushes. Minger, who manages confections for about 8,000 stores for Walgreens, tells Candy & Snack TODAY the initiative has been a big success.
“Customers are familiar with it and really enjoy it,” Minger smiles. “We really like to go after new items and limited editions, but it is also about promoting some of those iconic items because sometimes there’s nothing better than a Reese’s bar or a Snickers.” When cashiers engage shoppers by suggesting specific products, it catches their attention, Minger says. The packs are displayed next to the register, and brand extensions are often placed in counter units alongside the main brand to complement the items.
Segment Report: Gummies Move Beyond Peg Bags
Published March/April 2012 in Candy & Snack TODAY
Gummies prosper in peg candy sets, but retailers have more flexibility with count goods, theater boxes and standup bags, while flavor updates and product launches are driving trial. Associate Editor Kelli Fontenot reports.
Gummi sales are increasing, sources report, and updated pack types are taking products beyond peg bags to give retailers more flexibility in terms of merchandising. Filled varieties and interesting flavors in addition to classic bears and worms are driving growth, while industry sources agree new items with unique shapes and a point of difference promote gummies as a key player in non-chocolate candy.
“Gummies are one of the fastest growing non-chocolate segments, and if you go into your typical retailer, they’re devoting many facings to the segment,” reveals Marty Cline, national sales and administrative manager for Mederer U.S.A., Inc. New products and a variety of pack options are compelling growth in the sector, Cline adds.
Supporting this, John Leonardo, senior brand manager, Farley’s & Sathers Candy Co., Inc., cites strong sales growth as a factor in this merchandising shift. Sales of gummies were up 12 percent...
Gummi sales are increasing, sources report, and updated pack types are taking products beyond peg bags to give retailers more flexibility in terms of merchandising. Filled varieties and interesting flavors in addition to classic bears and worms are driving growth, while industry sources agree new items with unique shapes and a point of difference promote gummies as a key player in non-chocolate candy.
“Gummies are one of the fastest growing non-chocolate segments, and if you go into your typical retailer, they’re devoting many facings to the segment,” reveals Marty Cline, national sales and administrative manager for Mederer U.S.A., Inc. New products and a variety of pack options are compelling growth in the sector, Cline adds.
Supporting this, John Leonardo, senior brand manager, Farley’s & Sathers Candy Co., Inc., cites strong sales growth as a factor in this merchandising shift. Sales of gummies were up 12 percent...
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dropping Pounds, Driving Health
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published January 2012 by the NCA Journal
Published January 2012 by the NCA Journal
Implementing a health and wellness program for employees can both help them get fit and potentially lower a company’s medical insurance costs, in addition to a wealth of other intangible benefits.
American Licorice Co.’s Tammie Mitchell, director of human resources, tells the NCA Journal offering such a program is a way to improve employees’ perspectives of the company and change lives for the better. She reveals company associates have shed nearly 1,000 pounds together as part of American Licorice’s “Healthier Tomorrow Than We Are Today” program, and the company has donated that amount in non-perishable food to local food banks to support the initiative.
Associates can participate in annual health screenings, a Biggest Loser-themed contest, and health fairs featuring massage therapists, yoga, acupuncture, and demonstrations of fitness and healthy cooking, she says. American Licorice introduced the initiative in 2007, and has been able to offer reductions on health premiums for participants who meet certain standards, such as reduced blood pressure levels, tobacco use and waist circumference, she explains.
Spangler Candy Co. also provides employees with heart health-focused wellness screenings and free memberships to the YMCA near its Bryan, OH, headquarters, according to Niki Mosier, the company’s director of human capital. The Spangler Fit program helps its employees lose weight and stay active, and this year some 40 percent of associates participated, she notes.
“If we have healthier employees, it will hopefully reduce and lower medical insurance costs,” Mosier explains. “There will be less absenteeism, there’s higher morale, and if they lose weight or have lower cholesterol, they’ll see the benefits of that. Because we care about our employees, we want them and their dependents to be healthy and have healthy lifestyles.”
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