Latest news with #Meier
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Glen Ellyn Team Wins Inaugural Plus Games at Batteries Plus's 2025 PlusCon
HARTLAND, Wis., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus is proud to announce Frank Meier and his Glen Ellyn, Ill. team as the winners of the brand's first-ever Plus Games, recognized during a spirited celebration at the 2025 PlusCon in Las Vegas. This achievement highlights Meier's dedication to operational excellence and his team's commitment to delivering top-tier service and expertise to their community. Meet the Winners Meier has been a valued member of the Batteries Plus franchise network since 2022, bringing a passion for customer service and a drive for innovation to his Glen Ellyn store. Under his leadership, the team has become known for their product knowledge, personalized solutions, and consistent sales growth. Meier's commitment to the Batteries Plus mission has made his store a model for franchise success and a trusted resource for both residential and commercial customers. 'Winning the first-ever Plus Games is an incredible honor for our Glen Ellyn team,' said Meier. 'This competition brought out the best in all of us, and I'm so proud of how our team pulled together, supported each other, and had fun along the way. We're grateful to be part of a brand that celebrates innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to serving our customers every day.' Inside the Plus Games The inaugural Plus Games, launched in November 2024, were designed to gamify franchisee engagement and drive performance across the Batteries Plus system. Over the course of several months, 295 franchise stores competed in a friendly but fierce contest, with teams evaluated on key metrics such as key fob sales, flashlight sales, and total sales. The competition culminated at PlusCon, where the Final Four stores faced off in a series of challenges that tested their knowledge, teamwork, and sales acumen. Frank Meier and his Glen Ellyn team emerged victorious, outpacing their peers and demonstrating excellence across all measured categories. Their win is a testament to the power of collaboration, training, and a customer-first mindset. Finishing in second was Richard and Kelli Epps and their store associates in Largo/Spring Hill, Fla. Significant Results Across the System The Plus Games delivered measurable impact, with top-performing stores seeing a median total sales growth of 5.9-7.4% during the competition period compared to the previous year. The top quartile of stores also achieved a 12.3% median increase in key fob sales, underscoring the effectiveness of the initiative in driving both engagement and results. As Batteries Plus continues to innovate in franchise operations and customer service, the success of the inaugural Plus Games sets a new standard for engagement and achievement across its network of stores nationwide. 'The energy and focus the Plus Games generated throughout our franchise system was inspiring,' said Jon Sica, Chief Operating Officer for Batteries Plus. 'Frank and his team truly exemplify what's possible when you combine expertise, passion, and a drive to succeed. Their win sets the bar for future competitions and reflects the bright future ahead for our entire network.' With nearly 40 years of operational experience and more than 800 stores open and in development, Batteries Plus continues to lead the specialty battery space by delivering unmatched value to consumers and businesses alike. To learn more about franchising with Batteries Plus or become a future member of the Plus Games, please visit ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus is the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, offering a comprehensive selection of products, technical expertise, and customized services through a nationwide network of over 800 locations open and in development. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, and owned by Freeman Spogli, Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing reliable, commercial and residential power solutions – including batteries, lighting, and repair services – to help organizations and customers minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. For more information about Batteries Plus and its franchising opportunities visit Media Contact: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847.331.1190 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Batteries Plus
CNN
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 30 best 10-year anniversary gifts for celebrating a decade of love
10-year anniversary gifts quick picks For the couple with many adventures yet to come: Finger Crafts Co Personalized Metal Luggage Tag For the music-loving couple with a special song: Lime & Lou Music Memories Metal Wall Art A gift they can use on future anniversaries: Waterford Wishes Happy Celebrations Toasting Flutes For the foodie: The Truffleist The Complete Truffle Collection Gift Set A sparkly addition to their ring stack: Linjer Five-Stone Diamond Ring When it comes to love, we're always in favor of a reason to celebrate. And wedding anniversary gifts, particularly those themed by year, are a popular way to honor a tradition of gifting while celebrating your marriage and what makes it unique. That's especially true for your 10-year wedding anniversary — a decade together is no small feat! 'Wedding anniversary gifts are significant because they celebrate not just the time passed together, but the growth and strength of a relationship,' etiquette expert Myka Meier said. 'They offer a chance each year to pause, reflect and appreciate the journey that people are taking together. Whether it's a small gift or a grand gesture — as the old saying goes — it truly is the thought and sentiment that make it special.' From adjusting to married life, navigating new experiences and going through life changes together, 10 years of love is most definitely something to celebrate. Keep reading for the best 10-year anniversary gifts we've seen, whether you're following traditional or modern guidelines. 'The 10-year mark is so special — it feels like a quiet triumph, a decade of shared mornings and midnight conversations,' Leigh Batnick Plessner, the chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird, said. 'Traditionally, tin or aluminum represent resilience and the ability to bend without breaking, which I find so beautiful.' And the good news? There are tons of creative, fun and romantic gifts made of these silver-tone metals, Meier explained. Match 'XOXO' Box Several of our experts recommended a vintage-style keepsake box as a way to honor your 10th wedding anniversary, and this one is made from pewter — a metal alloy made up primarily of tin. You can keep your vows inside it, store a handwritten letter in it or use it as a place to keep 'little mementos from your 10 years together,' Meier said. West Elm Modern Rounded Metal Tabletop Frames Both Meier and etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts said you can't go wrong with a classic picture frame, and we're big fans of the elegant rounded edges on these aluminum ones from West Elm. Simply print out a favorite wedding photo and you have a 'timeless and tasteful' anniversary gift, Grotts explained. Away The Carry-On Aluminum Edition Away's original carry-on suitcase has been our top pick for ages, but this eye-catching aluminum model comes with a couple upgrades that make it a splurge-worthy anniversary gift for your spouse. You get sleek leather details, two TSA-approved combination locks, upgraded wheels and slow-release handles for a piece of luggage that feels truly luxurious. Apple Watch Series 10 We can't help but recommend the Apple Watch Series 10, especially for those already in the Apple universe. This model has an aluminum case and comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a top-of-the-line smartwatch, along with useful health and fitness features like sleep data, water depth sensors and advanced workout metrics. Read our review Pottery Barn Daphne Tray 'I love blending both function and thoughtfulness,' said wedding planner Laura Gardner, who suggests a jewelry catch-all with some type of romantic or celebratory engraving. We think this aluminum tray from Pottery Barn, which comes in two finishes and three sizes, is both elegant and timeless. M Clip Natural Solid Slide Money Clip For a classic 10-year anniversary gift, Gardner recommends an engraved money clip. This stainless steel option features a matte aluminum inlay. Levain Bakery Cookie Tin Bundle If you're the type of couple that's not into all the bells and whistles of anniversary gifting, this cookie tin is a sweet way to celebrate the tradition without searching for something that you might not get a ton of use out of. Plus, as many CNN Underscored editors will attest, the cookies are absolutely delicious. Outer White Aluminum Outdoor 3-Seat Sofa If hosting backyard barbecues, outdoor lunches and s'mores nights is up your partner's alley, high-quality outdoor furniture can go a long way in making hosting less stressful and more comfortable. We're longtime fans of Outer, and this stunning sofa — which is made from aluminum! — is a perfect example of how sleek yet durable the brand's furniture is. Beatriz Ball Organic Pearl Small Heart Bowl For those of us who love romance, you can never go wrong with something heart-shaped. And this beautiful aluminum piece, which was handcrafted by skilled artisans, is no exception. Finger Crafts Co Personalized Metal Luggage Tag Whether you're planning an anniversary trip or just share a love of travel, Grotts recommends a 'custom aluminum luggage tag engraved with your anniversary date' as a perfect way to honor your globetrotting proclivities. Coca-Cola Personalized Can A custom can of Coke is proof that a thoughtful gift doesn't have to be pricey. You can customize your very own aluminum soda can from the Coca-Cola online store. Simply add your personalization (such as your names or wedding date) and order as many cans as you'd like. Kilne The Cookware Set Tired of your old sticky pans? There's no better way to show appreciation for your culinary-inclined spouse than by upgrading their cookware to this striking set. The pieces are nontoxic, oven-safe and usable on any type of stovetop. The pots and pans are made with recycled aluminum, while the ceramic interior features the brand's patented nonstick technology. Pirantin Tin Daffodil Pendant Though it's not as commonly recognized, daffodils are the flower associated with 10-year wedding anniversaries, so this 100% tin pendant recognizes two unique gifting traditions. Pair it with a bouquet of 10 daffodils and you have a thoughtful two-part anniversary present. Mark & Graham Silver Boat Bar Tool Set This unique bar tool set, which is made from aluminum in addition to stainless steel and brass, is the ultimate gift for the bartender of the house who's into boats. Gift it with one of our favorite cocktail kits and you'll have everything you need for the perfect anniversary party. Lime & Lou Music Memories Metal Wall Art This metal wall art is the perfect way to honor (and remember) a special song, whether it's the music that brought you together or your first dance song from your wedding. No matter what your connection is to the song you choose, it's a thoughtful and completely personalized gift that's sure to bring back memories. Moleskine x Kaweco Rollerball Pen If the past 10 years have involved professional growth for your spouse, a luxurious pen can be a great way to honor their hard work. This timeless refillable rollerball pen is made from a high-quality aluminum that's just as beautiful as it is useful. The modern 10-year anniversary gift is diamonds or diamond jewelry, which 'symbolize strength and enduring love,' Meier said. Many couples use this milestone as an opportunity to revisit their original wedding set. 'Your style has probably evolved, and your budget may have too,' Kegan Fisher, co-founder of Frank Darling, said. 'That's why 10 years is such a beautiful milestone — not just to celebrate where you've been, but to choose something that reflects who you are now.' Waterford Wishes Happy Celebrations Toasting Flute, Set of 2 Grotts recommends diamond motif-etched glassware, like this Champagne flute set from Waterford, as a celebratory diamond-themed anniversary gift. It's 'perfect for toasting the past and what's still to come,' she said. Frank Darling The OG Round Prong Set Pendant Necklace If you're thinking of upgrading your current engagement ring, Fisher recommends resetting your original stone into a pendant like this one. That way, you can 'keep those early memories close to your heart.' Concrete Collective Sweetheart Necklace But maybe you and your partner aren't interested in upgrading your rings. If so, a heart-shaped necklace, like this vintage-inspired piece from Concrete Collective at Catbird (one of our favorite jewelry brands), is just as chic and romantic. The Truffleist The Complete Truffle Collection Gift Set Known to many as the diamonds of the food world, truffles are the perfect way to amp up any meal. This thoughtfully packaged gift set includes truffle butter, honey, salt, mustard and oil, giving you countless ways to infuse your anniversary dinner with a little extra luxury. Longines Master Automatic Diamond Bracelet Watch 'The 10th anniversary blends resilience with brilliance, making a watch the perfect tribute,' said James Thomas, co-founder of Reklaim, which sells pre-owned luxury goods. Whether you surprise your partner with a new piece or get them a watch they've been eyeing for years, 'consider a personal engraving or opt for a symbolic dial' to make it that much more special, Thomas said. If you aren't sure where to begin, consider this mixed-metal watch from Longines, which has diamonds to mark the time. Aurate Lab-Grown Diamond Stud Earrings If your partner is someone who opts for elegant yet wearable jewelry, you can't go wrong with diamond studs. This lab-grown option from Aurate is easy to personalize, both in terms of style and budget. It's available in yellow, rose or white gold and in diamond sizes ranging from 0.06 to 1 carat. Kinn North Star Signet Ring Diamond If you're on the hunt for a timeless diamond-themed anniversary gift, Plessner recommends 'a signet ring with a tiny, subtle stone.' This 14-karat solid gold option also features a North Star design — a fitting reminder of the partner who's helped guide you through 10 years of life and marriage. Brilliant Earth Perfect Hoop Lab Diamond Earrings If it's within your budget, Meier recommends opting for a piece of jewelry with a diamond accent. These small hoops — a favorite of our gifting editor Amina Lake Patel — are covered in diamonds for plenty of sparkle. Grown Brilliance Round Lab-Grown Diamond Button-Style Cufflinks For those hoping to stay true to the modern anniversary gifting theme, Meier suggests diamond-accented cufflinks. This sterling silver set, which features a round lab-grown diamond in a classic pave setting, is a true heirloom. UntuckIt Linen Short-Sleeve Dixon Shirt in White & Blue Diamond Print Let's face it, some guys just aren't into luxury. If your husband is only interested in practical gifts that he'll get tons of use out of, we recommend this linen shirt from UntuckIt. The white and blue diamond-shaped pattern is timeless, versatile and easy to style. Ana Luisa Loree Chain Link Necklace If diamonds aren't in your budget, there are tons of alternatives that give a similar sparkle, explained Meier. She recommends a simple necklace. This chain-link style piece symbolizing an unbreakable bond is perfect for celebrating love and 10 years of marriage. Kate Lower x Tie Bar Leaf Diamond Basil Tie For the husband who's not into bling, this leafy tie pays homage to the anniversary gifting tradition while staying true to his style. A collaboration between Tie Bar and Brooklyn-based artist Kate Lower, this tie adds the perfect pop of color and freshness to any formal outfit. Linjer Five-Stone Diamond Ring When it comes to something as special as diamonds, it can be a challenge to know exactly what to buy for someone — especially if they already have a jewelry collection. Grotts recommends a versatile stackable ring, which they can easily style alongside a variety of different pieces. Lancôme La Nuit Trésor Eau de Parfum If receiving a new fragrance sounds like your spouse's ideal gift, this sultry scent is 100% romance — and it's perfectly packaged in a diamond-shaped bottle. 'Anniversary gifts have long symbolized the enduring bond between partners, marking each year with a token of appreciation, reflection and commitment,' Thomas said. 'The tradition dates back to medieval Europe, where husbands would present their wives with silver or gold wreaths to celebrate milestone years,' he said. 'Over time, this evolved into the custom of giving meaningful, lasting gifts, each one representing the strength and value of the years shared.' When thinking of the perfect gift for your spouse, there are a couple routes you can take, according to Gardner. You can go practical and opt for something they'll use regularly, brainstorm thoughtful presents that are more symbolic or go all-out with a grand gesture of your appreciation. Just be sure that no matter what you opt for, you're leading with who your partner is and what makes them unique, Gardner added. And of course, you can never go wrong with nostalgia. Plessner recommends starting with a memory. 'Think about something the two of you often return to — a song, a shared ritual, a place — and see if you can weave that into the tradition,' she said. 'The gifting tradition gives you the bones, but the heart of the gift is always yours to fill.' For this article, we consulted the following wedding, etiquette and jewelry experts to gain their professional insights. Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of bespoke bridal and fine jewelry brand Frank Darling Laura Gardner, wedding and event planner and owner of Love, Laura Lisa Mirza Grotts, also known as the 'The Golden Rules Gal,' a renowned etiquette expert, author and public speaker Myka Meier, a globally recognized etiquette expert, two-time bestselling author and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, a secondhand platform for luxury designer goods We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike compiled the best traditional and modern 10-year anniversary gifts with the help of several experts.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Death of 3 girls in Travis Decker's custody is a familiar tragedy
As authorities in Washington state search for a man accused of killing his three young daughters after taking them for a scheduled custody visitation, the tragedy rings all too familiar for the parents of murdered children and advocates who say courts allow this to happen. Travis Decker, 32, is wanted for the deaths of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, who were found dead on June 2 after their mother reported them missing. Authorities in Wenatchee in central Washington said Decker took the children for a scheduled custody visit and failed to return them to their mother on time. The parents were divorced, and Decker was homeless and staying primarily in his truck. A search turned up Decker's white 2017 GMC Sierra truck near a campground, and the girls' bodies were found nearby, but Decker has not been found, police said as of June 4. Courts are troublingly reluctant to believe mothers who say fathers are a safety risk to their children in custody disputes, and all too often put children at risk to satisfy their bias toward paternal rights, said Joan Meier, director of the National Family Violence Law Center at the George Washington University Law School. The particulars of Decker's custody arrangements are unclear, but Meier said the outcome is a tragic reality: The failure of judges to protect children has led to too many deaths. "What is it going to take for not only society, but especially professionals who practice in family courts, to recognize that one more child being murdered is one too many, and that we need to do something to change how we're adjudicating these cases?" Meier said. Since 2008, there have been nearly 1,000 children killed by a parent when divorce, separation or a custody dispute are at issue, according to data tracked by the Center for Judicial Excellence. Of those, about 140 were deemed preventable cases due to court failures. In those cases, the center found that a protective parent attempted to restrict an abusive parent's access to the victims, or that there were risk factors that should have been detected by a trained judge or child advocate. Some of the deaths are also attributed to failures by law enforcement or child protective agencies. Media reports of children murdered by a parent involved in a divorce, separation or custody issue can be found all across the United States. According to the Center for Judicial Excellence, fathers are the perpetrators in these cases 70% of the time, while mothers kill their children 18% of the time. More: A child dies every 6 days amid custody fights, family court lapses. Advocates want change. In recent years, the deaths have included: A 10-month-old infant in Tucson, Arizona, who authorities said was killed by his father Jimmy Torre McElroy in October 2024, the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. The month before the child's death, McElroy had been given temporary custody, according to KOLD-TV. Ellie Lorenzo, 3 years old, whose body was found in July 2024 at a recycling facility in San Jose, California, after going with her father, Jared Lorenzo, for a scheduled custody visit. Jared Lorenzo was also found dead in an apparent suicide, police said. ABC7 San Francisco reported that the child's mother had made repeated requests that court-ordered visits with the father be supervised because she feared for her safety, but the court continued to grant him unsupervised access. Rashawd Hines' 2-year-old son Jayden in 2021 in Florida. Hines sought full custody of Jayden and said he feared for the boy's safety while with his mother, but the court did not immediately act. The mother's boyfriend, Alegray Damiah Jones, was charged with the boy's murder and aggravated child abuse. The deaths of children at the hands of their parents have occurred under many different circumstances, including during custody disputes and after courts have ordered the children spend time with a parent accused of being unsafe. The Center for Judicial Excellence said domestic violence experts believe the most dangerous time for a victim of abuse and their children is in the days immediately following separation from the alleged perpetrator. Meier's research revealed a disturbing pattern, she said: When a mother alleges abuse by the father against the children or says she fears for the children's safety, courts may often end up giving more custody to fathers. In a review of about 2,000 court decisions from January 2005 through December 2014, Meier found that courts believed less than half (41%) of mothers who claimed any kind of abuse by the father, with an even lower rate when the allegation involved abuse of the children. "There's a very strong bias... – it's embedded and unstated – against believing that a father's dangerous to a child and believing a mother who's saying it or child who's saying it," Meier said. The Center for Judicial Excellence said on its website that court transcripts show that judges and other court officials were warned about a parent's violent history before placing child victims into their care unsupervised. "There is a crisis in the family court system that is putting children in danger,' said Kathleen Russell, executive director of the Center for Judicial Excellence, said in 2023. 'When a child is murdered, the system failed. It's irrefutable evidence that something went wrong.' Meier said a big red flag that a custody issue could end in tragedy include demonstrated behaviors of what's known as "coercive control," which many states consider a form of domestic abuse and is defined as "a pattern of threatening or intimidating behavior that interferes with the free will of another person," according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Coercive controllers sometimes take their children's lives as a means of controlling or retaliating against the other parent, Meier said. Other potential signs include prior threats to kill or threats of suicide, along with firearm ownership, she said. Advocates are hoping to pass legislation known as Kayden's Law in many states, which would require courts to consider past evidence of abuse in custody cases along with other requirements they hope will curb deadly and violent outcomes. The law is named after 7-year-old Kayden Mancuso, who was killed by her father during an unsupervised visit in 2018 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before he also killed himself, the Bucks County Courier Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. The law passed in Pennsylvania last year despite initial opposition by groups including the ACLU of Pennsylvania which argued that while the measure had good intentions, it could end up harming mothers' contact with their children, especially within families of color, because it would require courts to consider any history of abuse, no matter how old, against any household member. The ACLU later withdrew its opposition after an amendment it said changed the focus to any "on-going risk of abuse." An important step forward is the education of family judges on the realities of domestic abuse and child abuse, Meier said, adding that serious change is needed in the culture of the family court system in the United States. "How many kids need to be murdered?" Meier said. Contributing: Ken Alltucker and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Death of Decker sisters is a familiar custodial tragedy
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From the Farm: Estate tax failure
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The Illinois General Assembly has recessed for the spring term after passing a budget, but the big issue that agriculture wanted was not included. The Family Farm Preservation Act was designed to overhaul the estate tax on farms, which frequently requires substantial amounts of land to be sold to pay the tax. However, it was not called for a senate vote because of the concern it would reduce state tax revenue when the state needs money. From the Farm: Illinois Corn Grower testifies on new Farm Bill Rep. Charlie Meier, a farmer from Oakville and the top Republican in the House Ag Committee, opposes the whole concept of the estate tax. It's doubtful that Meier will get his wish though. Other lawmakers supportive of the Family Farm Preservation Act plan to push it during the fall veto session. It is a perennial issue for agriculture and will be until the cows come home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Boston Globe
Fire on ship carrying EVs forces evacuation after blaze reignites
Advertisement It's another case of EVs morphing into infernos, a chronic safety and public relations headache for the fast-growing industry. Although the initial cause is not yet known, fire safety experts said the presence of so many vehicle batteries on board would almost certainly worsen the situation beyond what the cargo ship's fire suppression systems could reasonably handle. The incident 'does sound consistent with a failure in electric vehicles, especially the deployment of the CO2 system and the reignition,' said Sean DeCrane, a director with the International Association of Fire Fighters. EV fires are notoriously hard to put out, resisting the effects of traditional foam-based fire extinguishers and small amounts of water. This is because battery fires spread through the excessive accumulation of heat from one battery cell to another, and from one battery to the next, said Rich Meier of Florida-based Meier Fire Investigation. Advertisement Permanently extinguishing this sort of fire, according to experts, requires lowering the heat; a carbon dioxide-based system like the one used on the Morning Midas would have starved the fire of oxygen and prevented it from spreading to other materials, but it wouldn't have stopped the batteries from overheating. There is also the potential for battery fires to spread from one EV to another in a chain reaction, Meier said. 'The prevailing wisdom is that it takes 10,000 gallons of water to put out a single lithium-ion EV fire. … When you multiply that by the number of vehicles on a ship, you may sink the ship before you put the fire out,' Meier said. Dousing the ship with seawater also presents problems, experts have said, because salt water is known to have corrosive effects, raising the risk of a short-circuits elsewhere on the ship. The company said all 22 crew members are safe and accounted for, with no reports of injuries. A tugboat has been deployed to salvage the ship. 'Our priorities are to ensure the continued safety of the crew and protect the marine environment,' Zodiac Maritime said in its statement. The Morning Midas fire is at least the third ship fire in recent years involving a vehicle carrier. In 2022, a cargo ship had to be abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean, with all crew members safely evacuating as luxury cars burned onboard. In a 2023 fire, one person was killed and six injured on a ship carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles. Advertisement
