Latest news with #PECO
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Westwood Financial Appoints KC Bills as CEO
LOS ANGELES, July 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westwood Financial, one of the largest privately held retail real estate investment firms in the nation, announced today the appointment of KC Bills as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes as the firm celebrates its 55th anniversary of owning and operating best-in-class retail centers across the country. Based in Los Angeles and founded in 1970, Westwood Financial's portfolio includes more than 125 top-performing grocery-anchored and service-oriented shopping centers, with a large concentration in high-growth Sunbelt markets. Effective July 28th, Bills will lead the firm's national team of professionals to drive overall Shareholder value. "I am honored to lead Westwood Financial into the future and thankful for the confidence of Steve and Howard, and the Board of Directors, whose vision and leadership have built an extraordinary platform," said Bills. "I look forward to working with the exceptional Westwood team to elevate the company even further. The opportunities ahead are tremendous; I am confident in our ability to grow and create lasting value for our investors, partners, and communities." Prior to joining Westwood Financial, Bills served as Senior Vice President and President of the West Portfolio at Philips Edison & Company, Inc. (PECO), a leading owner and operator of grocery-anchored center retail. While at PECO, he was instrumental in enhancing the performance of a national portfolio through streamlined management processes, operational improvements, and strategic planning. His leadership supported the long-term value creation and positioned the company for sustained growth. "We are excited to have KC lead our firm with his in-depth knowledge and experience in the daily needs shopping center asset class," states Howard Banchik, Founder & Co-Chairman. "I am excited that a new generation is taking control of this new chapter in Westwood's evolution," states Steve Fogel, Founder & Co-Chairman. Westwood Financial's strategic adaptability and deep understanding of market dynamics have enabled it to withstand decades of change in the retail industry. It applies its operational expertise to each of its properties, enhancing asset value and investing in capital improvements that strengthen tenant retention and increase rents. In 2024, the firm increased its same-store NOI by 5.6%. "KC's arrival marks an exciting new phase for Westwood," said Chief Operating Officer Lauren Ball and Chief Financial Officer Juyuan Wei. "We're proud of the foundation that's been built and are looking forward to collaborating alongside him as we continue supporting the team and growing the business." For more information, visit its website and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Westwood Financial Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates over 125 high-quality shopping centers in top U.S. metropolitan markets, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. Top-tier grocers and leading service and experiential-based operators primarily anchor the centers. Established in 1970 by Howard Banchik and Steven Fogel, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix. View source version on Contacts Volker SchrammDirector of MarketingVSchramm@
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Westwood Financial Appoints KC Bills as CEO
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westwood Financial, one of the largest privately held retail real estate investment firms in the nation, announced today the appointment of KC Bills as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes as the firm celebrates its 55th anniversary of owning and operating best-in-class retail centers across the country. Based in Los Angeles and founded in 1970, Westwood Financial's portfolio includes more than 125 top-performing grocery-anchored and service-oriented shopping centers, with a large concentration in high-growth Sunbelt markets. Effective July 28 th, Bills will lead the firm's national team of professionals to drive overall Shareholder value. 'I am honored to lead Westwood Financial into the future and thankful for the confidence of Steve and Howard, and the Board of Directors, whose vision and leadership have built an extraordinary platform,' said Bills. 'I look forward to working with the exceptional Westwood team to elevate the company even further. The opportunities ahead are tremendous; I am confident in our ability to grow and create lasting value for our investors, partners, and communities.' Prior to joining Westwood Financial, Bills served as Senior Vice President and President of the West Portfolio at Philips Edison & Company, Inc. (PECO), a leading owner and operator of grocery-anchored center retail. While at PECO, he was instrumental in enhancing the performance of a national portfolio through streamlined management processes, operational improvements, and strategic planning. His leadership supported the long-term value creation and positioned the company for sustained growth. 'We are excited to have KC lead our firm with his in-depth knowledge and experience in the daily needs shopping center asset class,' states Howard Banchik, Founder & Co-Chairman. 'I am excited that a new generation is taking control of this new chapter in Westwood's evolution,' states Steve Fogel, Founder & Co-Chairman. Westwood Financial's strategic adaptability and deep understanding of market dynamics have enabled it to withstand decades of change in the retail industry. It applies its operational expertise to each of its properties, enhancing asset value and investing in capital improvements that strengthen tenant retention and increase rents. In 2024, the firm increased its same-store NOI by 5.6%. 'KC's arrival marks an exciting new phase for Westwood,' said Chief Operating Officer Lauren Ball and Chief Financial Officer Juyuan Wei. 'We're proud of the foundation that's been built and are looking forward to collaborating alongside him as we continue supporting the team and growing the business.' For more information, visit its website and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Westwood Financial Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates over 125 high-quality shopping centers in top U.S. metropolitan markets, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. Top-tier grocers and leading service and experiential-based operators primarily anchor the centers. Established in 1970 by Howard Banchik and Steven Fogel, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanian gets $12K utility bill after months of silence — and thousands more in the state face problems
Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges. 'There's no way,' she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months and much higher than anticipated. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren't being taken seriously. As it turns out, Brown wasn't the only PECO customer to experience billing problems. Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she'd gone nearly a year without receiving a bill. 'My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,' Palladino told the local broadcaster. 'For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it's disconcerting' PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints. 'Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,' a company spokesperson told the broadcaster. Even so, frustration is mounting. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown's shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current. Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems. 'They should've notified the customers they were having a billing issue,' she said. If you're a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself: Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there's a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there's a paper trail. Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email (PECObilling@ and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not. File a complaint: If you're not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state's equivalent. Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanian gets $12K utility bill after months of silence — and thousands more in the state face problems
Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges. 'There's no way,' she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months and much higher than anticipated. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren't being taken seriously. As it turns out, Brown wasn't the only PECO customer to experience billing problems. Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she'd gone nearly a year without receiving a bill. 'My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,' Palladino told the local broadcaster. 'For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it's disconcerting' PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints. 'Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,' a company spokesperson told the broadcaster. Even so, frustration is mounting. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown's shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current. Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems. 'They should've notified the customers they were having a billing issue,' she said. If you're a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself: Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there's a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there's a paper trail. Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email (PECObilling@ and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not. File a complaint: If you're not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state's equivalent. Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Is your thermostat in the wrong spot? Why it could be costing you in this heat wave
How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner How to save money on your energy costs during a heat wave | In Your Corner While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to at least 78 degrees, there are other things you can do around your house to try to stay cool and keep costs down without sacrificing too much comfort. As heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees, your air conditioning will likely be working overtime. To ensure it's running as efficiently as possible, check the filter. Experts recommend you change your HVAC filter every one to two months. A clogged filter can reduce airflow and put extra strain on the system, according to Philadelphia-based Lawrence Heating and Air. CBS Philadelphia Adding a smart or programmable thermostat can also help you save by scheduling the temperature to increase when you leave and cool down by the time you get home or go to bed. Some local utilities, like PECO, might also offer rebates for installing a smart thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat seven to 10 degrees from its normal setting for up to eight hours a day. Location, location, location But even if your system is running smoothly, the location of your thermostat could make a substantial difference. An interior wall in a central, frequently used room, like the living room, is an ideal place to ensure it is reading accurate temperatures. Placing it above air vents, near windows or doors, or in direct sunlight can cause your system to run unnecessarily, increasing your costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Likewise, make sure it's not near any lamps, electronics, like TVs, or appliances that emit heat. Other ways to save energy Fans can help keep air circulating while using less energy. Just make sure your ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise so that it's blowing cooler air down. Your fan should have a switch near its motor to change its direction. CBS Philadelphia Avoiding oven use and air-drying dishes instead of running the heated dry option on your dishwasher can also help keep things cooler inside your home. Waiting to use appliances until nightfall during off-peak hours can also save energy and money. Also, take a look around your home to make sure you don't have cracks around your doors or windows, or any leaks in your ductwork or around your window A/C unit. You don't want your cool air escaping or warm air coming in. PECO, PPL, Atlantic City Electric and PSE&G all offer home assessments or audits — either for a low cost or no cost — where someone can come out and help you find where you could be losing energy and money. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
