Labor & Employment

Sprint continues to expand its presence — this time in the Midwest.   The wireless carrier plans to add 30 new retail stores and more than 200 jobs throughout Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska by the end of 2017. The new jobs will include a combination of retail, operations and technical experts.   

J.C. Penney has a new finance chief.   The department store retailer named Jeffrey Davis as executive VP and CFO. Davis will report to Marvin R. Ellison, Penney’s chairman and chief executive officer.   

Two heavy hitters in the Canadian real estate market are eyeing Sears Canada properties — but not its Home Stores.   RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, and a unit of H&R Real Estate Investment Trust are among potential bidders interested in Sears Canada assets. They are two of the biggest players in the Canadian real estate marketplace, according to Bloomberg.  

Rent-A-Center is being selective about potential business opportunities.   According to sources, the nation’s largest rent-to-own company brushed off takeover interest from private equity firms HIG Capital and Lone Star Funds. The snub took place prior to turning down an offer of $800 million from buyout firm Vintage Capital earlier this month, according to Reuters.  

Wages

USDOL Tip Pooling Rule: The Labor Department will propose rescinding its regulations for tip pooling. The Obama administration issued rules that prohibited employers from redistributing tips to non-tipped employees, such as "back of the house" workers. Business groups oppose the rule and an association-backed lawsuit is still pending in the courts.

The search is over.    The Buckle named Thomas B. Heacock as VP of finance, treasurer and CFO, effective July 20. As CFO, he replaces Karen B. Rhoads, who in May announced her intention to retire. Rhoads will assist in the transfer of her duties and responsibilities to Heacock, and will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board.   

Fred's named Jason Jenne as executive VP and CFO. He will replace outgoing CFO Rick Hans, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Hans will stay onboard as an advisor until August 18, to ensure a smooth transition.  

An industry veteran has been tapped to lead operations at of the nation's fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant companies.    Mod Super Fast Pizza Holdings has appointed  Paul Twohig to the new role of COO,  effective immediately. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion in the United States and abroad. With Twohig’s arrival, Chris Schultz, former senior VP of operations, will take on the new role of senior VP, international to lead Mod’s development abroad.