Corporate Governance

Washington, D.C. - CVS Caremark and Walgreens have both been honored by the National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of large U.S. employers, for promoting a healthy work environment and encouraging employees and their families to maintain healthy lifestyles. CVS Caremark received a Gold Award for its WellRewards employee wellness program, while Walgreens received a gold award for its “You and Walgreens” company wellness program.

The Barnes & Noble board has given the company the green light to separate its retail and Nook Media businesses to optimize shareholder value.

The company anticipates completing the separation of the businesses into two separate public companies by the end of the first quarter next year.

Sidney, Neb. – Cabela’s Inc. reportedly plans to open 20 new Canadian stores by 2016. According to the Financial Post, the retailer, which currently operates five stores in Canada, will open its sixth in Barrie, Ontario, on July 10.

Other planned locations for new Canadian stores include Nanaimo, British Columbia in fall 2014 and Moncton, New Brunswick in 2015. Cabela’s is planning slow growth in Canada, focusing on locations with favorable co-tenants and localizing product assortments at the store level.

Smashburger is getting on the right track when it comes to reducing its energy use. The fast-casual, fast-growing better-burger eatery has deployed a Web-based energy management system that helps it identify energy cost-savings while also providing a consistent level of comfort.

New York - Barnes & Noble Inc. plans to spin off its Nook e-reader unit as a separately traded public company from its retail operation by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The retailer made this decision as its consolidated net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 shrank from $114.8 million to $36.7 million, missing Wall Street estimates.

The bad weather that hurt Bed Bath & Beyond during the fourth quarter may have abated, but the company’s sales still grew at a slower than expected pace during the first quarter and caused profits to come in toward the low end of expectations.

Toronto – New research from loyalty currency management provider Points shows that offering points and miles for everyday purchases is the most effective means of driving consumer loyalty. Points surveyed more than 1,500 loyalty program members from across North America and found that 83% earn points and miles on everyday purchases.

Oak Brook, Ill. — Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust stockholders have voted overwhelmingly to approve the previously announced merger with Kite Realty Group Trust. Assuming all conditions to closing the merger have been satisfied, it is expected to close on or after July 1, 2014.