Corporate Governance

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Company is teaming up with the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)  to launch a “Create Jobs for USA” fund. 

Starting Nov.1, the new initiative will pool donations from Starbucks customers, partners (employees) and citizens into a nationwide fund for community business lending. One-hundred percent of the donations will go toward loans for firms and organizations that can add jobs or stem job losses, Starbucks said. 

New York -- In a partnership with the U.K.-based retailer PC World, Google has opened its first-ever physical retail space, a pop-up shop in London.  It will be open for three months. 

The small,  285-sq.-ft. shop, called Chrome Zone, is devoted to Samsung’s ultra-portable Chrome OS-powered Chromebook computer and related accessories.  The space  has a high-tech look and is decked out in Google’s signature colors. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will webcast its annual meeting for the investment community on Wed., Oct. 12 from approximately 8:00 a.m. CDT to 3:30 p.m. CDT. 

Cincinnati -- Most consumers hold strong positive attitudes on the quality of service they receive from U.S. businesses, according to new research from customer relationship management company Convergys Corporation.  Among the top findings of the research: nearly nine out of 10 consumers believe that service improved or stayed the same over the past year, and an impressive seven out of 10 say they were either “extremely” or “very” satisfied with their most recent service experience.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods announced the opening of three stores. 

The company will will open the doors to its stores in Suffolk, Va., Burlington, N.C., and  El Cajon, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 5

The current economic climate has us all thinking more about retail expansion than perhaps over the last two to three years, but real estate disposition/portfolio optimization isn’t just on simmer. There’s still plenty of action in that arena, and Chain Store Age talked with Spence J. Mehl, SVP of New York City-based RCS Real Estate Advisors, about the latest happenings.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Sam's Club will offer  a limited 15-week membership for $15.  

The seasonal membership is available for purchase during regular club hours for a limited time between Oct. 4 and 10.

Dodgeville, Wis. -- Lands' End  announced the promotion of Tim Martin to COO and CFO and Chris Kolbe to brand president.  

Martin most recently served as senior VP, CFO. Kolbe most recently served as chief merchandising and design officer for Lands' End.

CHICAGO -- SMS Assist announced that Matthew Pitts has been named COO of the technology- driven facilities maintenance company.

Pitts previously served as VP of building services for The Home Depot. During his two decade career at the home improvement chain, Pitts created retailer’s highly regarded in-house facilities management organization, overseeing more than 2,000 stores and more than $1 billion in annual facilities maintenance spend.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Retail interior environments manufacturer TJ  Hale has purchased Milwaukee-based millwork manufacturer A.J. Pietsch. 

A.J. Pietsch manufacturing will move to Menomonee Falls, and the two companies will leverage their state-of-the-art systems, CNC equipment and facilities.