Human Resources

Matthews, N.C. – A lawsuit filed against Family Dollar by Pipefitters Local No. 636 alleging that Family Dollar violated federal securities laws has been voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff. Family Dollar had petitioned to have the suit dismissed, but Pipefitters Local No. 636 abandoned its claims before the court made a ruling. Family Dollar said it did not pay any money or make any concessions in relation to the claim being dropped.

Men’s Wearhouse founder and ousted executive chairman George Zimmer released an open letter late Wednesday in which he addressed the manner in which the board portrayed him in a statement yesterday.

Zimmer flatly denies the board’s claims that he was an obstinate former CEO, determined to regain absolute control by pushing for the company to go private.

Seattle – Brad Smith, president and CEO of Intuit Inc., has joined the board of directors of Nordstrom. Smith, who has been with Intuit since 2003, was named president and CEO in 2008. Prior to joining Intuit, Smith held sales, marketing and management roles with companies including ADP, PepsiCo, Seven-Up and Advo. He is also a former director of Yahoo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark Cards has elected Claire Hughes Johnson, VP at Google to the company’s board of directors.

"Claire Hughes Johnson has broad experience in developing innovative new businesses and business models," said Hallmark vice chairman, president and CEO Donald J. Hall Jr. "Her knowledge of the rapidly changing digital space as well as her experience leading global business and product teams will help us as we consider new opportunities and develop strategic plans to expand our business."

Seattle – The New York Court of Appeals has ruled that Starbucks shift supervisors are eligible to share tips left in plastic containers by cash registers with baristas. However, assistant managers are not entitled to share in the tips.

Fremont, Calif. – In another twist to the ongoing Men’s Wearhouse-George Zimmer saga, Reuters reports that Men’s Wearhouse founder and former executive chairman Zimmer is contemplating trying to recapture his position as executive chairman through such means as a buyout attempt with private equity backing or rallying the support of shareholders. Neither Zimmer nor Men’s Wearhouse has officially commented, but Zimmer is reportedly consulting advisers, including his legal counsel, Cooley LLP.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko and Stanley Black and Decker have teamed up to donate nearly 100 power tools to Greater Green Bay Area Habitat for Humanity.  

Pleasanton, Calif. - Safeway was selected to receive the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the nation's highest honor given to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office of the Department of Defense, announced the 15 award recipients on Tuesday.