Memorial at Mount Trashmore, Courtesy of City of Virginia Beach Twitter

COVID-19 and social distancing havenot stopped the City of Virginia Beach from continuing to honor the one-year anniversary of thetragic mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31, but the plans have drastically changed.One year ago, 12 people were killed, four injured, and a first responding police officer was shot.

Instead of a big in-person memorial, there will be at-home activities that have thoughtfully been planned for the weekend of May 29-31, all within the theme, Lighting the Path: Together We Remember.

Courtesy of Instagram

Courtesy of The City of Virginia Beach

Courtesy of Instagram

Friday, May 29

Sunday, May 31

Additional virtual tributes are still being added, so be sure to check their website again.

Photos Courtesy of The City of Virginia Beach

The 12 victims of The Office of Public Works and Utilities, starting from the top left (details courtesy of LoveforVB.com):

Laquita C. Brown | Age: 39 | Right-of-Way Agent | 4.5 yearsTara Welch Gallagher | Age: 39 | Engineer | 6 yearsMary Louise Gayle | Age: 65 | Right-of-Way Agent | 24 yearsAlexander Mikhail Gusev | Age: 35 | Right-of-Way Agent | 9 yearsKatherine A. Nixon | Age: 42 | Engineer | 10 yearsRichard H. Nettleton | Age: 65 | Engineer | 28 yearsChristopher "Chris" Kelly Rapp | Age: 54 | Engineer | 11 MonthsRyan Keith Cox | Age: 50 | Account Clerk| 12.5 yearsJoshua A. Hardy | Age: 52 | Engineering Technician |4.5 yearsMichelle "Missy" Langer | Age: 60 | Administrative Assistant | 12 yearsRobert "Bobby" Williams | Age: 72 | Special Projects Coordinator | 41 yearsHerbert "Bert" Snelling | Age: 57 | Contractor at Building 2 applying for a permit

This weekend of remembrance could be quite difficult, as the events of that awful day affected the entire community. Therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling, click here for The VB Strong Center or call 757-507-7200. The center was developed specifically for all who were impacted by the mass shootings at the Municipal Center. Professionals are available 24/7.

VB STRONG!!!

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Remembering the Victims of the Virginia Beach Mass Shooting 1 Year Later - Our Community Now at Virginia

Global indoor lighting management market size was valued US$ XX Bn in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ XX Bn by 2027, at a CAGR of XX% during forecast period.

The report study has analyzed revenue impact of COVID -19 pandemic on the sales revenue of market leaders, market followers and market disrupters in the report and same is reflected in our analysis.

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Market Definition

Indoor lighting management is a complete automation system of lighting control. The system enables communication between varieties of lightings to make sure the functionality in indoor applications.

Market Dynamics

Improved lifestyle and high disposable income of people are major driving factors behind the growth of market. Indoor lighting management system provides some benefits such as improved productivity, lower carbon emissions, and increased comfort, less energy consumption, occupancy sensors and remote access system management through wireless communication are ultimately propelling the growth of market. Furthermore, emergence of indoor lighting solutions with smart appliances, rising acceptance of standard protocols for lighting control systems, development in integrated lighting management system, fast adoption of smart lighting solutions over traditional lighting solutions and increasing penetration of LED lights in indoor applications are expected to improve market growth during forecast period.

However, high initial cost for installation of indoor lighting management system could hamper the growth of market. Also unreliability of wireless control system, wrongly designed and installed system, expensive maintenance cost and lack of skilled expert to manage lighting operations could hinder the growth of market.

Global Indoor Lighting Management Market: Segmentation Analysis

By product, recessed and surface mounted light segments dominated the market in 2019 and are expected to continue its dominance at CAGR of XX% during forecast period. Recessed lighting delivers the benefit of being a hidden light source and energy efficiency which driving the growth of market. Surface mounted lights are widely adaptable because of its uniform illumination along with energy efficiency. These are mounted directly on the ceiling as they provide screw-less design system.

By type, ambient lighting segment dominated the market in 2019 and is expected to keep its dominance at CAGR of XX% during forecast period. Ambient lighting is also known as general lighting system. Ambient lighting radiates a comfortable intensity of brightness and is extremely essential factor to any indoor lighting management application. Ambient lighting can be used in downlights, track lights, chandeliers, fan lights and various type of fixture with the potential to provide a wide beam span, which is ultimately leading towards the growth of market.

Alternatively, accent lighting solutions are expected to witness fast growth at CAGR of XX% during forecast period. Accent lighting is used when consumer wants to illuminate pottery, artwork, plants, souvenirs and more. Improved modernization in smart home lighting system is driving the growth of accent lighting segment. Accent lighting provides track lighting, pictures light, under-cabinet light, LED tape light and sconces which get little amounts of light to corridors, corners and bathrooms.

Global Indoor Lighting Management Market: Regional Analysis

Region wise, North America held the largest market share in 2019 and is expected to maintain its dominance at CAGR of XX% during forecast period. The US and Canada are major key contributors behind the growth of market. The growth is attributed to the growing demand of ambient lighting and accent lighting solutions across the region.

Also rapid adoption of surface mounted lighting system in industrial and commercial applications is driving the growth of market.

Global Indoor Lighting Management Market: Key Development

In Dec 2018, LEDVANCE, the maker of SYLVANIA general lighting in the US, is expanded its portfolio of easy-to-use SYLVANIA SMART+ Bluetooth lighting to benefit android users in the US. With an android device in the home in range, new SYLVANIA SMART+ Bluetooth LED lighting products work with the Google assistant or Amazon Alexa via the new SYLVANIA smart home app on Google play, providing hands-free lighting control for android users without requiring any additional hardware.

In Nov 2018, Wipro Lighting, a business of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, has signed a Premium Partnership Agreement with Schrder.

In Nov 2017, Wipro Lighting, the market leader in LED Lighting Solutions announced that it has become a Cisco Digital Building Solutions provider for connected lighting.

The objective of the report is to present a comprehensive analysis of the Global Indoor Lighting Management Market including all the stakeholders of the industry. The past and current status of the industry with forecasted market size and trends are presented in the report with the analysis of complicated data in simple language. The report covers all the aspects of the industry with a dedicated study of key players that includes market leaders, followers and new entrants. PORTER, SVOR, PESTEL analysis with the potential impact of micro-economic factors of the market have been presented in the report. External as well as internal factors that are supposed to affect the business positively or negatively have been analyzed, which will give a clear futuristic view of the industry to the decision-makers. The report also helps in understanding Global Indoor Lighting Management Market dynamics, structure by analyzing the market segments and projects the Global Indoor Lighting Management Market. Clear representation of competitive analysis of key players by Application, price, financial position, Product portfolio, growth strategies, and regional presence in the Global Indoor Lighting Management Market make the report investors guide.

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The Scope of Global Indoor Lighting Management Market

Global Indoor Lighting Management Market, By Product

Recessed Suspended Surface Mounted Wall Mounted Free Standing Downlights Projectors Multiple Lighting Systems OthersGlobal Indoor Lighting Management Market, By Type

Ambient Lighting Task Lighting Accent LightingGlobal Indoor Lighting Management Market, By Application

Ceiling lights Wall lights Picture lights Table lamps Floor lamps Bathroom lights Kitchen lights Commercial lights OthersGlobal Indoor Lighting Management Market, By End Use

Residential Industrial Commercial OthersGlobal Indoor Lighting Management Market, By Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East and AfricaGlobal Indoor Lighting Management Market, Key Players

Acuity Brands Osram Cree General Electric Eaton Honeywell Legrand Hubbell Lighting Zumtobel Group Hafele Group Lutron Electronics Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting Shenzhen MR LED Virtual Extension Syska LED Leviton Manufacturing Switchmate, Inc. Gooee Lifx Isotera Ketra Tao Light Nualight Limited Arm Crompton Greaves Gstar Technology Co. Ltd Thorn Lighting Ushio Lighting Technologies

MAJOR TOC OF THE REPORT

Chapter One: Indoor Lighting Management Market Overview

Chapter Two: Manufacturers Profiles

Chapter Three: Global Indoor Lighting Management Market Competition, by Players

Chapter Four: Global Indoor Lighting Management Market Size by Regions

Chapter Five: North America Indoor Lighting Management Revenue by Countries

Chapter Six: Europe Indoor Lighting Management Revenue by Countries

Chapter Seven: Asia-Pacific Indoor Lighting Management Revenue by Countries

Chapter Eight: South America Indoor Lighting Management Revenue by Countries

Chapter Nine: Middle East and Africa Revenue Indoor Lighting Management by Countries

Chapter Ten: Global Indoor Lighting Management Market Segment by Type

Chapter Eleven: Global Indoor Lighting Management Market Segment by Application

Chapter Twelve: Global Indoor Lighting Management Market Size Forecast (2019-2026)

Browse Full Report with Facts and Figures of Indoor Lighting Management Market Report at:https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-indoor-lighting-management-market/56803/

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Global Indoor Lighting Management Market : Industry Analysis and Forecast (2020-2027) By Product,... - Azizsalon News

Image: Allume Energy

The bid to extend the benefits of rooftop solar to Australias millions of apartment dwellers has gained new ground this week, with the announcement of a new partnership between electricity retailer LPE and solar sharing pioneer Allume Energy.

LPE, which specialises in selling electricity to strata communities at this stage in Queensland and New South Wales said on Thursday that it had joined forces with Allume, to provide its customers with a shared solar solution.

Allume has made a name for itself as the developer of the solar ceiling-smashing SolShare technology, which works within an apartment buildings existing metering infrastructure, or behind the meter, to allow solar to be distributed and billed to individual apartments.

The technology, first rolled out commercially at a mixed residential and retail building in the Melbourne Bayside suburb of Highett, was most recently showcased on an apartment block in the Melbourne suburb of Preston, where 70kW of solar and 54kWh of battery storage is being shared between 52 apartments.

The ASX-listed LPE, which pin-pointed solar for strata as a substantial addressable market in its April investor presentation, said it had partnered with Allume to service communities that had struggled for years to get access to fair solar solutions.

According to LPE, roughly 9 per cent of Australias population live in apartments or strata communities. These communities, it notes, tend to yield highly loyal, sticky retail electricity customers, with high switching costs.

(Allumes SolShare) is the most cost-effective option yet, and one that presents no risk to residents or body-corporates, the company said in a statement.

There is also a range of social benefits such as giving access to solar and clean electricity to all apartment complexes including those in lower socioeconomic communities that otherwise couldnt afford it.

The idea would be for LPE to supply and maintain the Allume-engineering shared solar system at no capital cost to the body corporate or residents, offering much less costly electricity for residents than that sourced entirely from the grid.

Each system would be designed to generate enough solar to support a strata communitys daytime electricity needs, and distributed in real-time across all residents within the complex, thereby maximising on-site solar usage and savings for residents.

And LPE is confident that demand for the shared solar solution will be high, with more than 1.5 million residents of apartments within strata schemes located throughout Queensland and New South Wales able to access the solution.

This is the first time strata apartment communities have had a decent solution that allows all residents to access a shared solar solution with one rooftop installation that gives them fair access to the savings generated from solar and allows them to become a sustainable community, said LPE CEO Damien Glanville.

LPE is looking forward to providing an accessible solution for all communities to become sustainable and reduce costs.

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Solar for strata: LPE teams with Allume to offer fair access to solar - One Step Off The Grid

Developer Taylor Morrison has opened another community in East County to considerable fanfare.

Esplanade at The Heights opened May 8.

Taylor Morrison Division President Joe Fontana said interest in Esplanade at The Heights is strong six homes already are under contract because of the Esplanade brand and because of the communitys location off Honore Avenue, just west of Ward Lake.

Its community includes a giant hill called Mount Tumulo (the Italian word for mound) that separates two distinct Taylor Morrison communities Esplanade and Grandview within The Heights development.

Sales in Grandview at The Heights, a future community of 170 homes, began in late January and how have reached 36 homes. Prices start in the high $200,000s and homes are between 1,582 and 3,422 square feet.

Esplanade at The Heights carries the Esplanade lifestyle brand, but is a boutique version with no golf course. It will have about 260 units and features include a resort-style pool and spa, fitness center, a cabana area, lighted tennis, pickleball and bocce courts, anda dog park.

Esplanade at The Heights offers villas and single-family homes with villas starting around $295,000 and home base prices starting between $329,000 to $369,000. Sizes range from 1,533 square feet for a villa up to 2,275 square feet for the largest home.

Fontana said his company has enhanced its virtual chat system, added Zoom calls with sales agents on a Smart device and starting conversations without having customers needing to set foot in any models if they so wish.

He said teams have been trained on how to do that, and how to do that well.

So much of what we do is body language, and emotional, Fontana said. Now youre trying to understand what the customer is looking for without them being in front of you.

Fontana said nationwide, there have been 1,500 virtual tours and 100 homes sold virtually with buyers never setting foot inside the model themselves.

Fontana said the shift to engage buyers virtually is a trend he expects would have needed to happen over the next five years anyway.

I think a lot of the things were doing now the virus is really accelerating, Fontana said. Were were forced to do them sooner telemarketing, virtual tours, Zoom, virtual meetings, working from home.

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Taylor Morrison unveils its Esplanade at the Heights in Bradenton - YourObserver.com

Theres perhaps no neighborhood more iconic than Beverly Hills. Thanks to a certain 90s teen drama series, we all know its zip code, recognize its landmarks and envy its well-heeled residents. If youre looking for a newly constructed condo in the storied Los Angeles neighborhood and have the budget to back it up, consider one of these five luxury options.

Developer: Genton Property Group Status: Construction Priced from: $3,120,000

Reflections of LA is a 12-story, Four Seasons-branded tower touting 59 custom for-sale homes. The bespoke interiors were designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who counts Kylie Jenner, Cher, Tommy Hilfiger and John Stamos among his clientele. Expect professional-grade gourmet kitchens with integrated Gaggenau appliances, stunning master bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs and separate glass-walled showers, and sliding glass walls for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

In true Four Seasons fashion, the curated services and amenities are second to none. Highlights include a 1,600-square-foot fitness center, private IMAX theatre, exclusive chef experiences, and an open-air courtyard pool surrounded by cabanas. The residence is currently under construction and sales are expected to launch later this year.

Developer: K Pacific Investments Status: Complete Priced from: $1,900,000

If youre on a shorter timeline, Pacific Star offers move-in ready luxury penthouses, condominiums and two-story townhomes in the heart of Beverly Hills. Featuring up to 2,200 square feet of living space, the floorplans are intelligently designed with high ceilings, expansive windows, open shared spaces and large terraces.

Smart home features come standard, including Nest thermostats that control the radiant in-floor heating, integrated speaker systems, USB outlets in every room and high-efficiency LED lighting. Residents will live within walking distance of Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Hills Farmers Market, and the many restaurants, salons, fitness studios and boutiques that line Beverly Drive.

Developers: Bilgili Group and SHVO Status: Construction Priced from: TBA

This seven-story residence is currently under construction at the apex of Beverly Hills Golden Triangle. Upon completion in 2021, the development will include 54 condominiums, 6,650 square feet of retail space and exclusive resident amenities, such as a landscaped courtyard and a rooftop pool with sweeping city views.

9200 Wilshire Boulevard is not selling just yet, but the project recently released a batch of new renderings depicting its revised design. Conceived by MVE + Partners, the sleek facade will feature a mix of limestone, travertine, white-painted steel and glass. Select units will have spacious, covered balconies or terraces and there appears to be a rooftop pool and alfresco amenity area.

Developer: Unlisted Status: Complete Priced from: $1,890,000

Two modern residences are currently available at 1333 Beverly Green Drive. Unit 202 is a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom stunner spanning over 2,300 square feet. Priced at $1,890,000, its appointed with hardwood floors throughout, smart home technology, custom cabinetry and closets, and a stylish linear fireplace with a stone surround.

Unit 301 boasts three bedrooms and three-and-a-half-bathrooms over 2,728 square feet. The chef-worthy kitchen is equipped with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a waterfall island and a roomy pantry. Theres a private elevator with controlled access and a rooftop deck with plenty of space for lounging or dining. With a slightly larger footprint, this residence is priced at $2,195,000.

Developer: Palisades Status: Complete Priced from: $3,700,000

Combining sustainability and world-renowned architecture, Gardenhouse is a one-of-a-kind project featuring a collection of Row Houses, Garden Flats and Sky Villas. This is MAD Architects first foray into the United States market and theyve delivered a suite of custom homes with airy, contemporary interiors and barrierless connections to the outdoors. The layouts were designed to feel like single-family residences and the community itself is reminiscent of a modern-day village.

Gardenhouse is centered around an open-air atrium with a canopy of trees and secret garden, providing privacy for the residences but also a quiet place to meditate or read a book by the reflective pool. Adding to the eco-friendly aesthetic is the largest living wall in the country, which envelops much of the structure.

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5 new construction Beverly Hills condos for luxury buyers - Livabl

Rebuilding North Jersey and Lowe's renovated a home in Teaneck to help a single mother with Rheumatoid arthritis get around easier. NorthJersey.com

Many businesses have faced financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The home improvement industry, much of which is considered essential business, is faring far better.

Michael DeMarco, owner of On The Spot Home Improvements in Saddle Brook,said his sales have increased about 25% since the pandemic hit. On The Spot does emergency home repairs, as well as roofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, deck installation, power washing and gutter installation, repair and cleaning.

On The Spot Home Improvements has implemented safety measures for its staff, including regular cleanings of the office and trucks and PPE gear(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

Theres a lot of people staying home, said DeMarco. People have called us saying their home is going to be their office for the foreseeable future, and they want to make it nice.

According to DeMarco, many of his clients rerouted the money from their canceled vacations to finance repairs andadditions to their homes.

Real estate: NJ could see increase in people moving from the cities to the suburbs after coronavirus

Social distancing rules have made homethe safest place to be. With parks packed, backyards and front porches have becomethe ideal place to get some sun and let the kids burn off some energy which means On The Spot Home Improvements and other landscaping, contracting and home improvement businesses are experiencing a rise in sales.

Swing Set & Toy Warehouse, which has locations in Upper Saddle River, Freehold, Fleming and East Hanover, has seen a 50% increase in business, said Sue Williams, a sales representative for the company for the past 30 years.

Ive never seen anything like it, said Williams. Trampolines, basketball hoops and swing sets, specifically, are being ordered nonstop.

Usually families decide to buy swing sets when their children are age-appropriate. But now, Im seeing even people with very young kids buying this year, she added. Why? Because being outside eases stress, said Williams, especially in a time when entire families are cooped up at home.

On The Spot Home Improvements has been busy redoing bathrooms, kitchens and more during the pandemic.(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

The phones at Jacobsen Landscape Design in Midland Park, which designs landscaping for pools and patios andinstalls irrigation systems and outdoor landscape lighting, have been ringing off the hook, as customers yearn for more put-together homes.

Of course, things in the home improvement industry have changed since the pandemic. DeMarco says his staff members wear masks and get their temperatures taken at the door. They keep 6 feet apart from each other and clients. The office building and trucks are constantly being sanitized.

On The Spot Home Improvements has seen an increase in its revenue, as folks reroute their vacation money to pay for pool installations and more.(Photo: Courtesy of On The Spot Home Improvements)

DeMarco predicts the home improvement boomwill continue for the next year, even as businesses and entertainment venues open up. As expensive vacations will likely have to be canceled for the rest of the year, he thinks that money will instead go to building a new cabana in the backyard, installing a pool, or finally building that dream deck.

Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, pleasesubscribe todayand sign up forourNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.

Email:kingr@northjersey.comTwitter:@rebeccakingnj Instagram: @northjerseyeats

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Rebuilding America: Home improvement companies thrive as pandemic keeps North Jersey shut in - NorthJersey.com

Its literally a breath of fresh air, to be in another environment, says Joan Talmadge, who, with her husband, Jeff, owns the vacation rental platform WeNeedaVacation.com. While she expects to see fewer tourists on Cape Cod this summer, given COVID-19 concerns and the potential for restrictions on restaurants, beaches, and other attractions, she says, We also anticipate a great pent-up demand from vacationers who cant wait to get out of their homes restrictions or not.

Mark and Gwenn Snider, owners of the Nantucket Hotel and Resort, expect this season to be something of a throwback. Itll be more like the 1950s and early 60s, Mark Snider says, with families drawn to the simplicity of open spaces and natural beauty. The hotel is already soliciting vintage vacation photos from guests to celebrate that spirit. If youre coming to go bar hopping, thats probably a very different experience this year, Snider says. [But] I think a lot of people will be very happy to get out of their homes, and people will be looking for local destinations.

Indeed, 47 percent of Americans surveyed by the US Travel Association in April said they would be more likely to travel by car for any post-pandemic vacations, and 42 percent are now more likely to choose destinations closer to home.

Thats good news for properties such as Basin Harbor on Vermonts Lake Champlain, where most guests arrive by car from nearby states, says general manager Jamie Fox. He expects the resorts 74 private cottages and sprawling setting to be a selling point this year. Were on 700 acres, so no matter what you do, you can get away from people, Fox says. We have a lot of hiking trails around the property. We have a great waterfront area where people can rent kayaks and canoes, and they can rent powerboats and go out on the lake with their family and be separate from other groups of people.

As idyllic as that sounds, traveling this summer may still be a surreal experience at times. Hotels across the region are developing safety and cleaning protocols based on guidance from state public health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says Beth Steucek, chief executive of the New England Inn and Resort Association. So expect chlorine vapors, even if theres not a pool.

Staff will probably be serving with masks on, Steucek says, and guests will likely encounter plexiglass shields at front desks, tables removed from restaurants to add space between diners, near-constant cleaning of common areas, and an end to self-serve breakfast buffets and coffee stations. It will look different, but I think people will understand that and respect that, she says.

While most seasonal properties have delayed their openings and are still working out details, some year-round establishmentssuch as the Nantucket Hotel and 16 Bay View in Camden, Maine have already put stringent protocols in place while hosting medical staff and other essential workers this spring. They offer a preview of what guests can expect this summer.

Matthew Levin, director of hotels and marketing for 16 Bay Views parent company, believes the new procedures theyve adopted on top of an already strict cleaning protocol including the use of personal protective equipment and the frequent, diligent disinfection of common areas will remain in effect for quite a while, and perhaps become regular practice moving forward, he says. Likewise, social distancing wont be going away anytime soon. Even if its not mandated, it will still be second nature for most of us.

Another practice Levin expects to continue when his groups seasonal properties open in June is a minimum 24-hour period between room stays. Daily housekeeping will also be suspended, at least initially, with guests able to request new towels or toiletries to be delivered to the room. I think the guests expectations will dictate how this will eventually look, he says.

In spite of all the work to keep guests and staff safe, hoteliers remain committed to sparking vacation magic. Were not a hospital, but we want to be able to assure our guests that were following all the most stringent protocols, says Gwenn Snider. But we try to surprise and delight our guests its a hallmark of our hospitality ethos and we dont want to lose that.

To that end, the Sniders, who also own the Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Marthas Vineyard, plan to make use of the ample outdoor space at their properties to create a broader range of dining options, including pre-packed picnic baskets and grab-and-go restaurant meals that guests can enjoy outdoors. Guests may also be able to reserve private cabanas by the pool or elsewhere on the property, where they can enjoy chef-prepared meals. One of things people love to do on the island is eat out, so we have to reinvent that, Snider says.

Fox is hoping his team at Basin Harbor in Vermont can get creative as well, because theres so much uncertainty ahead. More than 20 million people lost their jobs in April, and somehow, thats not even the biggest threat to tourism right now. Youre not just dealing with peoples inability to spend, Fox says, youre dealing with peoples fears around getting sick, and that adds a whole new element. Hes planning to offer lower rates with more flexible cancellation terms, but whether thats enough to lure people from the safety of their homes remains to be seen.

In addition to a shortened season, Fox is bracing for lower occupancy rates, and is planning to hire a lean, local staff no H2-B visa applicants from abroad this year trained as utility players. Were going to set the tone that wed love to hire you as a bartender, but we may need you as a server or we may need you as a bellhop, he says. We really want to create a team-oriented, all-hands-on-deck mind-set.

The biggest financial hit, though, has come from a lost season of weddings, Fox says. Brides and grooms dont really want to wear masks, he notes, and almost everything about a wedding, from dancing to dining at banquet tables, defies social distancing.

Levin fears this year could be worse than the depths of the Great Recession. We are definitely forecasting a much slower than anticipated, shorter peak season, he says. He also expects booking behavior to shift more toward last-minute planning by travelers within a days drive of Camden mostly New Englanders who think of midcoast Maine as a safe escape.

Fox is also counting on the appeal of fresh air and waterfront living. We just have everything people are craving right now, he says. For urbanites stressed out after being on high alert in the presence of other people, he adds, We have the ability to take that worry away to some degree.

In the age of social distancing, Talmadge of WeNeedaVacation.com says houses with a private beach, pool, or frontage on one of the Capes lakes or kettle ponds likewise hold greater appeal this year. For families who simply want to spend time together outdoors, prepare their own meals at home, and relax on a deck without worrying about bumping into other people in a hotel lobby, even a modest vacation rental makes a lot of sense, she adds.

Thats especially true for those seeking a longer getaway. Were noticing a real uptick in inquiries for longer stays, for more than a month even, and weve never seen that before for the summer, Talmadge says. With many nonessential workers permitted or encouraged to work remotely, some could be looking to upgrade the view from their home offices.

Or it might simply be a case of collective cabin fever, Talmadge says. I think a lot of people, after this lockdown, feel that a week is just a tease.

Jon Gorey is a regular contributor to the Globe Magazine. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.

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Heres how New England hotels and resorts are getting ready for summer travelers - The Boston Globe

Chloe Taylor - Contributing Write

Green or clean energy has been around for as long as we exist. It wasnt until the industrial age that we started to use some not so eco-friendly energy solutions and this was only because they were more efficient at that time. However, in the last couple of decades, green energy has slowly started to make a comeback and all thanks to advancements in technology.

Probably the biggest breakthroughs have been made with solar panels. Not so long ago these devices were far from cost-effective. If you wanted to install a couple of solar panels on your roof, you had to spend quite a lot of money and on top of that, they were not so efficient.

Luckily, things have changed. Todays solar panels are much more advanced and offer a more reliable energy output. Justifying installing one has never been easier. However, in case you still have some doubts, here are a couple of things that will alleviate them.

The number one reason why you should install solar panels is their environmentally friendly nature. Our environment is suffering a lot because of our way of living, and we should do everything we can to minimize those effects. Hence, choosing to convert your place of living into a well-maintained solar home will surely be of great help to the environment.

Besides biodegradable materials and eco-friendly cars, solar panels are the way to go. Clean energy is more important than most people think. CO2 emissions have skyrocketed in the past couple of decades and if we dont do something about it, the repercussions will be huge. Sure, you wont see the immediate effects after installing solar panels, but a few generations from now people will live in a much healthier environment.

If the eco-friendly side of solar panels hasnt persuaded you, then maybe their cost-efficiency will. Solar energy is practically free, you just need a way to harness it. After the initial costs of installation, solar panels will begin to pay for themselves.

Think of them as an investment. You pay upfront for something that will return the invested money in the near future. Solar panels will not only return you the money, you will actually make a profit on them in a form of savings. With solar panels, your house will have completely free electricity, heating, cooling, etc. and your energy bill will be significantly smaller.

Even though it takes some time for solar panels to become fully cost-effective, its still an investment worth considering, especially in uncertain times like these, when the environment has been under a constant threat due to global warming and over-consumption and rampant industrialization, mainly in African and South-East Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Philippines. Therefore, choosing solar panels is a great way to do your part and contribute to a more eco-friendly future. Installing a zero-carbon SMA inverter will surely improve the quality of your solar panels and help you get your moneys worth in the long run.

As we said before, solar panels have been around for a number of years. This concept and idea have been developing and evolving for a long, long time and finally, we have come to the point where solar panels are not just some niche market that only few households can afford.

The technology has become widespread and the cost of production has become more economical. On top of that, governments all across the world have started to encourage potential buyers with federal and local subsidies, making these products attractive for homeowners more than ever. So now is probably the best time to go to solar panel shopping.

Also, you can just install one solar panel and use it to heat your water or run it as a backup when the power is down. There are a lot more options, but we recommend checking it with some of the companies that offer solar panel installation services. Trust us, if you create a good solar panel plan, you can almost cut your energy bill to zero.

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Solar Panels: Why Is Now the Right Time for Them - GREENandSAVE

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smart thermostats are the most popular smart home device overall of more than 20 different devices according to new research published in Strategy Analytics report Smart Home Survey - Device Segment Analysis - Smart Thermostats.

Strategy Analytics reports smart thermostats are most popular in the US where almost 50% of US smart homes have one. The devices are also the most popular smart home device in the UK and Germany; smart thermostats are the second most popular device in France, close behind surveillance cameras.

Nest is the most popular brand overall, followed closely by Honeywell. After the top two, the smart thermostat competitive landscape is wide open. In the UK, Centrica Connected Homes Hive thermostat is the most popular, almost twice as popular as Nest. In the US, ecobee is in nearly 20% of smart homes. Rounding out the top brands in Germany and France are Netatmo and tado.

Jack Narcotta, Senior Industry Analyst in Strategy Analytics Smart Home Strategies advisory service, said, The popularity of smart thermostats isnt that surprising, given that the devices embody many of the best practices for all smart home devices. Theyre widely available, theyre increasingly simple to install, theyre becoming easier to set up and activate, and brands apps take full advantage of consumers smartphones when it comes to thermostat operation and creating heating or cooling schedules.

Bill Ablondi, Director of Strategy Analytics Smart Home Strategies advisory service, added, Nest and Honeywell arguably created the smart thermostat market. Nest has a sizable presence in retail channels, where its brand enjoys high visibility among consumers. Honeywells massive network of dealers set the stage for its presence in the smart home market, and Honeywell spin-off Resideo will help those dealers evolve Honeywells first-generation offerings for the consumer market. Smaller brands such as ecobee, Hive, Netatmo, and tado will have to get creative to successfully compete with the top two brands.

About Strategy AnalyticsStrategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at http://www.strategyanalytics.com.

For more information about Strategy AnalyticsSmart Home Strategies: Smart Home Strategies (SHS) Home Page

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Strategy Analytics: Smart Thermostats Most Popular Smart Home Device - Nest and Honeywell on Top - Business Wire

In this exclusive factory tour and interview, The Manufacturer meets up with Bromptons chief operating officer Paul Williams to discuss the new factory, Bromptons training programme, two recent automation installations, the companys electrification development with Williams Advanced Engineering, and the secret to Bromptons unrivalled success in the personal transport industry.

There are many manufacturers located on the Greenford Industrial Estate in West London, but one among them is renowned for its truly unique and some might say quirky technology which led to it becoming a household name and design recognised the world over.

Brompton Bicycle Ltd moved to the Greenford estate from Brentford three years ago to take advantage of a much larger factory and manufacturing capability, as well as to house several new innovations and an ever-growing, locally sourced workforce.

The brand has become synonymous with efficiency and responsible attitudes towards the environment, as well as for its seemingly conventional design that betrays a much more innovative technology in the personal transport marketplace.

Founded in 1976 by inventor Andrew Richie, Bromptons road to success wasnt a smooth one despite winning many export, design and sales accolades.

Bromptons first iterations, prior to the folding-frame design it eventually become famous for, were rejected at the time by much larger bicycle manufacturers like Raleigh, who just didnt get it.

Unable to strike a partnership that would enable Brompton to step its production up a gear, the company resolved to go it alone, investing internally in its technologies and staff, resulting in a slower rise to the summit of British design and bicycle manufacturing.

More than four decades later, Brompton hit sales of 42.5m in 2019, an 18% year-on-year increase, and with the significant target of 60,000 units sold now in sight, the company is looking once again to the future of mobility and to its role in driving the pace of cycling evolution.

Our tour of Bromptons Greenford factory begins in the companys mini museum, an antechamber of now redundant versions of the Brompton bicycle mounted on the walls with historical descriptions underneath, to rows of ultra-modern, lightweight iterations in a variety of colours and metals on small podiums, showcasing the evolution of the Brompton over decades.

Although more advanced and therefore more costly for the customer, the overall design is still very much the same: that distinctive low, angular frame and high seat and handlebars that can be folded down to an area the size of a small suitcase and erected again in a matter of seconds.

Leading away from Bromptons history section, COO Paul Williams opens the door to the company of the present, and indeed the future.

The jewel in Bromptons manufacturing crown is undoubtedly its brazing capabilities. The largest production cell on its factory floor comprises tens of individual workstations manned by as many people.

Brompton prides itself on its ability to fuse different types of metal together individually and in a style that while neat and effective, does not hide the unique handiwork of each technician responsible.

Indeed, Brompton has installed a brazing board adjacent to the production cell, showcasing dozens of Polaroids of brazing work undertaken by its specialists. Each is unique to the worker for its tight, or conversely less crowded layering, at the bicycles joints while remaining equally strong and meeting all design and production specifications.

For me its really important our employees understand the cause and effect of what they do, said Williams. Brazing requires the highest commitment and skills level, and there arent many people doing brazing of this nature in the UK.

We consider out-house and in-house applicants for these roles, but at the moment we are finding more success with people hired internally, who see the brazing every day, who know what were about here, and who have a desire to get the torch in their hands.

The unique handiwork of each technician is an artisanal feature of Bromptons production process

We run a fairly intensive in-house training programme and build up over an 18-month period before trainees are given a real project, and weve found being diligent in that pursuit highly effective, he added.

Not wishing to rest on its laurels, the company is experimenting with three brazing machines designed and calibrated in-house by its own engineers to produce the unique Brompton hinge.

These are our autobraze machines that join the cast hinge to the thin walled tubes, explained Williams. They use pyrometers to monitor heating and cooling profiles as the brass is melted between the hinge and tube components. All three are fully-operational production war horses.

This hinge is the critical component that defines the Brompton bike, enabling it to fold perfectly away and be stored, without compromising the bikes performance, durability or safety.

It is this very hinge, seemingly simple in design but resilient and internally complex owing to miniscule notches allowing for precision and flexibility, that sets Brompton apart from copycat designs which cannot fold down in the same compact way, Williams said.

One Brompton-built hinge brazing machine is entirely manually operated, while another is part-operated by a technician and partly by automation, and a third is almost entirely robot-operated.

Automation has delivered a more than 20% volume gain for two years in a row

Williams toldThe Manufacturerthat while the company is always considering scope for automation, development in those areas does not need to come at the expense of its employees.

Many will be retrained in how to operate such machinery, and in its current triple-machine set up Brompton is able to experiment with three very different hinge production processes, each as valid as the next.

Williams said Brompton hinges brazed individually are also inscribed with the technicians initials in shadow parts of the component, allowing the company to monitor the quality and traceability of each hinge, while cultivating a simple system of pride and personal responsibility among its workforce.

Two recent automation additions to Bromptons Greenford site are in its painting department. Installed just before Christmas 2019, the company invested some 250,000 in two separate companion technologies in order to automate this area of production.

Designed and installed by Randex, Brompton now has a floor-to-ceiling paint picker which stands some 31 feet high and more than 14 feet across, silently selecting a range of colours to paint the bicycles and operated by a single technician who inputs the required colours via computer.

Once programmed, those selected colours are automatically fed into a separate, giant unit which carries the Brompton bicycles through on a conveyer-like hooking system and are sprayed from multiple angles according to requirement.

Sensors identify the various heights of multiple parts on hangers as they go through powder coating spray

Again, a single operator is charged with overseeing the entire robot from a control board, while manually using hand-held paint spraying apparatuses to get into all the shadow, or hard to reach corners of the frame the robot misses.

Since the end of 2017, the paint plant has used sensors to identify the various heights of multiple parts on hangers as they go through powder coating spray bringing a degree of automation to the process and enabling a throughput of 25,000-30,000 parts a month through this system.

This represents a 20% volume gain, nearer 30% in the past financial year, and contributed to addressing one of the most clunky bottlenecks in the business.

Other areas of automation were considering are in those which dont bring value add to the company for instance the movement, locating, and loading of stock. So, were looking at AGVs (automated guided vehicles), nothing bleeding-edge, but logistics are really one of the best places to start.

And we are really on a recruitment and growth drive so if I can redeploy people currently doing those jobs in areas where they will create more value add then I will. After that, we would just refine those processes over time to give rise to a more agile operation overall, Williams added.

A major development in Bromptons portfolio is the emergence of its electric bicycle range.

Still in the early stages, though already exporting some 6,000 units globally a year, the electric bike marks a step-change in Bromptons attitude towards the future of the personal transport marketplace and the role it wants to play in leading that evolution.

Williams Advanced Engineering is a technology and engineering business, providing world class technical innovation, engineering, testing and manufacturing services

Brompton has teamed up with Oxford-based cross-industry engineering leaders Williams Advanced Engineering in the development of this technology, to take Bromptons technology from design phase through to implementation.

WAE is perhaps best known for delivering discrete project support, right through to ground-up vehicle development programmes and associated support packages in automotive, especially in Formula One motorsport.

One of the key challenges Brompton successfully overcame when developing its electric bicycle, was how best to install a discreet motor inside the bike frame without compromising on the unique hinge design, efficient folding characteristic, or the size and weight of the product.

We could have gone back to the beginning with a blank sheet of paper and started again, but we recognised the USP Andrew Richies product had and theres a huge responsibility to build on that foundation, said Williams.

We went to WAE as our development partner because we had a challenging set of constraints to overcome and incorporate into an existing product.

We needed to produce the smallest width electric motor in the most compact, lightest-weight form, still in-keeping with the uniqueness of our product and now with a removeable battery and a separate, compact charging package while retaining a Brompton bike the rider can transport anywhere.

We ended up with a system that has a front wheel hub-drive motor delivering the power we needed, a battery that sits in our bagging system, and pushed tolerances right down to the nth degree in terms of the stack within the motor.

The flipside has set us some real operational challenges, there is no room for waving outside those really tight tolerances for everything we do because everything is stacked so tightly.

From that weve built a system we think gives real benefit to the customer. And weve essentially taken the pain on the operational side, by having a slower Takt-time, a more controlled training programme, as well as retaining in-house capabilities our suppliers thought were not possible.

Weve really had to push ourselves within manufacturing capabilities to meet the requirements of our in-house goals and those we were pushed to by Williams and what they thought was possible.

We could be producing a lot more electric bikes due to the demand, we could flood the market but weve held that spacious Takt time to make sure we learn and develop that product and integrity every time, said Williams.

Bromptons electric bicycle production cell is unique among the others in the factory, because in addition to being sparsely populated with relatively few technicians, it also moves at a much slower pace as the work requires near surgical precision.

One of the challenges facing Brompton is having enough engineers at the level it needs.

Williams told The Manufacturer that of the technicians currently working in the electric bicycle production cell, almost all were seasoned Brompton employees with the highest level of technical skills, many with more than two decades of service at the company.

All are also receiving additional, ongoing training in electric bike manufacture, he said.

Recruitment in manufacturing is a constant challenge here at Brompton. We are in a particularly challenging place in West London, in that not a huge amount of manufacturing happens here, Williams explained.

If I go to the automotive sector in the Midlands and try to recruit from there, I am competing on an entirely different cost basis from what it costs a person to live in west London for instance, with like-for-like salaries, we simply wont stack up because it is much higher here.

Our challenge is having enough engineers out there at the level we need. Currently, our workforce is comprised of about 37 nationalities, but many are locally sourced. Our job is making this an appealing place to work while recognising we are in a higher than average cost of living part of the UK.

We do what can in terms of school tours, volunteering days, events where we can get engineering and manufacturing into the minds of young people and especially among females. Our customer base is 50% female and wed like that to be represented in our design, our manufacturing and our management.

With a workforce of 37 nationalities, Bromptons focus is on making the company an appealing place to work

Other challenges we face are a fast-moving world, having to manage things on a global scale, sales activities in our global offices, supply chains in Eastern Europe, right down to those 1,200 components hitting the production line right when you need them.

But thats common to all manufacturers and we are just pleased to be a part of that and creating a product that, when it reaches the customer, essentially makes them happier and healthier, and enables them to live in the city in a different way. Its a privilege to contribute to a greater good, added Williams.

Out of nowhere came this virus and businesses are doing what they can to mitigate. But at the end of the day you must have the flexibility in your operational capability to flex and pivot as required, said Williams.

That is potentially one reason why we havent gone in for wholesale automation, because that reduces flexibility on the level of technical capability, and by being a predominantly human-based operation we can redeploy, putting people where they need to be to react to those changing situations.

Brexit is another factor that informs this way of working and we will act accordingly as things become clearer for business, he concluded.

Reporting by Rory Butler

*All images courtesy ofBrompton

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How Brompton is steering the future of electric bicycles - Manufacturer.com