First Net-Zero Energy Bank Location In U.S. Opens In Florida
TD Bank has opened the nation’s first net-zero energy bank location in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Kevin Gillen, Florida Regional President, TD Bank, said, “In one year, we have achieved carbon-neutrality throughout our entire footprint and have opened more than 20 environmentally-friendly stores and offices. We are thrilled to open the first net-zero energy commercial bank location in the U.S.”
The new TD Bank store will require approximately 97,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a year to operate, but its 400 solar panels will produce a minimum of 100,000 kWh a year . Only eight buildings in the nation are registered as NZEBs, and TD Bank will be the first to register a net-zero energy commercial bank.
New Public Hydrogen Station Adds Convenience for FCX Clarity Customers
Southern California’s network of hydrogen refueling stations continues to grow with the opening of the world's first station supplied by an existing hydrogen pipeline. The new Shell hydrogen station in Torrance, CA, next to major freeway corridors and the Los Angeles International Airport, taps into an existing industrial hydrogen pipeline serving a nearby refinery. The station is outfitted with multiple fuel dispensers, which allow for the simultaneous refueling of four vehicles in less than five minutes.
Virgin America and Google Team Up To Offer Chromebooks @ 35,000 Feet
Virgin America is teaming up with Google to offer guests the opportunity to “test-fly” Google’s new Chromebook for free onboard their flight and at select airport gates. Virgin America flyers will have the exclusive chance to check out a Chromebook at their departure airport gate and take the new notebook computer out for a spin onboard select Virgin America flights. In addition, flyers who check out a Chromebook will receive a free WiFi session onboard Virgin America via the Gogo® network.
Virgin America was the first airline to offer fleetwide WiFi, so Chromebook users on all Virgin America flights can open their browser and surf the web for free at 35,000 feet. “Our goal has always been to use the best in technology to reinvent the travel experience - and help bring some fun back to flying,” said Porter Gale, VP, Marketing, Virgin America.
Barnes & Noble Invites Customers To Compare NOOK To Other eReaders
Barnes & Noble is inviting customers to experience its NOOK reading devices. Consumers who bring any eReader into a Barnes & Noble bookstore to compare and upgrade to a NOOK device will receive an instant NOOK Book collection -- 30 free digital titles valued at $315.
“We are confident that side-by-side comparisons with other eReaders will show NOOK products to be the superior choice,” said Jamie Iannone, Pres., Digital Products, Barnes & Noble. “We invite reading lovers to visit their neighborhood Barnes & Noble bookstore to see, hold and touch our innovative NOOK products and encourage them to upgrade their reading experience while kicking off their collection with a limited-time bonus of 30 free NOOK Books.”
Redbox To Offer Video Game Rentals
Redbox, America's movie rental destination, will offer video game rentals at more than 21,000 redbox locations nationwide. Top video games will join new release movies for only $2 a day complementing $1 DVD and $1.50 Blu-ray daily rental prices. “Redbox will increase consumers’ access to video game rentals by leveraging our technology to keep rental prices low for consumers,” said Mitch Lowe, President, Redbox. “Redbox will be the one-stop shop for entertainment.”
Nintendo 3DS To Offer Free Wi-Fi Access At 25,000 Locations Nationwide
A new alliance with Simon Property Group will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with complimentary wireless connections at nearly 200 Simon shopping malls throughout the country. Nintendo 3DS users can also access hotspots at more than 1,000 Best Buy stores. Through an expanded agreement with AT&T, Nintendo 3DS users will have access to nearly 24,000 of AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspots. Nintendo 3DS users can choose from a wider-than-ever variety of convenient places to connect their systems and enjoy unique downloadable content.
“With thousands of free Wi-Fi access points through our alliances, Nintendo 3DS users across the country can instantly enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences wherever and whenever they like,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “The system makes it easy for people to connect with their surroundings and each other, even when they're away from home.”
2012 Honda Civic Turns Macy's Store Window Into New-Model Showroom
The fashion-forward 2012 Honda Civic Coupe recently took up residence in the windows of Macy’s stores in New York, to promote the Civic Racing Style sweepstakes heralding the arrival of the all-new, ninth generation Honda Civic. Visitors to the Macy’s stores, or to any of 53 participating New York-area Honda dealers, are eligible to join the Honda contest. Eleven top-prize winners in the Civic Racing Style sweepstakes will win a 2012 Honda Civic LX Coupe and a $2,500 IZOD shopping spree. Twenty runners up will win a “second chance” trip for two to the IZOD IndyCar World Championship race in Las Vegas, NV. “Teaming with iconic brands like Macy's and IZOD makes this one of the most unique promotions we have undertaken,” said Richard Kent, senior manager of Honda.
Mercedes-Benz First Teen Driving School In U.S. To Open In Los Angeles
Mercedes-Benz USA plans to open the company's first Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in Los Angeles, offering a fully integrated driver’s education program and school that incorporates online, classroom and behind-the-wheel training for Los Angeles-area teens. Carolyn Duchene, Director for the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, said, “The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will connect with students and parents using a personalized approach that creates a unique offering among driver's education services for new teen drivers.”
Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy aims to be the only car manufacturer to offer a California DMV-approved program, fully integrated with the Graduated Driver Licensing framework. The goal of the Academy is to prepare students for today's driving environment.
KFC Opens Eco-Friendly Restaurant
KFC has opened an eco-friendly restaurant in Indianapolis, IN that features design advances in the energy efficiency, community connections and water conservation. “This new KFC Green restaurant is part of our E3 initiative, which looks at Economically responsible ways of saving Energy and being Environmentally aware,” said Roger McClendon, Chief Sustainability Officer for Yum! Brands, parent company of KFC Corp.
The building is designed to use 25% less energy and water than a conventional KFC restaurant. It features energy-efficient cooking equipment, LED lighting, locally sourced building materials, parking preference for hybrid vehicles, fixtures designed for lower water use, and waste recycling (including cooking oil).
Pizza Patron Brings ‘Quick Service Pizza’ To Houston, TX
Pizza Patrón, the #1 Latin pizza brand, opened its newest Quick Service Pizza (QSP™) restaurant in Houston, TX, designed to bring the convenience and value of fast food to the pizza segment. Pizza Patrón’s QSP model features a QSR drive-thru lane that includes an order menu with a two-way speaker system, and a pick-up window where customers complete the transaction without leaving their car. Pizza Patron’s fast-bake system bakes pizzas in just over three minutes.
American Express Opens Exclusive Lounge At Universal Studios Florida
American Express and Universal Orlando Resort have introduced a new benefit for American Express Cardmembers visiting Universal Orlando Resort: a new lounge located within Universal Studios Florida theme park. The American Express Lounge will open to guests who purchase a multi-park ticket or an Annual Pass with their American Express Card.
The Lounge will offer guests an inviting, air-conditioned space with complimentary chilled beverages and light refreshments. The Lounge will be staffed with a concierge to help guests make dining reservations, secure tickets and learn about special American Express offers available throughout the theme park.
“With its service offering centered around helping guests to relax and recharge, the American Express Lounge provides a memorable way for families to enhance their experience at this vacation destination,” said Shane Berry, Sr. VP at American Express.
Delta Airlines To Launch OTG Media Bar To Enhance Customer Experience
Delta Air Lines will introduce the OTG Media Bar at its hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), part of its $2 billion investment to improve the travel experience for its customers. The OTG Media Bar™ is a virtual newsstand where customers will have the option to rent an Apple iPad, loaded with the content of their choice. The devices will be available at Cibo markets conveniently located through the terminal, and customers can download publications, movies, music and apps to enjoy during their flight. Once the guest reaches their final destination, a pre-paid postage box received at time of rental is used to return the iPad.
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