The Mall of Georgia is set to begin work on a new food court that they will call The Dining Pavilion and also plan to renovate the outdoor area known as The Village, officials said.

Simon, which owns the mall, said it has its sights set on making the food court into a premier dining destination. In a press release, Simon said the food court will undergo a major transformation that will involve many upgrades, including a new color palette, a bar-height seating area, soft-seating banquettes, communal-style table along with lighting upgrades and new tile flooring.

The mall announced enhancements to the Village that will include a new fire pit, state-of-the-art synthetic turf in the amphitheater and a newly designed childrens play area named The Park. Upgrades will also include the installation of comfortable seating, Adirondack chairs, accent lighting, a new sound system throughout The Village and LED lighting in the interactive fountain.(Artist Rendering: Simon)

Our goal is to continually evolve as a shopping, dining and entertainment destination, both for our local community and across the southeast, said Mall of Georgia General Manager John DiCioccio. This renovation project further strengthens Mall of Georgia as one of the areas premier landmarks and will ultimately provide our guests a next-level experience, whether visiting one of our coveted brands, dining in any of the top eateries or attending one of the many community events and live entertainment held in The Village area.

Officials said renovations will also take place in the mens and family restrooms adjacent to the food court. According to the relase, both restrooms will receive updated paint, modern accent fixtures and upgraded lighting. A new hand washing station will also be installed in the mens restroom corridor. These enhancements follow a recent update of the womens restrooms.

In addition to those areas insise, the mall plans to renovate The Village area located right outside of the food court. That area includes six restaurants including The Cheesecake Fatory, Marlows Tavern and Tin Lizzys Catina. Plans call for a fire pit to be installed in that area as well as state-of-the-art synthetic turf in the amphitheater and a newly designed childrens play area named The Park.

Officials said the renovation will also include the installation of comfortable seating, Adirondack chairs, accent lighting, a new sound system throughout The Village and LED lighting in the interactive fountain.

The plan, officials said, is to have all the renovations completed by the end of the year. The mall will remain open through all phases of the work.

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Mall of Georgia food court, outdoor Village to undergo 'major transformation' - Gwinnettdailypost.com

The small blue and turquoise pieces of the Cannon River wind along the west exterior wall of Faribaults Chamber of Commerce.

Nearby, a grove of trees in shades of green stand at attention and a cluster of daisies is tickled by an oversize hummingbird buzzing overhead. Piece by piece, section by section, Caron Bell affixes the colorful segments of tile to the backing board, made specifically to withstand the weather. With each step up the ladder, the design comes more clearly into focus.

The 5-foot-6 mosaic, which celebrates the life of former Chamber Marketing Director Barb Larson, came from images of the Cannon and the areas wildflowers, said Bell, a Minneapolis artist whose proposal was selected over nine others. Bell said she wanted a design that was reflective of the city and of Larson, a beloved Faribaulter who was killed last December at the chamber office by her ex-husband in a murder-suicide that shocked the community.

It was something Im truly connected to, said Bell. So it didnt feel like work.

Bell, who lost her father, younger brother and longtime boyfriend within a three-year span, said she immediately felt drawn to the project. Grief counseling, she said, taught her that nothing will ever fully take away the sadness that those type of losses bring.

Theres always going to be this hole. Its how we fill it. Why not fill it with goodness, love and kindness? I knew I was going to be picked, she said of her selection, laughing off her prescience.

As Bell, Chamber staff, and Larsons sisters and sons worked to hone the design, the artist wanted to use colors Larson favored and incorporated six words that describe Larson and the Faribault community: welcoming, friendly, beautiful, strong, hopeful and passionate. Those words are embossed in many of the tiles, made specifically for the project by a Minneapolis tile maker.

Barbs son, Erik Larson, who checked on the installation Saturday morning, said he was especially taken with those tiles, and others from Portugal and Italy. The words and the tiles origin truly reflected his mom, her personality and her love of travel, he said.

Watching Bell complete the piece, Erik Larson said he thought how beautiful it was and how beautiful my mom was on the inside and out.

Bell said the project took about two months start to finish.

It follows a remodel of the Chamber lobby where the Larsons died. Its now an open space filled with vivid hues deep turquoise and orange that reach skyward. Chamber President Kymn Anderson, who points out the remodeling was paid for by several local businesses, says a second piece of art honoring Barb Larson will soon grace the lobby. This one, a textile, will be completed by Northfield artist Judy Saye-Willis.

Saye-Willis, a friend of Larsons, shed her initial grief by dying fabrics using deep, dark tones, said Anderson. But as she moved through the shock, the colors became brighter. She ended, Anderson said, by using a turquoise dye on a creamy silk that will be used to create the finished piece, Hope.

The connection to Larson, for mosaic artist Bell, didnt end once the design was set.

During the process, I felt there was motivation because of (Barb) and I could feel her presence, said Bell, noting how the synchronicity would give her chills.

Kymn needs this, she said of Anderson, the community needs this.

Erik Larson said, he, too, has experienced a measure of healing from the artwork and what it represents.

It feels good that the community wants to do this for her, he said. I just cant get over how helpful the community has been. Its home.

Reach Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-333-3134. Follow her on Twitter @rooksuzy

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Artwork celebrates the life of beloved chamber employee - Southernminn.com

The Original Tune-Up: Wood Reconditioning

Cabinet Refacing or Re-dooring

Custom cabinets

Cabinet Storage Accessories

Granite Counter Tune-Up

Has everyday wear and tear caught up with your cabinets? Are your cabinet drawers worn? Does the wood seem greasy or grimy? Our unique, comprehensive wood reconditioning process (tune-up) makes woodwork look like new in only one day. Our amazing, affordable process works on cabinets, window sills, mantels etc. in your kitchen and throughout your home and business.

If you want to update the style of your kitchen without a dramatic change or are simply looking to refresh your cabinets, cabinet redooring may work for you. In about two days you can get an updated look without the hassle or cost of installing new cabinets.

Cabinet refacing enables you to revitalize your kitchen with new doors, drawer fronts and matching veneer, while keeping your existing cabinet boxes. Without changing the familiar layout of your kitchen, you can improve both its appearance and durability. You can create a new kitchen look without the new kitchen price tag in only three to four days.

If you would like to change the layout of your kitchen, need special cabinetry or simply want a completely new and fresh look, we can help. With countless styles and colors to choose from, we make it easy to create the kitchen of your dreams. We'll start by visiting your home for an initial free consultation. If you know what you want, well help you achieve it. If you need creative ideas, well show you plenty. We are there to listen to your wants and needs.

#1 in Category: Entrepreneur Magazines 2016 Franchise 500 list. We have been ranked #1 for more than 20 years!

Top franchise under $50,000 by Entrepreneur Magazine

Ranked among 101 Best of the Best Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine

Ranked among Bonds Top 100 Franchises for 2015 (6th) Edition

"Thanks to the Ericksons! Everything happened on time and the estimates they gave me were realistic and true. The kitchen turned out better than I had hoped. Thanks!!

--Kathy Rooney, Gooding 5/15 (Full Reface, 2 new cabinets, countertop)

I absolutely love my new kitchen! The entire team, Noel, Donna, Steven and Dela, were so personable and helpful.

-Deb Drake, Kimberly (Cabinet Reface, new countertop and backsplash, added cabinets)

Our cupboards look great! I was very tickled! The cabinets looked like new!

--Sandy Vickers, Twin Falls(Tune-up)

I am very pleased with the tune-up My cabinets look beautiful! The Ericksons are professional and very accommodating very nice people towork with.

Rosita Lecertua, Twin Falls

Extremely good and hard-working crew. Nice to see in this day and age.

-Frances Kambrich,Buhl. (Whole house tune-up)

A great job done! Thirty-year-old cupboards look like new! Nice people to work with.

-- Jim and Betty Yeggy, Twin Falls

You could not have nicer people working for you. Very knowledgeable really present product with sincerity. Wonderful service and product.Our kitchen is beautiful!

--Tom and Sue Burnikel, Twin Falls (Reface)

I walked in and it took my breath away! Its really beautiful! I cant believe its the same kitchen! I have been so pleased with the cabinets, the workmanship and the service.

--Barbara Thompson, Hailey(Reface)

"Lori and I want to express our gratitude to Noel, Donna and Steven Erickson for their professionalism and work quality in the remodeling of our kitchen and bathrooms. Their work was on time and it was of high quality. The most impressive thing about the Kitchen Tune -Up folks was their excellent communications with us before, during and after our kitchen remodel. They are honest and sincere in their desire to do the best for their customer. We would hire them again when needed and certainly would recommend them to others. We have received many compliments about how nice the kitchen looks. Thank you again Kitchen Tune- Up team. You are the best!"

--Ken and Lori Gates, Twin Falls

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Kitchen Tune-Up of Twin Falls - Twin Falls Times-News

(From left) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) outlined plans for the rest of the summer session yesterday. C-SPAN

Despite weeks of partisan fighting over health care, Senate leadership said yesterday they're aiming to confirm a slew of pending executive branch nominees before breaking for the August recess.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) both signaled they were making progress on what the Kentucky Republican said could be "a pretty robust package of nominations that will clear, that will help the administration get up and get running, which has been, as you know, quite a challenge for them."

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) contrasted the pace of confirmations under President Obama, when Republicans were in the minority, to that of Trump's record for the same period. Obama's 206 is "about four for every one" of Trump's 55, he said.

He noted that 84 pending nominees have cleared committees and are "ready to go." Barrasso called on Schumer to drop his nominee blockade as vowed, now that the health care fight was over.

Schumer defended the delays, saying Cabinet slots and high-level positions such as the FBI director deserve a close vetting. "To just rush them through doesn't make much sense," he told reporters.

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But the minority leader said he would honor his pledge to stop dragging the confirmation process out.

"When they weren't doing regular order on health care, we were not going to do regular order on the things they want," Schumer said. "And then they say to us no regular order on the most important thing we're facing. But I always said after health care was over, we'd try to get together on a good package, and we're making good progress in that regard."

Among the pending nominees are Robert Powelson and Neil Chatterjee, two Trump picks for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission whose confirmation would restore the agency to a voting quorum for the first time in months.

Should the White House submit the nomination of Richard Glick, the Democrats' pick to fill another FERC vacancy, to the Senate in the coming days, that could ease the path for Powelson and Chatterjee.

Also awaiting floor votes are: Susan Bodine, Trump's pick to lead U.S. EPA's enforcement office; Annie Caputo and David Wright to join the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Trump's pick to be deputy Energy secretary, Dan Brouillette, who cleared committee last month.

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) recently told Politico he had a hold on Brouillette's nomination over the Trump administration's plans to revive the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev.

The Senate yesterday voted 66-31 to confirm Kevin Newsom to be a judge on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which occasionally hears environmental law cases out of Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Newsom, a former solicitor general for Alabama, is Trump's third appeals court appointee. Most recently, he was a partner at Alabama-based Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. He also previously was an associate at the D.C. office of Covington & Burling and a clerk for former Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

Additionally, the Senate confirmed Christopher Wray, to replace fired FBI Director James Comey, by a 92-5 margin.

Senators also approved several Defense picks by voice vote, including: Richard Spencer to be secretary of the Navy; Lucian Niemeyer to be an assistant secretary of Defense; and, Ellen Lord to be undersecretary of Defense for acquisition.

Reporter Amanda Reilly contributed.

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Senate leaders working on 'robust' deal on nominees - E&E News

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers regarding commercial HVAC systems.

What is HVAC?How does my AC work?What type of AC systems are available?How is humidity controlled with an AC system?How do refrigerants deplete the ozone layer?

What is HVAC?

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment perform heating and/or cooling for residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor air to dilute interior airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from interior furnishings, chemicals used for cleaning, etc. A properly designed system will provide a comfortable indoor environment year round when properly maintained.

How does my AC work?

An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air as is passes over a cold coil surface. The indoor coil is an air-to-liquid heat exchanger with rows of tubes that pass the liquid through the coil. Finned surfaces connected to these tubes increase the overall surface area of the cold surface thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics between the air passing over the coil and liquid passing through the coil. The type of liquid used depends on the system selected. Direct-expansion (DX) equipment uses refrigerant as the liquid medium. Chilled-water (CW) can also be used as a liquid medium. When the required temperature of a chilled water system is near the freezing point of water, freeze protection is added in the form of glycols or salts. Regardless of the liquid medium used, the liquid is delivered to the cooling coil at a cold temperature.

In the case of direct expansion equipment, the air passing over the indoor cooling coil heats the cold liquid refrigerant. Heating the refrigerant causes boiling and transforms the refrigerant from a cold liquid to a warm gas. This warm gas (or vapor) is pumped from the cooling coil to the compressor through a copper tube (suction line to the compressor) where the warm gas is compressed. In some cases, an accumulator is placed between the cooling coil and the compressor to capture unused liquid refrigerant and ensures that only vapor enters the compressor. The compression process increases the pressure of the refrigerant vapor and significantly increases the temperature of the vapor. The compressor pumps the vapor through another heat exchanger (outdoor condenser) where heat is rejected and the hot gas is condensed to a warm high pressure liquid. This warm high pressure liquid is pumped through a smaller copper tube (liquid line) to a filter (or filter/dryer) and then on to an expansion device where the high pressure liquid is reduced to a cold, low pressure liquid. The cold liquid enters the indoor cooling coil and the process repeats.

As this liquid passes through the indoor cooling coil on the inside of the heat exchanger, two things happen to the air that passes over the coils surface on the outside of the heat exchanger. The airs temperature is lowered (sensible cooling) and moisture in the air is removed (latent cooling) if the indoor air dew point is higher than the temperature of the coils surface. The total cooling (capacity) of an AC system is the sum of the sensible and latent cooling. Many factors influence the cooling capacity of a DX air conditioner. Total cooling is inversely proportional to outdoor temperature. As the outdoor temperature increases the total capacity is reduced. Air flow over the indoor cooling coil also affects the coils capacity and is directly proportional to the total capacity of an AC system. As air flow increases, the total capacity also increases. At higher air flow rates the latent capacity of the cooling coil is reduced. Indoor temperature and humidity also affect the total capacity of the AC system. As indoor temperatures increase, the sensible capacity also increases. Similarly, as indoor relative humidity increases the latent capacity of the AC system increases. Manufacturers of AC equipment typically provide a performance map of specific equipment to show how total, sensible, and latent capacity change with changing indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity. Power consumption and energy efficiency are also provided in these charts.

What type of AC systems are available?

Cooling Only Split-System

A split system is a combination of an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor condensing unit. The indoor air handling unit contains a supply air fan and an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger (or cooling coil), and the expansion device. The outdoor condensing unit consists of a compressor and a condenser coil. Split-systems are typically found in residential or small commercial buildings. These systems have the highest energy efficiency rating (EER) of all the available AC systems. Manufacturers are required to take the EER rating a step further and provide a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for use by consumers. SEER ratings vary widely and range from 10 to 20. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC system operates. If heating is required, an alternate method of heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas heating.

Cooling Only Packaged-System

A packaged system is a single unit combining all the components described in the split system. Since the unit is a package, it must be placed outside the building and indoor air is ducted from the building to the packaged system and back through an air distribution system. These units typically have SEER rating from 10 to 18. If heating is required, an alternate method of heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas heating.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps are similar to cooling only systems with one exception. A special valve in the refrigeration piping allow the refrigeration cycle to be operated in reverse. A cooling only system cools the indoor air and rejects heat to the outdoors. A heat pump can also cool the indoor air, but when the valve is reversed, the indoor air is heated. A supplementary electric resistance heater may also be used to assist the heat pump at lower outdoor temperatures. In colder climates, heat pumps require a defrost period. During defrost times the electric heater is the only means of heating the interior of the building. These units are manufactured as either split or packaged systems.

Chilled Water System

In a chilled water system, liquid water is pumped throughout the building to chilled water coils. Since the liquid water needs to be at a cold temperature, a cooling plant is required. The plant is typically referred to as a chiller plant. Vapor compression equipment in the plant, similar to that described in How does my AC work, cool water to a cold temperature and pump the cold water to air-to-water heat exchangers where needed.

Window Air Conditioners

As the name implies, a window air conditioner is typically installed in a window or custom opening in a wall. The Window AC can only cool small areas and are not intended to provide cooling to multiple rooms or zones. These air conditioners are manufactured as cool only or can provide both cooling and heating. An optional damper in the unit can provide fresh outdoor air if necessary.

Packaged Terminal Heat Pump

How is humidity controlled with an AC system?

Humidity is becoming more of a concern to building operators and owners. High indoor humidity leads to mold and mildew growth inside the building. The are several methods of controlling indoor humidity. The simplest (and most expensive) method is to connect a humidistat to an electric heater. When the humidity inside the building rises above the humidistat set point, the heater is turned on. The additional heat causes the air conditioning system to run longer and remove more moisture.

A more efficient method of controlling humidity is to use the waste heat from the refrigeration cycle itself. Instead of rejecting the waste heat outdoors, the heat is directed inside when humidity control is required. One form of heat reclaim is called hot-gas reheat or refrigerant desuperheating where refrigerant is passed through a heat exchanger located downstream of the cooling coil. The hot high pressure vapor leaving the compressor passes through this heat exchanger prior to entering the condenser coil. This in turn heats the indoor air and again causes the AC system to run longer to meet the thermostat set point. Although more energy is used, this is much more efficient than turning on an electric heater. Another form of heat reclaim is called sub-cool reheat. This strategy takes the warm liquid refrigerant from the condenser and passes it through a heat exchanger located downstream of the cooling coil. Less heat is available using this method because the majority of the heat has already been rejected at the condenser. Since more energy is used to pump liquid (as opposed to a gas) through the heat exchanger it would appear that this method is less efficient than the hot-gas method, however, the liquid in the heat exchanger is sub-cooled in the cold supply air stream which increases the capacity of the air conditioner. Since more capacity is available, the AC units is able to meet the thermostat more quickly.

Heat pipe heat exchangers or run-around coils perform a similar function when humidity control is required. Two heat exchanger are placed in the air stream, one upstream of the cooling coil and the other downstream of the cooling coil. These heat exchangers are connected together with piping. A heat transfer fluid, whether it be water or refrigerant, is either pumped or gravity fed from one heat exchanger to the other. The heat exchanger down stream of the cooling coil (re-heat coil) cools the liquid medium inside the heat exchanger and heats the air passing over the heat exchanger. The cold liquid inside the heat exchanger is moved to the heat exchanger upstream of the cooling coil (pre-cool coil) where it pre-cools the air passing over the heat exchanger and warms the liquid passing through the heat exchanger. The affect of a heat pipe or run-around coil is to reduce the sensible heat capacity of the AC system. The latent capacity of the AC system increases if direct-expansion equipment is used or remains relatively constant if chilled water equipment is used. Since the sensible capacity of the AC system has been reduced, the system must run longer to meet the thermostat set point thereby removing more moisture.

How do refrigerants deplete the Ozone layer?

Refrigerant 22 (R-22 or MonoChloroDiFlouroMethane, CHClF2) is one of the most common refrigerants and is used in a wide variety of applications such as refrigeration, aerosol propellants, cleaning solvents, and foaming agents for plastics. This refrigerant is believed to be partially responsible for damaging the earths ozone layer and its use is being phased out over the next two decades. The ozone layer is a result of sunlight reacting with oxygen to produce a layer in the stratosphere more than 10 km above the earths surface. As R-22 refrigerant escapes from an AC system through leaks or is released into the atmosphere by other means, the R-22 molecule containing the chlorine atom (monochloro) rises in the atmosphere. Sunlight breaks down the R-22 molecule to yield a free chlorine radical (Cl-). The free chlorine radical combines with ozone (O3), decomposing it into normal oxygen (O2).

AC refrigerants come in many varieties. R-22 is the most common, however, due to interactions with the ozone layer R-22 is being phased out. Refrigerants manufactured as replacements for R-22 are HFC-134a, R-410a, R-410b to name a few. The new refrigerants do not contain the chlorine atom and are not harmful to the earths ozone layer.

Read more here:
HVAC Systems

CORPUS CHRISTI -

How often do you clean and change your furnace and air conditioner filters?

According toenergy.gov, it should happen every month, or as recommended by a licensed contractor which, in our region, could mean even more often.Adirty filter can increase energy costs and damage equipment. Regular maintenance can also help those who battle allergies, by improving the overall air quality in the home.

In addition to a dirty filter, common air conditioner problems include a low or leaking refrigerant, issues with the thermostat or a clogged drain.

The Better Business Bureau often receives complaints against heating and air conditioning businesses nationwide. Most involve issues with guarantees/warranties, customer service and services performed by the business.

When it comes to looking for a trustworthy HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractor, the BBB suggests:

Got a question for the BBB? Email Regional Director Kelly Trevino atktrevino@corpuschristi.bbb.org.

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Improve comfort, health and efficiency with HVAC maintenance - KRIS Corpus Christi News

DUBLIN--(Business Wire)--The "Global HVAC Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It is a technology used to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. A HVAC system is based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. HVAC is an important part of residential as well as commercial buildings. The market is filled with different kind of HVAC appliances. Heating appliances like heater, furnace and heat pumps, are used to generate heat in buildings via central heating or local heating. Ventilation appliances are used to change or replace air in any building to regulate temperature. And air conditioning appliances are used in cooling of indoor air for thermal comfort.

HVAC equipments are installed in buildings to achieve heating, cooling and ventilation. HVAC equipments can be broadly segmented into two categories that include residential equipments and commercial equipments. Residential HVAC equipments are used in houses whereas commercial equipments are used in commercial buildings.

HVAC market is likely to witness a growth in future with the rising construction of residential as well as commercial buildings. North America is a major contributor to the global HVAC equipment market supported by increased demand for HVAC systems and accelerating replacement rates of HVAC systems.

The global HVAC market is expected to grow in future due to rising construction activities, increasing population, urbanization and disposable income, climatic changes and decreasing unemployment rate. Key trends of this market include rising trend of smart building, demand for replacements and rising adoption of smart phones. However, there are some factors which can hinder growth of the market including rapid technological changes.

Companies Mentioned

Key Topics Covered:

1. Overview

2. Global HVAC Market

3. Regional Market

4. Market Dynamics

5. Competition

6. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5s565j/global_hvac

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005760/en/

Research and MarketsLaura Wood, Senior Managerpress@researchandmarkets.comFor E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716Related Topics: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

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Global HVAC Market - Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) - HVAC Market to Grow with Rising Trend of Smart ... - Digital Journal

New VR portfolio, including the worlds first professional wearable VR PC, makes HP the partner of choice for immersive customer experiences

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2017 HP today announced a unified approach and commercial solutions for virtual reality (VR), positioning itself as the partner of choice for businesses looking to reduce concept to production cycle times, improve training procedures and deliver fully immersive customer experiences. As part of this strategy, the company is unveiling the worlds first professional wearable VR PC1 the new HP Z VR Backpack. Crafted to bring the full potential of VR to-life, it is the worlds most secure and manageable wearable VR PC2ever created.

Virtual reality is changing the way people learn, communicate and create,said Xavier Garcia, vice president and general manager, Z Workstations, HP Inc.Making the most of this technology requires a collaborative relationship between customers and partners. As a leader in technology, HP is uniting powerful commercial VR solutions, including new products like the HP Z VR Backpack, with customer needs to empower VR experiences our customers can use today to reinvent the future.

The opportunities for commercial VR are limitless for businesses in product design, architecture, healthcare, first responder training, automotive and entertainment. Emerging technologies like VR create breakthrough experiences for customers from reinventing the buying experience in automotive showrooms to changing the way hospitals train their staff.

HPs Winning Approach to VR

HPs approach to virtual reality is founded upon its rich history of product innovation and deeply rooted customer relationships. HP works as an extension of its customers businesses, which enables it to deliver the most immersive technologies that help businesses lead their industries. HP technology not only provides commercial-grade reliability, but also established world-class partnerships that bring together the complete VR ecosystem with Intel, NVIDIA, Technicolor, HTC Vive and others.

The company is investing in immersive virtual and augmented reality technologies to give customers and partners superb tools for commercial VR use cases. This effort solidifies HPs long-term commitment to VR and helping customers use VR to reinvigorate their business. Thirteen immersion centers will open later this year in Palo Alto, Houston, Boise, Fort Collins, Stockholm, London, Paris, Barcelona, Boeblingen, Beijing, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore, and have been designed so customers can have an immersive experience using HP VR technology and receive consulting and learn how to best deploy VR devices within their business to streamline workflows.

The Mobility to Transform HP Z VR Backpack

TheHP Z VR Backpacksolution provides the freedom to move and maintain total immersion with high-octane visual performance and docking capabilities that transform it into a manageable, powerful desktop PC experience. The HP Z VR Backpack is a catalyst for more powerful VR experiences across many enterprises and businesses including the following use case examples:

With the workstation-class HP Z VR Backpack, the full potential of VR is brought to-life. HPs fully immersive and untethered VR Backpack is light with an ergonomic backpack design and hot swappable batteries to provide unrestricted freedom within an immersive experience. It has high-end processing power and the latest high-fidelity graphic solution to help prevent disruptive dropped frames so users can work in VR for as long as needed. The IntelCore i7 vPro processor provides the power to process applications quickly and includes the vPro chipset. The HP Z VR Backpack is the first wearable VR PC in the market with the NVIDIAQuadroP5200 with a huge 16GB video memory3. Finally, itsdocking solutionlets digital creators quickly transition back and forth between high powered desktop for content design and wearable VR PC to validate creations. The HTC Vive Business Edition HMD (sold separately) is part of the HP VR portfolio. HP Z VR Backpack is scheduled to be available in September starting at $3,299 USD. The datasheet is availablehere.

The HP VR Product Portfolio

HPs versatile, high-powered devices empower customers to create and consume VR content. HPs commercial grade products are designed for mission critical business applications that require high levels of security, manageability, reliabilty and ISV certified applications.

TheHP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstationdelivers ultimate power and performance and can be configured with the optimal horsepower and graphics solutions to bring VR content to-life in an ultra-smooth 90 FPS VR experience.

HP Z Desktop Workstationsare designed to create visually stimulating, accurate and compelling VR content. HP Z Workstations desktops feature the latest processors and graphics cards and are built to stay quiet, cool and reliable for graphic-intensive tasks.

TheHP EliteDesk 800 G3 Tower, a VR-certified PC, features high performance and expandability in a stylishly redesigned 26 percent smaller chassis for the modern workplace. It is ideal for companies wanting to future-proof their technology and deliver state-of-the-art capabilities.

TheOMEN X Compact Desktopbrings gamers an immersive experience. The factory-overclocked GPU from NVIDIA and versatile form factor means it can dock and undock quickly for gaming anywhere or can be used as a backpack for an untethered consumer VR gaming experience.

Project Mars

HP alsoannouncedHP Mars Home Planet, a project in partnership with NVIDIA, Technicolor, Fusion, Autodesk, Unreal, Launch Forth and Vive. The collaboration will create a global online co-creation community to reinvent life on Mars for one million humans, in virtual reality.

Glenn is a geographer and a GIS professional with over 20 years experience in the industry. He's the co-founder of GISuser and several other technology web publications.

Read the original here:
HP Debuts Virtual Reality Solutions and Services for Businesses - GISuser.com (press release)

Foundation Building Materials (NYSE: FBM) and Apogee Enterprises (NASDAQ:APOG) are both small-cap construction companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, profitabiliy, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Foundation Building Materials and Apogee Enterprises net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

91.0% of Foundation Building Materials shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.1% of Apogee Enterprises shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

Apogee Enterprises pays an annual dividend of $0.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Foundation Building Materials does not pay a dividend. Apogee Enterprises pays out 19.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Foundation Building Materials and Apogee Enterprises top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Apogee Enterprises has higher revenue, but lower earnings than Foundation Building Materials.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Foundation Building Materials and Apogee Enterprises, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Foundation Building Materials presently has a consensus price target of $19.86, indicating a potential upside of 65.20%. Apogee Enterprises has a consensus price target of $64.67, indicating a potential upside of 23.34%. Given Foundation Building Materials higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Foundation Building Materials is more favorable than Apogee Enterprises.

Summary

Apogee Enterprises beats Foundation Building Materials on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

Foundation Building Materials Company Profile

Foundation Building Materials, Inc. is a specialty distributor of wallboard and suspended ceiling systems in the United States and Canada. The Companys segments include Specialty Building Products and Mechanical Insulation. The Company fabricates and distributes its products for specialty contractors seeking to improve or maintain energy efficiency in a range of commercial and industrial buildings. It serves markets across the United States and in Canada. Specialty building products segment distributes wallboard and accessories, metal framing, suspended ceiling systems and other products. Other products include stucco and Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), as well as offerings, such as tools, safety accessories and fasteners. Its Mechanical insulation segment includes insulation solutions for pipes and mechanical systems and the primary end markets served are new non-residential construction, non- residential repair and remodel construction and industrial markets.

Apogee Enterprises Company Profile

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. is engaged in the design and development of glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings and framing art. The Company operates through four segments: Architectural Glass, Architectural Services, Architectural Framing Systems and Large-Scale Optical Technologies (LSO). The Architectural Glass segment fabricates coated glass used in customized window and wall systems. The Architectural Services segment designs, engineers, fabricates and installs the walls of glass, windows and other curtainwall products making up the outside skin of commercial and institutional buildings. The Architectural Framing Systems segment designs, engineers, fabricates and finishes the aluminum frames used in customized aluminum and glass window, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems. The Large-Scale Optical Technologies segment manufactures glass and acrylic products for the custom picture framing and fine art markets.

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HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announced a unified approach and commercial solutions for virtual reality (VR), positioning itself as the partner of choice for businesses looking to reduce concept to production cycle times, improve training procedures and deliver fully immersive customer experiences. As part of this strategy, the company is unveiling the worlds first professional wearable VR PC1 - the new HP Z VR Backpack. Crafted to bring the full potential of VR to-life, it is the worlds most secure and manageable wearable VR PC2 ever created.

Virtual reality is changing the way people learn, communicate and create, said Xavier Garcia, vice president and general manager, Z Workstations, HP Inc. Making the most of this technology requires a collaborative relationship between customers and partners. As a leader in technology, HP is uniting powerful commercial VR solutions, including new products like the HP Z VR Backpack, with customer needs to empower VR experiences our customers can use today to reinvent the future.

The opportunities for commercial VR are limitless for businesses in product design, architecture, healthcare, first responder training, automotive and entertainment. Emerging technologies like VR create breakthrough experiences for customers from reinventing the buying experience in automotive showrooms to changing the way hospitals train their staff.

HPs Winning Approach to VR

HPs approach to virtual reality is founded upon its rich history of product innovation and deeply rooted customer relationships. HP works as an extension of its customers businesses, which enables it to deliver the most immersive technologies that help businesses lead their industries. HP technology not only provides commercial-grade reliability, but also established world-class partnerships that bring together the complete VR ecosystem with Intel, NVIDIA, Technicolor, HTC Vive and others.

The company is investing in immersive virtual and augmented reality technologies to give customers and partners superb tools for commercial VR use cases. This effort solidifies HPs long-term commitment to VR and helping customers use VR to reinvigorate their business. Thirteen immersion centers will open later this year in Palo Alto, Houston, Boise, Fort Collins, Stockholm, London, Paris, Barcelona, Boeblingen, Beijing, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore, and have been designed so customers can have an immersive experience using HP VR technology and receive consulting and learn how to best deploy VR devices within their business to streamline workflows.

The Mobility to Transform HP Z VR Backpack

The HP Z VR Backpack solution provides the freedom to move and maintain total immersion with high-octane visual performance and docking capabilities that transform it into a manageable, powerful desktop PC experience. The HP Z VR Backpack is a catalyst for more powerful VR experiences across many enterprises and businesses including the following use case examples:

With the workstation-class HP Z VR Backpack, the full potential of VR is brought to-life. HPs fully immersive and untethered VR Backpack is light with an ergonomic backpack design and hot swappable batteries to provide unrestricted freedom within an immersive experience. It has high-end processing power and the latest high-fidelity graphic solution to help prevent disruptive dropped frames so users can work in VR for as long as needed. The Intel Core i7 vPro processor provides the power to process applications quickly and includes the vPro chipset. The HP Z VR Backpack is the first wearable VR PC in the market with the NVIDIA Quadro P5200 with a huge 16GB video memory3. Finally, its docking solution lets digital creators quickly transition back and forth between high powered desktop for content design and wearable VR PC to validate creations. The HTC Vive Business Edition HMD (sold separately) is part of the HP VR portfolio. HP Z VR Backpack is scheduled to be available in September starting at $3,299 USD. The datasheet is available here.

The HP VR Product Portfolio

HPs versatile, high-powered devices empower customers to create and consume VR content. HPs commercial grade products are designed for mission critical business applications that require high levels of security, manageability, reliabilty and ISV certified applications.

The HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation delivers ultimate power and performance and can be configured with the optimal horsepower and graphics solutions to bring VR content to-life in an ultra-smooth 90 FPS VR experience.

HP Z Desktop Workstations are designed to create visually stimulating, accurate and compelling VR content. HP Z Workstations desktops feature the latest processors and graphics cards and are built to stay quiet, cool and reliable for graphic-intensive tasks.

The HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Tower, a VR-certified PC, features high performance and expandability in a stylishly redesigned 26 percent smaller chassis for the modern workplace. It is ideal for companies wanting to future-proof their technology and deliver state-of-the-art capabilities.

The OMEN X Compact Desktop brings gamers an immersive experience. The factory-overclocked GPU from NVIDIA and versatile form factor means it can dock and undock quickly for gaming anywhere or can be used as a backpack for an untethered consumer VR gaming experience.

Project Mars

HP also announced HP Mars Home Planet, a project in partnership with NVIDIA, Technicolor, Fusion, Autodesk, Unreal, Launch Forth and Vive. The collaboration will create a global online co-creation community to reinvent life on Mars for one million humans, in virtual reality.

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HP, Inc. (HPQ) Presents Virtual Reality Solutions & Services for ... - StreetInsider.com