MARKETING COORDINATOR (APAC)
Suchita P.
PR & MARKETING COORDINATOR
James H.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Vasanti M.
CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR
Shalmali W.
CREATIVE DESIGN HEAD
Sankalp K.
Divya B. GRAPHIC DESIGNER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Narendra S.
DIGITAL CIRCULATION MANAGER
Amanda V.
A Revolution in Industrial Safety! Inthefast-evolvinglandscapeofindustrialsafety,ensuringthewell-beingofworkersandtheseamless operationofmachineryhasneverbeenmorecritical.AtTheEnterpriseWorld,werecognizethepivotalrole thatsafetyswitchesplayinsafeguardingindustriesacrosstheglobe.Thesedevicesarethesilentguardians thatpreventaccidents,protectequipment,andensurethatoperationsrunsmoothly
Itiswithgreatprideandenthusiasmthatwepresentourlatestissue,"TheBestSafetySwitches ManufacturingCompanies."Thisspecialeditionisdedicatedtocelebratingtheinnovatorsandleaderswho areattheforefrontofthisessentialsector Throughrigorousresearchandanalysis,wehaveidentifiedthe companiesthatstandoutfortheirexcellenceinquality,innovation,andreliability
Inthisissue,youwillfindin-depthprofilesofthetopsafetyswitchmanufacturers,eachofwhomhas demonstratedacommitmenttoadvancingsafetystandardsandtechnologicaladvancements.These companiesarenotjustsuppliers;theyarepartnersinprogress,helpingindustriesacrossvarioussectors maintainthehighestsafetyprotocols.
Oureditorialteamhasworkeddiligentlytoprovideyouwithcomprehensiveinsightsintothelatesttrends, challenges,andopportunitieswithinthesafetyswitchindustry.Fromcutting-edgeproductdevelopmentsto successstoriesofimplementation,weaimtoprovideawell-roundedperspectivethatunderscoresthe importanceofthesecriticalcomponents.
Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeatured
WitharobustpresenceintheIndian SchmersalIndiaPvtLtd. marketandbackedbytheglobalexpertiseoftheSchmersalGroup,SchmersalIndiastandsoutforits innovativesolutions,stringentqualitystandards,andunwaveringcommitmenttoenhancingworkplace safety Thisarticledelvesintothebestsafetyswitchmanufacturingcompany-SchmersalIndiaPvtLtdasa keyplayerintheindustry
ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportofTheEnterpriseWorld.Together,letuschampionthecauseofsafety andinnovationineveryindustry
Stay safe and stay inspired!
W.
Shalmali
halmaliS
Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeaturedSchmersal IndiaPvtLtd.WitharobustpresenceintheIndianmarket andbackedbytheglobalexpertiseoftheSchmersalGroup, SchmersalIndiastandsoutforitsinnovativesolutions, stringentqualitystandards,andunwaveringcommitmentto enhancingworkplacesafety Thisarticledelvesintothebest safetyswitchmanufacturingcompany-SchmersalIndiaPvt Ltdasakeyplayerintheindustry.
SchmersalIndia,100%subsidiaryoftheSchmersalGroup, specializesindevelopingandmanufacturingsystemsand solutionsworldwidetoenhancemachinesafetyandpromote occupationalhealthandsafety.Withacorefocuson machinerysafety&services,itisingrainedinthecompany’s DNA.
SchmersalIndiaprovidescomprehensivesolutionsfroma singlesource,encompassingcomponents,controlsystems, andsoftwareasasolution.Thecompanyisadeptatcrafting tailoredsafetyconceptstosuitspecificapplications,ensuring optimalsafetymeasures.
Thetec.nicumbusinessunitofSchmersalIndiaaddsvalueto itsofferingsthroughacomprehensiveserviceprogram, whichincludesmanufacturer-neutralsafetytraining, consulting,engineering,integration&validationfurther optimizingitsrangeofsolutions.
Withaglobalpresence,Schmersaloperatesthrougha networkofbranchesandeightproductionsitesworldwide. Thecompanyremainscommittedtostayingabreastof technologicaladvancementsandcontinuouslyinvestsin researchanddevelopment(R&D)capabilities.This dedicationenablesSchmersaltoconsistentlyprovide customerswithcutting-edgesafetysolutions.
Mr.RamjiSingh,VicePresidentofSchmersalIndia,leads byexample,fosteringopencommunicationandbuilding relationshipswithhisteamgroundedintrust,respect,and transparency.Mr.Singhactivelylistenstotheirconcernsand feedback,providesregularrecognitionandfeedback,and offersopportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopment.
10 RAMJI SINGH UPSHOT BLOG BUDAPEST WHERE EVERY CORNER HOLDS A STORY, EVERY STREET AN ADVENTURE
HOW TO LEVERAGE YOUR LINKEDIN NETWORK TO REACH INVESTORS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR 18
AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE ON THE FRANCHISE TAX BOARD FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS
CASE STUDY ARTICLE HOLLISTER FROM CALIFORNIA VIBES TO ALLINCLUSIVE GLOBAL FASHION BRAND
A Leader in Manufacturing Best-in-Class Safety Switches RAMJI SINGH | VICE PRESIDENT Inindustrialsafety,theimportanceofreliableandhigh-qualitysafetyswitchescannotbe overstated.Thesecriticalcomponentsplayapivotalroleinsafeguardingmachineryandensuring theprotectionofworkersacrossvarioussectors.Amongtheleadingcompaniesrenownedfortheir excellenceinmanufacturingtop-tiersafetyswitchesisSchmersalIndiaPvtLtd.Witharobust presenceintheIndianmarketandbackedbytheglobalexpertiseoftheSchmersalGroup, SchmersalIndiastandsoutforitsinnovativesolutions,stringentqualitystandards,andunwavering commitmenttoenhancingworkplacesafety Thisarticledelvesintothebestsafetyswitch manufacturingcompany-SchmersalIndiaPvtLtdasakeyplayerintheindustry
Mr.RamjiSingh,VicePresidentofSchmersalIndia,leadsbyexample,fosteringopen communicationandbuildingrelationshipswithhisteamgroundedintrust,respect,and transparency.Mr.Singhactivelylistenstotheirconcernsandfeedback,providesregular recognitionandfeedback,andoffersopportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopment.
Cover Story TransformingWorkplacesintoSaferWorkingEnvironment SchmersalIndia,100%subsidiaryoftheSchmersalGroup, specializesindevelopingandmanufacturingsystemsand solutionsworldwidetoenhancemachinesafetyandpromote occupationalhealthandsafety Withacorefocusonmachinery safety&services,itisingrainedinthecompany’sDNA.
SchmersalIndiaprovidescomprehensivesolutionsfroma singlesource,encompassingcomponents,controlsystems,and softwareasasolution.Thecompanyisadeptatcrafting tailoredsafetyconceptstosuitspecificapplications,ensuring optimalsafetymeasures.
Thetec.nicumbusinessunitofSchmersalIndiaaddsvalue toitsofferingsthroughacomprehensiveserviceprogram, whichincludesmanufacturer-neutralsafetytraining, consulting,engineering,integration&validationfurther optimizingitsrangeofsolutions.
Withaglobalpresence,Schmersaloperatesthrougha networkofbranchesandeightproductionsitesworldwide. Thecompanyremainscommittedtostayingabreastof technologicaladvancementsandcontinuouslyinvestsin researchanddevelopment(R&D)capabilities.This dedicationenablesSchmersaltoconsistentlyprovide customerswithcutting-edgesafetysolutions.
Leadership in Action SincetheinceptionofSchmersalIndiaPrivateLimitedin 2007,a100%subsidiaryofSchmersalGroup,Germany,Mr. Singhhasbeenanintegralpartoftheorganizationsince 2015.HejoinedasAssociateVicePresidentofSalesand currentlyholdsthepositionofVicePresidentofSales& MarketingatSchmersalIndia.
Leadingwithanoptimisticandpositivevisionofthefuture, heimprovesthechancesofleadingasuccessfulteam. Focusingoneveryone’sinnatepotentialgiveshimmore opportunitiestoleveragetheuniquetalentsofhis employees.Mr.Singhconsistentlydemonstratesintegrity, honesty,anddecisivenessinhisactions.
CommitmenttoIndustrialSecurity Withapproximately350globallyvalidpatents,Schmersalboastsauniqueselling proposition(USP)attributedtoitsglobalnetworkofskilledsafetyconsultants andtheservicesofferedbyitstechnologydivision.
AdistinctiveaspectofSchmersalIndiaisitsstatusasthesolemanufacturerof safetyswitchesinthecountry Thislocalizationreduceslogisticdelaysandcosts, servingasasignificantUSPforSchmersalSafetyProductstailoredtotheIndian market.
SchmersalIndiaobservesthatwhileIndianorganizationsarebeginningto recognizethesignificanceofsafetymeasures,raisingawareness,andpersuading themtoadheretosafetyprotocolsremainsachallenge.Safetypracticeswithin theirworkforceareoftenperceivedsolelyasalegalobligation.Establishinga secureinfrastructureposesadailychallenge,butSchmersalIndiaremains optimisticaboutthemarket’spotential.Fortunately,thereisaproactiveattitude amongindividualswhoaspiretosuccess.SchmersalIndiaaimstoeducateand enlightentheindustryaboutindustrialsafetypractices,fosteringacultureof learningandawareness.
Cover Story LeadingtheWayinComprehensiveSafetySolutions SchmersalIndia,aspartoftheSchmersalGroup,offersa comprehensivearrayofsafetyswitchingappliancesandsystems globally,aimedatsafeguardingbothhumanlifeandmachinery Withaportfoliocomprisingover18,000diversesafetyproducts, thecompanyspecializesinprovidingtailoredsystemsolutions. Amongitsextensiveproductrangearesafetyswitchesand monitoringsystemsforguardingdoors.Additionally,itoffers monitoringsafetyswitches,commanddeviceswithsafety functions,tactilesafetydevices,andoptoelectronicsafety devices.
Furthermore,SchmersalIndiaexcelsinsafesignalprocessing withofferingssuchassafetymonitoringmodules,safety controllers,andsafetybussystems.Intherealmofautomation, thecompanyprovidessolutionsforpositiondetection,command andsignalingdevices,anddevicessuitableforhazardous environments(ExZone).Additionally,itsliftswitchgear encompassespositionswitcheswithsafetyfunctions,door contacts,inductiveproximityswitches,magneticreedswitches, andelevatorpositioningsystems.
ConsistencyandQuality Cateringtoadiverserangeofindustriesincluding elevatorsandescalators,intralogistics,packaging,food processing,pharmaceuticals,beverages,andmachine tools,SchmersalIndiaisatrustedpartnerinensuring workplacesafety Additionally,itservesheavy industriessuchascementandmining,steelproduction, coalmining,automobiles,plastics,textiles,and robotics.
SchmersalIndia’scommitmentextendsbeyondproduct offeringstoencompasscomprehensivesafetyservices. Theseincludeapplicationconsulting,CEconformity assessment,riskassessmentincompliancewiththe MachineryDirective,stop-timemeasurements,training courses,andtheprovisionofguardingsolutionssuchas safetyfences.Additionally,thecompanyoffers specializedservicesinmachinesafety,automation, explosionprotection,andhygienicdesign,reflectingits expertiseandcompetenceintheseareas.
Asadomesticmanufacturingentityequippedwith essentialinfrastructureandexpertise,SchmersalIndia viewsthecurrentGovernmentinitiative “ATMANIRBHARBHARAT”asagatewaytonew businessprospectsandcontinuedgrowth.Thecompany isparticularlyoptimisticabouttheautomationsector andisdedicatedtoenhancingman-machinesafety standards.
Itisindeedremarkabletoreflectonthepassageoftime, particularlyconsideringSchmersalIndia’s17-year presenceinthecountry Whatdistinguishesthe companyisitsproactiveandinnovativeapproach, whichbeganlongbeforethenation’smomentumpicked up.
FromVisiontoReality SchmersalIndiaboastsestablishedR&Dteams specializinginelectro-mechanicalproductdesignand embeddedsoftwaredevelopmentforongoingprojectsof SchmersalGermany,aswellasIndustry4.0solutions tailoredtocustomerapplicationneeds.Currently,anew teamisbeingcultivatedforelectronichardware development,withthedesignanddevelopmentteam havingundergoneFunctionalSafetyCertification(FSC) fromTUV
Additionally,SchmersalIndiacollaborates withotherSchmersalsubsidiariesfrom Germany,Brazil,andChinatodevelop productsandsolutionstailoredtosimilar marketrequirements.Thecompanyis experiencingsignificantgrowth,positioning itselfasarapidlyexpandingcentrefor productdevelopmentandmarketpenetration withintheSchmersalGroup.
Lookingahead,thechallengeforSchmersal Indialiesinmaintainingitsinfluential positionamidstincreasingcompetition.While competitionishealthyfortheindustry,the companyfacesthetaskofcontendingwith competitorsestablishinglocalproductionand competingonvariousfronts.However, SchmersalIndiainitiatedthisjourneya decadeago,instillingconfidenceinthe company’sprospectsbothinIndiaand globally
Inthelongterm,Schmersalisconfidentinits abilitytoserveasaone-stopturnkeysolution provider,offeringacomprehensiveproduct, services,andsolutionportfoliotomeetthe diverseneedsofitscustomers.
Where EVERYCORNER Holds a Story, EVERY STREET an ADVENTURE Did you know Budapest is home to one of the world’s oldest metro systems? After London, Budapest Metro is the second oldest underground railway in the world. It is widely known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. But this is not all about it. From the majestic Hungarian parliament building to the lively ruin bars, there’s an endless array of experiences to be discovered in this city.
Join us on a journey where we will learn about the rich and fascinating history of the city, its cultural heritage, some of its interesting facts, and a brief guide on how to explore the city.
Climate & Best Time To Visit Budapest experiences a humid continental climate. Summers are hot, often reaching high temperatures, while winters are cold and dry, though they tend to be relatively short.
In winter, the average temperature is between 34°F - 40°F, but it can get low as -14°F.
In summer, the average temperature is 69°F, but the city suffers from several heat waves with highs of over 86°F.
ThebesttimetovisitthecityisMayorSeptember.Youwillbeabletowalkaroundinshort sleevesatthattimeandneedwarmjacketsatnight..
Rich and Fascinating History TheearliestevidenceofhabitationinBudapestdatesbacktotheStoneAge.Inthelate9thcentury,Hungarians arrivedandestablishedBudaandPest,withBudabecomingtheroyalresidenceinthe13thcentury
In1541,theOttomanEmpiretookoverBudaandrulednearlyfor150years.In1686,Habsburg,apowerful EuropeanDynastyborecontroloverBuda.Itcametolifein1873whenthethreehistoricallyrichtownsofBuda, Óbuda,andPestcombinedtoformthecityofBudapest.
WorldWarIIcausedheavydestruction,resultinginextensivedamageandlossoflife.Manybuildings,including thebridgesovertheDanubeRiver,weredestroyed. Afterthewar,thecitywasunderthecontroloftheSoviets untiltheendofcommunismin1989.ThecitybecamepartoftheEasternBloc,underthegroupofcommunist statesunderSovietdominance.
The1956HungarianRevolutionwasakeymomentofresistanceagainstthecommunistregime.InOctober 1956,theSoviet-imposedpoliciesandthecommunistgovernmentbeganinBudapest.TheHungarianRevolution sawmassprotests,armedresistance,andatemporaryoverthrowofthegovernment.Therevolutionledto thousandsofdeathsandremainsasignificantsymbolofthestruggleforfreedomandresistanceagainst oppressioninHungarianhistory
Budapest,thecapitalofHungary,ispopular amongtouristsandvisitors.In2019,itwas awardedasoneofthefinestdestinationsin Europe.Thecityoffersmultipleculturaland wonderfulviewstovisitors.Whicheverside youchoose,onethingisforsure:afantastic panoramaopensbeforeyoureyesfromthe banksoftheDanube.Itwasthefirsttobe listedintheWorldHeritageSite,followed bytheBudaCastleDistrictandthehistoric surroundingsofAndrássyAvenue.
OnbothsidesoftheDanubeRiver,there arefantasticmasterpiecesofarchitecture, suchastheparliament,theheadquartersof theHungarianAcademy,theGresham Palace,andtheVigadobuildinginthePest.
Anothermasterpiece,AndrássyAvenuewas addedtotheUNESCOWorldHeritageList duetoitsstunningbuildingsalongthe roadside.Theseinclude-theOperaHouse, theNeo-RenaissanceAcademyofMusic, theArtNouveauFashionHall,Heroes’ Square,theMuseumofFineArts,andthe MilleniumMonument.
MUST-SEE SIGHTS 8 DanubePromenade:ItisascenicwalkwayalongthebanksoftheDanube River,offeringbreathtakingviewsofthecity'siconiclandmarks.Visitorscan strollalongtheriver,enjoyingviewsoftheParliamentBuilding,BudaCastle, andtheChainBridge,especiallyatthetimeofsunset.
DohanyStreetSynagogue:ItisthelargestsynagogueinEuropethatservesas asymbolofBudapest’sJewishHistory.Peopleallaroundvisitheretoseeits MoorishRevivalarchitecture,stunninginteriors,andmovingHolocaust memorial.
BudaCastle:ItstandsasamajesticsymboloftheroyalhistoryofBudapest’s past,offeringpanoramicviewsofthecityandhousingmuseums.
GellertBaths:ItisthemostfamousArtNouveauthermalbathinBudapest, HungaryaswellasinEurope.Thereare10poolsofvarioussizesand temperaturesopeneverydayfrom9amto7pm.Visitingthebathisindeeda beautifulandhistoricalexperienceforvisitors.
MargaretIslands:ItislocatedinthemiddleoftheDanube River,andfeatureslushgardens,joggingpaths,recreational facilities,andhistoricallandmarkssuchastheruinsofa medievalmonasteryandamusicalfountain.
HungarianParliamentBuilding:Itisthelargestbuildingin HungarydesignedintheGothicRevivalstylethathousesthe nationalassembly.
St.Stephen’sBasilica:ItisthemostsacredCatholicChurch inHungary Visitorscanenjoythestunningviewsofthecity fromthetopoftheBasilica.
BudaCastleCaves:TheyarethenetworkofnaturalandmanmadecavesbeneathBudaCastle.Inhistory,theywereusedfor multiplepurposeslike;storagespaces,shelters,andasa hospitalduringWorldWarII.
Interesting Facts About Budapest You Didn’t Know It hosts the Sziget Festival, one of Europe’s largest music and cultural events, attracting over 500,000 attendees annually.
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Margaret Bridge is the second-oldest in the city, connecting Buda and Pest.
The Dohány Street Synagogue in the city is the largest synagogue in Europe. It can seat 3,000 people and was built in 1854 and completed in 1859.
Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts houses an extensive collection spanning from Ancient Egypt to modern masters.
The ofcial currency of Budapest is the Hungarian Forint(Ft, HUF), sometimes mistakenly called the Florin. Hungary has been planning to replace the Forint with the euro since 2003, but still, there is no target date to adopt the euro.
Food to Try in Budapest ItoffersadelightfulfusionoftraditionalHungariancuisinesandcontemporarydiningexperiencesthatreflectitsvibrant historyandculturaldiversity.Here,wearesharingsomeofthefoodsyoushouldnevermiss;
LÁNGOS:
ItisBudapest’stastieststreetfoodsnack.Itis madeusingflour,yeast,water,andsalt.
LECSÓ:
ItisaclassicHungariancomfortfood consistingoftomatoes,sweetpeppers,onions, andpaprika.
FŐZELÉK:
ItisoneofBudapest’smostfillingvegetarian dishesandfallssomewherebetweenasoup andastew.
PÖRKÖLT:
ItisaHungarian-stylemeatandonionstew oftenservedwithpotatoesorpasta.
RAKOTT KRUMPLI:
Itisadishoflayeredpotatoes,bakedwith sourcreamandhard-boiledegg.
Tips For Travelers Prices:
Pricesandcostsinthecityarerelativelyinexpensive,especiallywhencomparedtootherEuropeancapitalcities.Youcanhavea goodmealfor€10oreatduringaboatridefor€69.
PublicTransports:
Youcanvisitthecityonfoot,butifyouprefernottowalk,publictransportisavailable-Metro,Tram,Bus,Trolleybus, Funicular,SuburbanTrains,andTaxis.
CONCLUSION
Budapest offers visitors an unforgettable experience, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cuisines. Whether exploring the Danube Promenade, Gellert Baths, or tasting Hungarian avors, Budapest captivates you with beauty and charm. Its welcoming atmosphere and cultural richness invite you to create long-lasting memories with its beauty.
An Essential Guide on the Franchise Tax Board For Businesses and Individuals Did you know the taxes you pay help to keep parks green, roads safe, and make the top-notch schools around you? The franchise tax board in the state of California makes sure that the money collected from the taxes supports essential services like education, healthcare, and public safety. By managing and collecting these taxes, the board has become the economic engine for the state.
In this blog, you will learn about the Franchise tax board, its history, functions, benets, and many other related questions that can save an enterprise from paying penalties.
What Is the FRANCHISE TAX BOARD? FranchiseTaxBoardisagovernmentagencyinthestateofCalifornia(US)responsible foradministeringpersonalandcorporateincometaxlaws.Itplaysacrucialrolein managingCalifornia’staxsystem,whichhelpstofundstateprogramsandservicesthrough effectivetaxcollection.
ManypeopleconnectitwiththeIRSbecauseoftheirsimilarfunctionality.Buttheyboth arequitedifferent.Thisboardoperatesatthestatelevelratherthanthefederal.California FranchiseTaxBoardstatesthatitsmissionisto“helptaxpayersfiletaxtimely, accurately”,andpayonlythecorrectamounttothefundservices.
HOW THE FRANCHISE TAX BOARD STARTED? TheFranchiseTaxBoardwascreatedin1950tomaketaxcollectionmoreefficientinCalifornia.Beforethat,theBoardof Equalization(BOE)handledthetaxes,butasthecorporateindustrygrew,anewsystemneededtobeadded.
TheFranchiseTaxBoardstartedbymanagingthepersonalincometaxandthecorporatefranchisetax.Overtimewithmore expansion,itbegantoincludeothertaskslikecollectingchildsupportpaymentsandoverseeingvarioustaxcreditsand deductions.
Theboardwascontrolledbythreeofficialstooperatethesystemsmoothlyandfairly Theywere:
CaliforniaStateController
DirectorofCaliforniaDepartmentofFinance
ChairpersonoftheCaliforniaStateBoardofEqualization
ThestatecontrollerandthechairpersonoftheBoardofEqualizationareelectedofficials,whiletheDirectorofthe DepartmentofFinanceisappointedbytheGovernorofCalifornia.
ItwasstartedwithanobjectiveinfavorofCaliforniansthat:
Theydon’tneedtopayextrataxes
Helppeopleunderstandandfollowthetaxlaws
Providegoodservicetothetaxpayers.
Today,theyhavemodernizedtheirprocessesbyusingadvancedtechnologieslikeonlinefillingsandelectronicpayments.
Primary Function of Franchise Tax Board TheboardisresponsibleforadministeringtwoofCalifornia’smajortaxprograms:PersonalincometaxandCorporation tax.ItalsoadministersothernontaxprogramsandvehicleregistrationdebtcollectiononbehalfoftheDepartmentofMotor Vehiclesandcourt-ordereddebtcollection.Nowhavealookatitsprimaryfunction:
COLLECTING TAXES Theboardcollectstaxesfromindividualsand businessesoperatingwithinCalifornia.
PROCESSING TAX RETURNS Itprocessesstatetaxreturnsfiledbyindividuals andcorporations,issuingrefundsorcollecting additionaltaxes.
ENFORCING TAX LAWS ItensurescompliancewithCalifornia’staxlawsby auditingreturns,collectingunpaidtaxes,and collectingpenaltiesfornon-compliance.
PROVIDING TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE Itoffersvariousservicesforthetaxpayersto understandandcomplywiththetaxlaws includingeducationalandcustomersupport.
HowisFranchiseTaxBoardDifferentFromOtherIncomeTaxBoards? Tounderstandthedifferencebetweentheseboards,youneedtofirstunderstandthedifferencebetweenfranchisetaxand incometax.Unlikestateincometaxes,franchisetaxesarenotbasedonacorporation’sprofit.Abusinessentitymusthaveto payandfilefranchisetaxesindependentofwhethertheyaremakingaprofitornot.Ontheotherhand,incometaxesdepend onhowmuchanorganizationmakesduringtheyear.Foryourconvenience,hereisaclearcomparison.
Features Scope Technological Advancements Public Outreach Responsibilities
Governance Structure
Franchise Tax Board ItadministersCalifornia-specific taxes:personalincometax, corporatefranchisetaxes,etc.
Itusestechnologytailoredto Californians,includingonline fillings,electronicpayments,and otherdigitaltaxpayerresources.
Engagesinoutreachcampaigns, educationalprograms,and customerservices.
Managesprogramslikechild supporttaxandtransporttax collections.
Governedbyathree-member boardwheretwoofthemwere appointedbythegovernor.
Other Income Tax Board Itadministersthestateincome taxesacrossbroaderjurisdictions.
Itutilizestechnologytomanage taxfillings,payments,and complianceacrossbroader jurisdictions.
Conductnationalorstatewide outreachcampaignstoinform taxpayersabouttaxlawsandtheir importance.
Focusentirelyonincometax collection,noadditionaltax collectionisinvolved.
Governedbyfederalauthoritiesor state-specificstructures showcasingnationalorstatewide mandates.
BENEFITS OF PAYING TAXES TO THE FRANCHISE TAX BOARD ItactsasaLegalDocument:Payingtaxtothetaxboardholdsimmenselegalvalue.Itisrecordedwiththegovernmentand actsaslegalproofintwoways:
IdentityProof:Thereturnyoufilloutcanbecomeidentityproofwhenyou’reapplyingforanynewidentities,likedriving licensesoranyother Thegovernmentacceptsitasproofofaddressaswell.
IncomeProof:Itcanbeusedasincomeproofassometransactions,suchaspropertypurchaseswhereyouneedtoshowyour proofofincome.
Helpyouwhileapplyingfortheloans:Whenyouapplyforaloantopurchasesomething,sayacar,orhomeforyour family,therearemanydocumentsbanksaskfor.Onesuchdocumentisincomeproof.Thisconfirmsyourpastandcurrent financialsituationandwhetheryou’llbeabletopaytheloanornot.
AvoidPenaltyandPunishment:Ifyou’repayingyourtaxestimely,thechancesofpayingpenaltiesorextrachargesgetnil.
Helpsinplanningtogoabroad:Havingahistoryoffilingtaxestimelyhelpsyouimproveyourchancesofgettingvisa approvaleasily.Itgivesfinancialdetailstotheembassy.
Franchise Tax Board is a government agency that collects taxes from individuals and corporations in the state of California. It works as the heart of the economic engine in California that supports in growth of the state in several ways. Paying taxes may hurt for a moment, but if you see its benets, you will be happy to do it in favor of your surroundings. It indirectly works for you.
FROM CALIFORNIA VIBES TO ALL- INCLUSIVE GLOBAL FASHION BRAND Since sustainable and conscious fashion was
introduced in the fashion industry, many brands have taken the initiative to develop conscious fashion lines. While we see a lot of brands complying with this, there have been brands that have been in controversy regarding their nonsustainable products. One of those brands has been Hollister, a fast fashion retail brand that is known for its California vibes. In this article, we will learn more about the retail brand, its history, global presence, and marketing strategies.
TheFictionalBeginning Hollister,oftenknownasHCo.isaretailbrandownedbyAbercrombie&FitchCo.Itsellsapparel,accessories, andfragrances.ItopeneditsfirststoreonJuly27,2000,attheEastonTownCenterinColumbus,Ohio. Abercrombie&FitchlaunchedHollistertotargetayoungerdemographic,specificallyconsumersaged14-18, withitsSoCal-inspiredimageandcasualwear.Despiteitstargetagegroup,theappealofthebrandextends beyondteenagersandhasgainedpopularityamongawideraudience.
MikeJeffries,theformerCEOofAbercrombie&Fitch,createdafictionalbackgroundstorytoformtheconcept ofHollisterandprovideauniqueatmosphereforitsshoppers.Accordingtothefictionalstory-J.M.Hollister foundedthebrandin1922asaPacificmerchantshopinSouthernCalifornia.Thisfictionalbackstorywas designedtoattractconsumersandcreatealifestylebrandthatconsumerscouldengagewith.
Thebrandquicklygainedpopularityandexpandeditspresenceglobally.By2013,therewere587stores worldwide,generatingovertwobilliondollarsinsales.Thebrand'ssuccesscanbeattributedtoAbercrombie& Fitch'seffectivebrandpenetrationstrategies.
IsHollisterSustainable&Ethical? Hollisterhasbeeninquestionaboutitsethicalpracticesbecauseofitsfabricchoices.Itusesfabricslikemixed polyester,wool,down,leather,andotheranimal-basedmaterials.Ithasreceivedaratingof‘notgoodenough’in termsofsustainabilityon‘GoodOnYou’,aplatformthatevaluatesbrandsbasedontheirsustainabilitypractices.
Onitswebsite,thebrandhasmentionedthatitpracticessustainability,butthereisnoevidencethatitistaking meaningfulaction.Neithertoreduceoreliminatehazardouschemicalsinitsmanufacturingprocessesnortoprotect biodiversityinitssupplychain.Itreceivedalowratingfromexpertsforitslackofsupplychaintransparencyand useofsustainablematerials.Peoplehavecriticizedthebrandfornotbeingtransparentaboutworkingconditionsin itssupplychain.
Itfallsshortwhenitcomestotakingcareofitsworkers.Noneofitssupplychainiscertifiedtoensureworkerhealth, safety,andlaborrights.Accordingtothe2023FashionTransparencyIndex,Hollisterreceivedascoreof31-40%, whichisaslightimprovementfrombefore,butthere'sstillalongwaytogo.There'snoproofthatthebrand promotesdiversityandinclusioninitssupplychain.Italsousesfewlower-impactmaterials,andwhileitaimsto source25%ofitscottonsustainablyby2025,thisisstillasmallpercentageofitsoverallcottonusage.Despitethis, thebrandhasshownintentionsofintroducingmoresustainablematerials.
Hollister Challenges Faced by Hollister Hollister has faced several challenges, be it legal issues or controversies. Here are some challenges the brand went through.
The Trademark Battle
An article from the Los Angeles Times in April 2009 mentioned that Abercrombie & Fitch issued threats to the people of Hollister, California, who wanted to use the name "Hollister" on their clothing. It also shared a story from 2006 when Stacey Crummett, the CEO of Rag City Blues, added the word "Hollister" to the label of her vintage blue jeans. When Crummett applied to register this trademark, Abercrombie & Fitch's lawyers sent her a letter claiming she was infringing on their trademark and threatened to sue her. As a result, Crummett withdrew her application.
Morrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.
In2007,therewasalawsuitcalledMorrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.,anditwaseventuallysettled.Abercrombie&Fitch Co.admittedthattheymadeamistakebyaskingtheircustomersinCaliforniaforpersonalidentificationinformationwhen theyweregettingrefundsusingtheircreditcards.CustomerswhowereaskedforthisinformationbetweenJune9,2005,and May31,2007,wereeligibletoreceivegiftcardsascompensation.Sincethesettlement,Abercrombie&FitchCo.stores havestoppedaskingforthisinformationwhencustomersreturnitemstheyboughtwithacreditcard.
WheelchairAccessibility InAugust2011,ajudgenamedWileyDanielruledthattwoHollisterstoresinColoradowerenotfollowingtheAmericans withDisabilitiesAct(ADA).Thiswasbecausethestoreshadentranceswithsteps,makingitdifficultforcustomersin wheelchairstoenter.Instead,theyhadtouseautomaticsidedoors.Thecaseexpandedintoanationwideclass-actionlawsuit in2012.InMarch2013,JudgeDanielruledinfavorofthepeoplewhofiledthelawsuit.Hefoundthatoutof483stores acrossthecountry,248ofthemhadentrancesthatviolatedtheADA.Itcametolightthatallofthesestoreswerebuiltafter theADAwasestablished.InAugust2013,ajudgeinColoradoruledthatHollisterCo.anditsparentcompany,Abercrombie &Fitch,hadtoredesign248storeswiththe"porchentrance"tomakethemwheelchairaccessible.
Religious Discrimination Claims A&Ffacedchargesofdiscriminationagainstan employeeataHollisterCo.storeinCalifornia.The employeeclaimedthattheywerecriticizedforwearing ahijabwhileworkingthere.Theemployeehadworn thehijabduringtheinterviewandwashiredthatway Duringtheconversation,theinterviewermentionedthat thehijabcouldonlybewornincertaincolors,likegray, navy,andwhite.However,aDistrictManagerlatertold theemployeetoremovethehijabwhileworking.
OnFebruary23,theCouncilonAmerican-IslamicRelations filedacomplaintagainstAbercrombie&Fitchwiththe federalEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission.This wasnotthefirsttimeA&Ffacedsuchacomplaint.They hadreceivedasimilarcomplaintinSeptember2009, involvingasimilarcircumstanceinOklahoma.
MarketingStrategiesForSuccess Hollisterisknownforitslaid-back,California-inspiredstyle andstrongmarketingstrategiesthathelpeditreachsuccess. Hereareafewstrategiesitincorporatedtomakeaglobal name.
FocusedTargetAudienceReach ThetargetaudienceofHollisterprimarilyconsistsof teenagersandyoungadultswhoareinterestedinsurfing, skateboarding,andotheroutdooractivities.Itsfashionline appealstothetargetcustomer’sloveforcasual, comfortable,andfunctionalattire.Toeffectivelyreachand connectwithitsintendedaudience,thebrandusesdifferent marketingstrategies.
Itpartnerswithpopularsocialmediainfluencersand supportseventsandactivitiesthatmatchtheirbrandimage. Thiscreatesexcitementaroundthebrandandgivesvaluable insightsintowhatcustomerslike.Recently,thebrandmade changestobecomemoreinclusive.Theyintroducedaplussizerangeandexpandedtheirsizeoptionsforbothmenand women.
SocialMediaMarketing Hollisterusessocialmediaalottoengagewithits customers.TheyhaveaccountsonInstagram,Facebook, Snapchat,Twitter,TikTok,LinkedIn,andGlassdoortoreach awiderangeofpeople.Itpostsshortvideoseverydayto keepupwiththelatesttrendsonsocialmediaandhasrealtimeconversationswithitsfollowers.Thishelpsthebrand connectwithdifferenttypesofpeoplewhohavedifferent interests.
Oneimportantpartofitssocialmediastrategyisworking withinfluencers.Theyformlong-termpartnershipswith popularcontentcreatorsliketheD'Ameliosisterson TikTok.Thishelpsincreasethebrand'svisibilityandbuild trust,especiallyamonghighschoolstudentswhoarethe maintargetaudienceforHollister.
ExperimentalMarketing Thebrandbelievesincreatingmemorableand engagingexperiencesforitsaudiencethrough experientialmarketing.Itsmainaimistotransport customersintotheCalifornialifestyle,givingthema tasteoftheWestCoast.Itsstoresaredesignedto resemblecozybeachhouses,completewithwooden boardwalks,beach-themeddecorations,andeven lifeguardstands.Thebrandalsoorganizesin-store eventslikeconcerts,movienights,andsurfboard demonstrations.
Toenhancetheshoppingexperience,ithasalso introducedaugmentedreality(AR)features.This allowscustomerstovirtuallytryclothesonandsee howtheywouldlookindifferentsettings.Theyhave alsoimplementedinteractivefittingrooms,where customerscanrequestdifferentsizesandcolorsof clotheswithoutleavingthedressingroom.
RetailPartnerships Hollisterhasformedasignificantpartnershipwith GillyHicks,asubsidiaryofAbercrombie&Fitch.This collaborationallowsthebrandtoofferawiderrangeof productsandreachalargeraudiencebysharinga brandidentity Tomaintainastrongconnectionwithits targetaudience,ithasestablishedthe‘HollisterCreator Collective’.Thiscollectiveconsistsofmanymid-sized influencerswhocollaboratewiththebrandthroughout theyear.Byworkingwithadiversegroupof influencers,itensuresaconsistentpresenceand connectionwithitsaudience.
LatestSalesRevenue In2023,Hollistermadeanetsaleofovertwobillion U.S.dollars.AfteritsrebrandingandaTikTok campaign,ithasseenagrowthinitsin-storetrafficand revenue.InFebruaryandMarch,itsengagementrates weremorethan136%highercomparedtothesummer of2022,reachingall-timehighs.Inthefourthquarter oflastyear,itssalesgrewby9%,reaching$698 million.Thismarksthethirdconsecutivequarterof growthforthebrandandshowsthattheyare successfullyreconnectingwiththeirteenage customers.
Asanentrepreneur,oneofthemostcriticaltasksyouface israisingcapitaltofuelyourbusiness'sgrowth.While traditionalmethodsoffundraising,suchasseeking investmentsfromventurecapitalistsorangelinvestors, canbeeffective,theyarealsohighlycompetitiveand challengingtosecure.However,withtheadventofsocial mediaplatforms,entrepreneurshaveanewavenuefor connectingwithpotentialinvestors:LinkedIn.
LinkedInisaprofessionalnetworkingsite,bestplatform toleverageyourLinkedInnetworkforyourbusiness currentlygatheringover930millionmembersworldwide. Itdoesanexcellentjobofhelpingentrepreneursdothe following:
LinkedInisaprofessionalnetworkingsite,bestplatformto leverageyourLinkedInnetworkforyourbusiness currentlygatheringover930millionmembersworldwide. Itdoesanexcellentjobofhelpingentrepreneursdothe following:
• BuildRelationships
• EstablishCredibility
• ReachInvestors
Inthisarticle,wewillexplorehowentrepreneurscan leveragetheirLinkedInnetworktoreachinvestorsand sharestoriesofcontententrepreneurswhohave successfullydoneso.
TipsFormakingleverageyourLinkedInnetwork
1.ItAllStartsWithaGoodProfile
ThefirststeptoleverageyourLinkedInnetworktoreach investorsistocreateastrongLinkedInprofile.
Yourprofileshouldhighlightyourexperience,skills,and accomplishmentsandincludeaprofessionalheadshotand backgroundimage.Youshouldalsooptimizeyourprofile forsearchbyincludingrelevantkeywordsinyourheadline andsummary.
OnecontententrepreneurwhohasusedLinkedIntobuild astrongprofileisJeriWalker,thehostoftheYourBest DesignedCareerpodcast.
Walkerhasusedtheplatformtopromoteherchanneland connectwithpotentialinvestors.
InaYouTubeeducationalvideo,Walkersharedhowshe optimizedherLinkedInprofileforsearchbyincluding keywordsrelatedtoherpodcastandentrepreneurship.
Walker'sstoryhighlightstheimportanceofcreatinga strongLinkedInprofilethatshowcasesyourexperience andskills.
Byoptimizingyourprofileforsearchandhighlighting youraccomplishments,youcanpositionyourselfasa credibleandtrustworthyentrepreneur
2.ReachInvestorsThroughYourNetwork
ThenextsteptoleverageyourLinkedInnetworktoreach investorsistobuildyournetwork.Thismeansconnecting withotherprofessionalsinyourindustryandengaging withtheircontent.
Andonceyournetworkbecomesabundantandbranched,it isalwaysagoodideatoemployanoutsidesoftwarethat makesyourLinkedIninboxaloteasiertask,thanoriginally envisionedbyLinkedInitself.
Youcanparticipateinforumsanddebatesbyjoining LinkedIngroupsrelevanttoyourindustry.
Onecontententrepreneurwhohasbuiltarobustnetworkon LinkedInisSujanPatel,theco-founderofMailshakeand Webprofits.
Patelhasusedtheplatformmainlytobuildrelationships withpotentialinvestorsandpartners.
InaninterviewwithOutgrow,Patelsharedhowhegrewhis networkbysharingvaluablecontentandengagingwith otherprofessionalsinhisindustry
Patel'sstoryhighlightstheimportanceofbuildingastrong networkonLinkedIn.Byconnectingwithother professionalsinyourindustryandengagingwiththeir content,youcanbuildrelationshipsandpositionyourselfas athoughtleaderinyourfield.
3.IdentifyingandReachingtheInvestors
AnotherimportantaspectofleverageyourLinkedIn networktoreachinvestorsistotargetyouroutreachefforts. Thismeansidentifyingpotentialinvestorswhoare interestedinyourindustryandreachingouttothemdirectly.
OnewaytodothisisbyusingLinkedIn'sadvancedsearch feature.Thisfeatureallowsyoutosearchforpeopleby location,industry,jobtitle,andmore.
Youcanalsofilteryoursearchresultsbyconnectionlevel, whichcanhelpyouprioritizeyouroutreachefforts.
WhenreachingouttopotentialinvestorsonLinkedIn,it's importanttopersonalizeyourmessages.Thismeanstaking thetimetoresearchthepersonyouarereachingouttoand tailoringyourmessagetotheirinterestsandneeds.
Youshouldalsobeclearaboutwhatyouareaskingfor, whetherit'sfeedbackonyourbusinessplanorameetingto discusspotentialinvestmentopportunities.
Onecontententrepreneurwhosuccessfullytargetedher outreacheffortsonLinkedInisLianaZavo,thefounderand CEOofExecutiveImpact.
ExecutiveImpactisapublicspeakingandmediatraining firmthathelpsexecutivesandentrepreneursimprovetheir communicationskills.
InaForbesarticle,Zavohighlightedthe importanceofestablishingbrandauthorityfor smallbusinessesinpursuitofinvestors,and offeredfourstrategies:
• focusondeliveringconsistentmessaging acrossallplatformstobuildtrustand credibility,
• establishthoughtleadershipbysharing industryinsightsandexpertisethrough contentcreationandpublicspeaking,
• leveragecustomertestimonialsandpositive reviewstoshowcaseyourbrand's credibility,
• formstrategicpartnershipswithother reputablebrandstoenhanceyourauthority
Zavo'sstoryhighlightstheimportanceof targetingyouroutreacheffortsonLinkedIn.By identifyingpotentialinvestorswhoareinterested inyourindustryandreachingouttothem directlywithpersonalizedmessages,youcan increaseyourchancesofsecuringinvestmentand buildingmeaningfulrelationships.
4.AlwaysCreateContent Inadditiontobuildingastrongprofileand network,andtargetingyouroutreachefforts,it's importanttocreateandsharevaluablecontenton LinkedIn. Itisabestoptiontoleverageyour LinkedInnetwork
Bysharinginsightsandperspectivesonindustry trendsandtopics,youcanestablishyourselfasa thoughtleaderinyourfieldandattractthe attentionofpotentialinvestors.
OnecontententrepreneurwhohasusedLinkedIn tosharevaluablecontentisNeilPatel,thecofounderofNeilPatelDigital.
Usinghisownplatform,Patelsharedhowhe usesLinkedIntobuildhispersonalbrandand connectwithpotentialinvestors.
Patel'sstoryhighlightstheimportanceofcreating andsharingvaluablecontentonLinkedIn.By sharingyourexpertiseandinsights,youcan establishyourselfasathoughtleaderandattract theattentionofpotentialinvestors.
5.SolidRelationshipsTakeTime Finally,it'simportanttobepatientandpersistentwhenleverageyour LinkedInnetworktoreachinvestors.
Buildingrelationshipsandsecuringinvestmenttakestime,andit's importanttostaycommittedtoyourgoalsandstayengagedwith yournetwork.Goodadviceonbuildingyouraudienceandnetwork issuccinctlylaidoutinthisarticlebyauthorandfounderoftheTilt JoePulizzi,whowritesaboutcreatingaparticularhitlistasa methodofbuildingstrongrelationships.
Onecontententrepreneurwhohasdemonstratedpatienceand persistenceinleveragingherLinkedInnetworkisShamaHyder,the founderandCEOofZenMedia.
OvertimeHyderhasbuiltahugefollowersbaseonLinkedInand hasusedtheplatformtobuildrelationshipswithpotentialinvestors andclients.
Hyder'sstoryhighlightstheimportanceofbeingpatientand persistentwhenleveragingyourLinkedInnetwork.Bystaying engagedwithyournetworkandcommittedtoyourgoals,youcan buildmeaningfulrelationshipsandsecureinvestmentovertime.
InConclusion LinkedInisapowerfultoolforentrepreneurslookingtoreach investors.
Bycreatingastrongprofile,buildingarobustnetwork,targeting youroutreachefforts,creatingandsharingvaluablecontent,and beingpatientandpersistent,youcanpositionyourselfasacredible andtrustworthyentrepreneurandattracttheattentionofpotential investors.
ThestoriesofcontententrepreneurssuchasJeriWalker,SujanPatel, LianaZavo,NeilPatel,andShamaHyderdemonstratehow leveragingyourLinkedInnetworkcanleadtosuccessinsecuring investmentandbuildingmeaningfulrelationships.
Brendaisapassionatebusinessblogger,technerdandgamer.Sheis interestedintopicsthatcoverbusinesscommunication,sales,online branding,digitalmarketingandsocialmedia,businesstoolsand extensions,aswellasorganizationandmanagementofLinkedIn connections.
