Content about Illinois

March 7, 2013

Meijer, NuVal sponsor weight-loss competition

A weight-loss competition sponsored by mass merchandise retailer Meijer and nutritional scoring company NuVal is enlisting 60,000 team members who will compete for $15,000 in prize money over three months.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A weight-loss competition sponsored by mass merchandise retailer Meijer and nutritional scoring company NuVal is enlisting 60,000 team members who will compete for $15,000 in prize money over three months.

March 7, 2013

Walgreens to build nation’s first net-zero energy retail store

Walgreens on Thursday announced plans to build what the company believes will be the nation’s first net-zero energy retail store, which engineers predict will produce energy equal to or greater than it consumes.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday announced plans to build what the company believes will be the nation’s first net-zero energy retail store, which engineers predict will produce energy equal to or greater than it consumes.

March 6, 2013

Nexafed gains distribution in Kerr Drug

Acura Pharmaceuticals announced that its next-generation pseudoephedrine with abuse-deterrent technology will now be stocked by North Carolina's Kerr Drug.

PALATINE, Ill. — Acura Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday announced that its next-generation pseudoephedrine with abuse-deterrent technology will now be stocked by North Carolina's Kerr Drug.

Nexafed is a 30 mg immediate-release pseudoephedrine product that combines effective nasal-congestion relief with a unique technology that disrupts the conversion of pseudoephedrine into methamphetamine, Acura noted.

March 5, 2013

Abbott to launch Kidz ZonePerfect bars in April

Abbott on Monday introduced a new line of nutrition bars for active kids branded Kidz ZonePerfect.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott on Monday introduced a new line of nutrition bars for active kids branded Kidz ZonePerfect. The new bars are formulated with 5 g of protein, 23 vitamins and minerals, and 3 g of fiber.

March 5, 2013

Flu impact on February sales negligible, Walgreens reports

Walgreens' February sales fell short of analyst projections due to a sharper impact from generic drug introductions.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens' February sales fell short of analyst projections due to a sharper impact from generic drug introductions. Walgreens on Tuesday reported sales in total comparable stores decreased by 0.6% in February. Generic drug introductions negatively impacted total pharmacy comparable sales, which were flat, by 600 basis points, Walgreens reported.

March 5, 2013

Hospira appoints Royce Bedward to executive legal position

Hospira has appointed one of the founding members of its legal leadership team to corporate VP, general counsel and secretary, the company said.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Hospira has appointed one of the founding members of its legal leadership team to corporate VP, general counsel and secretary, the company said.

Hospira said the appointment of Royce Bedward would take effect immediately. Bedward will report to SVP and general counsel Brian Smith.

March 4, 2013

President Obama names Walmart exec to budget post

President Obama will nominate Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Monday, according to published reports.

WASHINGTON — President Obama will nominate Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Monday, according to published reports. Burwell will be nominated at a White House ceremony during the morning.

Obama announced his intent to appointment Burwell several months ago, but the nomination on Monday makes it official and paves the way for Senate confirmation hearings to begin.

March 4, 2013

Study finds many high schoolers skip breakfast, don't get enough physical activity

Sixty-two percent of teenagers say they don't eat breakfast every day of the week, according to a new report released Monday that investigates the link between nutrition, physical activity and academic performance.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Sixty-two percent of teenagers say they don't eat breakfast every day of the week, according to a new report released Monday that investigates the link between nutrition, physical activity and academic performance.

The report, "The Wellness Impact: Enhancing Academic Success Through Healthy School Environments", was the work of the GENYOUth Foundation, National Dairy Council, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American School Health Association.

March 1, 2013

Kmart distributes more than $150 million in points to loyalty-program members

Kmart is distributing extra points to members of its loyalty program to mitigate the effects of high living costs, the retailer said Friday.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is distributing extra points to members of its loyalty program to mitigate the effects of high living costs, the retailer said Friday.

The mass merchandise retail chain said it would distribute more than $150 million worth of points to Shop Your Way Rewards members across the country, allowing them to redeem the extra points through March 7 on such items as groceries, clothing, electronics and home goods.

March 1, 2013

Walmart, Michelle Obama celebrate progress on push for healthier, more affordable foods

First Lady Michelle Obama paid a special visit to a local Walmart Neighborhood Market store to praise the efforts of the retail giant on its initiatives to put healthier, more affordable items on its shelves and thus, into the shopping carts of its millions of customers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — First Lady Michelle Obama paid a special visit to a local Walmart Neighborhood Market store on Thursday to praise the efforts of the retail giant on its initiatives to put healthier, more affordable items on its shelves and thus, into the shopping carts of its millions of customers.

Three years ago, the First Lady created the "Let’s Move" healthy food initiative and the following year Walmart unveiled five broad commitments that aligned with her vision for ending childhood obesity within a generation.

February 28, 2013

Sears Holdings narrows losses in Q4, FY2012

Kmart's comps declined 3.7% for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012, while parent company Sears Holdings' integrated online business grew by 25% for the quarter and 17% for the year, Sears Holdings said Thursday.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart's comps declined 3.7% for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012, while parent company Sears Holdings' integrated online business grew by 25% for the quarter and 17% for the year, Sears Holdings said Thursday.

Sears' U.S. stores, on the other hand, posted a 0.8% increase in comps for the fourth quarter and a 1.4% decrease for the year, while the company's Canadian stores saw comps decline by 3.8% for the quarter and 5.6% for the year.

February 25, 2013

As legislators push for warnings, energy drinks sales soar

The energy drink category, which has enjoyed double-digit sales and unit growth for several years, faces increasing scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has said it will consider requiring companies to disclose the amount of caffeine in the drinks and add warnings about possible side effects on labeling.

February 21, 2013

Walgreens to open 'WAG U,' a top-of-the-line learning center for Walgreens employees

Walgreens on Friday will open the doors to "Wag U," an internal education center replete with technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and video-conferencing capabilities.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday will open the doors to "Wag U," an internal education center replete with technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and video-conferencing capabilities. The new learning center will be the base of operations for employee educational programs offered online and in regional locations nationwide.

February 19, 2013

CDC: Flu activity drops to 3.2%, still above national baseline of 2.2%

For the week ended Feb. 9, influenza activity decreased to 3.2% — still above the baseline of 2.2%, but an indicator this year's flu season is on its way out.

ATLANTA — For the week ended Feb. 9, influenza activity decreased to 3.2% — still above the baseline of 2.2%, but an indicator this year's flu season is on its way out.

Eleven states and New York City were still experiencing high influenza-like illness activity, while 10 states reported moderate activity.

February 15, 2013

Legislation would allow states to levy sales taxes on out-of-state online purchases

Sears Holdings, the parent company of mass merchandiser Kmart, is throwing its support behind a bill that would grant states authority to enforce existing sales tax laws and require out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes on sales made to their residents.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings, the parent company of mass merchandiser Kmart, is throwing its support behind a bill that would grant states authority to enforce existing sales tax laws and require out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes on sales made to their residents.

The Marketplace Fairness Act was sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.; as well as Reps. Steve Womack, R-Ark.; Kristi Noem, R-S.D.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; and John Conyers, D-Mich.

February 14, 2013

Evander Holyfield to make two appearances as part of Jewel-Osco’s 'A Taste of Black History' program

Evander Holyfield, the only five-time world heavyweight champion, will greet Supervalu's Jewel-Osco customers and boxing fans during appearances at two of the retailer’s Chicago stores.

ITASCA, Ill. — Evander Holyfield, the only five-time world heavyweight champion, will greet Supervalu's Jewel-Osco customers and boxing fans during appearances at two of the retailer’s Chicago stores. Holyfield will be the special guest at free food sampling events on Feb. 16 and 17 that will be held as part of Jewel-Osco’s ongoing “A Taste of Black History” program, a month-long initiative that recognizes the retailer’s African-American vendor partners.

February 14, 2013

Ulta Beauty CEO Chuck Rubin to step down

Ulta Beauty announced Chuck Rubin will step down as president, CEO and director, effective Feb. 21, to become CEO at Michaels Stores, a specialty retailer of arts and crafts.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty announced on Thursday that Chuck Rubin will step down as president, CEO and director, effective Feb. 21, to become CEO at Michaels Stores, a specialty retailer of arts and crafts.

The board of directors has appointed Dennis K. Eck, current non-executive chairman of the board of directors, as interim CEO. Rubin has agreed to assist the company during the transition period.

February 13, 2013

Four-in-10 living paycheck to paycheck, survey finds

Forty-one percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a new survey by Allstate Financial.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Forty-one percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a new survey by Allstate Financial.

February 13, 2013

Kraft's new Crystal Light Liquid packs taste without the calories

Crystal Light Liquid is sweetened with a blend of non-nutritive sweeteners and is caffeine-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and has zero calories.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Kraft Foods announced this week a new addition to its Crystal Light line of low-calorie drink mixes, Crystal Light Liquid. Crystal Light Liquid is sweetened with a blend of non-nutritive sweeteners and is caffeine-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and has zero calories.

February 13, 2013

Meijer to build six new stores, remodel five in 2013

Meijer plans to invest more than $160 million to build six new stores and remodel five in 2013, the mass merchandise retailer said.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Meijer plans to invest more than $160 million to build six new stores and remodel five in 2013, the mass merchandise retailer announced Wednesday.

The company said the new stores will be in Swartz Creek, Mich.; Detroit; Portage, Ind.; Warsaw, Ind.; Danville, Ill.; and Evergreen Park, Ill. The remodel projects include stores in Lansing, Taylor, Flint and Grand Rapids, Mich., and Springfield, Ill. The company currently operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

February 13, 2013

State of the Union address draws mixed responses from drug industry

Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

WASHINGTON — Some people liked President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, and some people didn't, and the response from the drug industry was no less mixed.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association called for measures to lower healthcare costs, including ensuring that generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars reach patients' hands quickly and also avoiding measures intended to provide savings that the GPhA said would raise prescription drug costs, though the grow didn't specify what those measures were.

February 12, 2013

Survey: 8-in-10 workout enthusiasts don't have post-workout nutrition plan

According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced Tuesday.

The results of the survey from Abbott's EAS Sports Nutrition uncover a gap between Americans' knowledge surrounding post-workout nutrition and their desire to improve their fitness routines and results.

February 12, 2013

Walgreens extends Way to Well Health Tour with AARP through 2013

Walgreens on Tuesday announced that the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with AARP will continue through 2013.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday announced that the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with AARP will continue through 2013. The program is dedicated to providing free preventive and early detection health services to some of the nation's most underserved communities. Now through December, the tour will provide free tests, assessments, education and consulting services to communities located predominantly in cities with the highest prevalence for leading diseases and highest uninsured and unemployed populations.

February 11, 2013

Walgreens Infusion Services saves $850,000 in three-month period

Home nutrition support team interventions improved patient care and potentially prevented an estimated 429 hospital days over a three-month period, at a cost savings of more than $850,000, according to new data presented by Walgreens Infusion Services at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Week meeting Monday in Phoenix.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Home nutrition support team interventions improved patient care and potentially prevented an estimated 429 hospital days over a three-month period, at a cost savings of more than $850,000, according to new data presented by Walgreens Infusion Services at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Week meeting Monday in Phoenix.

February 6, 2013

Kmart launches financial empowerment campaign for African-Americans

Kmart is marking Black History Month in February with a financial empowerment campaign aimed at African-Americans, the mass merchandise retailer said.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is marking Black History Month in February with a financial empowerment campaign aimed at African-Americans, the mass merchandise retailer said Wednesday.

Kmart said it would partner with Essence Magazine senior editor for personal finance and careers Tanisha Sykes for the sixth-annual Share the Word campaign.