Month: September 2024

Discover the Highest Standards of Quality and Food Safety in the European Union!

The European Union is renowned for its high standards in the production of agri-food products, exemplified by the rigorous quality and safety measures applied to apples and kiwis. This initiative highlights the EU’s commitment to food safety and authenticity, ensuring that consumers receive premium products that meet the highest international standards.

How European apple and kiwi producers ensure quality and safety:

• Certifications: EU apples and kiwis are certified under various quality assurance programs, which set criteria for food safety, environmental management, and worker welfare. These certifications ensure compliance with strict standards at every stage of production.
• Traceability Systems: Advanced traceability systems monitor the journey of apples and kiwis from farm to table, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
• Regular Inspections: Frequent inspections and audits by independent bodies verify that all safety and quality standards are consistently met. These inspections cover everything from farming practices to packaging and distribution.
• Ensuring Safety and Authenticity: The EU’s dedication to high standards ensures that apples and kiwis are not only safe to consume but also authentic.

The “Garden of Europe” campaign (2024-2027), co-financed by the European Union, aims to boost the market presence and consumer awareness of European kiwis from Greece and European apples from Poland in Indonesia, India, and other countries. The primary goals are to increase exports to these countries and highlight the high quality, safety standards, and nutritional benefits of these fruits.

Campaign beneficiaries: The Agricultural Cooperative of Neapoli Agrinio “AS NEAPOLIS” and the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors “FRUIT UNION”.

Learn more about the quality and safety of EU agri-food products and the “Garden of Europe” campaign at www.appleandkiwi.eu.

About the European Union: The EU is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries. The EU is committed to sustainable development, and its agricultural policies aim to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Co-funded by the European Union

THE EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTS CAMPAIGNS THAT PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Didanai oleh Uni Eropa. Pandangan dan pendapat yang diungkapkan hanyalah milik penulis dan tidak mencerminkan pandangan Uni Eropa atau European Research Executive Agency/Badan Eksekutif Riset Eropa (REA). Uni Eropa maupun otoritas pemberi wewenang tidak bertanggung jawab atas hal tersebut.

Didanai bersama oleh Uni Eropa

UNI EROPA MENDUKUNG KAMPANYE YANG MEMPROMOSIKAN PRODUK PERTANIAN BERKUALITAS TINGGI

https://www.instagram.com/gardenofeurope_in_id

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560750982860

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJsEX3cLRGio2X4T-cxEow

• 168 new additions are located in the U.S. (complementing the 124 awarded hotels announced last April), 87 in Mexico and 33 in Canada
• Selected by the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors, these hotels offer the world’s most outstanding experiences and can be booked on the MICHELIN Guide digital platforms
• The MICHELIN Guide’s ambition is to become the 1st global independent booking platform for outstanding restaurants and hotels.

AUSTIN, TEXAS Sept. 12, 2024 – Michelin is pleased to present its very first MICHELIN Key selection dedicated to North-American hotels (located in the U.S., Mexico and Canada). The latest addition to the MICHELIN Guide distinctions, the MICHELIN Keys highlight the properties in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most exceptional stays.

Offering an ever more comprehensive service, the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection provides users with recommendations for a complete travel experience. Awarded by the MICHELIN Guide inspection team based on anonymous stays or visits — independently of existing labels, tourism stars and pre-established quotas — the MICHELIN Keys are a new international benchmark . They aim to guide travelers to accommodations that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service.

288 hotels awarded MICHELIN Keys in the U.S., Mexico and Canada

After presenting the inaugural MICHELIN Key selection for the seven first U.S. destinations (Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, NYC and Washington D.C.) in April 2024, the Inspectors have extended their research to all of the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Altogether, 288 hotels among more than 1,000 MICHELIN Guide-recommended properties in North America, have been awarded MICHELIN Keys : 168 are located in the U.S. (not including 124 announced last April), 87 in Mexico and 33 in Canada. This selection brings together a wide range of concepts and accommodations, from hotels in historic buildings, to trendy urban boutiques, relaxing and intimate hideaways, and spectacular design and architecture jewels.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, commented, “Just a few months after unveiling the inaugural release in seven U.S. destinations, we are absolutely thrilled to present to world travelers our MICHELIN Key selection for the entire U.S., Mexico and Canada. Compiling no less than 288 outstanding hotels, this selection shines through its incredible diversity and is a clear invitation to explore North America. From retreats in the wildest U.S. canyons, Canadian forests, or Mexican coasts, to splendid architectural wonders; from flagship urban hotels to tiny properties nestled within former factories, campsites or isolated islands: every hotel awarded One, Two or Three MICHELIN Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals. Using the MICHELIN Guide digital platforms, travelers can now filter their search and book hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.”

One, Two and Three MICHELIN Keys

Just like the famous Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences, the MICHELIN Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities.

One MICHELIN Key: a very special stay

This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mold, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments.

Two MICHELIN Keys: an exceptional stay

Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.

Three MICHELIN Keys: an extraordinary stay

It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travelers.

10 unique hotels receive Three MICHELIN Keys

Three MICHELIN Keys, indicating an extraordinary stay, worthy of a specific trip, have been presented to 10 North-American hotels.

In the U.S., five properties receive the highest hotel accolade of the MICHELIN Guide. Located in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Montana and Utah, these unique establishments provide guests with unforgettable stays. For example, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is the only private island resort in North America. The 30 suites are divided among a number of thatched-roof bungalows and delightfully low-tech comfort. Secluded on 150 acres of spectacular Sonoran Desert landscape, Canyon Ranch Tucson is more than an ordinary hotel: it is an experience fully dedicated to wellness and health. Prior to each stay, Canyon Ranch advisors reach out to guests to help plan their activities, from fitness classes, medical assessments, coaching sessions, art lessons and spiritual wellness experiences.

In Mexico, three hotels, all located in grandiose, picturesque areas, are awarded Three MICHELIN Keys. An hour up the coast from crowded Puerto Vallarta, the spectacular One&Only Mandarina combines eco-lodge sensitivity, a boutique-hotel look, and luxury-hotel comforts and facilities, all in a tranquil setting amid 80 acres of coastal rainforest. The treehouses and villas are stunning, the view from the pool is dramatic, and the activities on offer include nature walks as well as various seafaring and whalewatching adventures. Twelve miles down the coast from Puerto Vallarta, in the large, crystal-clear Banderas Bay, Xinalani is a gloriously secluded eco-resort wedged between the jungle and the water, only accessible by boat. The natural landscape surrounding the place is Xinalani’s main attraction: all 33 guest rooms, situated within a series of palm-thatched cabins, are open-air, each having just three walls and a curtain, and offer impressive views of the jungle and the bay. An intimate beachside escape on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Hotel Esencia was once the home of a European duchess. Converted into a 51-room hotel, the property offers free-standing beachfront bungalows as well as an organic spa that features practices culled from ancient medicine.

Finally, in Canada, two properties for nature lovers are awarded Three MICHELIN Keys: Fogo Island Inn and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. One of the most famous high-design hotel in the world, Fogo Island Inn is located on a tiny island off the coast of Newfoundland. An ultra-modern reinterpretation of traditional, utilitarian Maritimes architecture, this hotel is home to 29 luxe rooms with spectacular views — and offers excursions that range from whale-watching to iceberg tours. A secluded outpost set deep in the wilderness of British Columbia, reachable only by boat or seaplane, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers 25 canvas tents — the first property of this kind to be awarded Three MICHELIN Keys in the world. All are furnished with handcrafted and vintage antique furniture and sit on wood platforms connected by a series of cedar plank walkways. If the property offers a gaming tent, a library tent, and four spa tents, the main attraction here is the outdoors, which guests are invited to explore by picking activities such as riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, archery, and even cooking classes.

Two MICHELIN Keys presented to 66 exceptional properties

Indicating an exceptional stay, 66 hotels have been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys: 37 are located in the U.S., 21 in Mexico and eight in Canada.

Within the U.S. Two MICHELIN Key hotels, travelers can find multiple options, from citybased contemporary or heritage hotels to retired, luxury lodges. In remote southwestern Colorado, in an authentic ghost town, Dunton Hot Springs is an abandoned century-old gold prospectors’ camp, renovated shack by shack and rehabilitated into a truly unique luxury hotel. The property’s 13 elegant rooms are nestled within rustic buildings, whereas the town’s old Pony Express stop hides the massage and yoga facilities, and the bar and dining room are behind the walls of the old saloon. In far northwestern Massachusetts, in the Berkshires, TOURISTS is a Sixties motor lodge reborn as a very modern, very hip little country boutique hotel. In the capital city of Texas, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection is a Twenties mansion in Italian and Spanish Revival styles, brought entirely up to date by the expert hospitality designer Ken Fulk.

In Canada, direct on Lake Massawippi, the Manoir Hovey is a century-old building in the style George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The rooms, suites and cottages offer an antique ambience, with modern appointments like goose-down duvets and the occassional Jacuzzi tub. In winter, the Manoir will be the perfect starting point for crosscountry skiing or even dogsledding, while in summer it will attract tennis or canoeing
enthusiasts.

In the lower Old Port of Québec City, overlooking the stately St. Lawrence river, Auberge Saint Antoine is half hotel, half museum. The auberge itself occupies an important archaeological site, once home to a cannon battery and a maritime warehouse. Artifacts from various digs are on display in the guest rooms and common areas, including a reception desk built from oak planks two centuries old. Despite this historical bent, the Auberge is in many ways a modern boutique hotel where comfort and privacy are key words.

In Mexico City, just across the road from Lincoln Park, Casa Polanco is a small, intimate boutique hotel, acting as a soundproofed oasis from the buzz of the metropolis. Made of a Forties Neocolonial mansion combined with modernist building, the property contains 19 rooms and suites, all unique and decorated in tasteful, luxe style.

Set in the rugged, mountainous mezcal-producing lands to the east of Mexican capital, and nested in an old, still active distillery, Casa Silencio offers some of the most extraordinary architecture and design in all Mexico. This masterpiece from architect Alejandro D’Acosta is a spectacular compound of modern buildings constructed from rustic rammed earth, timber and tile. The six suites may look austere, but are luxurious in all the right places, and full of finely wrought details and eye-catching contemporary art

212 hotels receive One MICHELIN Key

The very special experiences offered by 212 hotels and accommodations have been rewarded with One MICHELIN Key. Representing a broad spectrum of hotel concepts, accommodation types and geography, the first North American MICHELIN Key selection shines with diversity and experiences suited to all budgets and desires. Of the 214 newly-awarded hotels, 126 are located in the U.S., 63 in Mexico and 23 in Canada.

In New Orleans, a city with strong character and identity, Hotel Peter & Paul is a stylish and modern boutique hotel housed in a former Catholic school and 19th-century church. Its style is eclectic, bohemian, and romantic, and each room, no matter situated in the school, rectory or convent, has its own distinct feeling. Another example of successful rehabilitation is Bottleworks Hotel Indianapolis. Formerly the local Coca-Cola bottling plant, the building dates back to the 1920s and benefits from Art Deco styling. The rooms and suites in the old wing combine authentic industrial flourishes with contemporary comfort, while those in the new addition are no less stylish.

In Hawaii, five hotels receive One MICHELIN Key. Among them, the Inspectors particularly liked the unspoiled landscapes and seascapes of Kaua’i Island, where Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences is located. Residences span two, three, or even four bedrooms, while the property features a first-rate spa, a surf school and a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

In Tulum, Wakax Hacienda – Cenote & Boutique Hotel is strategically positioned right beside a trio of turquoise-hued cenotes. Modeled after a traditional 18th-century hacienda, complete with a church and central plaza, the hotel sits on the shore of an emerald-colored lake. Inside, the look is a subtle blend Scandinavian-style furniture and artisan-made ceramics, along with colorful Mexican artwork, together with a Spanish colonial twist. One of the best way to appreciate Wakax Hacienda is to join one of the hotel’s guided bicycle excursions: each trip follows a five-mile circuit through the jungle, stopping at a Mayan cultural center before continuing to a refreshing dip in one of the property’s cenotes.

An hour up the west coast of Baja California, Paradero Todos Santos – Exclusive Experiences is a luxurious all-suite boutique hotel in a highly disciplined Brutalist style. Raw concrete exteriors blend into the desert while interiors provide a counterpoint to the soft luxury of its rooms. The activities are centered on the environment, from farming and gardening instruction to hiking, and yoga or meditation sessions are on offer as well. A bit in the same vein is Hotel Terrestre, a stunning 14-villa hotel, located in Puerto Escondido on Mexico’s Oaxacan coast. Designed by architect Alberto Kalach, this dramatic, modernist property made of humble, locally sourced brick and concrete, proudly boasts a sustainable and low-tech approachthat goes well with the hotel’s slow-living philosophy.

Urban adventurers looking in Canadian cities will find many possibilities within the selection, such as 1 Hotel Toronto, featuring stylish interiors and crisp contemporary design, or Montréal-based Le Mount Stephen Hotel, with its stunning neo-renaissance structure, historical public spaces and modern rooms.

All MICHELIN Guide hotel recommendations are available for free on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile application. On these digital platforms, all recommended hotels can be booked directly at the best market price. To assist travelers throughout their stay, the MICHELIN Guide also provides a concierge service run by travel experts employed by the MICHELIN Guide.

The next MICHELIN Keys will be announced in Thailand on September 25th, Great Britain & Ireland on October 1st and in Germany, Austria & Switzerland on October 9th, 2024.

Find the pictures of the Press Conference Announcement on this link:
https://bfa.com/events/46529/share/69043b7e15daa2

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin is the leading mobility company and manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. For more than 130 years, Michelin has made contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications for demanding fields, including mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare and offer the finest experiences, from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 35 production facilities in the United States (michelinman.com) and Canada (michelin.ca).

New York, NY – September 12, 2024 – Following an inquiry opened by BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division as part of its routine monitoring program, Google, LLC voluntarily unlisted a video demonstrating the capabilities of Google Gemini, its large language model artificial intelligence (AI) offering introduced in December 2023.

The National Advertising Division’s (NAD) routine monitoring program includes a focus on, among other things, advertising for rapidly developing technologies ensuring that consumers – both end-users and sophisticated developers – receive truthful and accurate information.

NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the Google Gemini video, which appeared on YouTube and the Gemini landing page, accurately depicts the performance of Gemini in responding to user voice and video prompts, as well as the timing or pace of Gemini’s responses.

In response to the inquiry, Google voluntarily agreed to unlist the standalone video such that it will no longer appear in search results and to not post the video to other channels. Therefore, the claims that were the subject of NAD’s inquiry were effectively permanently discontinued. The video will remain viewable in conjunction with the blog post that explains how the demonstration in the video was created. NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

In its advertiser statement, Google stated that it is “pleased to accept NAD’s resolution of this matter.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

New York, NY – September 11, 2024 – In a challenge brought by competitor Olé Mexican Foods, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division found certain “zero sugar” and “0G sugar” claims supported and recommended that Gruma Corporation, in connection with its tortilla product offerings:

• Discontinue the “1.5G Total Fat Per Serving” claim for all of the challenged products.
• Modify the challenged products’ net carb calculation to use total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber for the 54-gram serving size.
• Discontinue the “0G Sugars” and “Zero Sugar” claims for the Mission Zero Net Carb Sundried Tomato Basil Tortilla.

Both Olé and Gruma manufacture and sell zero net carb street-size tortillas to carb-conscious consumers.

At issue for the National Advertising Division (NAD) was whether Gruma’s Mission Zero Net Carb Tortilla Original and Sundried Tomato Basil products and Guerrero Zero Net Carb Tortillas Original – High Fiber and Chipotle – High Fiber products use a serving size that is inconsistent with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and industry practice.

Based on FDA regulations, a serving size for the challenged product is three tortillas. Competitors’ label claims are based on this FDA standard serving size. Gruma based its zero net carb and other fat and sugar labeling claims on a smaller 18g, or one tortilla serving size. NAD found that consumers cannot evaluate or accurately compare the label claims on competitive products if the serving sizes among a product category are inconsistent.

Therefore, NAD determined that the zero net carbs, zero sugar, and 1.5g fat claims based on a one tortilla serving size are misleading in a marketplace with FDA regulations specifying “per serving” calculations.

Gruma argued that its testing supports a “zero net carbs” and “zero sugar” claim even on the FDA compliant 54-gram serving size; therefore NAD also considered the accuracy of nutrition claims regarding net carbohydrates and sugars for the 54-gram serving size.

NAD found the “zero net carb” claim was supported and recommended that Gruma modify its net carb calculation to use total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber for the 54-gram serving size. NAD also found the “zero sugar” and “0G sugar” claims on the 54-gram serving size of the Mission and Guerrero Zero Net Carb Original and Guerrero Zero Net Carb Chipotle tortilla products were supported but recommended these claims be discontinued for the Mission Zero Net Carb Sundried Tomato Basil Tortilla. 

Further, NAD noted that the 1.5-gram total fat claim would increase with the serving size of 54 grams. Therefore, NAD did not consider the evidence to support the total fat claim and recommended that Gruma discontinue “1.5G Total Fat Per Serving” for all of the challenged products.

During the proceeding, in reliance on Gruma’s representation that it permanently discontinued the “Absolutely ZERO net carbs” claim, NAD did not review the claims on its merits and will treat the claim, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended it be discontinued and Gruma agreed to comply.

In its advertiser statement, Gruma stated that it agrees to comply with NAD’s recommendations. Gruma further stated that prior to this challenge “it had already determined to increase the serving size for the challenged products. In doing so, Gruma will abide by NAD’s recommendation to modify the serving size for the challenged products and the corresponding statements.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

McLean, VA – September 10, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ Center for Industry Self-Regulation today announced that it will develop a curriculum on industry self-regulation for law, business, and public policy school programs, filling a significant gap in current higher education. The initial work will be funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

The announcement was made by Eric D. Reicin, who serves as President and CEO of the Center for Industry Self-Regulation, the 501(c)(3) foundation of BBB National Programs.

The recipient of the funding, the Center for Industry Self-Regulation (CISR), believes that independent, accountable industry self-regulation, a type of soft law, is a crucial yet under-utilized tool for solving complex modern business challenges. Recognizing that this policy tool is often overlooked, CISR aims to bridge the gap by incorporating soft law coursework into law, business, and public policy school programs nationwide.

This new industry self-regulation curriculum will foster a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits, including enhanced private-sector accountability and addressing gaps in government regulation and legislation.

“Soft law bridges a company’s internal compliance efforts and the hard law of government regulations, promoting ethical business operations with transparency and accountability,” said Reicin. “Incorporating industry self-regulation coursework into law schools will prepare future leaders to navigate the complex terrain of compliance and innovation. We sincerely appreciate the John Templeton Foundation for its generous support of this work.”

CISR will collaborate with The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University’s Center for Law, Science and Innovation to develop and pilot the coursework on industry self-regulation, focusing on the conditions that allow it to thrive and case studies of its successful applications, with evaluations from 11 other graduate programs at institutions of higher education across the country. The curriculum will cover:

• Types of industry self-regulation, such as soft law, co-regulatory models, and codes of practice.
• Conditions under which self-regulation can work, compared to corporate compliance and government regulation, and when it is less likely to succeed.
• Case studies of successful self-regulatory programs across various industries.
• Interaction between self-regulatory programs and government.

“While traditional regulation has been extensively studied and taught in professional schools, self-regulation has essentially been ignored, and this CISR project seeks to remedy that deficiency and help address areas of emerging technologies that are too complex for traditional regulation to effectively govern,” said Gary Marchant, J.D., Ph.D., Regents Professor and Faculty Director, The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University’s Center for Law, Science and Innovation. “We are delighted to collaborate with CISR on this much-needed academic curriculum on industry self-regulation within the fields of law, business, and public policy.”

For more information, visit the CISR website.

This project was made possible through the support of Grant 63310 from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

About CISR

The Center for Industry Self-Regulation (CISR), BBB National Programs’ 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, was created to harness the power of independent, industry self-regulation to address the marketplace trust challenges businesses face today. CISR is dedicated to education and research that supports responsible business leaders developing fair, future-proof best practices, and to the education of the general public on the conditions necessary for industry self-regulation. Learn more at industryselfregulation.org.

BBB National Programs Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (FEIN: 84-5021924) DBA as The Center for Industry Self-Regulation at 1676 International Drive, Suite 550 | McLean, VA 22102 © The Center for Industry Self-Regulation, 2024. All Rights Reserved. BBB National Programs’ 501(c)(3) Foundation.

• One restaurant receives a MICHELIN Star, bringing total to six
• New Bib Gourmand added, plus four Special Awards
• 46 total restaurants, 15 cuisine types reflected in state Guide

DENVER, Sept. 9, 2024 — Alma Fonda Fina, joined the exclusive list of MICHELIN- Starred restaurants in North America, as the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Colorado was revealed today.

In addition to a new Starred restaurant, the state Guide boasts a new Bib Gourmand, MAKfam, bringing the selection’s total to nine. The full selection, including Green Stars and Recommended eateries, totals 46 restaurants with 15 cuisine types represented.

“As we celebrate year two of the MICHELIN Guide in Colorado, we can see the passion and momentum continue to grow in this culinary community,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “We are very excited to welcome Alma Fonda Fina into the family of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. The famously anonymous Inspectors were also eager to shine a light on the growing talent in the local community, with a handful of new restaurants added to the selection.”

Here are the new One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants and Bib Gourmands, with Inspector notes

from each (Inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

One MICHELIN Star

Alma Fonda Fina (Denver; Mexican cuisine)

Chef Johnny Curiel started off in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, and after years of high-end culinary experience, he revisits dishes and flavors from his upbringing with creativity and finely honed technique delivering results that are both satisfying and delicious. Resist the temptation to fixate on any one item, as the menu is littered with treasures: perfectly crisped pork belly carnitas make for a brilliant taco on a sourdough flour tortilla, while agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón is a revelation, and vibrant seafood crudos like thinly sliced Maine diver scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile are downright electric. No desserts are offered for the time being, so there’s no reason to leave any extra room.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors identified one new restaurant to award the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value.

MAKfam (Denver; Chinese cuisine)

What began as a pop-up back in NYC, where owners and married couple Doris Yuen and Kenneth Wan first met, and then became a stall in a Denver food hall, is now at last a full-service restaurant. The winsome, colorful space and the compact menu both celebrate the pair’s Chinese American roots, both having been raised by immigrant families who worked in restaurants. Fried crab and cheese wontons and hand-shaped chicken and chive potstickers are inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout staples, made with particular care and big flavor. Chicken wings with a spicy, tingly málà seasoning are favorites with good reason, and larger dishes, like the familiar-yet- inventive corned beef fried rice or spicy garlic butter rice cakes, impress as well.

MICHELIN Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars, the Guide announced four Special Awards:

Hotels

The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most exceptional places to stay in Colorado and throughout the world.

Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Colorado features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including upscale outdoor campsites like Collective Vail, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Source Hotel and the Crawford Hotel in Denver, refurbished motels like Amigo Motor Lodge, rehabilitated wilderness ghost towns like Dunton Hot Springs, and of course, accommodations that have been awarded a MICHELIN Key, like Clayton Hotel & Members Club and the Little Nell.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Colorado selection:

Colorado’s 2024 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants

Colorado’s 2024 MICHELIN-Green-Starred restaurants

Colorado’s 2024 Bib Gourmand restaurants

Colorado’s 2024 Recommended restaurants

The MICHELIN Guide in North America

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida (2022); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024) and Quebec (2024).

About the MICHELIN Guide

Recognized globally for excellence and quality, the MICHELIN Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants.

• The famous one, two and three MICHELIN Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented
• The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the inspectors when dining on their own time.
• The MICHELIN Green Star honors restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable
• Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking an unforgettable meal and hospitality experience. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage the development of car mobility as well as tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists. Progressively, the Guide has specialized in restaurant and hotel recommendations. Michelin’s inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by the inspectors in the very beginning.

The restaurant selections join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay around the world. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an amazing hotel.

Thanks to the rigorous MICHELIN Guide selection process that is applied independently and consistently in more than 45 destinations, the MICHELIN Guide has become an international benchmark in fine dining.

All restaurants in the Guide are recommended by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, who are trained to apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full, and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated.

To fully assess the quality of a restaurant, the inspectors apply five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These criteria guarantee a consistent and fair selection so a Starred restaurant has the same value regardless of whether it is in Paris, New York or anywhere else in the world.

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin is the leading mobility company and manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. For more than 130 years, Michelin has made contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications for demanding fields, including mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare and offer the finest experiences, from providing data- and AI- based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 35 production

Aplicativo oferece soluções acessíveis e profissionais para edição de imagens de produtos com IA

A Photoroom, inovadora startup parisiense, se destaca no mercado de e-commerce e redes sociais ao oferecer um aplicativo que utiliza inteligência artificial (IA) para transformar fotografias de produtos, inserindo-os em cenários gerados artificialmente. A plataforma é especialmente voltada para pequenos comerciantes e microempreendedores que buscam criar imagens com qualidade profissional para promover seus produtos e serviços online.

“Nosso objetivo com a Photoroom é democratizar o acesso à fotografia de qualidade para todos os empreendedores, independentemente do tamanho de seus negócios,” explica Matthieu Rouif, co-fundador e CEO da Photoroom. “Com nosso aplicativo, qualquer pessoa pode criar, em pouco minutos, imagens que inspiram confiança e transmitam a essência de seus produtos, sem a necessidade de habilidades avançadas em edição.”

A história da Photoroom

Tudo começou com o lançamento de uma ferramenta simples de remoção de planos de fundo, que rapidamente conquistou vendedores em todo o mundo. Desde então, a ferramenta evoluiu e se tornou uma solução completa, incorporando diversas ferramentas avançadas.

O “Fundo IA”, por exemplo, utiliza o poder da IA para criar cenários personalizados a partir de simples instruções em texto ou imagens, permitindo que os usuários ofereçam produtos com arte de qualidade que antes exigiria certos investimentos significativos em fotografia e edição. Além disso, ao inserir uma única imagem e remover o fundo, o próprio aplicativo fornece uma galeria de possibilidades e aplicações com planos de fundos diferenciados para o mesmo produto.

“Nossa IA criativa trabalha de forma minimalista e eficiente, preservando cada detalhe do produto enquanto cria um ambiente envolvente ao redor dele. Isso é essencial para revendedores que precisam manter a integridade do produto e, ao mesmo tempo, apresentar imagens visualmente atraentes” comenta Rouif.

Como a Photoroom se destaca no mercado

Com uma interface intuitiva, a Photoroom simplifica a criação de conteúdos visuais, oferecendo ferramentas que não necessitam de expertise ou treinamento prévio. Tudo é criado e feito em poucos cliques, desde a edição simples de imagens até a colaboração em equipe, o aplicativo foi projetado para ser uma solução completa e eficiente.

A ferramenta permite que os usuários criem imagens personalizadas para diferentes públicos, adaptando para diversos cenários e situações, auxiliando e transformando a maneira como as pequenas marcas apresentam e impressionam os clientes com seus produtos.

Segundo Matthieu, a IA criativa fornecida pela Photoroom trabalha com o produto de forma detalhista, sem alterar nenhum pixel do item fotografado. A ferramenta cria imagens realistas e precisas que mantêm a qualidade do produto original.  

Acessibilidade e custo-benefício

O aplicativo está disponível para iOS, Android e Web, oferecendo uma versão gratuita com ferramentas completas, como remoção de fundo com IA e geração de cenários.

Entretanto, para aqueles que necessitam de funcionalidades mais avançadas, a versão Photoroom Pro apresenta recursos adicionais, como criação de equipes, suporte prioritário ao cliente, remoção de marca d’água e redimensionamento inteligentes de imagens, além do inovador “Modo em Lote”, que permite a edição simultânea de várias imagens.

A solução para os empreendedores

Com a Photoroom, o processo de criação é simplificado: apenas alguns cliques são necessários para remover fundos, criar perfis e logotipos para redes sociais ou colocar a imagem em um novo cenário. Desde que foi lançado, a empresa se destaca por sua abordagem inovadora, pela eficiência na ferramenta e por auxiliar inúmeros empreendedores a divulgarem e venderem seus produtos.

“Sabemos que os consumidores são bombardeados com informações e imagens o tempo todo, principalmente nas redes sociais. Nosso desafio é ajudar as marcas a criarem conteúdos que se destaquem e captem a atenção do público. Tenho orgulho em afirmar que a Photoroom tem facilitado esse processo para muitos, criamos um ambiente onde empreendedores podem gerar imagens que vendem, e nosso objetivo é continuar inovando e aprimorando a ferramenta para colaborar ainda mais com os negócios de nossos usuários” finaliza Matthieu.

Following the successful launch of the English Lexis+ AI solution in Canada, Lexis+ AI is now commercially available in French, becoming the first comprehensive bilingual Canadian legal generative AI solution available in Canada. Grounded in French-Canadian content, including practical guidance, Lexis+ AI delivers fully encrypted, secure interactions, and responses that are backed by verifiable linked legal citations.

Toronto, ON – September 4, 2024 – LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of legal information and analytics, today announced that Lexis+ AI, the legal generative AI solution, has launched in English and French for Canadian users. This follows the successful commercial launch of the English Lexis+ AI solution to the Canadian market on July 25, 2024, and previous launches in the USA, Australia, UK, and France.

Lexis+ AI delivers trusted responses in a familiar, easy-to-use interface that uses an extensively enhanced LexisNexis proprietary Retrieval Augmented Generation 2.0 (RAG 2.0) platform. Lexis+ AI responses are grounded in one of the world’s largest collections of authoritative and exclusive French-Canadian legal content including primary, secondary, analytical content and Practical Guidance modules.

Lexis+ AI provides direct links to underlying citable authority in its responses. This allows users to instantly validate results, reducing the risk of invented content, or hallucinations. Lexis+ AI automatically checks all linked citations against LexisNexis’ content to ensure they are valid.

The solution’s AI capabilities were built internally at LexisNexis with world-leading tech partnerships, enabling the company to rapidly introduce new features and technology and provide customers with a seamlessly integrated experience across the LexisNexis ecosystem.

Developed with input from leading legal professionals in Quebec and across Canada, Lexis+ AI has been developed to meet the day-to-day needs of lawyers. Lexis+ AI features conversational search, intelligent legal drafting, insightful summarization, and document upload capabilities, all supported by state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep sensitive data secure:

• Conversational search simplifies complex and time-consuming legal research by enabling users to conversationally interact with Lexis+ AI, explore new insights, and ask for adjusted and refined output.
• Document drafting instantly produces contract clauses and client communications from a simple user prompt.
• Summarization functionality delivers case summaries in seconds with more content and capabilities coming soon.
• Document upload capabilities enable users to rapidly analyze, summarize and extract key insights from legal documents.

Lexis+ AI offers industry-leading data security and attention to privacy. Uploaded documents are always purged at the end of each session and users can easily manage or delete their prompt conversation history.

The solution is continually improving, with LexisNexis legal subject matter experts regularly sampling hundreds of thousands of AI generated answers, to tune and educate the model. LexisNexis employs over 2,000 technologists, data scientists and subject matter experts to develop, test, and validate its solutions and deliver comprehensive, accurate information.

“This is an incredible milestone for the French-Canadian legal market. We take immense pride in expanding this ground-breaking legal solution to our French clients empowering them to thrive securely and confidently,” said Sam Puchala, President and General Manager of LexisNexis Canada. “The enthusiasm about Lexis+ AI underscores its game-changing potential, and we are thrilled to provide our clients with seamless access to our comprehensive legal resources and state-of-the-art AI capabilities, giving them a competitive edge like never before.”

LexisNexis is responsibly developing legal AI solutions with human oversight. LexisNexis, part of FTSE listed RELX, follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles. These require the business to consider the real-world impact of its solutions on people and to take proactive action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.

For more information on Lexis+ AI or to schedule a demo visit www.lexisnexis.ca/Lexis-Plus-AI.

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional

LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.