VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a "notice of closure" dated Friday that the platform is "no longer accessible." The statement acknowledges that the closure is "abrupt and may cause disruption," and says the firm is committed to helping customers "navigate through the transition." Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench's Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company's former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was "very sad" about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company's board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. "I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can 'upgrade' a company by replacing the founder. It never works," he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company's demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a "new direction" that he thought was a "very bad idea." " Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves," he said. "I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight." Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench's former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench's closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press
Russia Set To Name New Ambassador To United States
The stage is set for a historic clash in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs as the New York Red Bulls take on New York City FC at Citi Field on Saturday, November 23rd. Kickoff is at 5:30 PM ET , and the match will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in both English and Spanish. Both teams boast passionate fanbases and a fierce competitive spirit, making this a must-watch encounter for any Major League Soccer fan. This highly-anticipated matchup marks the first-ever playoff edition of the iconic Hudson River Derby. The Red Bulls , hungry for their first MLS Cup title since 2018, are riding high after defeating the defending champions, Columbus Crew , in a thrilling penalty shootout victory after Round One. NYCFC, meanwhile, look to continue their dominance over their crosstown rivals, having already secured a season sweep against them in the regular season. How to subscribe to MLS Season Pass to watch the NYC FC vs. New York RB matchup Where can I watch MLS Season Pass? MLS Season Pass, your gateway to every Major League Soccer match, is available on the Apple TV app. Watch live games, replays, highlights, and exclusive content across a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and cable set-top boxes. Additionally, you can access MLS Season Pass on the web at tv.apple.com/sports , expanding your viewing options to Android and Chrome OS devices. Note: Content availability may vary depending on your location. If you’re having trouble finding MLS Season Pass, ensure your device has the latest software update. How much is MLS Season Pass? Watch the race for the 2024 MLS Cup for only $9.99. If you are subscribed to Apple TV+, you will get it for free! Renews at full price in 2025. New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls matchup info Tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 5:30 PM ET for comprehensive coverage of the NYCFC vs. New York RB matchup. Enjoy expert commentary from Steve Cangialosi and Danny Higginbotham (English) and Bruno Vain and Andres Agulla (Spanish). Get ready for in-depth analysis and live action, with the pre-game show, Countdown to Kickoff, starting at 5 PM ET on New York Red Bulls Radio. Estudió Ciencias de la Comunicación en la Universidad San Martín de Porres y ejerce el periodismo desde hace 10 años en las ediciones web de varios medios nacionales. Actualmente se desempeña como Analista SEO del Núcleo de Audiencias del Grupo El Comercio.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 29 (IANS): Krishna Chandra Nag, a farmer from the Golamunda block in Odisha's Kalahandi district, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mentioning his efforts towards self-reliance in the PM's monthly programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday. Krishna Chandra, who uses modern agricultural techniques, grows large quantities of tomatoes and other vegetables, providing employment to over 100 farmers. His achievements were recognised by PM Modi during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. PM Modi lauded his efforts resulting in employment generation as well. Along with other farmers in the region, Krishna Chandra has formed a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and created a highly profitable business model, contributing to the local economy. His annual turnover is approximately Rs 1.5 crore, and he has urged more farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques with the support of the government. Krishna Chandra shared that he has been involved in farming since 2006, and currently, he cultivates crops on 16 acres of land, with an annual turnover of Rs 1.5 crore and a profit of about Rs 75-80 lakh. He was thrilled by PM Modi's recognition of his village, calling it a hub for vegetables, and said, "It feels great to have the name of my block, village, and district mentioned in front of the people of the country." The farmer highlighted that the NABARD and Mahashakti Foundation provide significant support for modern farming practices, offering various subsidies. He emphasised that individual efforts alone won't suffice, and his goal is for farmers across the district and Odisha to progress together. Krishna Chandra urged fellow farmers to embrace modern technology in agriculture for better outcomes. Experts believe that such efforts in the farming sector would pave the way for marginal cultivators to progress by being associated with successful farmers like Krishna Chandra. They can also write their own success stories.NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talk
As snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. While intermediate powder skiing is available out the back door of the hut, owner Travis Mohrman said the terrain is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers. Mohrman estimates that 15% to 20% of the groups visiting Opus Hut do so with guides. “They’re not personally comfortable with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Mohrman said. “They guides are knowledgeable about local conditions — what the snow is, what’s safe and what’s not safe.” The cabin accommodates up to 20 people in five rooms. Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms. The hut features solar-powered lighting and 110-volt outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and indoor composting toilets. It provides full bedding and clean sleeping bag liners. During winter, the hut has four to six employees who sleep in a separate cabin. They prepare meals with natural, organic, and, when possible, locally grown products. The hut accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets–just be sure to inform the staff beforehand. It also offers beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits for purchase. “You can travel much lighter if you don’t have to bring in your food,” said Mohrman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on the upkeep of being in the backcountry.” Reservations for Opus Hut open Aug. 1. “The winter fills up quick,” Mohrman said. “Every winter weekend books in the first five minutes.” Nestled at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base for exploring world-class skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Located between Silverton and Ouray, it’s is accessible during the winter via a half-mile backcountry over-snow approach. Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for novices. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring sleeping bags, and live off-grid, this one provides food service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. The dog-friendly cabin accommodates eight people. “We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want to have the experience but don’t have the gear or the knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the properties. Campfire Ranch first opened a campground on the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not permitted at the campground, which is open from May to October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and drinkable well water. The 38 backcountry huts managed by the non-profit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association are connected by 350 miles of trails among some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. All huts, some of which accommodate up to 17 people, have kitchens with propane burners for cooking — propane is provided. They provide pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Some huts have ovens and propane grills. All huts provide lighting from on-site solar power, propane or a generator. A few huts also have outlets for charging small devices such as phones. The huts have either an outhouse or an indoor bathroom with toilet paper supplied. All huts include mattresses and pillows, but you must bring your sleeping bag and pillowcase. Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts open for winter from November to May. Francie’s and Janet’s cabins are also open for summer use from July to September. All huts have solar-powered lights, fully stocked kitchens, and wood-burning stoves. Francie’s, Janet’s, and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets. The association hosts its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak to kick off the season. The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain the network of backcountry cabins.What do Reviews of Real Mitolyn Users Say About Purple Peel Exploit for Weight Loss?
Indonesia Agrees to Repatriate ‘Bali Nine’ Drug Convicts to Australia
Fans of ITV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire "switched off" as they complained that a festive episode was "painful" to watch. Host Jeremy Clarkson welcomed a number of celebrity faces to the show as they tested their general knowledge skills in a bid to win up to £1 million. First up in the hot seat was English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and television presenter, Jools Holland . However, he proved that his general knowledge skills were not as strong as his musical skills as he struggled to answered questions without help. Very early on in the game he had already used most of his lifelines, meaning that he got stuck on one of the lower amount questions. Playing for £16,000 - where he set his safety net - Jools was asked: The 'Football for Sale' investigation by the Telegraph newspaper led to the resignation of which England manager? The optional answers were Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Sam Allardyce. Working through the answers, Jools said: "Well, football isn't really my specialist subject but I remember Sven having to leave. "I don't know if it was this. So I'm going to try and go for C - because I seem to remember him having to leave. And that is my final answer." Unfortunately for Jools, Jeremy told the star guest that it was the incorrect answer as he revealed Sam Allardyce to be correct. The musician dropped his head in disappointment as he realised that he was out of the game. Consoling the star, Jeremy said: "If it makes you feel any better, I wouldn't have known that." Jools responded saying: "Oh, well that does make me feel better." He added: "Could I ask this - did anyone in the audience know that?" The audience replied with a choir of "yes". Despite the loss, Jools was leaving the ITV quiz show with £16,000 for his chosen charities - He had been playing for The Princes Trust & Caring Hands. While he secured a respectable amount for his charities, fans on social media were less than impressed. Posting to X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: "God this is painful, it’s starting to irritate me. Switching off. #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire." Another added: "Jools Holland proving to be detached from the real world here. #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire," with a third saying: "A safety net at 16k Jules Holland is terrible at this game. #WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire." "I expected more of #JoolsHolland ... #whowantstobeamillionaire," one more noted while someone else shared: "Wow. It’s a good job Jools can play the piano well because he’s bloody useless at this.... #whowantstobeamillionaire."
