Average Time to Deliver Across Postal Network Steady at 2.6 Days

In response to the devastation caused recently by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and earthquakes in Mexico, Gap Inc. and Gap Foundation have increased their total donation to $2 million to address immediate needs and ongoing recovery efforts. The donation includes cash grants from Gap Foundation to on-the-ground relief organizations, donations from Gap Inc. brands towards critical clothing needs, and employee-matched donations. So far, nearly 100,000 units of clothing have already been delivered to Texas and Florida, with additional clothing donations planned in the coming months. So far, a total of $180,000 has been donated by Gap Inc. employees, which includes company-matched funds.

Consumers’ spirits are getting a boost from the anticipation of COVID-19 stimulus checks and the growing number of vaccinations. The initial reading of consumer sentiment rose to 83 in early March from 76.8 in February according to an index produced by the University of Michigan. It was the index’s highest level in a year. “The gains were widespread across all socioeconomic subgroups and all regions, although the largest monthly gains were concentrated among households in the bottom third of the income distribution as well as those aged 55 or older,” said Richard Curtin, chief economist, Surveys of Consumers, University of Michigan.

Rolland President Philip Rundle speaks with Ivy Life & Style Media, whose niche publications and properties serve Virginia’s Charlottesville-Albemarle region and the nearby wine country. Jennifer Bryerton, co-publisher of Ivy and editor-in-chief of its Wine & Country Life magazine, talks about publishing in a local market, contributing to a sustainable community, and creating a cookbook that will feed businesses, farmers and people in a time of need. Ivy Life & Style Media is a lively small busines • Located in Ivy, Virginia, near Charlottesville, with a team of employees who create print and digital publications, provide media services, and run a boutique. • Publisher of community-oriented magazines and books under three popular brands: CharlottesvilleFamily, Charlottesville Welcome Book and Wine & Country. • Wine & Country Life, a 150-page magazine published twice a year, covers the lifestyle and culture in Virginia’s beautiful wine country. • Ivy Life & Style Media is a Virginia certified SWAM (small women-owned and minority-owned) business as well as a Certified Virginia Green Travel Partner.