FREEBUCKS - INDIA’S LARGEST DEALS & REWARDS PLATFORM LAUNCHED BY REWARDPORT

Retail Industry To Experience The Next Wave Of Transformation 

Mumbai: RewardPort – the number 1 loyalty and reward Solutions Company has launched India’s biggest hyper local deals and rewards discovery platform – Freebucks. A first direct B2C offering from the pioneer in the B2B rewards segment, the product will be available for consumers across ten cities with 10,000 participating merchants. Consumers can choose both offline and online routes to avail offers, at no cost. With Freebucks, customers can find deals around them at merchant outlets as well as earn rewards while purchasing from existing, leading online retailers.

The entire process of Freebucks’ engagement has been kept simple for the consumer and can be completed in four easy steps that comprise joining Freebucks, choosing from the offers or deals, earning points, discounts and vouchers on purchases and finally, redeeming. Consumers can choose to transact either online or offline or both.

“RewardPort has been serving the B2B or the corporate sector with loyalty and rewards programmes for close to a decade. From incentivizing employees to rewarding partners or even designing marketing deals on products for our clients, we have networked anything and everything between the micro and the macro. With deep-rooted understanding of the market dynamics and our experience, we have launched Freebucks. Our rewards discovery platform will be the single biggest platform for consumers to find deals and earn rewards in their immediate vicinity,” says Javed Akhtar, CEO, RewardPort.

RewardPort has already received initial funding from existing investors to introduce this product.

“Freebucks, besides being a deals and rewards discovery platform for consumers, will also be a boon to the participating merchants. With the parent company RewardPort’s backing, participating merchants will get the benefit of having a marketing platform which will help them map spending patterns and trends. This in turn will help them run targeted sales promotions and reward programs to engage better with their customers,” Mr. Akhtar adds.

Freebucks will host deals and rewards on all consumer products including electronics, entertainment, food & beverages, gifts, health & beauty, home & kitchen, men's & women’s fashion, sports, travel and many others

“Freebucks will also aggregate the RewardPort promotion products from its B2B offerings on a single platform. This has the potential to add approximately 5,000 users each day via these transactions and it already sells over five million vouchers every year. Over the next one year Freebucks plans to add a million users and another 10,000 merchants to the platform. It gradually will also evolve into a reward wallet and a QR based payment system in partnership with an existing wallet company. We are positive that today’s smart shoppers, once sign up with Freebucks will appreciate our offerings and will realise that they don’t have to look anywhere else for better deals and rewards,” concludes Mr. Akhtar.

About RewardPort: RewardPort is India’s Number 1 loyalty and reward Solutions Company. It is a strategic marketing specialist providing end-to-end solutions in Consumer Loyalty, Customer engagement, Sales Channel Incentives and Employee Motivation for a bulk of corporate India. It is the only loyalty and reward Solutions Company that provides all functions under one roof and serves a host of sectors including Automation, BFSI, FMCG, Pharma, Media and Retail among others delivered and managed both offline and online. RewardPort has developed and executed over 1400 programs for around 400 corporates to successfully engage over 20 million customers. RewardPort has partnered with brands like Unilever, P&G, ITC, Being Human, L’oreal, Philips, Colgate, Emami to name a few. It has offices in Mumbai and Bangalore and its technical back-office is in Hyderabad.

“CITW IS AN INITIATIVE TOWARDS MAKING SWACHH BHARAT POSSIBLE” - INDUSTRIES MINISTER, SUBHASH DESAI AT THE INAUGURATION OF ASIA’S LARGEST CLEANLINESS EXPO

“CITW Is An Initiative Towards Making Swachh Bharat Possible” - Industries Minister, Subhash Desai At The Inauguration of Asia’s Largest Cleanliness Expo

Mumbai: “Clean India Technology Week is a great initiative aimed at bettering present cleaning systems and making Swachh Bharat possible,” announced Shri Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Govt of Maharashtra, at the inauguration of five concurrent expos, today. Part of Clean India Technology Week (CITW) 2016, the expos comprised of Clean India Pulire; Car Care Expo; IFS Expo; Waste Technology India Expo and Laundrex India. Organised by the VIS Group in partnership with Afidamp Servizi, Italy, the event will go on till January 23 at Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre, Mumbai.

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Speaking at the event, the Minister further elaborated that, “Mumbai is the economic capital of India and we have to make every effort at keeping our city clean and green. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Swachh Bharat is not only the responsibility of a few but of each and every one of us. Today, at CITW we are witnessing innovations and new technologies that will help us in making rapid strides towards achieving a cleaner India.”

A one of its kind activity, CITW brings together cleaning and waste management professionals from across the globe and showcases over 600 national and international cleaning products and systems will be showcased. “On one level, it gets together professionals and brands associated with the cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation industry, while on other levels it engages Government bodies through participation, takes up massive public awareness campaigns, awards achievers in the field and showcases the latest cleaning technologies of the world through expos and holds seminars to engage the industry, among others,” says Mangala Chandran, Director-VIS Group.

Cleaning industry professionals, service providers, FM managers, solution seekers from sectors like healthcare, pharma, industries, business houses, hotels and government department & bodies such as transport corporations, Municipal Corporations who are increasingly looking for cleaning & hygiene solutions form part of the event.

The expos not only feature stalls by leading players like Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG., Nilfisk, Roots Multiclean, Charnock, Electrolux Professionals, Wasmaatic, Manmachine Works, but are also playing host to an eclectic mix of events like International IFM summit on January 22 on the relevance of infrastructure and Facility management to a company’s business strategy in the current competitive environment at The Leela, Mumbai and 2^nd Clean India Awards gala night.

January22

Venue: Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre, Mumbai

·         Hall VI: Clean India Pulire; Car Care Expo; IFS Expo; Waste Technology India Expo and Laundrex India, 10AM-5PM

·         Hall I, International Lounge: Laundrex Net – Presentations and Panel Discussions on Best Practices in laundry and Emerging Trends, 10am-1.30pm

·         Hall I, International Lounge: MEET THE EXPERT -- Presentations and Panel Discussions on Self Reliant Waste Management and Creating Clean Cities

January 23

·         Hall VI: Clean India Pulire; Car Care Expo; IFS Expo; Waste Technology India Expo and Laundrex India, 10AM-5PM

·         Hall I, International Lounge: Panel Discussion on Current Challenges with Today’s Housekeeping, and Debate on Creating Synergies, 10AM-2PM

Government bodies including Central Pollution Control Board; Maharashtra State Ministries - Water and Sanitation, Transport and Tourism; MCGM and Kolhapur Municipal Corporations have already extended their support to the event. Among the other supporting associations are CREDAI, Federation of Small Scale Industries, Maharashtra Societies Welfare Associations, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum, IPHA, VDMA and European Cleaning Machines Associations.

Clean India Technology Week yet again will showcase some of the latest technological advancements and innovations that have happened in the industry over the years. “In addition to this we will also be holding the 2^nd Clean India Awards that will reward accomplishments by individuals, corporations and Government bodies across categories,” concludes Mangala Chandran.

Event USPs

• Asia’s largest cleanliness event showcasing the latest solutions addressing the          complete cleaning and hygiene requirements across a wide range of segments.
• 200 Exhibitors from 22 countries to showcase over 600 brands
• Over 100 new launches
• Over 17,000 Visitors have registered for the event

About the VIS Group

With decades of experience, VIS is an established organiser of specialized trade shows – Clean India Show; Clean India Pulire; TrafficInfraTech Expo; IFS Expo; Waste Technology India Expo; Laundrex India and Car Care. VIS’s vision is to provide researched information, business opportunities and common ground for knowledge dissemination and networking. 

CLASSIC MARBLE COMPANY FELICITATES VETERANS OF INDIAN CINEMA

Bimal Roy Retrospective Concludes With Much Fanfare

Mumbai: The first ever week long retrospective of the legendary film-maker, Bimal Roy concluded in the city amidst much fanfare and celebrations. ‘Bandini (1963)’ the last of the series of his movies was showcased during the event followed by an awards ceremony. The event was attended by several prominent personalities from the film industry including Kamini Kausal, Saroj Khan, Debu Sen, among others.

Veteran actors including Helen, Dharmendra and Ameen Sayani were bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Awards while young talented film-makers including Neeraj Ghaywan and Juhi Chaturvedi were recognized for their recent works in the industry.

Mr. Vikas Kesarkar (centre) while felicitating Dharmendra with
Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bimal Roy Retrospective

Mr. Vikas Kesarkar, Vice-President, Marketing of Classic Marble Company (CMC), which was the title sponsor of the show while felicitating the veterans of Indian cinema said, “It has been an honor for us to be part of this grand celebration of one of the Masters of Indian Cinema. Bimal Roy had the aptitude; skill and talent with which he gave cinema a different dimension during his era. Today, we feel fortunate as we not only have had the opportunity to be part of this event but also we have the pleasure of honouring the finest actors of our times.”

Known as ‘The Silent Master’ of Indian Cinema, Bimal Roy created a number of classics between the 40’s and the 60’s. To commemorate the film-maker’s 50th death anniversary, a retrospective was held that showcased six of his evergreen classics daily from 11th to 16th January which included some of Roy’s best works including Do Bhiga Zameen, Parineeta, Parakh, Sujata, Madhumati and Bandini.

About Classic Marble Company: A pioneer in the imported marble industry, Classic Marble Company (CMC) since its inception in 1994 has grown to become the number 1 stone company in India. Over 700 of the company’s product offerings are manufactured at its state-of-the-art plant spread over 5,00,000 sq. m. of land and distributed through exclusive showrooms and several distributor and dealer network in India and overseas. CMC’s factory at Silvassa is an ocean of opulence exhibiting 30,000 metric tons of raw blocks, with a production capacity 75,000 sq. ft. of marble and granite and the expertise to execute turnkey projects.

CLEAN INDIA TECHNOLOGY WEEK TO KICKSTART FROM JAN 17TH ; TO BOOST GOVT OF INDIA’S SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN

Clean India Technology Week To Kickstart From Jan 17^th ; To Boost Govt Of India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

·    Supported by Government bodies including Central Pollution Control Board; Maharashtra State Ministries of Water & Sanitation, Transport and Tourism; MCGM and Kolhapur Municipal Corporations; among others

·   To act as India’s single largest aggregator of cleaning technology, cleaning products and cleaning related activities

·        Clean India Awards to reward cleanliness and hygiene initiatives in various categories

·        More than 600 brands from 22 countries to participate

Mumbai: The success of Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Campaign is expected to have a direct bearing on the country’s emergence as a developed nation. Besides impacting its revenue growth from sectors like tourism and manufacturing, it is also direct indicator of a nation’s health. Unfortunately, India, while being fastidious about personal hygiene, has a bad track record in public cleanliness, sanitation and public health.

“There are many factors that are responsible for this. Right from the culture, role of administrators, seriousness of the enforcers, budget allocated, vibrancy of the cleaning industry, technology employed and awareness, among others, all play a strong part. In isolation they may not make much of a difference. But engagement at multiple levels could provide surprisingly quick results,” says Mangala Chandran, Director–VIS Group, the organisation responsible for holding Clean India Technology Week.

Clean India Technology Week is a one of its kind private initiative organised by the VIS Group in partnership with Afidamp Servizi, Italy to address the cleanliness aspect from a public perspective. On one level, it gets together professionals and brands associated with the cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation industry, while on other levels it engages Government bodies through participation, takes up massive public awareness campaigns, awards achievers in the field and showcases the latest cleaning technologies of the world through expos and holds seminars to engage the industry, among others.

“It is a comprehensive and holistic approach that we have adopted,” says Mrs. Chandran, “The campaign will kick off on January 17 with road shows across Mumbai at railway stations, hospitals, malls and other public places. This will be followed by Asia’s largest expo on cleanliness, the 13^th edition of Clean India Pulire, Car Care Expo, IFS (Integrated Facility Services) expo, Waste Technology India Expo and Laundrex India.”

The Clean India Tech Week will be joined by around 200 participants from over 22 countries, besides being supported by Government bodies like Central Pollution Control Board; Maharashtra State Ministries of Water & Sanitation, Transport and Tourism; MCGM and Kolhapur Municipal Corporations. International Associations like VDMA and European Cleaning Machines Associations too have joined hands. Among the other supporting associations are CREDAI, Federation of Small Scale Industries, Maharashtra Societies Welfare Associations, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum and IPHA are also part of the programme.

“At Clean India Technology Week we will be showcasing some of the latest technological advancements and innovations that have happened in the industry over the years. In addition to this we will also be holding the 2^nd Clean India Awards that will reward accomplishments by individuals, corporations and Government bodies across categories,” says Mrs. Chandran.

About 200 exhibitors from over 22 countries are showcasing products & systems and latest solutions. With an expected footfall of over 15,000 visitors, the Expos are set to create new records. There is much enthusiasm not only in the Government bodies that have come forward to support and attend the exhibition, but also the government-aided and private companies are partnering various events happening independently.

Besides being Asia’s largest networking platform for those in the cleaning business, for the first time as part of Clean India Technology Week, five expos will be held under one roof, namely, 13^th edition of Clean India Pulire; Waste Technology India Expo; Laundrex India; Car Care Expo and Integrated Facility Services Expo. The week-long activity will also focus on some other core subjects including waste management, cleanliness of vehicles, laundry systems and integrated facility services.

“The objective of Clean India is aligned with the objective of Swachh Bharat. We have been engaging with the health and cleanliness industry for over a decade and with the Government’s special intervention, we now believe that our efforts will pay off in making further rapid strides towards making our country clean,” concludes Mrs. Chandran.

CMC INTRODUCES MAXFINE – WORLD’S LARGEST PORCELAIN TILES

Tiles With The Finesse Of Marble

Bianco Venato

Classic Marble Company (CMC), the number 1 stone company in India that offers over seven hundred varieties in natural stone as well as engineered marble and quartz has now introduced to India the largest porcelain slabs available in the world today. CMC has always been on the forefront for innovation in the industry and with its recent association with the international tile major IRIS, the company has set a new benchmark in the Indian tiles segment. Maxfine, the big sized tiles are redefining the compositional potential of surfaces, from floors to indoor wall coverings, kitchen and bathroom countertops and ventilated façades. Not only are the tiles available in the largest possible dimensions but also have been crafted to match the looks and finesse of natural marble.

MAXFINE by IRIS is the biggest ceramic tile ever made and is trending in the home – office deco

Calacatta

industry. The 6mm thick porcelain stoneware tiles are available in 3m x 1.5m formats. Internationally, this product is already a huge success with its versatility which allows it to be adopted for floor, walls and furnishings. Its technical characteristics of durability, hygiene and flexibility make it a versatile product. Available in glossy or pre-polished and squared-off versions, MAXFINE covers a wide range of varieties and forms, from rustic, traditional styles to the most urban, minimalist contemporary hues.

Inspired by nature the collection brings authentic visual appeal to the applied area. With several colors and a variety of surface patterns to suit your designs, the tiles are made to produce the effect of marble, onyx, metal, granite, wood and even concrete. Its applications range from floors to walls, kitchens to bathrooms, indoor to outdoor furniture and even doors.

For more info, please feel free to contact us on our helpline number 9699000300

CLASSIC MARBLE COMPANY PRESENTS BIMAL ROY RETROSPECTIVE

Classic Marble Company Presents Bimal Roy Retrospective

Mumbai: For most cine lovers, 2016 started off in style with the city launching open the first ever Bimal Roy Retrospective. Known as ‘The Silent Master’ of Indian Cinema, Bimal Roy created a number of classics between the 40’s and the 60’s. The opening evening of the retrospective was flagged off by renowned Director, Ashutosh Gowarikar and veteran actress Shabana Azmi at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, followed by the screening of Roy’s most notable film, ‘Do Bhiga Zameen’.

Ramakrishna Swamy - Vice President,
Classic Marble Company lighting the lamp

Organized by India’s number 1 marble company – Classic Marble Company (CMC), in collaboration with Bimal Roy Memorial, the retrospective will commemorate the film-maker’s 50^th death anniversary by showcasing five of his evergreen classics daily from 11^th to 16^th January.

“We are proud to have become part of this celebration and commemoration of one of the most acclaimed film-makers of all time. Bimal Roy was one of the pioneers of Indian cinema whose work reflected individuality and he brought with him sophistication in the field of cinema art. Individuals of his calibre are few and rare and we feel honoured to have received this opportunity to felicitate his invaluable work,” says Mr. Amit Shah, Director, CMC.

The films to be showcased between the 11^th and 16^th are some of Roy’s best works including

(L-R)Ashutosh Gowarikar, Shabana Azmi, Rinki Roy,
Anwesha Arya & Ramakrishna Swamy, VP, CMC

Parineeta (1953), Parakh (1960), Sujata (1959), Madhumati (1958) and Bandini (1963).

The event will conclude with an award ceremony on the 16^th which will felicitate a host of film veterans besides recognizing an outstanding debut film-maker in the Indian cinema.

“The association between Bimal Roy Retrospective and Classic Marble Company is filled with inherent brand synergies. CMC stands for the same values, class and quality that Bimal Roy showcased in his works,” concludes Mr. Shah.

About Classic Marble Company: A pioneer in the imported marble industry, Classic Marble Company (CMC) since its inception in 1994 has grown to become the number 1 stone company in India. Over 700 of the company’s product offerings are manufactured at its state-of-the-art plant spread over 5,00,000 sq. m. of land and distributed through exclusive showrooms and several distributor and dealer network in India and overseas. CMC’s factory at Silvassa is an ocean of opulence exhibiting 30,000 metric tons of raw blocks, with a production capacity 75,000 sq. ft. of marble and granite and the expertise to execute turnkey projects.

VEKA’S ‘TILT AND TURN’ PROFILE EMERGES AS THE SHOW STOPPER AT INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURAL EXHIBITION – HOME DÉCOR OF SAURASHTRA

VEKA India To Expand In Gujarat

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VEKA India, a subsidiary of VEKA AG – the world’s second largest manufacturers of windows and doors systems received an over-whelming response for their systems based uPVC windows and doors profiles at the recently concluded Interior and Architectural Exhibition – Home Décor of Saurashtra. The third edition of this exhibition was held in Rajkot, Gujarat recently and was attended by several leading architects, design professionals, fabricators and industry experts among others.

 

The response at the exhibition came on the back of increased awareness of VEKA uPVC systems. “World over aluminium has been conclusively replaced by uPVC profiles. Now India has also started following the trend. We expect Gujarat to lead the trend in India and have strategically decided to augment our marketing and infrastructure in this region,” says Mr. Rajesh Chawla, Director, VEKA India.

uPVC is an alternative to aluminium or wood profile systems and is radically changing the way windows and doors are looked at from a user perspective. With premium looks and classy designs, uPVC windows and doors are redefining the interiors of any given space. VEKA uPVC profiles are rigid, durable, and cost-effective and conform to international standards which make it the best solution for openings in structures. Today, uPVC is the default choice for windows and doors in all of Europe and America and is fast replacing the traditional wood or aluminium profiles across the world.

VEKA India’s ‘Tilt and Turn’ window and designer door profiles turned out to be the key highlight of the recently concluded Interior and Architectural Exhibition. The unique features of the windows and doors, namely their multi-function, customization in dimensions, strength of material and classy looks were largely appreciated. The event was jointly participated by VEKA India with its fabrication partner, Chandan Steel Works based in Gandhidham, Gujarat.

“We recently completed ten years in India and have successfully instilled both faith and trust among our consumers via our partners. On the back of a strong response we are planning on rapid expansion and Gujarat is a strategic market place where we are establishing our brand. Our partner fabricator ‘Chandan Steel Works’ in Gandhidham has made a lot of efforts in promoting VEKA profiles and we wanted to jointly make an effort via this exhibition in further reinforcing our ties,” concludes Mr. Chawla.

About VEKA India: In India, the company started operations in Gurgaon – Delhi NCR a decade ago. Today, VEKA India is vendor to some of the leading companies and has provided uPVC window and door systems to India’s premier and well-designed homes and offices. Its 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Navi Mumbai houses a state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution set up, a fabrication training workshop and a Window Testing rig along with an application centre. VEKA India, as a part of the worldwide VEKA Group, remains a wholly family-owned business, just as it has always been since its foundation in 1967.

About VEKA AG: A US $ 1.4 Billion Group company with its origins in Germany, VEKA has been a leading player in the uPVC industry for almost as long as the material has been used for door and window frames. The Group employs more than 3600 people through 25 subsidiaries in three continents around the world. Its manufacturing facilities are spread across Germany, Great Britain, France, Spain, Poland, USA, Russia, Mexico, China & Malaysia. The VEKA Group generated US $ 896 million turnover in 2013. Internationally, more than 2200 fabricators use VEKA systems to create top-quality uPVC products.

WAHEEDA REHMAN TAKES UP THE CAUSE OF NEEM

Waheeda Rehman Takes Up The Cause Of Neem 

Mumbai: Yesteryear actress and unarguably one of the most graceful stars of all time, Waheeda Rehman will now be seen in a new avatar. Recently appointed as the brand ambassador of Neem Foundation, the yesteryear beauty will take up the promotion of neem.

“I was most awestruck by the potential of the neem tree. Not only on its ability to reverse pollution,

Waheeda Rehman with Pramila Thakkar

 but also play an important role in protecting and sustaining the environment,” says the septuagenarian actress.

Neem Foundation is a twenty three year old not-for-profit voluntary organisation that has been conducting research and inquiries on the benefits of neem. Established with the primary objective of promoting the Neem Tree as a sustainable solution for global ecological and health concerns, the foundation runs a state of the art research and technology development centre in Maharashtra and has been holding world neem conferences across the globe.

“It is now beyond argument that neem is a wonder tree. While its role as an organic fertilizer is universally acknowledged, the tree itself is a natural air purifier that can withstand high temperatures. Experts say that on a blistering hot day, the temperature under a neem tree can be up to 10 degrees lower than the surrounding area. Most experts also believe that the Neem tree is a sustainable solution to global ecological and health concerns,” says Ms. Pramila Thakkar, Managing Trustee, Neem Foundation.

“With Waheedaji as ambassador of Neem Foundation, our resolve of establishing the Neem tree as the sustainable way forward, ecologically and medically, has further strengthened. We thank her for joining us in this noble cause and agreeing to further entrench the foundation’s efforts at promoting Neem,” she adds.

“The Neem Foundation had been advocating the need for neem coated urea for quite some time and had been approaching all competent Government authorities to consider making it mandatory. The foundation had presented white papers at various levels that established the decision of producing 100 per cent neem coated urea would prove to work in favor of the Government as well as farmers. Eventually the Government realized the importance of taking this route and made it mandatory for fertilizer firms to do so. The decision will lead to subsidy savings of Rs. 6,500 crore annually. The move will help farmers boost their income and benefit the environment too,” says Ms. Thakkar. “We are positive that with a person of Waheedaji’s stature backing us, the Foundation will get the right kind of impetus to carry on its work with more fervor than ever.”

“In addition to being a wonder tree, Neem has its genetic base in India. It is a revered symbol of the Great Indian Civilization like the Ganga, Peacock, Tiger, Mango, Lotus, Himalayas and the Vedas. The Neem tree’s commercial, agricultural and therapeutic uses in India date back to the Vedic times. The various uses of this wonder tree are representative of traditional Indian knowledge and customary practices,” concludes Waheeda Rehman.