Content about president

Ft. Worth, Texas -- Westwood Contractors announced that effective May 1, Michael W. McBride has  assumed the role of president in addition to his position as COO at the firm.

“This promotion acknowledges Mike’s leadership role in the strategic direction of the company as it continues to grow,” said Robert D. Benda, CEO of Westwood.

Prior to joining Westwood in 1994, McBride held construction management positions at Payless Shoe Source and Zale Corporation.

Editor's Note: Chain Store Age's 24th annual survey of Fastest-Growing Acquirers measured retail square footage purchased during the 2012 calendar year.

This year's Fastest-Growing Acquirers range from list regulars to newcomers, a clear sign that retail is returning as a favored sector for growth.

A recovering economy continues to make retail an appealing category for operators and investors alike and, as might be expected, this year's fraternity contains some of the industry's major consolidators. Yet it also holds investment funds branching into new sectors.

Now, as the recession finally begins to lift, brick-and-mortar retailers are studying their real estate concepts and pondering what comes next.

Some will pare store counts, partially in response to online competition. Some will cut store square footage. Others are expanding store numbers and square footage. Some are expanding fulfillment center square footage. Some are not changing. Careful about that.

What are you doing? Is it what you should be doing?

What are retail real estate advisers and technology providers recommending?

Von Maur got its start like many of its department store peers: An immigrant with an American dream opened a downtown store, customers came, they shopped, the brand took hold and took off.

In the case of the midwestern upscale department store banner Von Maur, the dreamer was German immigrant J.H.C. Petersen, who opened a downtown storefront in Davenport, Iowa, in 1872. He and his sons grew the business and sold it nearly a half-century later to a partnership that included two Austrian brothers — C.J. and Cable von Maur, whose family gained full ownership by 1937.

Von Maur got its start like many of its department store peers: An immigrant with an American dream opened a downtown store, customers came, they shopped, the brand took hold and took off.

In the case of the midwestern upscale department store banner Von Maur, the dreamer was German immigrant J.H.C. Petersen, who opened a downtown storefront in Davenport, Iowa, in 1872. He and his sons grew the business and sold it nearly a half-century later to a partnership that included two Austrian brothers -- C.J. and Cable von Maur, whose family gained full ownership by 1937.

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted 96-0 to confirm former Wal-Mart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell as White House budget director.

Burwell, the first fully confirmed budget director since January 2012, when Jack Lew, now Treasury Secretary, left the position to become Obama's chief of staff, received a vote of confidence from her former employer.

New York -- A Wednesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said Libby Wadle been named president of the J. Crew brand, charged with overseeing both the retail and direct businesses of J. Crew, Crewcuts and J. Crew factory outlets. She was previously EVP.

Former chief administrative officer James Scully has been promoted to COO.

Arlington, Va. -- A statement by The Retail Industry Leaders Association regarding President Obama’s 2014 budget proposal was issued Wednesday, saying, “While we applaud the President for recognizing the urgent need for revenue neutral corporate tax reform, his proposal falls short of the bold reforms needed.” said Bill Hughes, SVP government affairs.  

Jacksonville, Fla. — Anthea Jones has assumed the role of president at Bi-Lo. He will continue to serve as SVP operations.

Jones comes to the position from the Bi-Lo side of the recent merger between regional supermarkets Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie. He signed on with Bi-Lo in 1999 after 17 years at Food Lion. He also is the immediate past board chairman for the Global Market Development Center.

Jones succeeds Michael Byars in the position. Randall Onstead continues as president and CEO of the combined company, Bi-Lo Holdings.

Minneapolis -- Scott Kennedy was named president of Target financial and retail service to replace long time finance executive Terry Scully.

Scully spent nearly 35 years with Target and is moving into a strategic advisory role to ensure the smooth transition of the recently sold credit card portfolio to TD Bank Group. Scully, 60, will officially retire in March 2014. Filling his shoes as head of financial and retail services is Scott Kennedy, 44. He joined Target in 2005 and currently serves as VP of pay and benefits.

New York -- Fast Company magazine and Target are sponsoring a competition, the Target Retail Accelerator, that will award $75,000 to a developer who creates the best new mobile app or mobile website for the retailer.  

Fast Company will chronicle the developers' efforts on the website of its new technology vertical Co.Labs.

Due to Presidents' Day on Monday, Feb. 18, Chain Store Age will not be publishing stories. We will resume publishing on Tuesday, Feb. 19.