Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the world's leading provider of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) services, has made waves recently with the opening of its Global Services Center located in Manila, Philippines. This new venture is part of the Dublin-based company's larger strategy to expand its footprint within Southeast Asia's rapidly growing aviation market. Facilities at the center are set to provide not only technical and operational support for ASG's associated airlines and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services but will also house core corporate functions including IT, payroll, and finance. The choice to establish this center, confirmed Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, stems primarily from the Philippines’ highly skilled labor market and its strategic geographic location.
Given the projected annual growth rate for air traffic across Southeast Asia at eight percent over the next two decades, as pointed out by Boeing’s analysis, ASG is positioning itself to capitalize on these burgeoning opportunities. Janukenas emphasized this strategic move, stating, “With the expansion, the company wants to increase its operational efficiency and open up new markets.” The center's leadership will come from Fernando Bernardo Beluan, noted for his 15 years of international experience, who aims to not only steer the operations of the center but also to contribute significantly to the local economy through the creation of numerous jobs across sectors like engineering, IT, and production.
Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 miles away, the popular barbecue spot Soul & Smoke is gearing up to welcome customers at its newly expanded location at 1601 Payne St., Evanston, Illinois. Co-founders Heather Bublick and D’Andre Carter's decision to build their restaurant after several years of take-out service during the pandemic reflects their commitment to their community. “I’m just excited to be open and be able to be face-to-face with people again,” Bublick expressed, highlighting the restaurant’s evolution from catering to full-service dining.
After two years of renovations, Soul & Smoke's new space will boast not just improved dining facilities but also innovative design features like a private dining area and open viewing for patrons of the meat smokers. The restaurant will continue to provide take-out services, maintaining existing business models flexible to current customer demands. Bublick noted they have also secured $650,000 funded through the City of Evanston’s Five-Fifths TIF program, reflecting their adaptive strategy to remain financially sustainable and rooted within their community.
Next on the list of expansions is Canna Cabana, the retail cannabis store owned by High Tide Inc., slated to begin sales at 447 Main Street East, Hamilton, Ontario on February 15, 2025. This location marks High Tide's 192nd store nationally and provides access to recreational cannabis products as part of their goal to establish themselves as leaders within the industry. Raj Grover, CEO of High Tide, stated, “We are thrilled to bring Canna Cabana to the heart of downtown Hamilton, where we can serve new and returning customers.” This downtown establishment is part of High Tide’s growth strategy to place retail outlets within high-foot-traffic locales, ensuring they reach the widest audience possible.
Also notable is the historic move of The Shoe Loft, well-known within Tullamore, which is transitioning to Patrick Street after years at its William Street location. This relocation is not merely about new premises but is also aimed at enhancing customer engagement and accessibility within the community as indicated through their promotional efforts surrounding the move.
Lastly, the expansion isn't reflective only of dining and retail; Vext Science, also announced its relocation and expansion of its Herbal Wellness Center dispensary situated in Jackson, Ohio. Doubling its retail footprint with the recent opening allows it to serve the state's growing cannabis market more effectively. According to CEO Eric Offenberger, “Ohio is a cornerstone of our growth strategy with strong retail execution at the center of our approach.”
The newly revamped dispensary spans 8,350 square feet and introduces valuable customer conveniences such as a drive-thru window, amplifying Vext's capability to offer diverse products and maintain operational efficiency. Although this local growth story continues to propel forward, all these companies share one common theme: they are not just growing their operations but are anchored firmly within their local communities, recognizing and nurturing those connections.