RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Discount retailer Dollar Tree Inc. gave its CEO, Bob Sasser, a pay package valued at $6.1 million for 2011, about 3 percent more than the previous year, according to an Associated Press analysis of a regulatory filing.

The pay package came in a year when the Chesapeake, Va.-based retail chain that sells goods for $1 or less saw its net income rise 23 percent to $488.3 million. Net sales increased nearly 13 percent to $6.63 billion and sales at stores open at least one year increased 6 percent in 2011.

Dollar stores, which benefited from shoppers trying to stretch their dollars in the recession, have expanded rapidly and seen sales continue to grow.

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Consumers and citizens are losing trust in the ability of business and governments to handle their personal data safely, a new report from the World Economic Forum claims.

“High-profile data breaches and missteps involving personal data seem to be reported almost daily by the media,” the report, entiteld Rethinking Personal Data: Strengthening Trust says. “The result: a decline in trust among all stakeholders.

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Corpus Christi Bishop the Most Rev. Michael Mulvey will celebrate a special Mass for the region’s farmers ahead of the upcoming harvest season, according to a Diocese of Corpus Christi news release.

Mulvey will ask for blessings of this year’s harvest as the region has suffered a severe drought for more than one year.

The Mass is scheduled for May 15 at 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 603 E. 5th St., in Alice, followed by a light reception in the parish hall.

The bishop will celebrate the mass on the feast day of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers. All area farmers are encouraged to participate.

The French government claims that a bottle of Chanel No. 5 is sold every 30 seconds and generates sales of $100 million a year, if you believe Wikipedia.org. The quintessential perfume launched by fashionista Coco Chanel in 1920, may see sales rise in the coming months thanks to a new person representing it.

Apparently, ladies and gentleman, wearing Chanel No. 5 is the secret to attracting actor and New Orleans-homeowner Brad Pitt. E! News was reporting Tuesday that Pitt has signed on as the new face of Chanels signature No. 5 scent.

While E!

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Two ambitious technology entrepreneurs based in Birmingham are to launch a smartphone app that allows customers to make payments via text message.

Settle, created by Will Grant and Steffan Aquarone, allows users to load cash onto a phone and make payments for free.

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