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First-of-its-kind report lays foundation for world food sustainability
Scott E. Rupp Food & BeverageThe EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health released its scientific review in early 2019, publishing the world's first scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production. It provides "targets that join civil society, public health and environmental conservation’s various goals toward health and sustainability." The purpose of the report is to provide a framework for the "urgent actions" needed from consumers, policymakers, businesses and government agencies to transform the food system. Leading scientists in nutrition and public health laid out global guidelines for a universal, healthy diet.
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Exploring regulatory measures for CBD-infused products
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeverageCompanies selling CBD-infused food and beverages are currently lobbying for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The legalization of hemp products by Congress is forcing the FDA to rewrite rules for most CBD products. There is a cloud of uncertainty over the emerging industry as regulations have shifted from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to the FDA. President Trump signed the Farm Bill, which removed hemp as a Schedule I controlled substance, into law in December, but the FDA still doesn't recognize the products as safe.
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Where brands see the most social media marketing opportunities
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingJust like that, the first quarter of 2019 has ended. While the time likely flashed by, make sure you stop, analyze and regroup before you plow ahead with your Q2 strategy. Analyze your own data to determine what worked best for your brand this quarter. Then, overlay those insights with the areas that other companies see the most success in. You just may find a new avenue or marketing tactic to try that could be the secret sauce you’re looking for in Q2. Read on to learn how marketers from more than 1,800 companies are approaching their social media marketing strategy in 2019.
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The critical link between HR and retail success
Catherine Iste RetailWhy go to the store when you can buy online? Presumably, there is something about the in-person experience that is more convenient, helpful or in some other way better than making the purchase from our phone or desktop. In many cases, this benefit relates directly to interpersonal interactions. Human resources can play an important role in linking the customer's experience with retail success.
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When should the commercial lease end?
Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield RetailChoosing a commencement date for your commercial lease can be easy enough; however, stating a specific expiration date may be more difficult. That's fair enough, as it is impossible to forecast what the future will hold. Will you be successful at your chosen location? Will an anchor store in the commercial property move out and leave you needing to relocate? Will your own health affect your business operations and result in your selling your business? The short answer is for you to choose your lease term's expiration date based on what's best for you and your business.
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The future of fast food includes more vegan options
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeverageMcDonald's introduction of vegan McNuggets in Norway makes for an interesting choice for fast-food diners in the country. It seems U.S. locations may see the same on their restaurants' menus in coming years. The healthier options in some markets show that new-age McDonald's customers want better choices, even in their fast food. The new vegan "chicken" nuggets contain potatoes, onion, carrots, chickpeas, and corn inside a fried, breaded coating. A recent report published by Global Data shows food trends shifting towards veganism and meat-free substitutes. Clearly, the fast-food giant has been paying attention.
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7 common mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them
Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI've been in business for over 20 years and have seen my share of mistakes made by business owners — many that certainly could have been avoided. Here’s my list of common mistakes business owners make, along with advice on how to avoid following suit. For example, think about a job that you worked in that didn't work out. Was it because you didn't have the skills to do the job, or was it because your values did not align with the organization's?
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America may need to rethink how it handles recycling
Scott E. Rupp Waste Management & EnvironmentalYears of educational programs and campaigns to drive awareness about recycling in the U.S. may be headed for the trash. As it turns out, the waste produced by consumption is overwhelming to the point that recycled materials no longer have a marketplace. According to The Atlantic, much of the recycled material is ending up in the trash. Where was the recycled trash going? China. Tons and tons of it were sent over on ships, with the materials remade into shoes and bags and new plastic products. But that’s changed.
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Credit this: Big banks step up loan approvals to small business owners
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementBig banks, those with assets of $10 billion or more, are feeling the love for small businesses. Loan approval rates with large banks rose in February versus January, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index. "Overall, the cost of capital is relatively low," said Biz2Credit CEO Rohit Arora, in a statement. "Small businesses are looking to secure funding, and for many companies, recent financial performances have made them creditworthy borrowers." Biz2Credit's monthly research comes from over 1,000 small business credit applications on the firm's online lending platform.
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Are you being served? What about your customers?
Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWho do you know who would purposely understaff an airport rental car location at a major resort locale so customers are kept waiting for two hours for pre-reserved, prepaid rental cars? When would you set up an interactive voice-response system so confusing that customers are forced to spend long periods of time to navigate their way into the right queue — only to then be disconnected? Not many of us would ever want those things to happen to the customers of our businesses. And yet, much too often, they do.
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