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New advocacy group launches to help America’s small businesses
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementPolicymakers, beware. Small Business for America’s Future (SBAF) is a new advocacy group, evolved from Businesses for Responsible Tax Reform. Why? Look no further than the performance of Congress and the White House as the COVID-19 pandemic hammered mom-and-pop shops with a crash in consumer demand across the U.S. SBAF surveyed 1,200 small business owners whose responses show the damage as Capitol Hill dithered. For instance, 53% of small business owners have increased debt during the pandemic.
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Food and beverage: The only sector to grow in 2020 — and possibly beyond
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeverageA recent Euromonitor report states that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumer buying behavior drastically. As a result, food and beverage is the only sector projected to see robust growth this year. Retail analysts show that while global spending will fall by 4.3% this year, the food and beverage industry will grow at just above 2%. Euromonitor also predicts that consumer choices may change permanently. Its predictions are based on lifestyle trends that came out of the pandemic.
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10 ways to start promoting equity and stop racism
Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI've worked in diversity, equity and inclusion for over 25 years. Because of my work, I get calls and emails every day from non-black, mostly white people who want to know what they can do end racism and inequality, particularly in the workplace. The people who contact me range from hourly employees to clients who are CEOs of corporations and executive directors of nonprofits. In response, I decided to put together a starter list of actions. Below are 10 basic actions you can begin taking.
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Why your company’s culture matters — especially in the throes of…
Dan Bruder Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWith the outbreak of COVID-19, organizational culture was tested with a rapid change from working together on-site to working at home. Companies with a strong, intentional culture were able to swiftly implement work-from-home practices since their culture was stronger than the process. On the other hand, organizations with a weak culture struggled with employee productivity and motivation when the surrounding environment changed. In truth, culture is the most important ingredient to success and your company cannot realize its potential without having an intentionally designed, foundational culture. Here are some tips for developing a culture that connects, motivates, challenges, and aligns organizations.
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US payrolls add 2.5 million jobs amid reopenings; unemployment drops to…
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEmployers added 2.5 million nonfarm jobs in May after April's 20.5 million layoffs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. May's rate of unemployment dropped to 13.3% versus 14.7% in April. Some economists had spoken of May's unemployment rate reaching 20%, rivaling the depths of the Great Depression. Instead, the labor market improved due to a partial resuming of economic activity after its curtailment in March and April to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some areas of the economy did not rebound in May.
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As humans search for higher agricultural yields, their waste may flush…
Scott E. Rupp Waste Management & EnvironmentalIt's a subject none of us care to discuss even though it's part of our daily lives: human waste. This basic product of human existence has, for thousands of years, been little more than waste to be managed or done away with. Nevertheless, human waste, like its bovine counterpart, may be exceedingly valuable for sustainable agricultural purposes. So say researchers from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan.
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Federal agency sets final rule on truckers’ hours of service
Gail Short Transportation Technology & AutomotiveDrivers of large, heavy trucks must regularly meet tight deadlines set by shippers and receivers to deliver goods to warehouses and other customers on time, and fatigue can make truckers' jobs both difficult and risky. To help keep fatigued and drowsy drivers of commercial motor vehicles off the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets hours of service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers. This spring, the FMCSA presented its final rule on updates to the HOS rules to give drivers more flexibility regarding when and how long they can take breaks.
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Preventing hate crimes: If you see something, say something
Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementAfter 9/11, when it became apparent we had to change our approach to security in the skies, as well as on the ground, the TSA was formed to manage new airport passenger screening protocols. A wave of mass shootings has led to enhanced security systems in public buildings. Because these measures alone can’t stop bad actors, we know we all have to be vigilant to what’s going on around us. If we see something, we have to say something. Now, we need to be on alert for a different type of threat. The number of hate crimes in the United States has risen consistently for the last three years.
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As many struggle, some small businesses are thriving during COVID-19
Kevin Reynolds Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementFor a pandemic that has been particularly bad for small businesses across the country, some sectors of the economy are using these months as a revival of sorts. As the demands of consumers have changed, some stagnant industries are getting a second chance. Economists have noted this trend is not uncommon in times like these. In nearly every major economic downturn, there are some small businesses that manage to provide exactly what the economy needs.
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Chia or flax: Which is better for your health?
Amanda Ghosh Food & BeverageAcai, blueberries, hemp, moringa, cacao, maca, alfalfa...the list goes on and on. It can be difficult to decipher which superfoods you should be investing in with so many on the market. Let’s tackle chia and flax and decide which one is better for you.
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