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CES 2021 highlights the federal force behind a new era in technology

Lark Gould Civil & Government

Managing an upward trajectory and positive environment that fosters the strength of U.S. technology companies is a topic that played large at CES this year. The world’s largest consumer technology exchange ended last week after it successfully executed the entire event online for the first time in its history. To offer an incoming U.S. government perspective on the current state of tech was CES CEO Gary Shapiro, who sat down with Brian Deese, President-elect Biden's pick to direct the National Economic Council (NEC), for a discussion of what may be ahead in leadership.

Optimizing your business’ ability to pivot

Indiana Lee Business Management, Services & Risk Management

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, businesses and individuals alike. What makes it so unusual is that the impact has been universal. Every nation around the world has been impacted by COVID-19 and the economic uncertainty that followed. What has become clear is that companies need to be more agile and flexible than ever. You never know what challenges will come, and a business’s ability to pivot can mean the difference between success and failure. How do you optimize your company’s ability to stay competitive in challenging situations? Here are some tips you can use.

10 fun turkey facts for Thanksgiving table (or Zoom) talk

Dave G. Houser Food & Beverage

Officially, it’s Thanksgiving Day — but we’ve all come to know it as “Turkey Day” in recognition of the most popular guest of honor at the holiday table. Honestly, however, what do we really know about the big tasty bird that has become so much a part of America’s Thanksgiving tradition? Truth is, there’s much more to our favorite holiday bird than white or dark meat. Researchers have long studied the bird, technically known as Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey from which the domesticated version that we serve up with mashed potatoes and gravy was derived. Here are 10 of the most fun and fascinating things they’ve learned.

Harley-Davidson goes electric

Dave G. Houser Transportation Technology & Automotive

In the world of motorcycling, it’s no secret that Harley-Davidson — America’s oldest and most iconic bike-maker — has been struggling in recent years. Sagging sales have forced the Milwaukee-based manufacturer to pursue a new strategy. It’s an approach known internally as The Rewire, recently implemented by the brand’s new German-born CEO Jochen Zeitz. It paves the way for some significant changes at H-D. The antiquarian thunder of Harley’s powerful-but-dated V-twin OHV engines is being slowly but seriously partnered with the subtle whine of electric power as the company introduces its first e-bikes.

Experts hope plant-based burgers will reduce the need for factory farms

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

Want fries with that? With that plant burger? That’s soon going to be a question for millions around the world at McDonald’s. The upcoming launch of McDonald’s vegan "McPlant" burger could feed many millions. Some think McDonald’s move to veggie burgers (along with many other chains making similar moves) could reduce dependence on factory farming, specifically beef production. In addition to "beef"-like veggie patties, the chain is testing chicken alternatives. The fast-food chain is behind the curve when it comes to rolling out plant-based products.

Sustainable food gains more popularity due to COVID-19

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

The COVID-19 crisis shows that America is hungry for sustainable food systems — more than ever before. According to a report from The Business Research Company, COVID-19 has steadily pushed up the demand for local, sustainable, and organic food production. Consumers are more concerned about how food is raised and prepared. They are leaning towards organic, which emphasizes environmental protection, consumer health, and animal welfare. With the disruption that businesses have faced, there is a lot of focus on supporting local brands as well.

The pros and cons of lean manufacturing: A 2020 perspective

Bambi Majumdar Manufacturing

There is a reason why manufacturers are turning towards lean during these uncertain times. Lean manufacturing became popular during World War II when hardship and uncertainty ruled the world economy. Companies were forced to reduce costs during a time of radical change and yet had meet their customers' quality and delivery needs. So, they learned to optimize their systems and innovate, giving birth to modern-day lean manufacturing technologies. Flash forward to 2020 when an unexpected virus brought the whole world to its knees. Manufacturers have to drive efficiencies and agility in new ways by adjusting, adapting, and persevering in this environment.

8 great Florida botanical gardens

Dave G. Houser Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Although most tourists flock to Florida for its gorgeous beaches and fun-filled theme parks, the Sunshine State is also home to a number of the nation’s most lush and exotic public gardens. Horticulturists, gardeners and ordinary nature lovers alike will find these enticing green oases the answer to a vacation dream come true. From Jacksonville to Coral Gables to Sarasota — here are eight of Florida’s finest botanical gardens.

Infographic: How mask waste is hurting the planet

Maggie Kimberl Waste Management & Environmental

Masks have become a part of our daily lives. However, little thought often goes into their sustainability and where we get them from, resulting in mask waste. By one estimate, they will contribute 120,000 metric tons of waste in the U.K. alone by next year. This infographic outlines the problems with disposable masks as well as the benefits of reusable masks, especially those made from renewable resources.

4 COVID-19-related changes that could outlast the pandemic

Amanda Ghosh Business Management, Services & Risk Management

COVID-19 is changing the landscape of daily life. While some changes are minor and easy to adopt, changes like working from home create significant shifts in our social lives. Masks, virtual learning, ghost restaurants, and increased use of hand sanitizer are just a few of the pandemic-related changes that could stick around after the health crisis ends.

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