MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

New home sales rebound as resales dip

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

In a pattern all-too-familiar to builders and realtors, housing market activity flipped again in June, with the scales tilting up for new homes and down for resale homes. Sales of new homes surged in June following two consecutive months of dismal declines. On the other side of the market, tight inventories and rising prices put a dent in sales of existing homes, which similarly had trended upward in May after two previous months of negative growth. Despite mortgage rates remaining relatively low, affordability and availability continue to be the primary factors influencing consumers’ willingness to purchase a home.

A climate of change: What should your organization do?

Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The data show the earth is getting hotter — hotter now than it’s been since records were first kept in 1880. The rise in temperature affects animal and marine life and causes potentially devastating dangers for people. What should we do about it? How involved should businesses and associations be on this issue? Will support one way or the other help or hurt your business? Here are a few points to consider.

Are manufacturing wages stagnating?

Michelle R. Matisons Manufacturing

While some argue that a $15 per hour minimum wage still does not provide a living wage, it’s an improvement for all workers regardless of pay disparities among various sectors. At first glance, manufacturing would be one sector least affected by a minimum wage hike. But let's compare recent increases in manufacturing wages. In July 2018, the average manufacturing wage was $21.43. One year later, in June 2019, average wages topped off at $22.03, slightly down from May’s $22.04. This suggests incremental wage growth has now halted: is there wage stagnation in the manufacturing sector?

AI, IoT converge to create a new technology superpower: AIoT

Joseph Zulick Science & Technology

When people hear the terms artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT), most think of modern advances in a futuristic world like those that have been depicted in science-fiction franchises. Many of those predictions are now coming to fruition in this Fourth Industrial Revolution that is currently transforming the way the world works. Even though the full capabilities of AI and IoT are still in their relative infancies, these two technology superpowers are now being combined across every industry to provide scenarios where information and problem-solving can improve outcomes for all stakeholders.

What every entrepreneur needs to know before making the big pitch to investors

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Entrepreneurs know how important investors can be. According to the 2019 State of Entrepreneurship Survey by the Kauffman Foundation, 83% of entrepreneurs do not access bank loans or venture capital, and 65% rely on personal and family savings for startup capital. The right investors can provide much-needed funds and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your business. The right investors also have a lot of experience and they can provide valuable advice. But, your pitch to investors needs to be compelling and persuasive.

Common myths about employee handbooks

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Employers are not required to have a handbook. That is true. State and federal regulations do, however, require employers to provide a variety of information to their employees. The easiest way to do this is often via some sort of handbook. Yet, for those organizations without a handbook, it can be easy to find excuses not to create one. Here are a few myths about handbooks and the corresponding reasons why it is a good idea for every employer to have one.

The future is when? The state of emerging technologies

Tory Barringer Science & Technology

On July 16, Elon Musk — billionaire, physicist, founder of multiple envelope-pushing tech startups and the real-life answer to Marvel’s Tony Stark — unveiled his latest project: Neuralink, an implantable "neural interface" designed to merge human and machine minds. It's a technology that, until recently, existed only in the realm of science fiction. But as we prepare for the grand future we've seen in movies and books, a dose of perspective might be in order. After all, it wasn’t that long ago when people envisioned cars zipping across city skylines in the year 2000. With that in mind, here's a quick rundown of some other major technological advancements and how they’re coming along.

How to build confidence in the board chair

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Before the first meeting, the incoming board chair confessed to the executive director, "I don't feel confident about my boardroom skills. I'm nervous. What can I do to improve my competency?" It's a fair question. It is better to be honest than to fake confidence that will quickly be recognized by the rest of the board. Try these ideas to instill confidence and find the balance between the elected chair and paid CEO.

Are you leaving out an important part of fire safety at your facility?

Scott E. Rupp Facilities & Grounds

Fire and life-safety systems in and throughout a facility — regardless of it being one building or a multibuilding campus — are vital. Every person who sets foot in the facility — employees, students, staff, customers, contractors and visitors — depend on these systems being in place. These systems reduce the impact of a fire and notify occupants to act when conditions are unsafe. They also protect people from areas of the most danger and can help limit the destruction caused by fire. Facility managers wear many hats, but maintaining safety is the most important responsibility they face each day.

Seeking silence: Ultimately, it’s an inside job

Lisa Cole Mental Healthcare

Noise — it's everywhere! Noisemakers abound: fans, compressors, leaf blowers. Even libraries, once a respite enshrouded in a tomblike hush, have now become community headquarters. Am I the only one left seeking silence in what seems like a deafening world? From the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: "Sound is what we hear. Noise is unwanted sound. The difference between sound and noise depends upon the listener and the circumstances."

Industries