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Business

Explore my writing on business and leadership.

Mortgage rates are on the rise. Now what? Local experts offer advice to potential home buyers

When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in early February to combat inflation, one area of concern for many potential homebuyers was how the Fed’s actions would affect mortgage rates and their ability to afford a new home.

However, Clint Thompson, a mortgage officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Inverness, says the perception that mortgage rates automatically increase following a rise in interest rates is incorrect. “There is always misinformation out there when people hear

Scotchman Industries Leading The Way From Rural South Dakota

Nearly 60 years ago, Arthur Kroetch, an industrious entrepreneur from the small town of Philip, South Dakota, launched what would eventually become the nation’s leading manufacturer of hydraulic ironworkers. Now under the leadership of Kroetch’s son, Jerry, Scotchman Industries continues to bring innovative products to market, currently producing 13 models of hydraulic ironworkers, ranging from 45 to 150 tons in capacity all manufactured in this small South Dakota town – population 779.

How To Video Conference Like A Pro

The COVID-19 era has forced businesses far and wide to get up to speed technologically, and in a hurry, specifically when it comes to mastering the art of the video conference. By this point, the video conference is a regular part of our day and the brand Zoom, for many of us, is now a verb. Whether you're chatting in a one-on-one job interview or part of a video meeting with multiple people, here are some helpful tips and points of etiquette to help you nail your next video conference like a pro.

Indiana: Strong Growth in Manufacturing, Logistics & Technology

By leveraging world-class universities and research partnerships, sound fiscal policy and a pro-business environment, Indiana has the resources and people needed for new opportunities for jobs and investment in the global marketplaceGovernor Eric J. Holcomb announced a record-breaking year for economic development in 2017. Businesses in Indiana and around the world have committed to creating up to 28,846 new Indiana jobs in the coming years.

California: Sixth Largest Economy in the World

If California were a country, its $2.60 trillion economy would be the sixth largest in the world, and its economy represents 14 percent of the U.S. economy. Over the past three years, $78 billion in venture capital has been invested in California companies, which is more than five times the total of any other state.

According to the Inc. magazine 5000 fastest growing companies in America list, California holds the top spot for most companies on the list at 670. The state is home to many people

Automation Personnel Services Open During Covid-19 Pandemic

Automation Personnel Services Dedicated To Providing Employment To Those Displaced From Jobs Due To Coronavirus Shutdowns

If you are looking for work due to a coronavirus-related shutdown, Automation Personnel Services can help you find a job. As many of the nation’s restaurants, bars, schools, and other businesses close in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Automation Personnel Clients in the warehouse, distribution, and logistics sectors - among others - are working around the clock to r

How To Video Conference Like A Pro

The COVID-19 era has forced businesses far and wide to get up to speed technologically, and in a hurry, specifically when it comes to mastering the art of the video conference. By this point, the video conference is a regular part of our day and the brand Zoom, for many of us, is now a verb. Whether you're chatting in a one-on-one job interview or part of a video meeting with multiple people, here are some helpful tips and points of etiquette to help you nail your next video conference like a pr

Don’t Fear The Robotics!

While many economists and cultural commentators continue to warn of doom and gloom for the American workforce over the coming industrial automation revolution, many experts in workforce and economic development see plenty to remain optimistic about, for the rank-and-file worker and upper decision makers alike. Throughout the nation, community colleges, economic development organizations and state-run organizations are on the cutting edge of identifying the new jobs necessary to compete, creating

Reshoring initiative achieves record high results in 2018

In 2018 the number of companies reporting new reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI) was at the highest level in history, up 38% from 2017. The combined reshoring and related FDI announcements totaled over 145,000 jobs, the second highest annual rate in history. Including upward revisions of 36,000 jobs in prior years, the total number of manufacturing jobs brought to the United States from offshore is over 757,000 since the manufacturing employment low of 2010.

Allowing for a two-year l

Texas: 10th Largest Economy in the World

The list of good things happening in the economy of Texas is long, and the environment for business and a skilled workforce keeps getting stronger. If Texas were a nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world based on GDP.

Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t

Top 4 Things We Learned Since The AAF Shutdown

The fallout from the Alliance of American Football’s decision to suspend operations on April 2 in the middle of its inaugural season has been vast, brutal, and ugly. Since canceling the remainder of the season following games on week eight, and the official announcement that the league had filed for bankruptcy on April 17, much has come to light about the league’s shaky situation. Here are the top 4 things we’ve learned since the AAF shutdown.

Texas: 10th Largest Economy in the World

The list of good things happening in the economy of Texas is long, and the environment for business and a skilled workforce keeps getting stronger. If Texas were a nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world based on GDP.

Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t

North Carolina: Education Opportunities Lead to Growing Work

North Carolina is consistently recognized for being pro-business with a competitive tax climate, the lowest corporate income tax in the United States, a favorable legal and regulatory environment and a growing workforce. In fiscal year 2017, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and its partners helped close deals on 137 business recruitment and expansion projects resulting in the announcement of $3.83 billion in investment and 15,748 new jobs statewide.