Small business owners who have been on the fence about seeking a commercial loan may want to take notice of some changes that are about to take place in the financial world. Our Soldiers Corp (OSC) is warning that now is the best time to get a commercial loan due to those upcoming changes. Those who do not act now may have a more difficult time securing the funding later … [More]
What Rights Do Merchants Have When Dealing With Chargebacks?
The Consumer Credit Card Protection Act of 1968 (CCPA) instituted government regulations that oversee the credit card and lending industries to protect consumers against unscrupulous lending practices. The Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 took those regulations a step further, granting consumers the right to dispute billing errors, such as unauthorized purchases, charges for … [More]
Q&A: ASU Expert Sees Turning Point in Concern over Affordable Child Care
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragile nature of the child care system in the U.S., and the crisis is getting a lot of attention now as companies scramble to fill positions. A recent report from the bipartisan Council for a Strong America found the cost in lost earnings, productivity and revenue from the child care crisis to be $122 billion last … [More]
Home Buyers Outnumbering Sellers Spurs Impressive Price Growth, Even amid Muted Sales
Competition among buyers over few available houses has made this home shopping season unusually hot, according to the latest market report1 from Zillow®. Meanwhile, high mortgage rates are continuing to deter homeowners from listing, pushing inventory to record lows. "Many homeowners are still opting not to sell and give up historically low mortgage rates. But those who do … [More]
Asking Rents Fall 2% in the West, Phoenix Rents Falling after Pandemic Peaks
The median U.S. asking rent fell 0.6% year over year to $1,995 in May—the largest annual decline since March 2020—according to a new report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That compares with a near-record 16.5% increase one year earlier. May’s drop also represented the first annual decline since March 2020 on a revised basis. The median … [More]
6 Ways AI Can Help Businesses Retain Customers
Poor service costs businesses worldwide an estimated $4.7 trillion each year¹, meaning providing a good consumer experience is key to a company's success. As discussion grows about the role of AI, Sweep.io have shared six benefits AI can have in improving customer experience. Six benefits of AI for customer experience: 1. Reduces workload AI chatbots can answer … [More]
Sound Design Co. Launches Soundscapes Library for Wellness in the Workplace
Spatial, a leading provider of immersive sound solutions, launched their soundscapes library designed for wellness in the workplace and commercial environments. With years of experience, Spatial's team of in-house sound designers in collaboration with creative content experts have curated a comprehensive collection of targeted soundscapes that cater to a wide range of … [More]
Adding Color and Curb Appeal to Arizona Development
As the development of multi-family housing skyrockets in Arizona, we risk creating a desert skyline of monolithic, monochromatic and cold structures. Sixteen thousand new apartments are in the pipeline, and more are coming. The current administration and Congress have earmarked tens of billions of dollars in subsidies to attract tech, higher ed and other businesses to the … [More]
Selling Your Business? These CEO Qualities Drive Strong Private Equity Partnerships
For many founders looking to sell the business they’ve spent years building, partnering with a private equity firm is the best path forward. For founders considering this course of action, it’s essential to know what private equity firms look for in a CEO or management team they are considering backing. While elements like investment criteria will vary by firm, some are more … [More]
How to Avoid LinkedIn Scammers and Swindlers
Half of businesses in the US (52%) experienced at least one LinkedIn scam this year, according to the newest research by NordLayer, a network security solution for businesses. The most affected tend to be big companies (65%), requests to connect from an unknown person with a suspicious link in the message is the most popular scam they encounter (47%), and damaged reputation … [More]
Mortgage Rates Are Up, Homes Sales Are Down, As Prices Remain Resilient
Pending home sales fell 17% from a year earlier during the four weeks ending May 28, one of the biggest declines since the start of the year. That’s according to a new report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That year-over-year drop is especially notable because pending sales had already started falling at this time last year as mortgage rates … [More]
82% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages, According to National Survey
As over 80% of hotels experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies, according to a new survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Seventy-five percent of respondents are increasing wages, 64% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 36% are expanding benefits – … [More]
Nearly 4 in 10 U.S. Workers Report Rising Workplace Burnout
Workplace burnout is a problem that just won’t go away, according to new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm, Robert Half. Today's study reveals U.S. workers’ burnout levels compared to one year ago, industries and age groups reporting the highest levels of stress, top burnout contributors and action being taken by employers to alleviate work-related … [More]
Privacy Is Security: How Businesses Can Earn Trust while Handling Individual Data Online
To understand how intertwined online privacy and security have become, consider the humble company-issued laptop. The device might only be given to a new hire after he or she passes a series of mandatory security clearances. Some employees will be asked to provide a fingerprint or facial recognition to use their laptop at all. At a minimum, a unique password is required at … [More]
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities: How to Embrace Challenges as a Chance for Growth
Setbacks are a natural part of life. Even the most successful people in the world have failed before advancing in life. One of the most talented basketball players in the world, Michael Jordan, has famously admitted to missing more than 9,000 shots in his career and losing almost 300 games. Walt Disney, another example, was fired from his job at a newspaper early in his career … [More]
Hiring vs. Recruiting: Understanding the Impact on Retention Rates
In the realm of talent acquisition, hiring and recruiting are two distinct processes that play a vital role in building a successful workforce. While both terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the differences between them can significantly impact a company's retention rates. Hiring is commonly associated with filling immediate vacancies and addressing … [More]
ASU-Designed Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Speeds Up Phoenix Rapid Transit Construction
Using fiber-reinforced concrete instead of rebar-supported slabs for constructing Metro Phoenix light rail extensions is giving new meaning to rapid transit. Months of construction time are being reduced to weeks, adding cost savings, sustainability and worker safety to the mix. A collaboration between Arizona State University, the Phoenix Valley Metro Regional … [More]
More Than 2 in 5 Home Sellers Are Making Concessions to Buyers, Nearly Double Last Year’s Share
Home sellers gave concessions to buyers in 42.9% of U.S. home sales during the three months ending April 30, up from 25.5% a year earlier, according to a new report from Redfin, the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That’s just shy of the 45.6% record-high hit in February. The share of home sellers providing concessions—which include things like money toward repairs, … [More]
