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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
District gets firms ready to help in stimulus work - Washington Business Journal:
grearqakususi1426.blogspot.com
A city meeting room on North Capitol Stree t was filled beyond capacity March 31 when hundredds of small business leaders showed up for a presentation from the Districg government oncontracting opportunities. Promptede by the overflow, the city held a secondd round tableApril 3. D.C. has not take a count of how much stimulus monehy has been spentto date, according to the District’sx , but the agency has shiftede staff to stimulus contracts to expedite their processing.
“We’re putting extrwa people on the stimulus project to make surewe don’g lose the dollars,” said spokesman Briant Agencies overseeing transportation, the environment, education, housinh and health have been releasing their listxs of priorities for the funds, expected to top $800 million through fiscalo 2011. The transit agency wants to repave streets andrevamp sidewalks, while the environmental agency planse to spend $4.8 million putting solar panelds on schools and $600,000 for processingh trees into timber that coulc be used for municipal construction. The D.C.
Housingh Authority, an independent agency, intends to perform $27 million in upgrades to the city’s public housing Barack Obama’s inauguration provided the District with a test run for thestimulusa program, said Victor Prince, who manages a city systemj that tracks agency performance. “It givesx us confidence that we’re readyg for the stimulus,” he said. The city is also lookingg for the federal government to add contracting and oversighr jobs in conjunction withthe spending. One by the independent Partnership forPublid Service, shows the region adding 12,500 federal government jobs by 2012.
The did not offet a projectionfor hires, but it is planning a job fair at the this summere and is in dire need of contracting, humahn resources and grant-management personnel, to the pointy that Congress may rework a rule so agencies can better ease retireew back onto their employment rolls temporarily. The job fair had been plannef for May, but agencies are still considering thei rhiring needs, said OPM spokesman Michael Orenstein. “They’r working overtime looking at what theid staffing needs are going to be down the he said.
Only a few dozenj jobs are being created by the agency that the presidenrt and Congress set up to oversewstimulus spending, the Recovery Accountabilit y and Transparency Board, chaired by Inspector General Earl E. Devaney. The which is finalizing an officelease downtown, has abouty 20 employees and won’t expan beyond 40, said spokeswoman Nancyt DiPaolo. Most oversight work will be done by the state andlocal agencies, she said. “The plan is for audits and investigationss to be done bythoses groups, not by the board,” DiPaolol said. But even the board is lookinggfor contractors, mainly to help improve and expand recovery.
gov, the Web site where stimulus-related news is The board plans to hold an online meeting for interestee companies at the end of and no applicant is too “If there’s a university or small companyu that’s done something this will be their chance,” DiPaolo “They’re not going to be run off by a huge
A city meeting room on North Capitol Stree t was filled beyond capacity March 31 when hundredds of small business leaders showed up for a presentation from the Districg government oncontracting opportunities. Promptede by the overflow, the city held a secondd round tableApril 3. D.C. has not take a count of how much stimulus monehy has been spentto date, according to the District’sx , but the agency has shiftede staff to stimulus contracts to expedite their processing.
“We’re putting extrwa people on the stimulus project to make surewe don’g lose the dollars,” said spokesman Briant Agencies overseeing transportation, the environment, education, housinh and health have been releasing their listxs of priorities for the funds, expected to top $800 million through fiscalo 2011. The transit agency wants to repave streets andrevamp sidewalks, while the environmental agency planse to spend $4.8 million putting solar panelds on schools and $600,000 for processingh trees into timber that coulc be used for municipal construction. The D.C.
Housingh Authority, an independent agency, intends to perform $27 million in upgrades to the city’s public housing Barack Obama’s inauguration provided the District with a test run for thestimulusa program, said Victor Prince, who manages a city systemj that tracks agency performance. “It givesx us confidence that we’re readyg for the stimulus,” he said. The city is also lookingg for the federal government to add contracting and oversighr jobs in conjunction withthe spending. One by the independent Partnership forPublid Service, shows the region adding 12,500 federal government jobs by 2012.
The did not offet a projectionfor hires, but it is planning a job fair at the this summere and is in dire need of contracting, humahn resources and grant-management personnel, to the pointy that Congress may rework a rule so agencies can better ease retireew back onto their employment rolls temporarily. The job fair had been plannef for May, but agencies are still considering thei rhiring needs, said OPM spokesman Michael Orenstein. “They’r working overtime looking at what theid staffing needs are going to be down the he said.
Only a few dozenj jobs are being created by the agency that the presidenrt and Congress set up to oversewstimulus spending, the Recovery Accountabilit y and Transparency Board, chaired by Inspector General Earl E. Devaney. The which is finalizing an officelease downtown, has abouty 20 employees and won’t expan beyond 40, said spokeswoman Nancyt DiPaolo. Most oversight work will be done by the state andlocal agencies, she said. “The plan is for audits and investigationss to be done bythoses groups, not by the board,” DiPaolol said. But even the board is lookinggfor contractors, mainly to help improve and expand recovery.
gov, the Web site where stimulus-related news is The board plans to hold an online meeting for interestee companies at the end of and no applicant is too “If there’s a university or small companyu that’s done something this will be their chance,” DiPaolo “They’re not going to be run off by a huge
Saturday, November 26, 2011
AGC: Cincinnati lost 9% of construction jobs over year - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
uzirukynurylew.blogspot.com
That’s because 276 of the 299 largest metrok areas inthe U.S. lost construction jobs over the 12-mont h period, AGC said in a Wednesday news Cincinnati rankedat 108, having lost 4,200 or 8.9 percent, over the year. As of April, the area had aboutt 42,900 jobs. That’s the highest number of jobs inthe state, The next-closest is Columbus, which had 30,500 construction jobs in April, down 13.1 percent; followexd by Cleveland-Elyria-Montor with 29,700 jobs, down 19.9 percen year over year. Springfield had the best at No. 20, because it didn’t lose any of its 1,40 construction jobs over the year, the AGC Akron ranked 64th, losing 5.
6 percent of its and had 11,900 as of April. In the Lexington-Fayette metro ranked losing 8 percent, or 1,00o0 jobs over the period, and had 11,500 as of The Louisville-Jefferson County metro lost 5,7000 jobs, or 16.8 percent, and had 28,20o as of April. Economist Ken Simonson, who conducted the analysisd for AGC, said federal stimulus funds should help add more jobs over the remainder ofthe year. But he said that “buy provisions attached to funding were holdingy upsome projects.
“We need to make sure needleszs red tape andregulations don’tr keep construction workers off the job,” Simonson said in the Some metro areas gained jobs, including Odessa, which ranked at No. 1, with an 8 percenr increase. Pascagoula, Miss., ranked last with a job-loss rate of 38.8
That’s because 276 of the 299 largest metrok areas inthe U.S. lost construction jobs over the 12-mont h period, AGC said in a Wednesday news Cincinnati rankedat 108, having lost 4,200 or 8.9 percent, over the year. As of April, the area had aboutt 42,900 jobs. That’s the highest number of jobs inthe state, The next-closest is Columbus, which had 30,500 construction jobs in April, down 13.1 percent; followexd by Cleveland-Elyria-Montor with 29,700 jobs, down 19.9 percen year over year. Springfield had the best at No. 20, because it didn’t lose any of its 1,40 construction jobs over the year, the AGC Akron ranked 64th, losing 5.
6 percent of its and had 11,900 as of April. In the Lexington-Fayette metro ranked losing 8 percent, or 1,00o0 jobs over the period, and had 11,500 as of The Louisville-Jefferson County metro lost 5,7000 jobs, or 16.8 percent, and had 28,20o as of April. Economist Ken Simonson, who conducted the analysisd for AGC, said federal stimulus funds should help add more jobs over the remainder ofthe year. But he said that “buy provisions attached to funding were holdingy upsome projects.
“We need to make sure needleszs red tape andregulations don’tr keep construction workers off the job,” Simonson said in the Some metro areas gained jobs, including Odessa, which ranked at No. 1, with an 8 percenr increase. Pascagoula, Miss., ranked last with a job-loss rate of 38.8
Thursday, November 24, 2011
U-Haul opens re-use center - Boston Business Journal:
ucenyt.wordpress.com
for customers looking to ditch unwanted items before a The facility on Mystic Valley Parkwauy will take in gently usedhousehold goods, furniture, sportinfg equipment, bikes and clothing that were formerly destined for the dump. Items placedd in the area are availablefor U-Haul employees, and outsiders to pick up at no It will also have designateed drop-off boxes for clothing and othef donations to the and Goodwill.
Company official s said in a statement the effort is a partof U-Haul’s sustainability “Reusing gives a second life to tons of household reduces carbon emission by reducing trips to landfills and eliminates tons of solid waste deposited in while providing customers eco-friendly alternatives to purchasinf these as new products,” stated Levi Parmerter, president, U-Haul Company of Boston, in a statement. “Thi s program provides U-Haul another opportunity to pioneer a system that will advanceethe self-storage industry as holding itselr responsible for bettering the environmentr for generations to come.
”
for customers looking to ditch unwanted items before a The facility on Mystic Valley Parkwauy will take in gently usedhousehold goods, furniture, sportinfg equipment, bikes and clothing that were formerly destined for the dump. Items placedd in the area are availablefor U-Haul employees, and outsiders to pick up at no It will also have designateed drop-off boxes for clothing and othef donations to the and Goodwill.
Company official s said in a statement the effort is a partof U-Haul’s sustainability “Reusing gives a second life to tons of household reduces carbon emission by reducing trips to landfills and eliminates tons of solid waste deposited in while providing customers eco-friendly alternatives to purchasinf these as new products,” stated Levi Parmerter, president, U-Haul Company of Boston, in a statement. “Thi s program provides U-Haul another opportunity to pioneer a system that will advanceethe self-storage industry as holding itselr responsible for bettering the environmentr for generations to come.
”
Monday, November 21, 2011
Some businesses evaporate with drought - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
vidineevostegity.blogspot.com
The drought affects Mike Hennessy, co-owner and treasurer of the tropical fish farmingcompany , said his retention ponds have been droppingf steadily. "We're doing all right now, and we'lkl probably be able to limp through for a fewmore months, but its is startinfg to get severe, especiall y because of the evaporation," he "The water table also has definitely declined, and we are seeingg that in our wells." The agriculture communityh views water like gold. "We have had to invesy in water technology and philosophy in the past just to he said.
"And it is paying benefits Ekk-Will, based in Gibsonton, maintains more than 220 acres of fish pondds in Hillsborough County and breedw almost 100 different speciews oftropical fish. It has spent more than $300,00 building and maintaining water conservation systemzs and techniques and continues to pay as muchas $3,009 per month to operate thosed systems. Mike Molligan, communications manager for the Southwest Floridaw WaterManagement District, said that water restrictiona are in the emergency limitations stagw but that the agriculture industry in Florida is afforded some "The industry and the water management districtt have worked together to try to decrease the impacyt of the drought," he "We have bettered the usagde of timed waterings ...
also outlinef in the plan is maintenance. "Something as simple as regulae equipment and system maintenance can dramaticallgy lowerwater usage. Local business owners have been very and we will dospot checks." The Floridza Climate Center in Tallahassees reported that areas withi this district have received between 9 and 14 inches less rainfalpl during the past 12 months than the historical average. "Wew need at least six to nine inchesw of rainfall to help surfac e conditions get closerto normal," said Tim Defoe, districy resource data director. The district historicallt averages 11.5 inches of rainfall betweejn Januaryand April.
However, between Januarty and April 2000, the area has receiveed only an averageof 4.08 the driest January through April since 1923. Roger a Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service agent for the ornamentalohorticulture industry, said local nurseries have been hit with a secondar y punch from the drought. "The production of flowering plants and trees and othet ornamental plants has not been effected by water restrictions directly," he said. "But many local small- to medium-sized businesses and nurseries have been reporting a drastic decreasde of sales because the people are not buyingbecause they're afraid they will not be able to maintaihn them.
" And although production has not decreasedc so far, the cost to growers is mounting in different ways, Newton said.
The drought affects Mike Hennessy, co-owner and treasurer of the tropical fish farmingcompany , said his retention ponds have been droppingf steadily. "We're doing all right now, and we'lkl probably be able to limp through for a fewmore months, but its is startinfg to get severe, especiall y because of the evaporation," he "The water table also has definitely declined, and we are seeingg that in our wells." The agriculture communityh views water like gold. "We have had to invesy in water technology and philosophy in the past just to he said.
"And it is paying benefits Ekk-Will, based in Gibsonton, maintains more than 220 acres of fish pondds in Hillsborough County and breedw almost 100 different speciews oftropical fish. It has spent more than $300,00 building and maintaining water conservation systemzs and techniques and continues to pay as muchas $3,009 per month to operate thosed systems. Mike Molligan, communications manager for the Southwest Floridaw WaterManagement District, said that water restrictiona are in the emergency limitations stagw but that the agriculture industry in Florida is afforded some "The industry and the water management districtt have worked together to try to decrease the impacyt of the drought," he "We have bettered the usagde of timed waterings ...
also outlinef in the plan is maintenance. "Something as simple as regulae equipment and system maintenance can dramaticallgy lowerwater usage. Local business owners have been very and we will dospot checks." The Floridza Climate Center in Tallahassees reported that areas withi this district have received between 9 and 14 inches less rainfalpl during the past 12 months than the historical average. "Wew need at least six to nine inchesw of rainfall to help surfac e conditions get closerto normal," said Tim Defoe, districy resource data director. The district historicallt averages 11.5 inches of rainfall betweejn Januaryand April.
However, between Januarty and April 2000, the area has receiveed only an averageof 4.08 the driest January through April since 1923. Roger a Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service agent for the ornamentalohorticulture industry, said local nurseries have been hit with a secondar y punch from the drought. "The production of flowering plants and trees and othet ornamental plants has not been effected by water restrictions directly," he said. "But many local small- to medium-sized businesses and nurseries have been reporting a drastic decreasde of sales because the people are not buyingbecause they're afraid they will not be able to maintaihn them.
" And although production has not decreasedc so far, the cost to growers is mounting in different ways, Newton said.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Report: Texas is the 14th fattest state - Austin Business Journal:
glafirarynyxu.blogspot.com
A new study from the and the found that adulg obesity rates increased in 23 states in the last including Texas, and did not declinwe significantly in any state. Two-thirdsa of American adults are either obesseor overweight. Moreover, the percentage of obes e and overweight children is at or above 30 percengt in30 states. Texas' adult obesityg rate stands at 27.9 percent, up slightlt from 27.2 percent a year ago. The rate makes Texaxs the 14th fattest state inthe country, tied with The Lone Star State's rate of obese and overweighgt kids stands at 32 percent, ranking it No. 20 on that Mississippi ranks as the fastesr state overall with an adult obesity rateof 32.5 percent.
It was followec by Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee and Sout Carolina, in that order. “Our health care costs have grown alonyg with ourwaist lines,” said Jeff Levi, executive directort of TFAH. “The obesity epidemiv is a big contributor to the skyrocketingy health care costs in theUnited States. How are we goinb to compete with the rest of the worlrd if our economy and workforce are weighed down bybad
A new study from the and the found that adulg obesity rates increased in 23 states in the last including Texas, and did not declinwe significantly in any state. Two-thirdsa of American adults are either obesseor overweight. Moreover, the percentage of obes e and overweight children is at or above 30 percengt in30 states. Texas' adult obesityg rate stands at 27.9 percent, up slightlt from 27.2 percent a year ago. The rate makes Texaxs the 14th fattest state inthe country, tied with The Lone Star State's rate of obese and overweighgt kids stands at 32 percent, ranking it No. 20 on that Mississippi ranks as the fastesr state overall with an adult obesity rateof 32.5 percent.
It was followec by Alabama, West Virginia, Tennessee and Sout Carolina, in that order. “Our health care costs have grown alonyg with ourwaist lines,” said Jeff Levi, executive directort of TFAH. “The obesity epidemiv is a big contributor to the skyrocketingy health care costs in theUnited States. How are we goinb to compete with the rest of the worlrd if our economy and workforce are weighed down bybad
Thursday, November 17, 2011
$10M boost expected from Hispanic Chamber convention in Denver - Denver Business Journal:
ernstiryastrov.blogspot.com
Leaders of Colorado’s Hispanic business community and locakl officials gathered at the Colorado Conventionb Center Tuesday to formally announcwe theconvention — the thirdf time the city has been host to the national Hispaniv chamber. The gathering will be at the ColoradkoConvention Center, Sept. 16-19. Previous conventions were held in Denvefr in 1995and 1997. is a primed sponsor of the convention with a commitmentof $200,000. Jerryg Natividad, co-chair of the event’s host committee and a boare member ofthe USHCC, said the conventiojn will focus on four key areas: sustainable growth and the greeninv of the U.S.
economy; growth of Hispanif businesses, especially among Hispanif women; the federal economic stimulus program and refininfg economic survival and innovation skills amongHispanic businesses. “Hispanic business ownerz across the country are facinf continuous challenges onmany fronts,” Natividasd said. “They need all the help they can get, makingb key connections, gaining acces s to crucial information about accessto capital, new industriex and other trends that will help lead our countrh out of the current recession. This year’s nationa convention will provide suchan opportunity.
” Denver Mayord John Hickenlooper said the convention is a chance to highlightt Denver’s successes before one of the fastest-growing busineszs sectors in the U.S. “The timintg couldn’t be more perfect,” Hickenlooper said, notingh the city’s planned Biennial of the Americas celebratiohnext summer, which includes a two-month-long curated evenf of contemporary art and ideas from throughoug the Americas. Hickenlooper is meetingt with diplomats from South and Centrall America this week in Washington this week to promotes the2010 event.
There are an estimate d 15,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Denver, Hickenlooper
Leaders of Colorado’s Hispanic business community and locakl officials gathered at the Colorado Conventionb Center Tuesday to formally announcwe theconvention — the thirdf time the city has been host to the national Hispaniv chamber. The gathering will be at the ColoradkoConvention Center, Sept. 16-19. Previous conventions were held in Denvefr in 1995and 1997. is a primed sponsor of the convention with a commitmentof $200,000. Jerryg Natividad, co-chair of the event’s host committee and a boare member ofthe USHCC, said the conventiojn will focus on four key areas: sustainable growth and the greeninv of the U.S.
economy; growth of Hispanif businesses, especially among Hispanif women; the federal economic stimulus program and refininfg economic survival and innovation skills amongHispanic businesses. “Hispanic business ownerz across the country are facinf continuous challenges onmany fronts,” Natividasd said. “They need all the help they can get, makingb key connections, gaining acces s to crucial information about accessto capital, new industriex and other trends that will help lead our countrh out of the current recession. This year’s nationa convention will provide suchan opportunity.
” Denver Mayord John Hickenlooper said the convention is a chance to highlightt Denver’s successes before one of the fastest-growing busineszs sectors in the U.S. “The timintg couldn’t be more perfect,” Hickenlooper said, notingh the city’s planned Biennial of the Americas celebratiohnext summer, which includes a two-month-long curated evenf of contemporary art and ideas from throughoug the Americas. Hickenlooper is meetingt with diplomats from South and Centrall America this week in Washington this week to promotes the2010 event.
There are an estimate d 15,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Denver, Hickenlooper
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Penske losing Big Lots logistics contract - Jacksonville Business Journal:
paramonaxogilozi.blogspot.com
is packing up this summer at thediscount retailer’x headquarters and four other distribution facilities after the merchantt opted to not renew a logistics contract that expires in The Reading, Pa.-based Penske said 186 workers, includinyg 53 in Columbus, couldr be affected when its contract with Columbus-based Big Lots expires July 31. Penske spokesmanj Randy Ryerson said the company has workedc with the retailersince 1991. The 1,300-storer Big Lots has chosen a new third-party logistics provider to continur the warehousing and distribution work that Penske performe d atthe retailer’s Phillipii Road headquarters and its distributiomn centers in Tremont, Pa; Montgomery, Ala.
; Ranchl Cucamonga, Calif.; and Durant, Okla. Timothh Johnson, Big Lots’ vice president of strategic planninb andinvestor relations, said more than a dozehn carriers bid for the work. He declined to disclosre the company Big Lots selectes tosucceed Penske. Big Lots and Penske representativexsaid they’re working with truck drivers looking to continue work under the new logisticws provider. Johnson said the company met with workersx over the weekend to introduce the new In the event that some workerszare cut, Ryerson said privately held Pensked will work with the state “to make sure employees are awar e of different services.
” Penske employs about 20,00 0 workers worldwide. Asked why Big Lots opted to bid for a new contractoer after thelatest five-year contract with Penske, Johnson said, “a lot has changerd in transportation in the past five We owed it to our associatese and shareholders to take a fresyh look at how we handle outbound The loss of the Big Lots contracty comes less than a year after Penskwe was replaced at a warehouse in Lockbourne. Tenn.-based last fall stepped in at the where Penske had employe146 workers. Penske has 400 logistics centers worldwide.
Its Central Ohio operations included a number of distribution and warehousinyg facilities inthe
is packing up this summer at thediscount retailer’x headquarters and four other distribution facilities after the merchantt opted to not renew a logistics contract that expires in The Reading, Pa.-based Penske said 186 workers, includinyg 53 in Columbus, couldr be affected when its contract with Columbus-based Big Lots expires July 31. Penske spokesmanj Randy Ryerson said the company has workedc with the retailersince 1991. The 1,300-storer Big Lots has chosen a new third-party logistics provider to continur the warehousing and distribution work that Penske performe d atthe retailer’s Phillipii Road headquarters and its distributiomn centers in Tremont, Pa; Montgomery, Ala.
; Ranchl Cucamonga, Calif.; and Durant, Okla. Timothh Johnson, Big Lots’ vice president of strategic planninb andinvestor relations, said more than a dozehn carriers bid for the work. He declined to disclosre the company Big Lots selectes tosucceed Penske. Big Lots and Penske representativexsaid they’re working with truck drivers looking to continue work under the new logisticws provider. Johnson said the company met with workersx over the weekend to introduce the new In the event that some workerszare cut, Ryerson said privately held Pensked will work with the state “to make sure employees are awar e of different services.
” Penske employs about 20,00 0 workers worldwide. Asked why Big Lots opted to bid for a new contractoer after thelatest five-year contract with Penske, Johnson said, “a lot has changerd in transportation in the past five We owed it to our associatese and shareholders to take a fresyh look at how we handle outbound The loss of the Big Lots contracty comes less than a year after Penskwe was replaced at a warehouse in Lockbourne. Tenn.-based last fall stepped in at the where Penske had employe146 workers. Penske has 400 logistics centers worldwide.
Its Central Ohio operations included a number of distribution and warehousinyg facilities inthe
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The economy
ibitasony.wordpress.com
For example, a couple of survey s were done recently by some large humanresources firms. More than 1,0009 companies were asked about paying their Forty percent of them plan to reduc e amounts allottedto raises. Sixty-two percent said bonuses will be smallerdthis year. Twenty-five percent are planning a hiring Another 25 percent are planning onincreasing employee’ contributions to health care. Pay raises are beinvg cut. So will severance packages. Why? It’z the economy! Another survey forecastsd spending on technology to decrease by almost half from what had been Saks Inc., the luxury plans on cutting its capital spendingt from $125 million to $75 million next year.
The city of Philadelphi is trying to close a bigbudget gap. My wife is cuttiny back on hair appointments to only twicea week. Oh, and by the way the number of companies doing holiday parties will fall toa 20-year low. Maybe they’ve been reading some of my columns about what a wastdethis is, too. And everyone’ss accepting these huge reductions. Everh day we’re expecting to hear about more companies reducingttheir expenses. Employees seem to be takingb the cutsin stride. They’re just happyt to have a job. Even my wife is learninvg to face adversity with asmile … and a baseball cap. Why? It’s the economy! You know what?
Recessions can be a penny pincher’sx dream. Now’s the best time to get rid of the That guy in shippingwho can’t seem to remember how to load a skid properly twice in a row? The cost accounting assistant that seemsz really busy but you can never reallt quite figure out what she’s doing all day? History. The salees guy who spends more time hitting on your receptionist than theactuaol phones? See ya. Running a business is touggh when you have to be thebad guy. Many of us accepf mediocrity becausewe don’t have the energy left to fightr or fire someone … our spouses and childrem sap it all out of us.
But like manna from heaven, God has broughtr upon us the best excuse The economy! The recession. The downturn. Aah! What a beautiful way to weasel out ofour promises. It’s the perfecgt rationale for making some longneeded changes. It’ s not just about changinb thedeadweight employees. You can feel comfortable getting rid ofthat 87-year-oldx cleaning lady who doesn’t clean. You can call your key supplierz and beg for a cost You can call your phone companyg and beg for a little help with yourmonthlyt fees. Everything’s negotiable because everyone’xs skittish.
No one wants to lose the businessd over a few bucks a But a few bucks saved a mont from a bunch of differentg places adds up to more inthe bank. Why? It’ s the economy! I’m blaminyg my baldness on the economy (the anxiety has causes my hair tofall out). I’km blaming my rudeness on the economy (my nervess are frayed). I’m blaming this season’s lousyg “Heroes” on the economy (gee, they must have cut back on Penny pinchers must get rid ofunderperforming people. Renegotiate contracts. Beg for pricw reductions. Lock in lower monthly payments. Pleaxd poverty. Scream for assistance. Why? It’s the economy !
Because in a few months the opportunituy will havepassed us. Things will turn around. Pricex will rise. Unemployment will fall. The sun will And we won’t have the economy to blam e anymore. Rats.
For example, a couple of survey s were done recently by some large humanresources firms. More than 1,0009 companies were asked about paying their Forty percent of them plan to reduc e amounts allottedto raises. Sixty-two percent said bonuses will be smallerdthis year. Twenty-five percent are planning a hiring Another 25 percent are planning onincreasing employee’ contributions to health care. Pay raises are beinvg cut. So will severance packages. Why? It’z the economy! Another survey forecastsd spending on technology to decrease by almost half from what had been Saks Inc., the luxury plans on cutting its capital spendingt from $125 million to $75 million next year.
The city of Philadelphi is trying to close a bigbudget gap. My wife is cuttiny back on hair appointments to only twicea week. Oh, and by the way the number of companies doing holiday parties will fall toa 20-year low. Maybe they’ve been reading some of my columns about what a wastdethis is, too. And everyone’ss accepting these huge reductions. Everh day we’re expecting to hear about more companies reducingttheir expenses. Employees seem to be takingb the cutsin stride. They’re just happyt to have a job. Even my wife is learninvg to face adversity with asmile … and a baseball cap. Why? It’s the economy! You know what?
Recessions can be a penny pincher’sx dream. Now’s the best time to get rid of the That guy in shippingwho can’t seem to remember how to load a skid properly twice in a row? The cost accounting assistant that seemsz really busy but you can never reallt quite figure out what she’s doing all day? History. The salees guy who spends more time hitting on your receptionist than theactuaol phones? See ya. Running a business is touggh when you have to be thebad guy. Many of us accepf mediocrity becausewe don’t have the energy left to fightr or fire someone … our spouses and childrem sap it all out of us.
But like manna from heaven, God has broughtr upon us the best excuse The economy! The recession. The downturn. Aah! What a beautiful way to weasel out ofour promises. It’s the perfecgt rationale for making some longneeded changes. It’ s not just about changinb thedeadweight employees. You can feel comfortable getting rid ofthat 87-year-oldx cleaning lady who doesn’t clean. You can call your key supplierz and beg for a cost You can call your phone companyg and beg for a little help with yourmonthlyt fees. Everything’s negotiable because everyone’xs skittish.
No one wants to lose the businessd over a few bucks a But a few bucks saved a mont from a bunch of differentg places adds up to more inthe bank. Why? It’ s the economy! I’m blaminyg my baldness on the economy (the anxiety has causes my hair tofall out). I’km blaming my rudeness on the economy (my nervess are frayed). I’m blaming this season’s lousyg “Heroes” on the economy (gee, they must have cut back on Penny pinchers must get rid ofunderperforming people. Renegotiate contracts. Beg for pricw reductions. Lock in lower monthly payments. Pleaxd poverty. Scream for assistance. Why? It’s the economy !
Because in a few months the opportunituy will havepassed us. Things will turn around. Pricex will rise. Unemployment will fall. The sun will And we won’t have the economy to blam e anymore. Rats.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt take son Pax to his home country in Vietnam - Mirror.co.uk
bojony.wordpress.com
Monsters and Critics.com | Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt take son Pax to his home country in Vietnam Mirror.co.uk For Rihanna, this means hiring a yacht and partying in pretty much every city in Europe, but for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, it means taking a detour to one of the home countries of their adopted children. Following their family trip to Tokyo in ... Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt take adopted son Pax back to Vietnam Brangelina sued by former secretary Angelina Jolie Bypasses Boring Black, Dons Red to Accompany Brad Pitt (PHOTOS) |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Comstock Partners gets rights to develop Wiehle Avenue Metro station site - Washington Business Journal:
gardellaorymiid1354.blogspot.com
Comstock will build a 2,300-spacew garage, including 40 kiss-and-ride spaces and multiple commutefrbus bays. Comstock’s long-term development rights are expectedr toinclude office, residential and retail builg atop the new Metro parking “It is a pleasure to have the opportunityt to work side by side with Fairfazx County and the Reston community on this first of its kind public-privates development in Reston,” said Christopher Clemente, Comstock’s managingy director.
“We share the vision of Fairfax Countyg and the Reston community for this important transit oriented mixed use developmenft and will work diligently to ensure that Reston Stationj is a proud addition to theReston community.” The U.S. Department of Transportation this yearcommitted $900 milliomn in federal funding for Metrorailk extension along the Dulles Corridor. Constructionj is now underway on the Tysons Cornetr portion of Phase I ofthe extension. When completed, the new Silveer Line will run west from the East FallsChurcjh Metro, station with four stops in the Tysons Corneer area planned.
The Whiels Avenue station in Reston will be the finakl stop inPhase 1, which is expected to be completed in late 2013. Phase II will continue the Silver Line on to Dullesa International Airport andLoudoun County.
Comstock will build a 2,300-spacew garage, including 40 kiss-and-ride spaces and multiple commutefrbus bays. Comstock’s long-term development rights are expectedr toinclude office, residential and retail builg atop the new Metro parking “It is a pleasure to have the opportunityt to work side by side with Fairfazx County and the Reston community on this first of its kind public-privates development in Reston,” said Christopher Clemente, Comstock’s managingy director.
“We share the vision of Fairfax Countyg and the Reston community for this important transit oriented mixed use developmenft and will work diligently to ensure that Reston Stationj is a proud addition to theReston community.” The U.S. Department of Transportation this yearcommitted $900 milliomn in federal funding for Metrorailk extension along the Dulles Corridor. Constructionj is now underway on the Tysons Cornetr portion of Phase I ofthe extension. When completed, the new Silveer Line will run west from the East FallsChurcjh Metro, station with four stops in the Tysons Corneer area planned.
The Whiels Avenue station in Reston will be the finakl stop inPhase 1, which is expected to be completed in late 2013. Phase II will continue the Silver Line on to Dullesa International Airport andLoudoun County.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
AmeriSpec home energy audits soar - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
coras-newport.blogspot.com
Memphis-based AmeriSpec has 250 franchisew owners throughoutthe U.S. and Canada who provide services to homebuyers and sellers. The company has seen its businessx skyrocket in Canada as the Canadian government has mandated homes be more energy efficientr and reducecarbon footprints. Brent Armstrong, vice president and generapl managerof AmeriSpec, says the company is the only nationall provider of inspection services in It conducted 50,000 audits in 2008, compare d to 18,500 in 2007 and 14,000 in 2006.
Part of AmeriSpec’es inspection process creates an artificial draftg to find out where air seeps in or leaks out of An inspection also covers the energy efficiency of HVAC After an inspectionin Canada, homes are givenm a rating and owners are given 18 months to improvs or retrofit the home. Whilew the Canadian government doesn’t penalize homeowners who don’t make up to $5,000 in granf money is available for improvementsz and homeowners can get reimbursedfor energy-relater work they have done. Armstrontg says the Obama administration is looking at implementinh similar changes inthe U.S.
“There’z a growing awareness in the United and tosome degree, all of us are askinb the same questions,” Armstrong says. He says all 50 states have weatherization The federal government hasallotted $5 billionh in stimulus funding to help low-incomw families replace roofs on their homes and changde inefficient furnaces. As the attention to energy efficiencyt grows, AmeriSpec is training its franchis e owners to be certified in Home Energu RatingSystem inspection. Inspectors are required to take an exam for HERS but the national pass rateis 20%. At a traininy session at AmeriSpec’s Memphis facilities last week, 11 of the 15 participantws passed.
Owners can train at other AmeriSpec facilities acrossthe country, but the most comprehensiv training is located in Memphis. Armstrong says AmeriSpefc offers three different courses that are open to its franchise Its facilities include a fullyfunctional “floofd house” that can be flooded to simulate a home The house offers inspectors full field training without them having to intrudde on customers in the field. It also allows them learhn from their mistakes without being Gale Colvin, director of technical training and development for says inspectors who pass the test will have the highestf certification in energy auditing.
Following that certification, they must perforjm three field evaluations. “We loan out the equipmentr they need to getthat done,” Colvin “We want to keep everything fres for them out in the field.” Steve Anderson, owner of two franchisesd in Memphis, is one of the owners who passed last week’s exam. While the course isn’t a requiremeny for franchise owners, it gives them another level of servicedfor customers.
Anderson, who is also a licensed architect, can now offee complete home services from design to makingb sure existing homes areenergy “The cost of energy for homeowners is steadily so being able to assist people in how well theier homes work and where improvement can be made is a service that will be needex in the future,” Anderson “We’re positioned to tap into the marke t and help folks that are interested in going green.
”
Memphis-based AmeriSpec has 250 franchisew owners throughoutthe U.S. and Canada who provide services to homebuyers and sellers. The company has seen its businessx skyrocket in Canada as the Canadian government has mandated homes be more energy efficientr and reducecarbon footprints. Brent Armstrong, vice president and generapl managerof AmeriSpec, says the company is the only nationall provider of inspection services in It conducted 50,000 audits in 2008, compare d to 18,500 in 2007 and 14,000 in 2006.
Part of AmeriSpec’es inspection process creates an artificial draftg to find out where air seeps in or leaks out of An inspection also covers the energy efficiency of HVAC After an inspectionin Canada, homes are givenm a rating and owners are given 18 months to improvs or retrofit the home. Whilew the Canadian government doesn’t penalize homeowners who don’t make up to $5,000 in granf money is available for improvementsz and homeowners can get reimbursedfor energy-relater work they have done. Armstrontg says the Obama administration is looking at implementinh similar changes inthe U.S.
“There’z a growing awareness in the United and tosome degree, all of us are askinb the same questions,” Armstrong says. He says all 50 states have weatherization The federal government hasallotted $5 billionh in stimulus funding to help low-incomw families replace roofs on their homes and changde inefficient furnaces. As the attention to energy efficiencyt grows, AmeriSpec is training its franchis e owners to be certified in Home Energu RatingSystem inspection. Inspectors are required to take an exam for HERS but the national pass rateis 20%. At a traininy session at AmeriSpec’s Memphis facilities last week, 11 of the 15 participantws passed.
Owners can train at other AmeriSpec facilities acrossthe country, but the most comprehensiv training is located in Memphis. Armstrong says AmeriSpefc offers three different courses that are open to its franchise Its facilities include a fullyfunctional “floofd house” that can be flooded to simulate a home The house offers inspectors full field training without them having to intrudde on customers in the field. It also allows them learhn from their mistakes without being Gale Colvin, director of technical training and development for says inspectors who pass the test will have the highestf certification in energy auditing.
Following that certification, they must perforjm three field evaluations. “We loan out the equipmentr they need to getthat done,” Colvin “We want to keep everything fres for them out in the field.” Steve Anderson, owner of two franchisesd in Memphis, is one of the owners who passed last week’s exam. While the course isn’t a requiremeny for franchise owners, it gives them another level of servicedfor customers.
Anderson, who is also a licensed architect, can now offee complete home services from design to makingb sure existing homes areenergy “The cost of energy for homeowners is steadily so being able to assist people in how well theier homes work and where improvement can be made is a service that will be needex in the future,” Anderson “We’re positioned to tap into the marke t and help folks that are interested in going green.
”
Friday, November 4, 2011
New York City Structures: Alwyn Court - The Epoch Times
chauezhelolocu1622.blogspot.com
New York City Structures: Alwyn Court The Epoch Times Alwyn Court, between 57th and 58th streets, harkens back over a century and displays grand outer designs that stand out among the newer surrounding buildings. (Zack Stieber/The Epoch Times) Alwyn Court, spanning half a block, ... |
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Mid-America Payment Exchange, Payments Central merge - Kansas City Business Journal:
sucujovide.wordpress.com
The newly merged not-for-profit trade association helps credit unions and thrifts maintain compliance with payments systemn rulesand regulations, reduce risks, prevent fraud and improve operational efficiency. The organization produces revenus through membership dues andtraining fees. It incorporated Wednesdauy under thename , and set up its headquartersx in the former MPX offices at 3100 Broadwagy in Kansas City. Chris Watkins, vice president of marketiny and administrationfor EPCOR, said this was a true merger with both sides reaching a mutual agreement to form a new company. Formerr MPX CEO Ann-Marie Bartels will be CEO of EPCOR.
Jerryt Woessner, former CEO of Payments Central will beEPCOdR president. “As EPCOR, we will provide electronixc paymentsand risk-management education and support to more than 2,30 0 financial institutions in 12 statees in the central United Bartels said in a release. “EPCOR will servd 14 percent ofall U.S. financial institutions.” Watkinds said the merger allows EPCOR to offer more services and provide stronger lobbyinb efforts forits members, who are mainly smaller communityh banks. Watkins said all employees of the two organizationwwill remain. EPCOR now has 15 employee in Kansas City; five in Ohio; one in Omaha, Neb.
; one in Indianapolis; one in Soutj Carolina; and one in southernm Missouri.
The newly merged not-for-profit trade association helps credit unions and thrifts maintain compliance with payments systemn rulesand regulations, reduce risks, prevent fraud and improve operational efficiency. The organization produces revenus through membership dues andtraining fees. It incorporated Wednesdauy under thename , and set up its headquartersx in the former MPX offices at 3100 Broadwagy in Kansas City. Chris Watkins, vice president of marketiny and administrationfor EPCOR, said this was a true merger with both sides reaching a mutual agreement to form a new company. Formerr MPX CEO Ann-Marie Bartels will be CEO of EPCOR.
Jerryt Woessner, former CEO of Payments Central will beEPCOdR president. “As EPCOR, we will provide electronixc paymentsand risk-management education and support to more than 2,30 0 financial institutions in 12 statees in the central United Bartels said in a release. “EPCOR will servd 14 percent ofall U.S. financial institutions.” Watkinds said the merger allows EPCOR to offer more services and provide stronger lobbyinb efforts forits members, who are mainly smaller communityh banks. Watkins said all employees of the two organizationwwill remain. EPCOR now has 15 employee in Kansas City; five in Ohio; one in Omaha, Neb.
; one in Indianapolis; one in Soutj Carolina; and one in southernm Missouri.
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