Latest News


SBA Launches Digital Hub to Connect Small Businesses with Major Funding in President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing in America Small Business Hub. This hub is described as the first and only digital portal of its kind providing industry-specific resources to help small businesses tap into opportunities under President Biden’s signature Investing in America (IIA) Agenda.Speaking about President Biden's economic agenda, Administrator...

Nationwide Secures Pension Risk Transfer Deal with Ohio Farm Bureau

Nationwide, a company deeply rooted in agricultural history, has announced a significant achievement in its longstanding partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau. The company has taken on the responsibility for Ohio Farm Bureau's defined benefit plan retirees through a pension risk transfer (PRT) transaction.According to Adam Sharp, the executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide's shared values with the organization and its track record of strength and stability made them the ideal choice for this partnership. Sharp stated, "Nationwide is a company with a deep...

SBA Recognizes 2024 Small Business Investment Companies of the Year

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the recognition of Argosy Private Equity of Wayne, Pa., and Mizzen Capital, LP of Stamford, Conn., as the 2024 Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place during National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4.Guzman praised the awardees, stating, "Filling capital gaps is core to the SBA’s mission, and we rely on an incredible network of SBIC-licensed funds to help us deliver. I am proud to recognize two...

When Seconds Count: Defending Against Fire in Agriculture

Wesley vividly recalls the intense moment when a fire threatened his family's Montana farm in July 2022. Describing the swift action taken by his father-in-law, Wesley narrates, "Suddenly, my father-in-law saw flames in the field behind him. Without hesitation, he dumped the hay from the baler and turned the tractor around to fight the blaze."Amidst the chaos, the Enforcer 10 played a crucial role in extinguishing the fire. Wesley explains, "He rushed to the front of the tractor, activated the Enforcer 10, and within seconds, the fire on the baler was out." This...

SBA Administrator Guzman Highlights Memphis Small Business Ahead of Today’s Total Solar Eclipse

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for a tour of American Paper Optics’ facility with business owner John Jerit and members of his leadership team. During the tour, Administrator Guzman learned how American Paper Optics used SBA resources to sustain operations during the pandemic, and how the business evolved into the largest manufacturer of paper 3D eyewear and solar eclipse viewing glasses in the world."The 2024 total solar eclipse is generating a spending surge nationwide, and small businesses are playing a large role in meeting...

Triple-I: Dog-Related Injury Claim Payouts Hit $1.12 Billion in 2023

NEW YORK, April 8, 2024—U.S. insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2023 according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm.Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Triple-I, highlighted that the number of dog bite and related injury claims in 2023 was 19,062, with a total cost of $1.12 billion. She emphasized the importance of education and training for owners and pets to ensure safety and health.State Farm, as the largest property insurer in the country, is dedicated to educating people on pet owner...

SBA Administrator Visits Baltimore for Bridge Collapse Aid

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, along with other prominent leaders, visited Baltimore to address the economic impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and highlight federal resources available to help affected businesses. Guzman, representing the U.S. Small Business Administration, emphasized the government's commitment to supporting small businesses during a challenging time.During a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Administrator Guzman met...

Committed to a brighter future: Nationwide's 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report

Apr 5 2024Nationwide has released its 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability across various aspects of its operations. The report showcases the company's progress in key areas such as Communities and Giving, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Ethics and Governance.Mark Howard, Nationwide's Chief Legal Officer, expressed the company's commitment to its mission, stating, "Nationwide has evolved significantly over the decades, broadening solutions and services while remaining committed to its...

SBA Recognizes 2024 Government Contractors and 8(a) Graduate of the Year

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the winners of the 2024 National Small Business Week's government contracting awards. The honorees include Action Manufacturing Company, Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., and Cetechs. Guzman highlighted the importance of small businesses in federal contracting, stating, "The federal government relies on small businesses to deliver innovative and competitive products and services to support critical agency functions."Sean Gibbs, President/CEO of Action Manufacturing Company, was named...

Storm Clouds Abroad Have Gas Prices on Edge

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2024)—Despite ominous overseas news, a pop in domestic gasoline demand, and oil prices rising to the mid-$80s per barrel, the national average for a gallon of gas climbed just three pennies to $3.56 since last week.“Renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East spiked oil prices recently,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And with the cost of oil accounting for roughly 60% of what we pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices.”For the complete report, including...

Celebrating a decade as a 100 Best Company to Work For

Nationwide has been recognized on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the tenth year in a row, securing the 21st spot in 2024. The annual list serves as a national benchmark for companies that excel in performance and provide exceptional employee experiences.Nationwide's CEO, Kirt Walker, attributes the company's continued success on the list to its inclusive culture, commitment to employee upskilling, and flexible work environment. Walker emphasized, "Our caring culture allows us to deliver on our mission, while also extending that care to the communities...

2024 AAA Car Guide – EVs Reign Supreme

AAA has announced the winners of the 2024 Car Guide, with electric vehicles dominating the rankings. Megan McKernan, the Automotive Research Center manager at AAA, highlighted the popularity of SUVs among consumers, stating, “SUVs are a popular choice since they are a great option for families and offer loads of additional compartments for storage.”The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV emerged as the overall top scorer, best large SUV, and best car over $60k. McKernan praised the Mercedes-Benz for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and excellent headlight coverage....

SBA Recognizes 2024 Phoenix Award Winners of the Year for Outstanding Disaster Recovery Efforts

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently acknowledged the 2024 Phoenix Award winners for their exceptional disaster recovery efforts. Guzman emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and communities in times of crisis, expressing the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to their success.Among this year's recipients is Jacqueline Bernetta Tate Smith, the owner of The Coffee Shoppe in Selma, Alabama. Smith's resilience and determination following destructive tornadoes earned her the Phoenix Award for...

Triple-I: 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast to be ‘Very Active’

ST. JOHNS, Fla., April 4, 2024 -- A very active tropical cyclone season is projected for 2024 in the Atlantic basin, according to a forecast released today by Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science.Led by senior research scientist Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., also a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the CSU Tropical Meteorology Project forecasts 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes during the 2024 season, which starts on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. A typical Atlantic season has 14...

Restaurant IT executive: Olive app offers ‘a way to find the best solution’ and ‘manage the chaos’

Sean Thompson, Vice President of Information Technology at the fast-casual franchise Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, praised the AI application Olive as a valuable tool for managing restaurant operations. He stated that Olive offers the "best solution" in navigating "the chaos" of such tasks. Thompson made this statement to Business Daily on March 21.

Chicago media investment group buys legal news publisher Judiciocracy LLC

An investment group led by Chicago media entrepreneur Brian Timpone has purchased a St. Louis-based legal news publisher, Judiciocracy LLC.

Flying Food Group expands catering services to Swiss International Air Lines' new route from Washington Dulles to Zurich

On March 28, the Flying Food Group (FFG) team at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) started offering its catering services on the new Swiss International Air Lines flight to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH).

Winners Announced for Morgan Stanley Code to Give Hackathon Benefitting Le Chaînon and the Quebec Coalition of Orphan Diseases

Montreal - Morgan Stanley hosted the 2024 Montreal Code to Give Hackathon, where university students developed innovative technology solutions for nonprofits Le Chaînon and the Quebec Coalition of Orphan Diseases. The winning projects will now be further developed by Morgan Stanley technologists through the Technology Changemakers program.Madeline Hutchinson, Global Head of Technology Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley, expressed excitement about the prototypes developed during the hackathon. She stated, "Code to Give provides the next generation of technologists with a...

Cleveland Guardians and Progressive Insurance Extend Naming Rights To Progressive Field Through 2036

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Guardians and Progressive Insurance have reached a new agreement, extending Progressive's naming rights of Progressive Field as the home of Cleveland Guardians baseball through the 2036 season. The deal was announced today, solidifying a 29-year commitment between the two entities.Tricia Griffith, CEO of Progressive, expressed the company's pride in the partnership, stating, "In 2008, we became the proud naming rights partner of Cleveland baseball and for the last 16 years Progressive Field has been part of the fabric of the Cleveland...

Annonce des gagnants du hackathon Code pour t’engager de Morgan Stanley au profit du Chaînon et du Regroupement québécois des maladies orphelines (RQMO)

Montreal - Morgan Stanley has announced the winning projects of the 2024 Code to Engage hackathon benefiting Le Chaînon and the Regroupement québécois des maladies orphelines (RQMO).Over 120 university students participated in the hackathon to develop innovative technological solutions aimed at addressing the urgent challenges faced by organizations on a daily basis. The technologists at Morgan Stanley will now transform the prototypes presented by the students into final products for these organizations as part of the firm's Technology Changemakers program."Code to...