Small Business Job Market Faces Persistent Hiring Challenges, NFIB Report Reveals The latest jobs report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) paints a challenging picture for small businesses struggling to fill critical positions. In February, the report highlighted a notable uptick in unfilled job openings, with 38 percent of small business owners reporting vacant roles—a 3-point increase from January and the highest level since August 2024. Despite the ongoing recruitment difficulties, small business owners remain cautiously optimistic about job creation. The report indicates that a net 15 percent of owners are planning to expand their workforce in the coming three months, though this represents a slight 3-percentage-point decline from the previous month. These findings underscore the persistent labor market complexities facing small businesses, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and the ongoing competition for talent across various industries. As entrepreneurs continue to navigate recruitment challenges, the ability to attract and retain skilled workers remains a critical priority for small business growth and sustainability. MORE...

Diving into the Pulse of Lubbock's Business Landscape In this week's "Around the Hub" column, Business Reporter Alana Edgin offers readers an insider's look at the dynamic business developments shaping the Lubbock area. With her keen eye for emerging trends and local economic shifts, Edgin provides a comprehensive snapshot of recent business activities while teasing upcoming stories that promise to captivate local entrepreneurs and community members alike. Her column serves as a vital resource for those seeking to stay informed about the economic heartbeat of the region. From startup innovations to established business expansions, Edgin's reporting connects the dots between local business initiatives and broader economic narratives. Readers can look forward to an upcoming deep dive into the most exciting business developments, promising to shed light on the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive Lubbock's economic growth. MORE...

Framingham's Vibrant Hispanic Community: A Growing Demographic Snapshot The city of Framingham continues to showcase its rich cultural diversity, with Hispanic and Latino residents now comprising a significant 18.7% of the population, according to the latest 2023 U.S. Census Bureau statistics. This dynamic demographic reflects the city's evolving multicultural landscape, highlighting the growing presence and important contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to Framingham's social fabric. The census data underscores Framingham's commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity, demonstrating how the city has become a welcoming home for residents from various Hispanic and Latino backgrounds. This percentage not only represents numbers but also celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage and community spirit that Hispanic and Latino residents bring to the area. MORE...

Discover Local Business Highlights: From Fashion to Fine Dining and Banking Manny's Collection, a premier men's clothing destination, is making waves in Hackensack with its stylish and sophisticated apparel. Fashion-forward gentlemen can explore a curated selection of trendy and classic menswear that caters to diverse tastes and styles. For those seeking an exceptional dining experience, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Montvale offers an elegant atmosphere and premium culinary delights. Steak enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs will find themselves immersed in a world of exquisite flavors and impeccable service. In exciting banking news, Columbia Bank has expanded its presence by opening a brand-new branch in Paterson. This strategic location promises to provide local residents and businesses with convenient and modern banking solutions, further strengthening the bank's commitment to community service. MORE...

Small Business Leaders Converge: 2025 Business Summit Set to Empower Entrepreneurs in Star City Entrepreneurs and business innovators are gearing up for an exciting opportunity as the highly anticipated 2025 Business Summit prepares to take center stage in Star City. Scheduled for a dynamic Monday morning session, the summit promises to be a pivotal event dedicated to providing small businesses with comprehensive support and critical resources essential for sustainable growth and success. This landmark gathering will bring together industry experts, local business leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs, creating a collaborative platform designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in today's competitive landscape. Participants can expect insightful discussions, strategic networking opportunities, and practical guidance aimed at propelling their ventures to new heights. The summit underscores a commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and equipping small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in an ever-evolving economic environment. MORE...

Contrary to popular management belief, research reveals a surprising truth about workplace performance: simply firing low-performing employees doesn't improve team effectiveness—in fact, it can have the opposite effect. Recent studies suggest that aggressive culling of staff may actually diminish overall organizational performance and team morale. When companies adopt a ruthless approach of eliminating perceived underperformers, they create a toxic work environment characterized by fear and uncertainty. This strategy often leads to decreased productivity, reduced employee engagement, and a significant drop in collective performance. Instead of raising performance standards, such practices can trigger a downward spiral of workplace motivation and collaboration. Successful organizations understand that nurturing talent, providing targeted training, and creating supportive development opportunities are far more effective strategies for improving team performance. By investing in employee growth and addressing skill gaps constructively, companies can transform struggling team members into valuable contributors. The key takeaway is clear: performance improvement is about empowerment, not elimination. Leaders who focus on coaching, mentoring, and creating a culture of continuous learning are more likely to see genuine, sustainable improvements in their team's capabilities and overall organizational success. MORE...

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg's 'Insight with Haslinda Amin', Anne Tse, PepsiCo's CEO for the Asia-Pacific region, offered a compelling perspective on the company's strategic approach in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Despite current economic fluctuations, Tse remains optimistic about the immense potential of the Chinese market. With unwavering confidence, she emphasized that China continues to represent a significant and scalable opportunity for PepsiCo, transcending short-term market volatility. Her insights underscore the company's long-term commitment to growth and strategic expansion in the region. Tse's strategic vision highlights PepsiCo's adaptability and resilience in navigating complex market landscapes, positioning the company for sustained success in the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific market. MORE...

In a brazen series of targeted break-ins, a local Sacramento business owner is left reeling from multiple smash-and-grab incidents that have left significant property damage and financial strain. The suspect remains at large, creating tension and uncertainty for the affected business. The repeated attacks have not only caused substantial monetary losses but have also shaken the owner's sense of security. Surveillance footage and ongoing police investigations are currently underway as authorities work to track down the elusive perpetrator responsible for these destructive crimes. Local law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incidents to come forward, hoping to bring a swift resolution to this unsettling string of business break-ins. The community remains on high alert as the search for the suspect continues. MORE...

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Jacob Kam, the dynamic CEO of MTR Corporation, offers insights into the company's ambitious expansion plans, global strategy, and perspective on Hong Kong's evolving property landscape. During his conversation with Bloomberg's David Ingles and Rebecca Choong Wilkens on "The China Show," Kam provides a comprehensive overview of MTR's strategic vision and future trajectory. As Hong Kong's premier railway operator, MTR is not just a transportation company but a key player in the region's urban development. Kam delves into the company's upcoming projects, highlighting its innovative approach to integrating transportation infrastructure with real estate development. His discussion reveals MTR's commitment to expanding both locally and internationally, showcasing the company's adaptability in a rapidly changing market. The interview offers a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking behind one of Hong Kong's most influential corporations, with Kam sharing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the city's transportation and property sectors. MORE...

Local businesses in Lower Manhattan are sounding the alarm about potential economic challenges, but a closer look reveals a more nuanced story. A recent survey suggests declining sales, yet direct customer interactions tell a different tale. Contrary to merchants' claims, most shoppers in the area actually arrive by foot, public transit, or bicycle—not by car as some might assume. Streetsblog's on-the-ground reporting reveals that the narrative of automotive-driven commerce in this vibrant neighborhood may be more myth than reality. The survey's hearsay-driven conclusions appear to overlook the dynamic pedestrian-friendly nature of Lower Manhattan's shopping districts. While business owners express concerns about foot traffic and sales, the evidence suggests a resilient and adaptable retail environment that thrives on the area's walkable urban landscape. The disconnect between perceived economic challenges and actual customer behavior highlights the importance of data-driven analysis over anecdotal claims. MORE...