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Manufacturing sector shows more signs of cooling

Jan 24, 2023
Monthly data from the Federal Reserve shows a slowdown in shipments, new orders and employment in the sector.
The manufacturing sector added only 8,000 jobs per month in November and December — well below the average of 32,000.
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The company is under scrutiny following last year's debacle involving problems with Taylor Swift tickets.
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Declining December retail sales hit especially hard for small businesses

Jan 18, 2023
How did this holiday season go? A few entrepreneurs weigh in.
The latest retail sales data shows a larger-than-expected decrease in purchases in December. For small businesses, those declines hit harder.
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Eyeing a recession, small businesses look to boost revenue and inventory

Jan 11, 2023
Small business owners continue to face a lot of uncertainty over COVID, rising interest rates, and the possibility of a recession. So many are taking steps to prepare for a potential downturn in 2023.
A worker assembles the interior of a safe. Many small business are looking to boost revenues in anticipation of a potential recession.
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Why Kia's confusing new logo might actually be good for business

Jan 9, 2023
A logo expert weighs in on “KN car” confusion and the wider design trend Kia’s logo exemplifies.
The logo of Kia on its new all-electric vehicle, EV6, during its showcase event in Seoul in June 2021.
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Demand and prices are falling for manufactured goods

Jan 6, 2023
Manufacturing activity contracted in December, according to the Institute for Supply Management.
Demand for manufactured goods dropped in December, and so did prices for those goods. It may be a sign that the Federal Reserve's measures against inflation are working.
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Layoffs at tech companies signal a shift in IT spending

Jan 5, 2023
Salesforce said this week it’s reducing office space and laying off about 10% of its workforce, after years of increasing employee headcount. Some analysts say this could be a sign of the company maturing.
Salesforce announced that it will lay off around 10% of its workforce, which comes after a previous pandemic-era expansion.
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'Tis the season of post-holiday gift returns

Jan 4, 2023
About 18% of all holiday sales are expected to be returned. That comes with costs to companies, consumers, and the climate.
An estimated $171 billion in returns are expected from this holiday season, says a report from the National Retail Federation.
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How one company is energizing the growing EV charging industry

Jan 3, 2023
Charge Enterprises execs say EV charging infrastructure will require a multidecade, trillion-dollar investment to fully replace gasoline and diesel.
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How a Mississippi nonprofit helps Black entrepreneurs get funded

Nov 16, 2022
Tim Lampkin, CEO of Higher Purpose Co., says his organization serves as an adviser and "capital matchmaker" for business owners.
Higher Purpose Co. Founder and CEO Tim Lampkin (center) with Therapy Plus CEO LeJeune Johnson (left) and BloomTech Developments CEO Melissa Bloom (right).
Courtesy Innovate Mississippi