The plan to remake Akron should build on existing strengths
With Mayor Dan Horrigan settling into city hall, there has been much talk about Akron’s “new day,” and enthusiasm around bringing fresh perspective to economic development. And then comes the hard part: determining the best next step. What actions will create enduring community prosperity? A look at some of the communities that have enjoyed success […]
To move away from fossil fuels, battery-powered vehicles need to go a long way
It is well-documented that several substitutes exist for fossil fuels in the electricity generation; however, when it comes to car and truck manufacturer’s designs, much hope is pinned on electric battery-powered vehicles
Why the venture capital world needs more female and minority entrepreneurs
It may come as a surprise that just 3 percent of U.S. startups backed by venture capital are led by women. And only 1 percent are headed by African-Americans. In comparison, things aren’t much better at our nation’s largest biggest businesses, where there are only 20 female CEOs in the S&P 500 and five African American CEOs in the Fortune 500.
Unstacking the deck: Overcoming bias in the workplace
Bias and stereotyping are prominent topics as the U.S. presidential primary candidates — on both sides — try to appeal to various constituencies. Many of us cringe at the bold comments encompassing gender, LGBT, race, age, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and country of origin. But perhaps we should also regard the situation as an opportunity for each of us to assess our attitudes and beliefs toward others.
‘You do you’ — Creating a productive work culture balances individualism with teamwork
Traditional business thinking has long suggested that we leave our personal lives at home. In today’s millennial era of work/life balance, that’s pretty much the equivalent of checking your identity at the door.
It’s in the vision, PLEASE: A successful outcome can be traced to applying six principles
Are you passionate about what you are doing? If you’re not, life is too short. Go find something you are passionate about.
With contracts, know what you’re agreeing to before you sign
Typically there’s conflict between obtaining business (sales) and managing risk. Instead, of having your sales force promising anything and everything to get a deal, Arthur J. Gallagher’s Alan Pepoy shares how to minimize contract risk before it significantly affects your bottom line.
Friend or foe? Employers struggle to find the FMLA answer
The Family and Medical Leave Act took effect to help balance workplace demands with the medical needs of employees and their families, but many employers feel powerless to stop FMLA abuse. Douglas Fleisner of JRG Advisors discusses solutions for the concerns employers have about the FMLA.
Weighing the potential of wearable fitness technology
Devices that measure physical activity, heart rate, caloric expenditure and other biometric measures — wearable fitness technology — hold the promise of dramatically changing the face of the health care industry, says Stephen T. Doyle of UPMC Health Plan. But this innovation is not without risks.
Is emoji marketing OK?
Seventy-six percent of American workers admit to using emojis in professional communication, according to a research study by mobile messaging company Cotap. Just about everyone (92 percent) said they use emojis in personal communication.