News from February 2024


Proceed With Caution in Protecting American Data From Foreign Adversaries, ITIF Warns

Following the White House announcement that President Biden has issued an executive order to protect Americans’ sensitive personal data from exploitation by countries of concern, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy

Forge Industrial Staffing premiering season 2 of business podcast 'Forging the Future'

Forge Industrial Staffing has announced the upcoming release of season 2 of its podcast, "Forging the Future", scheduled for March 1. The podcast will maintain its focus on local entrepreneurs and personalities, offering their insights into the industrial sector.

Gas Prices Creep Ahead of Potential Leap

WASHINGTON, DC (February 29, 2024) – Drivers saw gas prices creep up the final week of February. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.31 on this leap day, 4 cents higher than it was one week ago. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for Spring Break."We’re entering Spring Break season, and historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises," said Aixa Diaz, AAA spokesperson. "With milder temperatures come more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season."For...

UFCU earns fourth consecutive 'Best Place for Working Parents' recognition from EMGA

The University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has announced its fourth consecutive recognition as the "Best Place for Working Parents" by Early Matters Greater Austin (EMGA). The evaluation by EMGA was based on UFCU's adherence to 10 family-oriented policies and initiatives, which include healthcare coverage, paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and childcare support.

Rising from the Ashes: How One Small Business Managed a Mass Scale Ransomware Attack Webinar on March 19th, 2024

Imagine waking up to find out the very tools you rely on for your business have been hijacked, and hackers are threatening to bring down everything you have worked so hard to build.

Georgia Senate passes tort reform to lower insurance costs for businesses

The Georgia Senate has confirmed the passage of SB 426, a bill aimed at limiting direct action lawsuits. The announcement comes as the Georgia House is yet to schedule a vote on the same legislation. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has championed the bill as a significant step in tort reform that will offer much-needed relief to businesses within the state.

Enabling a New Era in Retirement Saving

Eric Stevenson, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions, addressed the Senate HELP Committee on Feb. 28, emphasizing the challenges faced by American retirement savers. Stevenson advocated for the adoption of Protected Retirement solutions, stating that they will mark a new era for American retirement saving.Stevenson pointed out the urgency of the situation, stating, "In a year when more Americans will turn 65 than at any point in history," many retirees are facing uncertainties in their financial future. He highlighted a Nationwide Retirement Institute survey which...

Legal System Abuse Adding to Increasing Auto Insurance Costs, Creating A New Asset Class of Investors Betting on Litigation

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has raised concerns about the impact of excessive litigation on rising auto insurance costs. According to a recent issues brief released by Triple-I, the rise in dangerous roads and driving conditions, coupled with economic costs, is being compounded by overzealous billboard attorneys. Sean Kevelighan, CEO of Triple-I, emphasized the need to address legal system abuse, stating, "The price of insurance is the effect, not the cause of risk, and there must be more work done to curb legal system abuse."Plaintiff attorneys are...

CISA, OMB, ONCD and Microsoft Efforts Bring New Logging Capabilities to Federal Agencies

New logging increases security by default and enhances cyber defense

Hotels in Mexico and Las Vegas Receive AAA Four Diamonds

Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, Planet Hollywood Cancun in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Hotel and Spa Mansion Solis in Morelia, Michoacan, and Manta in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur have been recognized by AAA as Four Diamond properties. According to AAA, these properties offer upscale amenities, remarkable service, and outstanding dining options.Diamond Inspectors from AAA conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections to ensure quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. AAA's commitment to quality is reflected in the 4 Cs of AAA...

Telecom Networks: European Commission Provides Last Lifeline for Rejected Big Telco Demands

The European Commission presented a white paper on the future of the EU’s digital infrastructure.

Adroit and Nationwide Form Partnership to Offer Workers’ Compensation to Mid-Size Employers

Adroit General Agency and Nationwide have announced a new partnership aimed at providing workers’ compensation insurance and services to mid-sized employers operating in high-risk industries. This collaboration comes as Nationwide seeks to expand its presence in the workers’ compensation market by partnering with managing general agencies (MGAs) that specialize in niche segments.Adroit, established in 2021, focuses on offering workers’ compensation solutions to businesses in sectors such as construction, energy, recycling, alternative energy, agriculture, and...

BMO named official LAFC jersey sponsor

BMO Financial Group has announced an extended partnership with the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), becoming the "Official Jersey Sponsor" for the club's primary and secondary jerseys in 2024. To mark this development, LAFC hosted a special event to unveil their 2024 jerseys.

Out to Sea and Overseas: AAA Travel’s Spring Break Trends

AAA Travel's Senior Vice President, Paula Twidale, stated, "Orlando is the top choice for Spring Break travelers, while Fort Lauderdale and Miami are the two most popular domestic cruise ports." She emphasized that many travelers are seeking warm weather, pools, beaches, and outdoor adventures during this time of year, making Florida an ideal destination. Additionally, Twidale noted the significant increase in cruise bookings for March and April, with a 28% overall increase and a 60% increase for cruises departing from South Florida.According to AAA Travel data,...

Job seekers add AI fluency to their list of desired digital skills, new CompTIA research reveals

Nearly half of active job seekers using, or plan to use AI-enabled career tools

How generative AI can improve the doctor-patient relationship

The world’s clinicians are burning out. Generative AI solutions can give them back more time, reduce human errors, and improve patient care, while recovering an ocean of ‘lost’ patient data.

New Oracle Enterprise Communications Platform Transforms How Industries Communicate

Enables organizations to extend the value of Oracle industry applications by seamlessly connecting to networks and IoT devices to reimagine how they do business

Square Q4 2023 Restaurant Industry Report: Consumers Tap Delivery for Breakfast

New Square data sheds light on restaurant financing and worker wages in California amid the upcoming minimum wage increase

Allstate Increases Quarterly Dividends by 3.4%

The Allstate Corporation has recently announced an increase in its quarterly dividends, as reported on February 23, 2024. The board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.92 per share on February 22, 2024, marking a $0.03 increase, or 3.4%, compared to the previous quarter."Allstate’s increase in common dividend per share reflects our ongoing commitment to reward our shareholders, and shows Allstate’s continued financial strength," stated Jess Merten, Allstate’s Chief Financial Officer.The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.92 on each outstanding...

Ready, Set, Camp! AAA Trip Canvas Offers New Travel Booking Feature

AAA Trip Canvas, AAA Travel’s digital travel planning tool, has introduced a new campgrounds category in partnership with RoverPass, a leading platform in booking campgrounds and RV parks. The collaboration aims to enhance the camping and RV travel experience for users by providing detailed information about camping destinations and amenities.“AAA Trip Canvas was designed with our members in mind, and we’re thrilled to now offer camping destinations,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.The integration with RoverPass allows Trip Canvas users to...