MILLIONS OF STUDENTS AVOID STUDENT DEBT BY SUGAR DATING

The 2020 election is right around the corner, and there’s one thing all the Democratic candidates agree on: fixing the student debt crisis. While solutions including loan forgiveness and cancellation are on the table, the future remains uncertain, and Americans are saddled with $1.6 trillion in student loans.

LAS VEGAS (Jan., 2020) — Rather than become another one of the 44 million student loan borrowers in the United States, who graduate university only to be burdened by the heavy weight of loan repayments and a competitive job market, young Americans today are opting for their solution to the student debt crisis —

Sugar Daddies.

There are now over three million Sugar Baby students in the US, SeekingArrangement, the world’s largest Sugar Dating site, announces today. And, the school with the most is Arizona State University, with 2,724 students. Indiana University follows with 1,540 students, and New York University trails closely in third with 1,507 students.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Sugar Baby University, SeekingArrangement also releases the top 25 American community colleges that Sugar Babies attend. Virginia Community College outranks them all with 2,008 students.

With tuition increasing by four percent in 2019 to over $10,000 per year, it makes sense that students are finding these elevated relationships beneficial. The opportunities for mentorship and an expanded network are also enticing.

“It’s no surprise students are growing increasingly impatient with our politicians,” says Brandon Wade, Founder and CEO of SeekingArrangement. “How can they trust a system that has continuously failed to make any real changes to the student debt crisis? SeekingArrangement has provided a platform for students to go to college without the stress of money.”

A complete list of SeekingArrangement’s top universities and community colleges and

a downloadable press kit can be found here: https://www.seeking.com/p/sugar-baby- university-2020/usa. For more information regarding Sugar Baby University, or to request an interview with Wade please email Kelli at kelli.tellier@seeking.com.

Community Reformers Call on DPRA Members to Investigate Questionable Land Dealings

CAMDEN CITY, NJ (January 17, 2020)(Gloucestercitynews.net)-

-Community reformers jammed the Delaware River Port Authority meeting on Wednesday calling on the governors of New Jersey and Pennsylvania

to investigate the connection of the DRPA board members with political

Sue Altman, state director of New Jersey Working Families was dragged from a hearing in Nov. where George E. Norcross III testified he did not manipulated New Jersey’s controversial tax incentive program for his benefit (photo courtesy of

The Philadelphia Inquirer)

power broker George Norcross III.

The

Philadelphia Inquire

r reported the progressive political groups specifically cited the two parcels of land that the agency sold or optioned for development projects in Camden.

“It is time for a full accounting of the facts and to clean house in an agency that has acted for too long as a tool of special interests,\” wrote leaders of the two groups, New Jersey Working Families and Pennsylvania Working Families, in a letter addressed to Govs. Phil Murphy and Tom Wolf on Wednesday.

The groups also made that request in person Wednesday morning, when about a dozen activists filed into the DRPA’s 11th-floor conference room in Camden.

Seven of them addressed the agency’s board, composed of members appointed by the governors of both states.

“There are people on the DRPA board, certainly on the New Jersey side … with very, very strong political connections and financial connections to a political machine that, in our opinion, prioritizes the lining of its own pockets and corporate interests over the interests of the public dollar and of public opinion,” said Sue Altman, state director of New Jersey Working Families.

The letter follows

an Inquirer article

, published last month, that detailed how South Jersey political power broker George E. Norcross III came to acquire a three-acre parking lot near the Camden waterfront. Both the DRPA and the Camden Redevelopment Agency held rights to the land, which was appraised at $2.3 million.

The DRPA’s interest in the land was appraised at $800,000, and in 2016 the agency sold the parcel for that amount to Liberty Property Trust, the onetime developer of a major waterfront project fueled by a controversial state tax-credit program. Liberty later sold the land to Norcross and his business partners for $350,000 according to

The Inquirer.

(read more)

DOWN WITH TYRANNY! DOWN WITH \’KING\’ GEORGE NORCROSS-cnbnews.net

CNBNEWS POINT OF VIEW: Our Elected Officials Need to Remember Who They Represent

The InLiquid Benefit Twenty-Twenty

Everyone is a Collector – January 31st + February 1st, 2020 – At the Crane Arts Icebox

Project Space

PHILADELPHIA, PA–InLiquid will be celebrating its 20th anniversary year as they host their annual benefit and silent auction on January 31st and February 1st, 2020. Friday, January 31st will be the special VIP Preview night. Saturday, February 1st will begin with a special open-to-the-public Family Day and Saturday evening, the Main Event will conclude the annual soiree. The honorary chairs will be Brigit Brust and Jamie Gordon of Space and Company. Tickets to both events are now available to the general public.

This year, and to celebrate InLiquid’s 20th Anniversary Season and 20th Annual Benefit, InLiquid has partnered with local interior designers to each create a vignette with artworks,

furniture, and home accessories. The designers will create home environments that InLiquid will then curate with some of the art that is on auction, allowing guests to envision the art in their own space and telling the story of how art can fit in one\’s home.

All items, including furniture used in the vignettes, will be included in the auction. In addition to artwork, many local businesses will be donating gift certificates, inventory items, and experiences that will be part of the auction as well.

On February 1st from noon to 3pm will be the first-ever Family Day, hosted by InLiquid, free and open to the public. Welcoming all families, InLiquid will open its auction floor to parents while inviting the kids to participate in a scavenger hunt along with other free art activities provided by Philadelphia Photo Arts Center, Second State Press, NLArts, and The Clay Studio.

A celebration of contemporary art, design, and craft, this much-anticipated event is not only a fabulous social happening but also a showcase for exceptional contemporary art encouraging all who attend that everyone is an art collector. The auction site is live where bidders can purchase tickets and get a sneak peek on items to bid on. Auction items will be available for

This Silent Auction is an Invitational art exhibition featuring 200+ works of contemporary art, design, and craft. The auction will also consist of donated items and gift certificates highlighting the region\’s best businesses and restaurants; these businesses range from cutting-edge experiences to traditional fine-dining.

The Benefit is a festive annual event that is an important source of funding for free public programming. Proceeds support the 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves and promotes the region’s visual artists while being a comprehensive hub and catalyst for the visual arts community. As InLiquid’s major fundraiser, the Benefit raises funds so that InLiquid can continue to promote Philadelphia’s thriving art scene. From our own programming of exhibitions across the city and in our own InLiquid Gallery, fulfilling our mission in promoting both hundreds of the region’s artists and the Philadelphia Visual Art Scene at-large. InLiquid has committed 20 years to activate Philadelphia-based artists and grow its art scene.

InLiquid’s annual event continues to grow in popularity attracting a diverse crowd of curators, collectors, art lovers, influencers, and professionals. More information can be found on www.inliquid.org/benefit.

1400 N. American St. Studio 314

Philadelphia, PA 19122

215-235-3405

Trending Destinations To Consider For Your 2020 Vacation

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 17, 2020)– As January is said to be one of the most depressing months of the year, it could be time to start planning your next vacation. With deals and offers hitting our screens ready to get you out of the winter blues, check out some of the best destinations to consider for your next getaway.

Hawaii

For a blissful vacation, not far from home shores,

Hawaii is the perfect remedy

. Its beautiful mix of beaches and resorts offers you the chance to soak up the sunshine all year round. For destinations, a little off the tourist tracks, visit locations in the North Shore area for azure waters and spectacular scenery. This spot is also perfect for adventurers as the hikes and walks in the region certainly capture the magical view.

Morocco

Heading to North Africa, you’ll find the enchanting destination of Morocco. There are many diverse spots to behold, including the vibrant cities of Marrakesh and Casablanca. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the authentic culture, the myriad of markets and medina’s is enough to satisfy your curiosity. There are many

Morocco vacation packages that offer a mix of culture and traditional beach getaways

. So you will have the best of both worlds for a unique vacation experience.

United Kingdom

Home to the Queen and birthplace of The Beatles, the United Kingdom has always proved a top spot for vacationers looking for a fun getaway. There’s a diverse selection of places to visit, including the popular capital of London to the glorious sandy shores of Cornwall. Traveling further north, you’ll also find the captivating destination of Scotland that boasts incredible scenery and the home of the Loch Ness Monster.

French Riviera

If you’re looking for a splash of luxury on your travels, the

French Riviera

is a must-visit. Located on the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean, here you’ll find some of the top luxury locations of Saint Tropez and Cannes to indulge in the resorts and hotels of the rich and famous. This destination is also perfect for anyone that loves cruises and boat excursions, as you can hop on a tour and visit the nearby coastal resorts of Monaco and Nice.

Bali

Considered as one of the most beautiful and captivating islands in Indonesia, Bali is often a top choice for people looking to soak up the sunshine on a relaxing vacation. Here, you’ll find stunning scenery and a mix of retreats and lively resorts, and you can’t ignore its laidback vibe, which offers a genuinely tranquil break. The island is also home to a variety of historic temples and heritage sites. Plus, for those looking for something a little more fast-paced, there’s water sports and hiking to quench your thirst.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate luxury vacation or want an affordable destination to get away from it all for a few weeks, there is a host of options both home and away. Don’t take our word for it, go and explore and see where your vacation takes you in 2020.

Rock Band from Gloucester City Releases New Album

The Warhawks, a rock-band from Gloucester City

photo courtesy of New Jersey Stage

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 17, 2020)(CNBNewsnet)–The Warhawks, a rock-band from Gloucester City, NJ have released a brand new EP titled

Stardust Disco

, according to

NewJerseyStage.com

This EP finds the band shedding some skin from their last release,

Never Felt So Good

, and showing off their appreciation for pop music. Just think of some of the more radio friendly hits of bands like The Clash and Pixies mixed with the beautiful vocal arrangements of The Beach Boys and you\’ll start to get an idea of what

Stardust Disco

is all about.

That\’s not to say that The Warhawks have forgotten how to write a straight up rock and roll tune. In fact, your first taste of

Stardust Disco

, is a track titled \”Deliver\” and it\’s a raucous of rumbling bass, big guitar leads, and gang vocals. Along with the song, The Warhawks have announced a handful of tour dates to support the new EP reports

New Jersey Stage.

Band members include Matt Orlando, Tom Lipski, and Bilodeau brothers John and Pat.

The band released their debut LP

Never Felt So Goo

d in January 2019, recorded and mastered by Dave Downham (Beach Slang, Into It, Over It). Combining soaring punk rock anthems of love, life and hope with a refreshing alt-rock twist,

Never Felt So Good

would earn them accolades as 93.3 WMMR’s “Band of the Month” that following March, as well as steady rotation of their song “Miracle” on top indie station 88.5 WXPN and live appearances on WRFF Radio 104.5.

For upcoming tour dates read here

PENNSYLVANIA SPORTSBOOKS CLOSE 2019 WITH RECORD $342.6 MILLION IN BETS

Online sports betting continues to grow as online poker scores strong month, according to

PlayPennsylvania.com

(LAS VEGAS) — Pennsylvania online and retail sportsbooks posted a record handle of more than $342 million in December — and crossed $1 billion in online bets since launch — to cap a year that generated nearly $1.5 billion in wagers. And with a full year of online sports betting ahead and an increasingly robust offering of operators, Pennsylvania should more than double that handle in 2020, according to analysts from PlayPennsylvania.

“That last two months of 2019 began to show us the real potential of the Pennsylvania market,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for

PlayPennsylvania.com

. “The launch of DraftKings in November, adding one of the best-known brands to Pennsylvania, helped push online betting forward. And now that the online market is maturing, it is entirely possible that 2020 could bring in $4 billion or more in online and retail bets.\”

In December, Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks accepted $342.6 million in wagers, up 8.2% from $316.5 million, according to official data released Thursday. Before November, Pennsylvania had never accepted more than $200 million in a single month.

December’s bets produced $17.5 million in revenue — down from November’s $20.6 million win — injecting $3.9 million into state coffers.

In 2019, the Keystone State generated:

$1.49 billion in bets, including $1.1 billion in online bets.

Taxable revenue of $84.1 million, including $43 million online.

$28.6 million in state taxes

Pennsylvania will finish 2019 a distant third in total handle among all legal sports betting jurisdictions. New Jersey, the country’s No. 2, attracted $4.6 billion in bets in 2019. But Pennsylvania’s haul in state taxes was more comparable to New Jersey, which generated revenue of $36.5 million.

“Pennsylvania is beginning to succeed where it wanted to most: making sports betting a significant revenue driver for the state,” Gouker said. “Its tax rate is significantly higher than every other state, which has slowed the industry’s growth. But Pennsylvania is the most populous state to fully legalize sports betting, and that has proven to be too enticing for operators to ignore.”

The key reason for the Pennsylvania’s year-end momentum is its growing roster of online sportsbooks, which combined to produce 86.8%, or $297.5 million, of the state’s total December handle.

FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino is still the state’s standard-bearer, accepting $154.5 million in December bets, up from $149.7 million in November. That yielded $7 million in taxable revenue, up from $5.6 million. FanDuel was followed by:

DraftKings at The Meadows ($35.9 million in December handle, up from $16.2 million; $732,883 taxable revenue, down from $1.1 million)

Rivers-Philadelphia ($30.6 million in handle, down from $32.4 million; $1.1 million revenue, down from $1.4 million)

Rivers-Pittsburgh ($28.3 million in handle, down from $32.4 million in November; $1.3 million revenue, up from $1.1 million)

Parx Casino ($25.5 million handle, up from $22.4 million; $779,529 revenue, down from $1.3 million)

Fox Bet at Mount Airy ($16.4 million handle, up from $13.5 million; $312,658 revenue, down from $1 million in revenue)

Unibet at Mohegan Sun Pocono ($6.1 million handle, up from $1.9 million; -$31,744 revenue, up from -$46,642)

Rivers Philadelphia’s $7.7 million handle, down from $8.9 million in November, overtook the retail market. That yielded $590,177 in revenue, up from $234,951. Rivers Philadelphia was followed by:

Parx ($7.51 million handle, down from $8.1 million; $572,416 revenue, down from $739,281)

Rivers Pittsburgh ($7.48 million handle in November, down from $8.9 million; $518,743 revenue, up from $486,449)

Valley Forge Casino ($3.6 million handle, up from $3.2 million; $107,145 revenue, down from $192,492)

South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbook ($3.3 million handle, down from $3.6 million; $328,651 revenue, down from $339,310)

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course ($3.2 million handle, down from $3.8 million; $112,277 revenue, up from $48,520)

Harrah’s Philadelphia ($3 million handle, even with November; $123,799 revenue, down from $234,355)

Presque Isle ($3 million handle, down from $3.7 million; $217,870 revenue, down from $302,458)

Mohegan ($2.6 million handle, up from $2.5 million; $257,956 revenue, up from $173,120)

Oaks Race and Sportsbook ($1.2 million handle, down from $1.4 million; $65,949 revenue, down from $149,765)

Mount Airy ($814,931 handle, down from $868,026 handle; $73,692 revenue, up from $43,680 in revenue)

“The Rivers Casino books in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have capitalized on their markets to set themselves apart,” Gouker said. “But the proliferation of online betting has muted the growth of retail sportsbooks. The convenience of online betting, coupled with a robust in-game experience, is tough for retail sportsbooks to match.

ONLINE POKER TAKES OFF IN DECEMBER

Online poker drew significant history as the popularity of online casinos continued to grow in December. Online casino games and poker produced a record $10.6 million in December gross revenue, up 22% from $8.7 million in November. That yielded $2.3 million in tax revenue for the state.

Poker generated $2.5 million in December — all at Mount Airy/PokerStars — putting the record $3.4 million that New Jersey online poker rooms tallied in January 2014 in sight.

“The interest in poker so far in Pennsylvania is dramatic compared with neighboring New Jersey, where about 3% of online casino and poker revenue comes from poker,” Gouker said. “New Jersey got off to a hot start, too. So the question now is can the Pennsylvania sustain the initial enthusiasm.”

Rivers-Philadelphia held on to the online casino and poker market lead with $3 million in revenue on $181.5 million in bets. Revenue was down from $3.2 million on $148.7 million in wagers in November. Rivers-Philadelphia was followed by:

Mount Airy/PokerStars ($3.5 million in revenue, up from $3 million in November; $73.6 million in bets, up from $48 million)

Penn National ($1.7 million in revenue, down from $1.9 million; $54.6 million in bets, down from $57.1 million)

Parx ($1.5 million in revenue, even with November; $53.7 million in wagers, down from $55.5 million)

Unibet/Mohegan Sun Pocono ($406,445 in revenue, up from $131,415; $22 million in bets, up from $7.4 million)

For more information on the revenue generated by Pennsylvania sports betting, visit

www.playpennsylvania.com/revenue

About the

PlayUSA.com

Network:

The

PlayUSA.com

Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states,

PlayUSA.com

and its state-focused branches (including

PlayNJ.com

and

PlayPennsylvania.com

) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

Pennsylvania Offers New Funding to Help Philly Students Discover Opportunities in Manufacturing

HARRISBURG, PA (January 15, 2020)–Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) was approved for $110,000 in Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career funding to nearly double the number of teams in Bucks, Montgomery, and

Philadelphia counties participating in the educational competition, ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ (WSCM).

“More and more students have a growing interest in manufacturing employment because of innovative and interactive programs like ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ said Gov. Wolf. “We are proud to support the creative efforts being made by Pennsylvania teachers, students, and manufacturing companies as they collaborate to illustrate the opportunities available in this industry.”

WSCM matches teams with manufacturing businesses in their communities that invite student filmmakers to highlight products, interview staff, and best showcase what it would be like to work for that employer. The new funding made available by the Wolf Administration will help grow the number of participating teams from 28 to 40 this year.

WSCM was created to help shape the image of manufacturing and career and technical education opportunities for students by highlighting the potential for good-paying, stable jobs in an evolving industry. A focus on career pathways in schools and more STEM education in many Pennsylvania classrooms combined with technological innovations in the industry are shaping the future of manufacturing and preparing the next generation of workers.

The contest creates regional awareness of advanced manufacturing careers, increases both student and parent interest in STEM and technical education opportunities, helps students get an inside look at manufacturing companies in their community, encourages collaboration between industry and educators, and offers a project-based learning experience for students.

The funding will support additional outreach to schools and companies in the Philadelphia area, professional services and consultations, trainings, equipment and supplies, and more. This funding supports Governor Wolf’s commitment to enhancing the growth and competitiveness of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry by identifying and training a skilled workforce.

“The commonwealth’s support for ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing’ allows us to manage and promote the program for another year to demonstrate to the future workforce the importance of manufacturing in the region,” said DVIRC Executive Vice President Tony Girifalco. “With support from the Montgomery and Bucks County Workforce Investment boards and the Manufacturing Alliance of Bucks and Montgomery counties, we’re pushing hard to increase participation to 40 teams—a nearly 50 percent increase over last year. Companies love it, students love it, and parents and teachers love it, so anything we can do to build more interest in and support for manufacturing and manufacturing careers, we are glad to do.”

Governor Wolf’s Manufacturing PA initiative

was launched in October 2017, and since then has funded 35 projects and invested more than $9 million through the Training-to-Career program. Training-to-Career grants support projects that result in short-term work-readiness, job placement, or the advancement of manufacturing. The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career program works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry level applicants seeking manufacturing employment, engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.

For more information about the Wolf Administration’s commitment to manufacturing, visit the

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website

or follow us on

Twitter

Facebook

, and

YouTube

ALEX KARRAS FINALLY VOTED INTO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

By Raymond Rolak

Sports Editor

NEW YORK–

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio announced that Lions Defensive Tackle Alex Karras was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 15-person Centennial Slate for the Class of 2020.

Alex Karras hosting Saturday Night Live in 1985 with guests Billy Crystal and Tina Turner.

This special added class into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was expanded to celebrate the National Football League Centennial.

Karras was known as the dominant defensive tackle of his time who utilized a variety of innovative moves and stunts to elude his blocking opponents.

Karras played for Detroit from 1958-70 and was named first-team All-Pro three times, earned four Pro Bowl berths and was a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team.

He was selected by the Lions in the first round (10th overall) of the 1958 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa.

Mrs. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions owner and chairman said, “We would like to congratulate the entire Karras family on the selection of Alex into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While we were thrilled to induct Alex into our most recent Pride of the Lions Class in 2018, today’s announcement solidifies his place as not only one of the all-time great Lions players, but also one of the best to ever play in the NFL.

We also would like to congratulate all of Alex’s fellow Centennial Slate Hall of Fame inductees.”

He also was a member of what many consider to be the NFL’s original “Fearsome Foursome” – Karras, Roger Brown, Darris McCord and Sam Williams.

These four defensive linemen dominated the NFL in the early 1960’s.

In 2018, along with Herman Moore and Roger Brown, the Lions inducted Karras into the ‘Pride of the Lions’, the highest honor bestowed upon former Detroit Lions players.

He was previously snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of his NFL suspension in 1963.

Karras\’s partial ownership in Detroit\’s Lindell A.C. Bar became a source of controversy.

League officials urged him to sell his financial interests in the place because of reports of gambling and organized crime influence.

After first threatening to retire rather than give the bar up, Karras admitted placing bets on NFL games and was suspended by the league, along with Green Bay Packers\’ running back Paul Hornung.

The suspensions were harsh.

Both received banishment for one season.

During his exile, Karras had a celebrated pro wrestling match, taking on the memorable character, Dick-the-Bruiser, in front of a standing-room-only event at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit.

Karras\’ story telling skills and unique sense of humor came to the attention of writer George Plimpton.

Plimpton had heard many funny Karras stories while training with the Lions for his book

Paper Lion

When the book was made into a full featured movie in 1968, Karras made his film debut, playing himself.

The film premiered in Detroit on October 2, 1968 and starred Alan Alda.

That was the start of a new career for Karras.

In 1972, Karras hosted a local weekly football program for Windsor, Ontario CBC affiliate CKLW-TV,

The Alex Karras Football Show

; his program generally preceded the CBC\’s Wednesday night CFL telecasts.

A very memorable role came shortly after.

In the western parody and comedy,

Blazing Saddles

(1974), Karras played Mongo, a very strong and slow-witted thug.

Mongo rode into town on a huge Brahman Bull and knocked out a horse with one punch.

His famous line came next.

He responded to a question from the Sheriff with, \”Don\’t know …… Mongo only pawn in game of life.\”

The scene made pop-culture history.

Alex Karras was born on July 15, 1935 in Gary, Indiana.

Besides football, he excelled as an actor, sports broadcaster, author and producer.

Other hit credits also included

Porky\’s

(1981) and

Victor Victoria

(1982).

In the 1980s, Karras had huge success with the TV sitcom

Webster

, playing George Papadapolis.

It was the story of an inter-racial adoptive father and son.

It was a role that showcased his softer side.

Karras had a contentious relationship with his college coach, Forest Evashevski.

On Evy’s 90th birthday, Karras called his old coach and apologized for being such a ‘Malakas‘ (Greek for jerk), at Iowa.

Karras was very proud of his Greek heritage.

Karras was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

He was married to the actress Susan Clark.

His first wife was Ivalyn Joan Jurgensen.

He had six children.

He died on October 10, 2012 of chronic kidney failure in Los Angeles, California.

Five Ways To Take Your Manufacturing Business To The Next Level

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 16, 2020)–There comes a time where every manufacturing business will be ready to reach the next level. Once you have found some stability and initial success, it is important to keep this positive momentum going so that you can continue to grow, develop and evolve.

It is easy for the competition to catch up when you stand still for too long in the business world, so an intelligent owner will always be aware of a few growth strategies that can be used to take the manufacturing company forward.

Here are a few effective strategies to consider if you are looking to reach new heights with your business.

1. Embrace New Technology

Technology has developed at a rapid rate in the last decade, and the manufacturing industry is one which has benefited greatly from this. This includes automation which can speed up the process, reduce errors and costs, while AI is a technology that is now also

being used heavily in this industry

2. Upgrade Equipment

Similarly, you are likely to find that there is new and better manufacturing equipment which could streamline the entire manufacturing process and make work much easier for staff. This might include finding high-quality

conveyors for sale

which can speed up the process, reduce errors and allow for a more efficient daily operation.

3. Add To Your Product Range

One of the smartest ways to take your manufacturing business to the next level is to add to your product range. This will help you to retain your existing customers as well as attract new ones, plus, it is also helpful for developing brand reputation and awareness.

The products that you add should keep your target customer in mind, and be complementary to your current range.

4. Hire The Right People

When first starting out, the recruitment process can often be rushed, but it will be hard to succeed if you do not have the right people in place. This is why you need to be intelligent with recruitment and take the time to find people that are skilled, experienced, and passionate about their work.

You then need to create a

positive working environment

and support staff so that you can retain your top performers and encourage people to work to the best of their ability each day.

5. Research The Competition

A smart business owner will always

keep a close eye on the competition

, so that they can learn from them and make informed business decisions. You should consider what your competitors are doing well, what mistakes they have made, and if there are any gaps in the market that you could fill. You must be careful not to copy intellectual property when learning from your competitors, but you should find that there will be something to learn from them.

If you want to take your manufacturing business to the next level, then these are the best strategies to do so.

Combining a few of these could have a huge impact on your success and help you to achieve your goals.

How to Take Care of Your Backyard

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 16, 2020)–When you have a backyard in your home, it’s crucial that you take care of it. The last thing you are going to want is a patch of overgrown mess behind your property. Not only will this look bad, but you won’t be able to use it to its full advantage either. When guests come over you’ll be embarrassed about the look of your yard, and the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to tidy.

image courtesy of unsplash.com

Many people don’t really know how to take care of a backyard. They may never have had one before, or perhaps someone else always looked after it in the past. It could be that you don’t have a ‘green thumb’ and you’re just not confident in yard work. However, it isn’t so difficult to keep your yard looking neat and tidy and usable. Here are some tips.

Get Help

The first thing to do when you have a backyard that needs taking care of is to work out which jobs you can do yourself and which you are going to need professional assistance with. It will depend on your level of physical fitness, your budget, and how much time you have. You could get a gardener in to do all the work, or you might just want a

tree company Lake Mary

to come in and ensure the trees in your yard are safe and tidy.

This is the first step you should think about when you want to take care of your yard. Once you know what you need to do and what someone else can do, you can determine a plan of action to get it all completed in a reasonable time frame.

Keep it Clear

It’s easy for a backyard to become full of debris and trash over time. If you’re renovating the interior of your home, for example, your yard could be where you store your equipment and everything that really needs to go to the dump. Or it might be that you have children and they leave their toys and games all over the lawn.

The debris in your yard might not even be manmade. Leaves that fall can turn into mulch and become slippery and unsightly, so making sure you

rake them up

and remove them is important.

The clearer your yard is, the more enjoyable it will be. Even if you don’t do anything else to it, keeping the trash out of your yard is a good idea.

Use Fertilizer

If you really want to take care of your yard then using fertilizer to ensure the plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, saplings — or anything else you might choose to plant outside — grow well is a great option.

Fertilizer gives your backyard the right amount of extra nutrients that it can’t get elsewhere, and this stimulates growth. To have your backyard looking its best, fertilizer is always going to work for you, and it’s cheap too — if you can speak to a farmer or stables about collecting their

horse manure

, you might even get it for free.