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(BPT) - More veterans are taking advantage of an important benefit for service members: A Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.4 million VA loans were taken out in 2021, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, there are still many veterans who are not using this important earned benefit for their service and sacrifice for the country.
VA home loans allow veterans and active-duty service members to obtain home mortgages with more favorable terms than other loans on the market. A VA loan is a mortgage supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and serviced by authorized lenders, like loanDepot, one of the nation's largest non-bank retail mortgage lenders.
Why aren't more veterans and active-duty service members using this benefit? Many are unaware of how to qualify for a VA loan or its benefits.
Eligibility and benefits
You may be eligible for a VA loan if you are an active duty servicemember with at least 90 days of continuous service, or if you are a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged meeting minimum requirements based on your dates of service. National Guard and Reserve members who meet certain criteria are also eligible.
While there are a number of VA loan options, typical benefits can include:
“A VA home loan is one of the most powerful tools our nation’s veterans can use to purchase a home and build long-term wealth,” said Patton Gade, loanDepot branch manager and former U.S. Army officer. “Yet, it surprises me just how unknown and misunderstood these loans are among the people who have earned them. With all of the misconceptions out there, it’s important to work with a mortgage professional who specializes in VA loans, so you can better understand and unlock their full potential.”
Even knowing about the advantages of VA loans and that you may be eligible, you may still be unsure about using this earned benefit because of popular misconceptions.
1. Myth: A VA loan can only be accessed once
Many veterans are under the impression that you can only access a VA loan once. However, you can use and reuse the VA benefit again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the VA loan program as long as you remain eligible.
2. Myth: You can only have one VA loan at a time
Sometimes you may have to finance multiple properties at once. Under certain conditions, with a VA loan, you may be able to finance multiple homes simultaneously, including your primary home, rental properties and vacation homes.
3. Myth: VA loans are less preferable to sellers because they have a lot of restrictions
A VA loan may take a few days more to close versus a conventional loan, but that doesn’t necessarily make them more restrictive.
VA loans have additional controls in place to protect the veteran and their family; e.g., appraisals have to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser, which may increase the processing time of the loan.
4. Myth: The appraisal process for VA loans is more stringent and difficult than a conventional loan
The appraisal process is similar to a conventional loan. The VA approves and hires local appraisal professionals to ensure a smooth process.
5. Myth: VA loans take forever to close
Working with a lender that specializes in VA loans and understands how they work can prevent issues that may slow the process. They can help to keep everything moving on time so you can get the home of your dreams with minimal delays.
If you're thinking of taking out a VA loan, be sure to work with a lender who has specific expertise with the product and working with the veteran community, so they are well prepared to help you.
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(BPT) - There’s an urgent need for the United States to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguard from potential threats. Domestically and abroad, society has seen a triple-digit increase in cybersecurity attacks that have disrupted mass telecommunication companies, been used as a tactic in the Russia-Ukraine war, and held financial firms hostage with their own information.
Cyber incidents are becoming more sophisticated and are targeting organizations of all sizes, especially those that work with personal information. Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the nation, was targeted in a ransomware attack on its information-technology infrastructure, Uber was the victim of a data breach after cybercriminals compromised the Slack account of an employee in early September, the Red Cross experienced a security breach that compromised the personal data of those the organization seeks to help and DoorDash experienced a cyberattack that exposed customers’ personal information.
Unfortunately, U.S. businesses and organizations struggle to prepare for these threats in part because of a shortage of skilled cyber workers. This underscores the importance of cultivating new talent through education, upskilling and reskilling to develop the expertise required to protect and defend our data and systems.
The national talent shortage has been driven by a lack of employee training and access to cybersecurity careers.
It is estimated that there are approximately 700,000 cybersecurity jobs yet to be filled in the U.S. At the same time, the cybersecurity sector continues to be shaped by rapid technological change, thus requiring skill sets that constantly need to be updated. Many academic institutions aren’t able to adapt their programming to quickly develop a pool of skilled cyber workers. Without ongoing upskilling and training by their employers, IT professionals can’t keep up and properly protect their organizations.
“Cyberattacks affect our day-to-day lives, our economy and our national security. The number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide grew 350% between 2013 and 2021,” said DeVry University’s Chief Information Security Officer, Fred Kwong. “Higher education institutions and businesses must ensure that cybersecurity education and career pathways are available to everyone. Without talent to quickly fill these roles, companies will continue to be vulnerable to these attacks.”
A recent Aspen Institute report estimates that only 4% of cybersecurity workers identify as Hispanic, while 9% identify as Black, and 24% as women, which highlights cybersecurity’s diversity gap. Creating access to and awareness of cybersecurity career pathways — through methods like flexible programming, mentorship programs and corporate partnerships — would not only support a diverse talent pipeline, but it would also help fill the high volume of job openings the nation currently faces.
The current cybersecurity landscape presents a unique opportunity to augment a skilled pool of talent.
It is incumbent upon academic institutions, companies and government agencies to place increased emphasis on cybersecurity education and skills-based pathways to create a talent pool that is cyber-savvy. There has never been a more appropriate time to invest in upskilling employees and arming students with the knowledge and access they need to advance in cyber career pathways.
DeVry University seeks to bridge the talent gap by offering new ways to anyone with an interest in the cybersecurity field to access academic opportunities through agile education and initiatives. Recognizing the critical need for cybersecurity talent, DeVry created the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program and scholarship to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with training and networking opportunities, and it launched a Nonprofit Cyber Grant Program, which will help nonprofits in Atlanta upskill their employees in cybersecurity.
Our ability to combat attacks on data and infrastructure will only be strengthened through dedicated investment by employers and educators in cybersecurity training and talent development. With the increasing number of cyberattacks on all types of organizations, there is a growing need for well-prepared cyber talent. To foster cyber resiliency and expand the current talent pool, it’s critical to develop trained professionals who remain proficient through upskilling, up-to-date academic programming and accessible education.
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(BPT) - Inflation is putting the squeeze on all Americans, but no one is feeling the pinch more than those on Social Security and Medicare who are on a fixed income.
Over 64 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare. Once a year, between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, Medicare offers all beneficiaries the opportunity to change their coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period. This is the time of year when health insurance TV ads play constantly and your mailbox gets flooded with unwanted solicitations.
More than 300 insurance companies offer over 24,000 Medicare insurance plans nationwide: This maze of options and benefits, dressed in the confusing language of government bureaucrats and the insurance industry itself, results in many beneficiaries purchasing an imperfect plan for their needs.
Personal loss
The Medicare sign-up process can be so intimidating that some choose not to buy health insurance at all. That’s what Jonathan Parker decided to do. Having moved to Israel after raising a family in the suburbs of Chicago, he chose not to enroll in Medicare for his frequent trips back to the U.S. On one of those trips, during the 2020 holiday season, he fell ill. Parker refused to see a doctor in the U.S., hoping to receive more affordable treatment once he traveled back to Israel. He died in-flight, 90 minutes from landing in Israel.
This loss motivated his son, Ari, a Stanford-trained lawyer and Lead Medicare Advisor at Chapter, to write “It’s Not That Complicated: The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health & Money” available at askchapter.org/ari.
The goal of the book is to help Americans make the right Medicare choices to access the affordable, high-quality health care they deserve. The book introduces the “Three Ps method” to shop for the right Medicare plan and avoid costly mistakes, which stands for a person's providers, prescriptions and priorities.
P for providers
Noting the doctors, pharmacies and hospitals you plan to access in 2023 is the first step toward finding the most comprehensive coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans have limited networks that restrict your choice of doctors, pharmacies and hospitals. If you choose this type of plan, it is crucial to make sure all your providers are in network; otherwise you might receive a large, unexpected bill.
P for prescriptions
Prescription drugs are often a considerable household expense. You may be able to save upwards of $1,100 by matching your prescription needs to the right plan and nearby drug store. The best Medicare advisors should help you with this decision, although most advisors only compare plans from a handful of insurance companies, and may not compare all the options available to you.
P for priorities
Your health care priorities are probably different than your neighbor’s. An Advantage plan wouldn't work so well if you see multiple specialists because it has network restrictions. Instead, you would want to consider a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plan if you can afford the higher monthly cost of insurance. There are compelling reasons for choosing a Medigap or Advantage plan, but it depends on the factors that are important to you. Namely cost, choice of doctor and quality of care.
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(BPT) - Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or are a caregiver for someone with diabetes, you know managing the condition requires diligence. Eating well and exercising are a priority, but there are other aspects of your health that are important too – like your eyesight.
Approximately 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and a more serious condition called diabetic macular edema (DME). These can cause vision loss if left untreated.
Here are five key facts to know about diabetes and vision loss from the eye health experts at Genentech:
1. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness
Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults age 20-74? High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina in the back of the eye. Out-of-control blood sugar can lead to DME, which in turn can cause vision loss.
2. DME progresses in stages
“Macular” refers to the macula, which is the central portion of the retina and the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. “Edema” means swelling of tissues from fluid. DME results when damaged blood vessels leak fluid and cause swelling, which blurs vision.
People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease. The risk of developing DME is closely associated with the length of time a patient has lived with diabetes and the severity of DR they are experiencing. If DR worsens, the eye may begin to form new, abnormal blood vessels over the retina, which can break easily and bleed, causing severe vision loss and even blindness. DME can occur at any stage of DR, though it is more likely to occur as DR progresses. Poor control of blood sugar also increases the risk of developing DME.
3. Diabetic eye disease may not have symptoms
DME doesn't appear overnight. You may have subtle or no symptoms, especially early on.
However, it's important to note changes in your vision and speak with your doctor immediately if you notice anything different. DME can cause blurry vision, color fading, floaters (small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision) and double vision.
To diagnose DME, a physician will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, which determines the smallest letters you can read on a chart; a dilated eye exam in which drops are placed in your eyes to widen the pupils in order to check for signs of the disease; imaging tests; and a pressure check inside your eye.
4. Vision complications from diabetes are more common than you may realize
In the United States, DR impacts nearly 7.8 million people and DME impacts 750,000 people. Many people struggle to manage diabetes and its complications, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. And while many people do experience diabetic eye disease, there are treatment options available to help improve or maintain your eyesight.
5. There are prevention and treatment options
If you have diabetes, one of the best things you can do for your eyes is get regular exams and tell your healthcare provider or eye doctor if you have changes to your vision. Manage blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol through diet, exercise and prescribed medications, if needed. There are treatment options to slow or stop vision loss if you are diagnosed with diabetic eye disease, and if you are already being treated with medication for diabetic eye disease, keep it up so you can maintain your sight!
Taking care of your eyes doesn’t just mean holding onto your independence. It means getting to witness all the things that make life beautiful. Thanks to new innovations in eye care and treatment, there’s more hope than ever before.
To learn more about DME, visit Gene.com.
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(BPT) - When it comes to upgrades and functional design, a rental property is often a space that’s left on the backburner. Whether it’s prepping for new tenants or simply giving a space a quick face lift, these projects can sometimes become overwhelming. See below for easy installation ideas and simple tips to ensure you have a fully functional bathroom with a beautiful design aesthetic.
Bring purpose to the sink
It doesn’t matter if the goal is to upgrade a bathroom or if one is starting from scratch, assuring the sink space is multi-functional is a crucial step! Replacing a faucet could seem daunting, but the Peerless® Precept® Single-Handle Bath Faucet makes this process a breeze. What’s great about it is it saves both time and money as it comes with a Push Pop-Up Drain Assembly included! Unlike other drain assemblies that require multiple parts (and purchases), this user-friendly accessory works seamlessly with the faucet itself and comes with all necessary parts to easily install it.
By simply pushing down on its head, a sink can quickly be filled up with water for a variety of uses. One can create an at-home ice water face dip for the ultimate self-care regimen, an emergency stain soak, or even a bath for the little ones.
Establish a complementing look with a unified finish
A bathroom can easily feel cluttered when it has too many elements and colors. A simple way to forgo this overwhelming feeling is by implementing a uniform finish. Not only will one finish and style lend clarity to a bathroom design, but it will also help deliver that polished and flawless look. For instance, for a bath space that has a black finish, small adds like a black-rimmed mirror, dark-stained stool, or charcoal vase will provide the accents to the overall color scheme. The possibilities are endless!
Add more functionality
Rental property bathrooms oftentimes deliver the bare minimum by only providing a basic toilet, working faucet and a showerhead. For those looking to level up their rental shower experience without breaking the bank, an easy way in is by installing a multifunctional fixture beyond just a showerhead. The Peerless® Precept® Slide Bar with Hand Shower delivers just that. When added onto an existing showerhead, it can operate on its own or also at the same time, creating an instant at-home spa-like experience. Not to mention its pause feature reduces water to a trickle, giving space for shaving and lathering — ideal for any guest shower.
When thinking through ways to transform a rental investment property, being efficient, yet thoughtful is the way to go. Extensive restorations are a thing of the past when one can find easy-to-install and functional items that still deliver a beautiful design. From unifying the color scheme to implementing new fixtures, even the slightest updates can make the biggest difference.
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(BPT) - Whether you call it a half bath or a powder room, the small space in your home is frequently used by your guests and family — but might be one of the most overlooked. And since it isn’t a huge space, a few quick and easy updates can make one of the most-used rooms in your house work and look better. To get it off the to-do list and give it the love it deserves, social media influencer Denise Cooper of @bemyguestwithdenise shares half-bath ideas to morph the room from old and outdated to fresh and modern.
1. Switch out the faucet and mirror
Make a statement in your half bath by letting your guests see themselves in an updated mirror. Whether vintage or new, a mirror creates the feeling of space, even in the most cramped quarters.
Switching out a dated faucet for a new one from Delta Faucet is an easy way to not only add functionality and efficiency to the space, but style as well. “Being drawn to traditional and elegant style, I chose a chrome finish for my recent powder room refresh, but Delta Faucet also offers Matte Black and Champagne Bronze finishes, which are having a major moment right now,” says Cooper.
2. Update cabinet hardware
While tearing out a half bath’s vanity can be labor-intensive and expensive, swapping out the hardware can make it feel new again. Choosing colors and finishes that complement the faucet, mirror and light fixture ties the room together.
And if you’re in the market for new countertops, “Shop the remnant section at your local stone fabricator for small jobs — it will save you a ton of money,” says Cooper.
3. Fresh coat of paint and wallpaper
“Give your powder room that wow factor by adding texture and color to a statement wall,” advises Cooper. To add more drama to the space, add a fresh coat of paint to the powder room’s vanity and walls. Keep in mind that light and dark colors add contrast which creates depth and the illusion of space, while medium tones can make the room feel smaller. If you want to go above and beyond, choose a wallpaper that is dramatic but matches the cabinet color.
4. Update decor
Ditch the dated powder room decor for modern functional items. A cute succulent or fresh-cut flowers are visually appealing and make the room smell great. A stack of books can turn into a pedestal for soap and hand towels. Just keep in mind that less is more in such a small space to avoid a cluttered look.
5. Add new light fixtures
Updated lighting can set the mood and help make a small room feel bright and airy. Also in an often windowless room, it can help guests better see themselves. By matching lighting to the mirror, faucet and hardware, the powder room will feel put together and thought out.
With a few of these quick-and-easy updates, the powder room will surely stand out as one of the nicest rooms in the house. When in doubt, “Incorporate what inspires you the most,” says Cooper.
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(BPT) - If you tend to do a deep clean of your house in the fall, you’re not alone. According to a recent Harris Poll online survey commissioned by Bona — a sustainably driven supplier of floor cleaning solutions — 74% of U.S. adults like to do a comprehensive, deep clean in the fall to reset their living space. A deep clean of your home is always useful, but a fall deep clean is a great way to transition from one season to another and prep your home for the winter holidays.
The survey also shed light on some common preconceived notions many Americans hold about cleaning. So, before you grab your cleaning supplies, take a look and see what common cleaning myths you believe and how you can clean your home better this fall.
Myth #1: DIY solutions are safer
About 62% of U.S. adults believe DIY solutions are a safer option than currently available retail products, with 61% saying vinegar and bleach are the most important ingredients for their cleaning routines because they can be used on every surface.
The truth is that DIY cleaning solutions, like water and vinegar, are fine to use on some surfaces but can easily damage floors and other surfaces. It’s important to use effective products that are gentle enough to not damage the surface you’re cleaning.
Myth #2: Mop and bucket cleaning is the best
More than half of Americans believe an old-fashioned mop and bucket is the best way to clean floors. The fact is that mop-and-bucket cleaning can ruin flooring by over-saturating the floors and damaging them. This method also wastes precious water, which is why sustainably minded consumers opt to use spray mops.
If you’re looking for a spray mop to clean and protect your floors, check out the Bona Spray Mop. It uses 97% less water than a traditional mop and bucket, saving 157 million gallons of water per year in the U.S. Spray mops are also easier to use and, when paired with the right formulation, give you the most effective clean with the right saturation to avoid damaging your floors.
Myth #3: Specific cleaning cloths don’t matter
According to survey results, 66% of U.S. adults tend to use old rags or paper towels rather than microfiber pads or cloths when cleaning their home’s surfaces. While using rags and paper products may be cheaper and more convenient, they’re not the most effective or environmentally friendly options. Microfiber clothes are reusable, saving hundreds of disposable pads from ending up in landfills and can decrease deforestation.
Myth #4: What parents say goes
Many respondents said they prefer the classic mop-and-bucket cleaning method because they grew up knowing it (48%) and it’s the most effective/deepest clean (44%). While you may have grown up with one cleaning method, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to it forever. Cleaning formulations and tools have come a long way over the years, and there are easier options that provide a deep and effective clean.
Myth #5: Older generations do things the old-fashioned way
While nearly 60% of U.S. adults agreed that the best way to clean floors is with an old-fashioned mop and bucket, older adults aged 65 and older were less likely to agree with this statement. This age group was also the generation least likely to agree that DIY solutions are safer than those on store shelves.
The truth is, older generations had to use old-fashioned methods of cleaning for decades. Now that they have more options, they’re consciously moving away from mop-and-bucket cleaning and DIY solutions and into options like spray mops and floor-specific cleaning solutions as they see the benefits each provides. Take a cue from your elders and switch to easy-to-use, effective and safe options.
Cleaning should be safe, easy and effective. Knowing the truth behind these five myths may help you up your cleaning game this fall so you can get the deepest clean before winter sets in. To find more cleaning tips, visit Bona.com.
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(BPT) - There’s an urgent need for the United States to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguard from potential threats. Domestically and abroad, society has seen a triple-digit increase in cybersecurity attacks that have disrupted mass telecommunication companies, been used as a tactic in the Russia-Ukraine war, and held financial firms hostage with their own information.
Cyber incidents are becoming more sophisticated and are targeting organizations of all sizes, especially those that work with personal information. Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the nation, was targeted in a ransomware attack on its information-technology infrastructure, Uber was the victim of a data breach after cybercriminals compromised the Slack account of an employee in early September, the Red Cross experienced a security breach that compromised the personal data of those the organization seeks to help and DoorDash experienced a cyberattack that exposed customers’ personal information.
Unfortunately, U.S. businesses and organizations struggle to prepare for these threats in part because of a shortage of skilled cyber workers. This underscores the importance of cultivating new talent through education, upskilling and reskilling to develop the expertise required to protect and defend our data and systems.
The national talent shortage has been driven by a lack of employee training and access to cybersecurity careers.
It is estimated that there are approximately 700,000 cybersecurity jobs yet to be filled in the U.S. At the same time, the cybersecurity sector continues to be shaped by rapid technological change, thus requiring skill sets that constantly need to be updated. Many academic institutions aren’t able to adapt their programming to quickly develop a pool of skilled cyber workers. Without ongoing upskilling and training by their employers, IT professionals can’t keep up and properly protect their organizations.
“Cyberattacks affect our day-to-day lives, our economy and our national security. The number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide grew 350% between 2013 and 2021,” said DeVry University’s Chief Information Security Officer, Fred Kwong. “Higher education institutions and businesses must ensure that cybersecurity education and career pathways are available to everyone. Without talent to quickly fill these roles, companies will continue to be vulnerable to these attacks.”
A recent Aspen Institute report estimates that only 4% of cybersecurity workers identify as Hispanic, while 9% identify as Black, and 24% as women, which highlights cybersecurity’s diversity gap. Creating access to and awareness of cybersecurity career pathways — through methods like flexible programming, mentorship programs and corporate partnerships — would not only support a diverse talent pipeline, but it would also help fill the high volume of job openings the nation currently faces.
The current cybersecurity landscape presents a unique opportunity to augment a skilled pool of talent.
It is incumbent upon academic institutions, companies and government agencies to place increased emphasis on cybersecurity education and skills-based pathways to create a talent pool that is cyber-savvy. There has never been a more appropriate time to invest in upskilling employees and arming students with the knowledge and access they need to advance in cyber career pathways.
DeVry University seeks to bridge the talent gap by offering new ways to anyone with an interest in the cybersecurity field to access academic opportunities through agile education and initiatives. Recognizing the critical need for cybersecurity talent, DeVry created the Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program and scholarship to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with training and networking opportunities, and it launched a Nonprofit Cyber Grant Program, which will help nonprofits in Atlanta upskill their employees in cybersecurity.
Our ability to combat attacks on data and infrastructure will only be strengthened through dedicated investment by employers and educators in cybersecurity training and talent development. With the increasing number of cyberattacks on all types of organizations, there is a growing need for well-prepared cyber talent. To foster cyber resiliency and expand the current talent pool, it’s critical to develop trained professionals who remain proficient through upskilling, up-to-date academic programming and accessible education.
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(BPT) - Live events bring audiences worldwide a level of excitement unequal to anything else. Whether a concert, sporting event or action-driven event that draws a crowd, there are primal reasons people need these larger-than-life experiences. A huge part of showcasing the talent of performing artists or the skill of an elite athlete happens behind the scenes. Hosting a spectacular live event requires incredible organization, operations and innovation to bring the atmosphere to life. Stunning environments require intentional thought, programming and design, and technology is the catalyst for that creativity.
While the pandemic paused many events, ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, now declares, “Live is back!” as it prepares 350 venues for shows and sporting events worldwide, from conventions and concert events to global events like the Super Bowl, Final Four and FIFA Women’s World Cup.
"Going to a game or seeing your favorite artist creates memories that last a lifetime," said Alex Merchan, executive vice president of marketing, ASM Global. "One thing we’ve learned over the past two years is that there is no substitute for live, in-person experiences."
Live events are more exciting that ever thanks to companies like ASM Global and its partner in cutting-edge AV technology, Anthony James Partners (AJP). Both are leading the industry in providing guests and fans with the ultimate live experience from the moment they arrive at the venue.
How technology transforms venues
Today’s demands to enhance the guest experience are greater than ever. Advanced technology makes the entire experience seamless — and spectacular — and helps create a safer, more inclusive and more exciting environment.
From the design of North America’s largest custom LED scoreboard displays to state-of-the-art experiential spaces, concourses and digital signage systems, Anthony James Partners sets the industry bar for audio-visual system design and implementation at venues you love. The industry-leading Owner's Representative and AV Consultant specializes in the design, financial modeling, procurement and construction oversight for any large-scale technology implementation.
"There was a time when we thought of technology as a bulb-filled scoreboard and a scratchy PA system. Innovation and progress since then have been unbelievable. Technology is now the central hub that controls every aspect of communication with fans, including what they see, what they hear, and inevitably, how they feel about an event," said Michael Rowe, CEO and co-founder of Anthony James Partners. "ASM Global's partnership has provided us with a palette for exploring new and immersive technology applications that will lead the entertainment community into the next generation of fan experience."
Unique entertainment spaces have their moment
You may not think about technology while exploring entertainment areas offering dining and shopping, concerts and sporting events — like the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona. But ASM Global and AJP collaborated on renovations — including a digital replacement program — to transform this area into a gorgeous and lively public space. New LED display systems and more wow fans at the district's newly renamed Desert Diamond Arena during action-packed events.
But if gaming is more your thing, you’ll definitely be impressed with a visit to Tech Port Center + Arena in San Antonio, Texas. The two companies partnered to level up this multi-use space for hosting esports competitions, with state-of-the-art AV technology design including an advanced arena LED display system and gaming center featuring 60 LAN gaming stations, making it the most technologically advanced concert and esports facility in the U.S.
Bringing iconic venues into the 21st century
For die-hard sports fans, some locations carry deep traditions that may seem at odds with cutting-edge technology. Fortunately, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds. The iconic Memorial Stadium at Clemson University in South Carolina boasts generations of loyal fans who love the venue as much as they love the game. AJP’s technology renovation is enhancing the game for Clemson fans with almost 7,112 square feet of 10mm, HDR-capable LED, making it the highest resolution LED videoboard in college sports. A state-of-the-art sound system, LED lighting and digital signage upgrades stadium-wide also help loyal fans bask in the roar of the crowd and excitement of the action.
AJP collaborated with ASM Global once again to elevate fan experience and sponsorship opportunities at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. It took less than six months to overhaul the premiere arena’s audio-visual experience, everything from broadcast control systems and cabling to concourse and concession displays. For the arena bowl, AJP designed a massive six-display LED center hung video system, auxiliary displays and continuous LED Ribbon boards for a fully immersive experience. Combined with an overhauled audio system and LED sports lighting, any sporting event or concert you attend at this venue will be even more thrilling.
Explore the magic behind creating your favorite venues at AnthonyJamesPartners.com and ASMGlobal.com.
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(BPT) - The last few years have been rocky times for the 32.5 million U.S. small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They have faced big challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages and rising inflation. These firms, which account for 43.5% of gross domestic product, are also facing a lending crunch. The Associated Press reported in April that banks have been less generous with loans. In 2019, about 50% of businesses received the full amount of loans they requested. But in 2021, it was 30% — a steep drop.
Minority- and women-owned businesses also feel they have a big hill to climb when it comes to loans. For example, Black-owned businesses feel they are less likely to secure the full amount of financing they request. For women, a Bank of America study stated that 60% of female business owners felt they didn’t have the same access to financing as male entrepreneurs.
In the face of this challenging environment, more business owners are taking a hard look at how to improve cash flow, from traditional sources to emerging alternatives.
Traditional sources of capital
To fund their business ventures, business owners have typically turned to their personal savings or family and friends. Outside of that, bank loans remain a go-to option because of their relatively low rates. But those loans are becoming harder to secure. Another issue is that many banks require multiple years of financial records, which emerging companies may not be able to provide.
Loan financing also comes with strings attached, such as administrative red tape, restrictions, lag time in receiving the actual funds, and shorter coverage periods.
Another “traditional” route is asset-based lending, which requires collateral. This type of capital has its own detractors, including substantially higher overhead to maintain and higher interest rates over time. Also, lenders prefer liquid assets such as securities, which many business owners may not have.
A third option is factoring programs, which involve businesses selling their unpaid invoices in return for immediate working capital. Downsides include lack of control and higher costs compared to regular loans. Another detractor is stigma — factoring may signal to customers possible cash flow problems.
Alternative sources of financing
Many business owners have now turned to alternatives such as online lenders and crowdfunding.
Businesses with a new product have turned to crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. But there can be pitfalls. Setting up a campaign that goes viral and attracts supporters isn’t guaranteed.
Online lending platforms are another attractive form of financing, but while the cash flow may be instantaneous compared to traditional banks, these online loans come with higher interest rates and big late penalty fees. A cursory look at online lenders reveals APRs at 10% or higher. Traditional bank loans are 3% to 7%.
New solutions for financing and managing cash flow
For business owners who find the drawbacks of traditional financing overwhelming or are leery of alternative modes, there is another route to consider when managing cash flow. Increasingly, nonbank companies are integrating bank-like services into their tech platforms, a concept known as embedded finance. These bank-like services could include payments and invoice processing and lending. Advantages of embedded financing, like Plaid or Apple Pay, are transparency, ease of transactions, the capture of relevant customer data, and they offer another revenue stream to businesses.
Business owners who are considering this as a solution should consider speed and ease of payments, costs and other benefits when deciding between platforms. For example, C2FO, a fintech software company, offers an integrated and secure platform where businesses can accelerate the payment of invoices while offering a discount to customers who pay early. An advantage of this platform is improved cash flow, giving the businesses the power to determine the best time and terms for getting paid. Business owners who partner with C2FO also sidestep the red tape and costs of traditional and alternative financing routes.
For another solution, C2FO is now offering the C2FO CashFlow+TM Card, a new card that expands on C2FO’s established early payment system. The process is as follows: Business owners choose which invoices to accelerate, and early payments are sent to the CashFlow+ Card. Where this differs from typical early pay is that there is no discount given to secure early payment when the card is used. Businesses get paid early and in full and then can use the card, which also offers 1% cash back on purchases. Business owners get rewarded for getting paid now so they can expand, transform and innovate — a different approach from more traditional and alternative means of getting capital.
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