nes

367- Peace Lines

There are many walls in Belfast which physically separate Protestant neighborhoods from Catholic ones. Some are fences that you can see through, while others are made of bricks and steel. Many have clearly been reinforced over time: a cinderblock wall topped with corrugated iron, then topped with razor wire, stretching up towards the sky. Many of the walls in Northern Ireland went up in the 1970s and ‘80s at the height of what’s become known as “The Troubles.” Decades later, almost all of the walls remain standing. They cut across communities like monuments to the conflict, etched into the physical landscape. Taking them down isn’t going to be easy.

Peace Lines




nes

378- Ubiquitous Icons: Peace, Power, and Happiness

There are symbols all around us that we take for granted, like the lightning strike icon, which indicates that something is high voltage. Or a little campfire to indicate that something is flammable. Those icons are pretty obvious, but there are others that aren't so straightforward. Like, why do a triangle and a stick in a circle indicate "peace"? Where does the smiley face actually come from? Or the power symbol? We sent out the 99PI team to dig into the backstory behind some of those images you see every day.

Ubiquitous Icons: Peace, Power, and Happiness




nes

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Calculators

Tracking expenses is an important part of maximizing PPP loan forgiveness. Once you identify which expenses are eligible for PPP forgiveness, it’s time to start keeping track of these expenses and calculate your potential forgiveness amount. The Anders CARES Act Research and Response Team put together tracking tools you can use to make it easier...

The post Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Calculators appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

RECORDED WEBINAR: PPP Loan Forgiveness and Stimulus Updates

Download our recorded webinar to hear from the Anders CARES Act Research and Response Team on the details of PPP loan forgiveness and the newest stimulus package update, including: Loan forgiveness calculations based on current guidelines How to maximize your loan forgiveness Loan forgiveness for self employed individuals Updates on the various stimulus programs based...

The post RECORDED WEBINAR: PPP Loan Forgiveness and Stimulus Updates appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

$17.5 Million in Grants Available for St. Louis County Small Businesses

The St. Louis County Small Business Relief Program, (SBR), slated to award $17.5 million to small businesses, was recently announced by County Executive Sam Page. The grants make up about 10% of the $173.5 million in federal relief funds the county received from the CARES Act. The program will provide financial relief to small businesses...

The post $17.5 Million in Grants Available for St. Louis County Small Businesses appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

Businesses Get a Break on Employees Taking Unemployment Over Returning to Work

Some small business owners are finding themselves in yet another predicament as they try find new ways to keep their businesses open and comply with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness – workers are taking unemployment over returning to work. In some cases, employers are offering to match or even exceed the unemployment amounts to...

The post Businesses Get a Break on Employees Taking Unemployment Over Returning to Work appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

Dave Finklang and Rebekah Tucker Named to St. Louis Small Business Task Force

Anders tax partner Dave M. Finklang, CPA/CGMA, MBA and tax supervisor Rebekah J. Tucker, CPA have been selected to join the St. Louis Small Business Task Force. Founded by Erin Joy, CEO of Black Dress Circle, the Task Force is a new initiative to bring together leaders from varied industries to clearly define and address...

The post Dave Finklang and Rebekah Tucker Named to St. Louis Small Business Task Force appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

Main Street Lending Program: Is it Right for My Business?

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, it was apparent that there would be more assistance needed to help our nation’s small and medium sized businesses. Although the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was in full swing, it seemed to be a temporary fix for a much longer-term challenge. On April 9th, the Board of Governors of the...

The post Main Street Lending Program: Is it Right for My Business? appeared first on Anders CPA.




nes

NECA Legislative Top Three 12/13/19: NECA Contractor Helps Secure Win for Small Businesses

This week in government affairs: NECA opposes bill to raise top tax rate for pass-throughs, NECA member testifies before the house small business committee and NECA Wins in NDAA.




nes

Chairman’s Challenge: East Tennessee Chapter Meets Rep. Tim Burchett

On February 16, 2020, members of NECA’s East Tennessee Chapter met with Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.)




nes

NECA Legislative Top Three 2/28/20: House Unanimously Votes to Help Veteran-Owned Business Opportunities

1. New Joint Employer Rule Issued by the NLRB

On February 25, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board released the details of a new joint-employer liability rule. This new rule, which began the regulatory process almost two years ago, reverts the regulatory language back to its pre-2007 form, requiring companies to exercise direct control over workers to be considered their employer. The new joint-employer rule creates a much higher threshold for the employers to be held jointly liable for violations; benefiting organizations and corporations structured around franchising and third-party hiring.

NECA’s Look Ahead: This rule takes effect April 27, 2020. NECA will continue to monitor this rule change, assessing its impacts on jobsites.

2. The Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act Passes the House 

On February 25, 2020, H.R. 561, the Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act, passed the House by unanimous voice vote. This legislation will aid veteran-owned small businesses by directing the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with those businesses. Veteran-owed small businesses will be required to perform a majority of the work they are awarded on these government contracts with large subcontractors and will be restricted from performing the work set aside for these types of small businesses. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA applauds the House on the unanimous passage of this legislation and expects it to be received favorably in the Senate. We will continue to monitor this issue as it moves to the Senate and are confident in a positive outcome.

3. The Committee on Small Business Held Hearing to Discuss FY2021 Budget

On February 26, 2020, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing to discuss the 2021 Budget with the Small Business Administrator. Recently appointed Administrator, Jovita Carranza, gave an overview of the administration’s budget requests and the committee was able to examine the potential opportunities and challenges that small businesses participating in the SBA’s programs will face. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA looks forward to working with Administrator Carranza to ensure our contractors are protected and advocated for throughout the appropriations process. 




nes

Using PPP Loan Proceeds to Maximize Loan Forgiveness

One of the biggest areas of CARES Act that benefits businesses is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). With big benefits, comes many questions around one detail specifically: loan forgiveness.
Which loan expenses are forgivable?
According to the CARES Act, if… Read More

The post Using PPP Loan Proceeds to Maximize Loan Forgiveness appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

COVID-19 Resource Center Offers Insights and Guidance for Individuals and Businesses

As a source of information and guidance for businesses and individuals since 1965, Anders is here for you during this time of uncertainty. We’re researching and dissecting the latest legislation, local news and relevant updates around COVID-19 and sharing them… Read More

The post COVID-19 Resource Center Offers Insights and Guidance for Individuals and Businesses appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

Sales and Use Tax Reviews Provide Opportunity for Businesses to Recover Overpaid Taxes

With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting businesses across industries, this is an ideal time to look for other ways to find funds to be able to recover quickly and get business back to normal. One way to do that is through… Read More

The post Sales and Use Tax Reviews Provide Opportunity for Businesses to Recover Overpaid Taxes appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

New $484 Billion Stimulus Package Replenishes PPP and Offers Relief for Hospitals and Businesses

President Trump recently signed a new coronavirus relief bill into law that will help replenish the depleted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), among other initiatives. Below are the details of the relief package.
Details of the New Bill
The new relief… Read More

The post New $484 Billion Stimulus Package Replenishes PPP and Offers Relief for Hospitals and Businesses appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Calculator

Tracking expenses is an important part of maximizing PPP loan forgiveness. Once you identify which expenses are eligible for PPP forgiveness, it’s time to start keeping track of these expenses and calculate your potential forgiveness amount. The Anders CARES Act… Read More

The post Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Calculator appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

The Single Best Employee Benefit Your Small Business Can Offer

Sponsored Post With so many companies trying to one-up each other on desirable employment packages, what's the best employee benefit? Here's our choice.




nes

Small Businesses Cut 6 Million Jobs from March to April

Franchises lost the fewest jobs, but overall the unemployment number was unprecedented.



  • Small Business News

nes

Shopify Launches All New Point of Sale System for Small Businesses

Shopify has launched a new point of sale system for small businesses that should benefit them post-pandemic.



  • Small Business News

nes

In the News: Small Business Protections in Place for New PPP Loans

Small businesses should have better access to PPP funding after new protections put in place by Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin.



  • Small Business News

nes

Laurie McCabe of SMB Group: Will the 43% of Closed Small Businesses Come Back?

Brent Leary chats with SMB Group's Laurie McCabe to talk about how small businesses are using technology during the pandemic response not just to survive but in some cases, thrive.




nes

Vimeo “Stories in Place” Shows Small Businesses Adapting to Pandemic

A new series called Stories in Place on Vimeo shares the stories of small businesses across the US dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.



  • Small Business News
  • Coronavirus Biz Advice

nes

10 Expert Tips for Transforming Your Business This Year

Members of our small business community have tips for transforming your business in 2020.



  • Small Business Operations

nes

How smartphones are transforming customer experience

Support organizations that can leverage the power of the smartphone in order to transform their contact center can not only gain key insights to help streamline support operations but can also make agents more effective




nes

New Research: Businesses face a 'digital ceiling' in their transformation progress

Companies have a difficult challenge breaking through to the most advanced levels of digital maturity




nes

Harnessing the power of text analysis

Understanding natural language processing, common obstacles faced, and methodologies to overcome them




nes

Malaysia Airlines deploys Viasat's Aerodocs document management system

Enhances the airline's digital transformation strategy and streamlines compliance reporting




nes

Occupational Fraud Continues to Plague Businesses

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) recently released the 2014 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, and I noticed one overarching theme as I read through it: fraud has been and continues to be a costly… Read More

The post Occupational Fraud Continues to Plague Businesses appeared first on Anders CPAs.




nes

A Best Practice Approach to Insight Engines: 5 Levels of Insight Engine Maturity

Enterprise search projects start with intentions to provide ?Google for our organization' but too often fail to deliver on that promise. In our experience, these projects fail due to a lack of sustained effort and governance. The commercialization of next-generation search technologies allows you to fulfill this promise if you take a systematic approach to implementation.




nes

AI Guidelines for Businesses: Using AI in Your Own Company

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one?if not the?key technology of our decade. Technological advances in this field are not only fundamentally changing our economies, industries and markets, but are also exerting enormous influence on traditional business practices, many of which will disappear, while others will be transformed or completely reinvented.




nes

Scientists Harness Electricity From Ambient Magnetic Field

Scientists Harness Electricity From Ambient Magnetic Field aconstanza Fri, 04/24/2020 - 15:31

Scientists Harness Electricity From Ambient Magnetic Field

Contemporary innovation in the field of energy seems to be all about finding power in sources that are all around us, such as the sun and wind. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have taken that idea one step further having found a way to harness electricity from thin air.

More specifically, the scientists have developed a method to harness electricity from ambient magnetic fields generated by everyday household appliances.

Reporting in the journal “Energy and Environmental Science,” they note home devices, and especially the cords that supply electricity to them, generate small magnetic fields that otherwise dissipate into the air around them.

The scientists have developed a new mechanism capable of harvesting this wasted magnetic field energy and converting it into enough electricity to power next-generation sensor networks for smart buildings and factories.

One of the study’s co-authors, Shashank Priya, professor of materials science and engineering and associate vice president for research at Penn State, says the device he and his colleagues developed “allows for achieving high power density under low amplitude magnetic fields.”

He and his team designed paper-thin devices, about 11/2 inches long, that can be placed on or near appliances, lights or power cords. They used a composite structure by layering two different materials together. One of these materials is magnetostrictive, which converts a magnetic field into stress, and the other is piezoelectric, which converts stress, or vibrations, into an electric field. The combination allows the device to turn a magnetic field into an electric current.

The devices have a beam-like structure with one end clamped and the other free to vibrate in response to an applied magnetic field. A magnet mounted at the free end of the beam amplifies the movement and contributes toward a higher production of electricity.

In testing, when placed 4 inches from a space heater, the device produced enough electricity to power 180 LED arrays, and at 8 inches, enough to power a digital alarm clock.

According to the scientists, the technology has implications for the design of smart buildings, which will require self-powered wireless sensor networks to do things such as monitor energy and operational patterns and remotely control systems.

Author
Is Featured Article?
No
Editor's Pick
No
Web Exclusive
No
Magazine Volume
Article Image
Date of Publications
Is Sponsored?
Off
Disqus Comments
Safety Leader
Off




nes

NERC Outlines Three Pandemic Timelines

NERC Outlines Three Pandemic Timelines aconstanza Wed, 04/29/2020 - 23:51

NERC Outlines Three Pandemic Timelines

On April 23, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation released a special report, “Pandemic Preparedness and Operational Assessment: Spring 2020,” to update the nation’s electric utilities on the implications of the pandemic for its industry.

“The global health crisis has elevated the electric reliability risk profile due to potential workforce disruptions, supply chain interruptions, and increased cybersecurity threats,” said the report. “The electricity industry in North America is rising to the challenge, coordinating effectively with government partners, and taking aggressive steps to confront the threat to the reliability and security of the bulk power system.”

The report went on to add, “Nearly 400 million North Americans are dependent on a reliable power supply of electricity to support their way of life and the people, systems, and processes in place to support them during this unprecedented time.”

The report advised the industry during this pandemic to prepare for operations with a smaller workforce and other difficulties. The industry must also be aware of cybersecurity threats due to remote working that could lead to attacks on these new vectors.

The report outlined three timeframes for increased reliability risk profiles.

For spring 2020:

  • No specific reliability issue identified
  • Potential workforce disruptions
  • Supply chain interruption
  • Increased cybersecurity threat and monitoring
  • Different system conditions, including lower demands and higher voltages
  • System operators under sequester
  • Noncritical staff are remote

For summer 2020:

  • Continued potential for workforce disruptions and support service disruption
  • Potential equipment and fuel supply chain disruptions
  • Deferred generation maintenance and other factors impacting unit availability
  • Generation in-service data

For the long-term:

  • Potential changes to generation and transmission in-service dates
  • Increased remote operation of non-critical staff
  • Changes to pandemic preparedness and operating plans based on lessons learned.
Is Featured Article?
No
Editor's Pick
No
Web Exclusive
No
Magazine Volume
Article Image
Date of Publications
Is Sponsored?
Off
Disqus Comments
Safety Leader
Off




nes

Philadelphia Offers Discounted Solar to Residents and Businesses

Philadelphia Offers Discounted Solar to Residents and Businesses aconstanza Fri, 05/01/2020 - 16:46

Philadelphia Offers Discounted Solar to Residents and Businesses

Public support for solar power is strong and growing, but it’s not always strong enough to overcome the high upfront costs of installation. To help home and business owners make that initial investment towards utilizing solar power, Philadelphia re-opened its popular Solarize Philly program.

In April, Solarize Philly began accepting to new applications. The last phase closed in November 2019 after 2,068 signups. The program has helped 6,200 customers since its launch in 2017.

Program participants benefit from group-buying discounts and consumer protections. Installers are kicking off the new phase by providing free remote solar assessments.

The program is run by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), an independent municipal authority chartered by the city in 2010 to provide targeted expertise and focus to city efforts to reduce energy consumption and expense.

The authority offers other financial incentives that are available to Solarize Philly participants. The Philadelphia Solar Rebate offers a one-time rebate incentive of 10 cents/watt to commercial and 20 cents/watt to residential projects. The rebate comes to about $1,000 for homeowners.

Fees generated by Solarize Philly also support the PEA's Solar Savings Grant Program, which provides grants plus financing to low- and moderate-income households to go solar at no upfront cost. Grants cover up to half the cost of the project, and utility bill savings start in the first year.

To participate in Solarize Philly, homeowners complete a sign-up form and are then connected to one of the city's approved installers. An installer will provide a free project proposal tailored to the home’s specific needs, based on roof space, electricity usage and other factors.

After the owner approves and signs a contract, the installer handles all permitting and engineering requirements and works with the local utility, PECO, to manage the interconnection process before the installation.

The city says Solarize Philly is also helping create jobs. Darell Clarke, city council president, said “of all energy projects, rooftop solar creates the most jobs per dollar invested.”

The PEA references a study conducted for the authority by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which found that 15 living wage jobs are created for every 100 solar installations. PEA also leads Bright Solar Futures, a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia to establish Pennsylvania’s first vocational solar program for high school students.

Author
Is Featured Article?
No
Editor's Pick
No
Web Exclusive
No
Magazine Volume
Article Image
Date of Publications
Is Sponsored?
Off
Disqus Comments
Safety Leader
Off




nes

Customer Experience: The new ‘mantra’ for business success in the digital era

APAC businesses understand the importance of customer experience and are focused on optimising the customer journey in 2020, with one in five (19%) APAC organisations identifying better CX as their most exciting opportunity for this year.




nes

Survival strategies for businesses during COVID-19 lockdown

We are all in this together, so the ideal way is to stay transparent with your consumers about what your business is going through. Customers can empathize with companies facing a crisis, as long as the communication is transparent.




nes

Auto Expo 2020: Chinese delegation to skip event due to coronavirus scare

Auto Expo 2020: Chinese delegation to skip event due to coronavirus scare





nes

Airlines / Aviation




nes

Airlines / Aviation

Currently, most of the airlines are not giving waivers on the cancellation charges and also not refunding in cash.




nes

Airlines / Aviation

As expected, GMR-led Delhi airport has prepared a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to maintain social distancing at the airport. So if you are planning to fly after the lockdown from Delhi, get ready for long queues as social distancing will be followed very strictly.




nes

Entry level, refurbished smartphones to be in focus, once sales resume

The share of smartphones priced below Rs 5000, categorized as entry-level, has trailed from 12% in 2017 to 4% in 2019, whereas, for those priced between Rs 5000-Rs 10,000, categorized as basic, it has fallen from 45% to 42%.




nes

Mobile phones’ manufacturing to restart

Makers of iphone & Xiaomi phones get requisite permissions from state authorities in South




nes

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma shares tips on braving the Coronavirus impact on business

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma shares tips on braving the Coronavirus impact on business





nes

Uber loses $2.9 billion, offloads bike and scooter business

Earlier this week, Uber said it was cutting 3,700 full-time workers, or about 14 per cent of its workforce, as people avoiding contagion either stay indoors or try to limit contact with others.




nes

Godfrey Phillips India, other KK Modi businesses up for sale

Godfrey Phillips India, other KK Modi businesses up for sale





nes

Lighter planes, fewer entertainment options, no meals in the short run: SpiceJet CMD on future of flying

Lighter planes, fewer entertainment options, no meals in the short run: SpiceJet CMD on future of flying





nes

Will partial relaxation of Lockdown help e-comm players build up lost business?

Will partial relaxation of Lockdown help e-comm players build up lost business?





nes

Sidbi working towards e-enabling MSME businesses to deal with post Covid challenges

The digital repository that is being launched could include a list of tools such as automated accounting, tax reconciliation, cloud services, cyber security, video conferencing, online meetings available free to MSMEs for a limited period of time.




nes

Tata Capital launches commercial, SME mobile app for business loans

Available on the Apple App store and the Google Play store, this app is yet another step by Tata Capital to enhance user experience for channel financing and term loan borrowers.




nes

MSME default rate lowest in business loans

Credit bureau Trans-Union Cibil has said that two out of three MSMEs entered this lockdown with structurally strong positions.