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Younger Travelers Driving Surge in Live Event Travel, Survey Shows

COLUMBUS, OH (April 16, 2024) – A new study conducted by AAA and Bread Financial has revealed that younger generations are significantly impacting the landscape of live event travel. According to the survey, approximately three in five Gen Z and Millennial respondents have either traveled or plan to travel for in-person events like concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and book readings that are more than 50 miles from home.The study found that younger travelers are willing to go the extra mile, with more than half of Gen Z travelers opting for plane travel and a...

AF Group Joins Triple-I as Its Latest Member

AF Group has joined the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) as its most recent member. "AF Group is a driving force in the specialty solutions market, and the Triple-I is honored to have the support of such an important organization," said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.Lisa Corless, President and CEO of AF Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "Among the biggest concerns for insurers today are rate adequacy, inflation, climate change and economic uncertainty." She added, "Aligning with the Triple-I is an ideal way to foster our unique...

Goldman Sachs Reports 2024 First Quarter Earnings Per Common Share of $11.58 and Annualized Return on Common Equity of 14.8%

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company reported net revenues of $14.21 billion and net earnings of $4.13 billion. Diluted earnings per common share (EPS) were $11.58, with an annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity (ROE) of 14.8% for the first quarter of 2024.In a statement, David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, expressed satisfaction with the quarterly performance, stating, “Our first quarter results reflect the strength of our world-class and interconnected...

National Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Founder: ‘The C4 Foundation is truly remarkable’

Matt Ghanem, the founder of National Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy, underscored his organization's commitment to the C4 Foundation, an organization that supports Navy SEALs and their families. Ghanem made his statement to Business Daily on April 3.

Goldman Sachs Declares Preferred Stock Dividends

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has announced dividends on various series of its non-cumulative preferred stock. The declaration includes dividends on different preferred stock series, with specific amounts allocated to each category.According to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the dividends declared are as follows:- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A;"- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C;"- "$380.90 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D;"- "$398.44 per share of...

SBA Statement on Biden-Harris Administration Exceeding Small Disadvantaged Business Contracting Goal

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), praised President Biden's administration for surpassing the annual goal for federal contracting dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) in FY2023. Guzman stated, "Today’s announcement shows the results, with a new record of contract spending with Small Disadvantaged Businesses and steady progress towards President Biden’s goal of awarding 15% of federal contracting dollars to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by FY2025."In response to President Biden's call to...

New Small Business Applications Soar to Over 17 Million Under Biden-Harris Administration

WASHINGTON – In a statement released today by Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), it was revealed that an astonishing 17 million new business applications have been filed under the Biden-Harris Administration.Guzman emphasized the impact of President Biden's economic leadership, stating, “President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda has ignited a historic Small Business Boom, as more Americans than ever seek to start a business.” She highlighted the significance of each new business as "an act of hope and confidence...

Morgan Stanley Strengthens Alliance for Children’s Mental Health with New Funding and Members

New York - Morgan Stanley has announced a significant financial commitment to its Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, with a total funding of $50 million since its inception in 2020. The latest pledge of $20 million over the next five years aims to bolster the Alliance's efforts in delivering programming, research, and innovative solutions to support children's mental health.The Alliance has expanded its reach by welcoming two new members, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Sesame Workshop, to collaborate on enhancing mental health support for children. Ted Pick,...

Triple-I: Insurance Economic Drivers Outperforming Overall US GDP, and Likely to Gain Further Momentum on Federal Reserve Cuts

The economic drivers of the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurance industry are showing promising growth, outpacing the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and poised to accelerate even more with potential Federal Reserve monetary rate cuts. According to Michel Léonard, chief economist and data scientist at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), "Triple-I forecasts P&C underlying growth to increase to 3.4% in 2024, 1.2% above the Fed’s GDP forecast of 2.2%."Léonard further stated, "Triple-I expects P&C underlying growth to continue outperforming overall GDP...

SBA Launches Digital Hub to Connect Small Businesses with Major Funding in President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing in America Small Business Hub. This hub is described as the first and only digital portal of its kind providing industry-specific resources to help small businesses tap into opportunities under President Biden’s signature Investing in America (IIA) Agenda.Speaking about President Biden's economic agenda, Administrator...

Nationwide Secures Pension Risk Transfer Deal with Ohio Farm Bureau

Nationwide, a company deeply rooted in agricultural history, has announced a significant achievement in its longstanding partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau. The company has taken on the responsibility for Ohio Farm Bureau's defined benefit plan retirees through a pension risk transfer (PRT) transaction.According to Adam Sharp, the executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide's shared values with the organization and its track record of strength and stability made them the ideal choice for this partnership. Sharp stated, "Nationwide is a company with a deep...

SBA Recognizes 2024 Small Business Investment Companies of the Year

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the recognition of Argosy Private Equity of Wayne, Pa., and Mizzen Capital, LP of Stamford, Conn., as the 2024 Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place during National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4.Guzman praised the awardees, stating, "Filling capital gaps is core to the SBA’s mission, and we rely on an incredible network of SBIC-licensed funds to help us deliver. I am proud to recognize two...

When Seconds Count: Defending Against Fire in Agriculture

Wesley vividly recalls the intense moment when a fire threatened his family's Montana farm in July 2022. Describing the swift action taken by his father-in-law, Wesley narrates, "Suddenly, my father-in-law saw flames in the field behind him. Without hesitation, he dumped the hay from the baler and turned the tractor around to fight the blaze."Amidst the chaos, the Enforcer 10 played a crucial role in extinguishing the fire. Wesley explains, "He rushed to the front of the tractor, activated the Enforcer 10, and within seconds, the fire on the baler was out." This...

SBA Administrator Guzman Highlights Memphis Small Business Ahead of Today’s Total Solar Eclipse

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for a tour of American Paper Optics’ facility with business owner John Jerit and members of his leadership team. During the tour, Administrator Guzman learned how American Paper Optics used SBA resources to sustain operations during the pandemic, and how the business evolved into the largest manufacturer of paper 3D eyewear and solar eclipse viewing glasses in the world."The 2024 total solar eclipse is generating a spending surge nationwide, and small businesses are playing a large role in meeting...

Triple-I: Dog-Related Injury Claim Payouts Hit $1.12 Billion in 2023

NEW YORK, April 8, 2024—U.S. insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2023 according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm.Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Triple-I, highlighted that the number of dog bite and related injury claims in 2023 was 19,062, with a total cost of $1.12 billion. She emphasized the importance of education and training for owners and pets to ensure safety and health.State Farm, as the largest property insurer in the country, is dedicated to educating people on pet owner...

SBA Administrator Visits Baltimore for Bridge Collapse Aid

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, along with other prominent leaders, visited Baltimore to address the economic impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and highlight federal resources available to help affected businesses. Guzman, representing the U.S. Small Business Administration, emphasized the government's commitment to supporting small businesses during a challenging time.During a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Administrator Guzman met...

Committed to a brighter future: Nationwide's 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report

Apr 5 2024Nationwide has released its 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability across various aspects of its operations. The report showcases the company's progress in key areas such as Communities and Giving, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Ethics and Governance.Mark Howard, Nationwide's Chief Legal Officer, expressed the company's commitment to its mission, stating, "Nationwide has evolved significantly over the decades, broadening solutions and services while remaining committed to its...

SBA Recognizes 2024 Government Contractors and 8(a) Graduate of the Year

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the winners of the 2024 National Small Business Week's government contracting awards. The honorees include Action Manufacturing Company, Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., and Cetechs. Guzman highlighted the importance of small businesses in federal contracting, stating, "The federal government relies on small businesses to deliver innovative and competitive products and services to support critical agency functions."Sean Gibbs, President/CEO of Action Manufacturing Company, was named...

Storm Clouds Abroad Have Gas Prices on Edge

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2024)—Despite ominous overseas news, a pop in domestic gasoline demand, and oil prices rising to the mid-$80s per barrel, the national average for a gallon of gas climbed just three pennies to $3.56 since last week.“Renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East spiked oil prices recently,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And with the cost of oil accounting for roughly 60% of what we pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices.”For the complete report, including...

2024 AAA Car Guide – EVs Reign Supreme

AAA has announced the winners of the 2024 Car Guide, with electric vehicles dominating the rankings. Megan McKernan, the Automotive Research Center manager at AAA, highlighted the popularity of SUVs among consumers, stating, “SUVs are a popular choice since they are a great option for families and offer loads of additional compartments for storage.”The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV emerged as the overall top scorer, best large SUV, and best car over $60k. McKernan praised the Mercedes-Benz for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and excellent headlight coverage....