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Are You Ready for These Three Workplace Trends? By Christina Metcalf Workplace trends come and go like snack carts, but these trends may very well revolutionize the way we work because they are just so darn appealing to most employees. But before we go into these workplace trends, know that they are notfor everyone. Your…

The First Comprehensive Incentive Package for STEM Young Professionals By John Joseph, Executive Director of the E-Center The Best and Brightest Initiative is the nation’s first comprehensive incentive package for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) young professionals.  The program offers the following benefits: Student Loan Repayment: Up to $15,000 of student loan repayment, payable at $3,000 per year…

Ten Ways to Get More Business Reviews By Christina Metcalf According to an article on SmallBizTrends.com this week, “Small business owners’ expectations for better business conditions over the next six months fell by seven points to a net negative 61%. So far expectations for better conditions have worsened every month this year.” That’s not great news.…

In the Know: Inflation Hedging Strategies with Commercial Real Estate By Jackson Parker with Parker Real Estate With inflation at levels not seen since the early 1980s, many investors are left scrambling to ensure their assets and wealth are protected. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report reflected an alarming 8.5% year-over-year Consumer Price…

Five Ways to Handle Negative Comments on Social Media By Melea Hames The internet can be a scary place, and people can be awfully brave behind a keyboard. Words that would never be said face to face are flung around on social media without regard to the fact that another human being is on the…

How Personalities Affect the Work Environment By Ruthie Jones Dr. Larry Little’s book “Make A Difference: In the Lives of Those You Love, Live with, and Lead”, helps us to understand ourselves, others and build healthy relationships. Knowing yourself and how personalities affect the work environment will help develop healthy relationships, mutual understanding and respect. …

Decatur City Council President: Residential Growth Should be Our Focus By Jacob Ladner When I ran for City Council, I never thought I’d spend so much time talking about sewer. The topic seems to come up daily. What I have learned, however, is that sewer is our primary incentive in attracting residential development. A quick…

Onward & Upward: NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP If 2020 presented a host of unforeseen challenges, it’s safe to say that 2021 showcased growth and adaptability like never before in our community. And in this era of change, growth and adaptability were consistent themes throughout the year. If we’ve learned anything from the 2020s so…

Broadband Access: Let’s Close the Digital Divide As we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic, time has given us the chance to reflect on the long road we have walked as a state and a community. We have seen – and continue to see – the challenges of getting clear messages to…

Decatur Utilities: Where We Are, Where We’re Headed Reliable utility infrastructure had become a topic of national media conversation as we look towards the need to invest in our current systems and plan for future growth. Being able to count on our systems moving forward is a critical part of planning for a community. That’s…