The Business News Headlines 16 September 2021

It is the Thursday Edition of the business news headlines. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so you're getting Chap Ramsey and the written version of the headlines.  Here is what's been going on:

• August Retail Surprise - It was a complete surprise as data showed retail sales grew by .7% in August. Economists had projected retail sales would fall by .8%.  Meanwhile if auto sales are excluded sales jumped by 1.8%. It was a solid report.
• Wall Street - You would think that those kinds of numbers would boost Wall Street and while they did for a bit the markets ended the day mixed. Those numbers in just a bit.
• New Jobless Numbers - This is what may have muted the markets. New jobless numbers came in 20,000 higher than the week before. Ending September 11. 332,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims.
• Just Inhale - Despite opposition from health groups Phillip Morris (think cigarettes) announced that it had taken control of the U.K. inhaler company Vectura. Phillip Morris is hoping to see over half of it's revenue come from non-smoking products by 2025.
• Guaranteed Income Test - What was non-existent just just six years ago is now catching on in 20 U.S. cities test the idea of guaranteed income. Most of the programs are paid for by using donations. But they all have one thing in common: they give some of society’s poorest and most marginalized people cold-hard cash, and then let them spend it however they want. And, it's catching on with some 45% of Americans favoring some type of guaranteed income program. 
• Rents - Rents nationwide are rising at a fast pace, according to a new analysis from Realtor.com. The median rent for all sizes of rentals nationwide was $1,607 as of August, representing an increase of 11.5% from a year ago.
• Wall Street - Stocks ended the day mixed with the Dow falling by 63 points the close at 34,751. The S&P 500 was down by nearly 7 points closing at 4,473. The Nasdaq outperformed getting 20 points above the flat-line to end the trade at 15,181.
• Bye Bye - And, finally there is this: HBO abruptly lost 5 million subscribers this week, after its agreement with Amazon to sell digital subscriptions through its Prime service ended. Prime members have long been able to subscribe to HBO for $15 per month. HBO says they are willing to lose customers, in the short term, as they attempt to build their own relationship with consumers.

That's a wrap.  Thanks for reading!  Michael will be back in tomorrow.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 14 September 2021

So the consumer price index (CPI) went down in August. That's a good thing, right? Well, that all depends. Wall Street was having none of it. Welcome to the Tuesday Edition of the business news headlines. Plus don't miss the conversation about video, video production and your business from Tero International and former TV production pro, Nika Clark. But first:

• CPI down, Wall Street says, "meh";
• Is college worth the price?
• South Korea to fine Google...the story;
• Some automakers cry foul about the EV incentives;
• Carrot or Stick - Part Two and Delta Airlines;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Dread gives way to fear about the commute & some answers.

Those stories plus you'll meet Nika Clark the person behind the amazing video production pieces being sent out from Tero International. But, this conversation is really about you and your business. Now Tero is allowing others to use their amazing studio and what you get for the price is well worth it. Plus a shout out to our friend Jeff Greenfield a leader in marketing/advertising because this story matches what we were talking about last month.  To listen to Nika, just click here.

Thanks for being here!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

You, Your Business, Your Message and Video with Nika Clark

Not long ago my guest was veteran broadcaster Jeff Greenfield who spoke about the power of the voice in radio and podcasting and how, when mixed with video, it creates an almost magical way to connect with consumers. Here is the link to that conversation.  Today we're visiting with Nika Clark a veteran photo journalist who now is the videographer for Tero International. Here we talk about the studio that is available for businesses to create stunning sales, marketing or explainer videos. In addition there are a host of services offered by Tero International from writing to training and more. 

Thanks for being here!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Business News & Bruce Tretter from Breitz! 7 September 2021

Feels like a Monday for many of us...right? Welcome to the business news headlines for Tuesday the 7th of September. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so we're trying something a bit different. Rather than voicing the stories we're delivering the top business news in written form. Michael will be back tomorrow. And, make sure you listen in to our business interview featuring Bruce Tretter from Breitz active wear that let's you be seen.  Here's what we have for you:

The Housing Market - When the pandemic was in full swing more than 7 million homeowners were in a program of forbearance which allowed them to pause their mortgage payments. That number is now down to 1.7 million borrowers. Fortune in reporting that  The Biden-Harris administration has made it clear there are no plans for an extension which is set to lapse on 30 September.  Borrowers won’t all get removed at once, instead they’ll be phased out over a period of several months. We've reported in the past how the lack of homes for sale has impacted pricing. Should even one-half of borrowers decide to sell, rather than catch up on their payments that would mean hundreds of thousands of homes would be on the market and that could drop prices. Stay tuned.

Americans & Canada - Crossing data shows that travel to Canada by American businesses and tourists has dropped. The reason? Stiff restrictions for entry into Canada. Business Insider is reporting that Vaccinated American citizens looking to travel north need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours from a flight's scheduled departure or arrival at a land border crossing. Travelers that have recently recovered from COVID-19 can show a positive test from between 14 and 180 days prior to entry.  And before arriving in Canada - whether by air, land, or sea - travelers must have completed an online form called "ArriveCan." Its requirements include providing an address in Canada at which visitors could quarantine should they test positive and providing the exact dates of a traveler's vaccination. So, yes, visits north have dropped.

But, It's Good for Business -  Mike Lindell the "My Pillow Guy" who is being sued by Dominion Voting Systems says telling lies about the 2020 election and that President Trump really won but Dominion switched votes is, wait for it, good for business. Salon is reporting that he said business is so good he has had to hire 200 more workers.  So, it's a jobs program?

Wall Street - The day after Labor Day was not a good day for the markets. The Dow tanked by 269 points to settle at 35,100 while the S&P 500 lost 15 points ending the trade at 4,520. The Nasdaq outperformed picking up 10 points (and change) to finish at 15,374 which is a new record close.  The weak jobs report and fears of rising COVID cases kept Wall Street in check.

Open Houses - They were once the prime way to get people into houses for sale...and nosey neighbors could also come by for a peek. But COVID has changed that age-old way of putting buyers and sellers together. Realtors are now turning to high-tech ways to show off homes from virtual tours  to live video tours where potential buyers can communicate directly with the realtor. 

$100,000 Sign On Bonuses - Not long ago we shared the story about some trucking firms giving out $50,000 sign on bonuses. That was so...yesterday. Market Watch is reporting that according to research firm Global Data Sign-on bonus have increased across all sectors by 454%, rising to 57,123 advertised positions in August 2021 from 10,312 in August 2020.  Data says the health-care field has the most expensive bonus offers. An advertisement for a “physician of neurology multiple sclerosis” and also for a “general dentist” last month both had a sign-on bonus of up to $100,000. 

Returning to the Office - How about next year? Uber is the latest company to push back office time.  The New York Times is reporting more firms are pushing their returns out as far as next September in efforts to keep employees safe and mitigate whiplash from anticipated return dates and further delays. But that’s not stopping everyone — Wall Street is still  "limping ahead  with plans to bring back more bank employees this week.

For the Interview - Here you'll meet entrepreneur Bruce Tretter who several years ago started "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook". It was all about simple ways to make food and he did it with books and video.  Fast forward several years and he has recently launched Breitz a company that produces high quality cycling and running gear.  He has married social distancing with colorful bright gear...pushing a "six foot" distance to keep runners and cyclists safe.  Here he visits with Michael at an event earlier in the week.  You should know that while Michael and Bruce have been friends for well over a decade this is a first time...face to face meeting.  Enjoy.

Thanks for reading and for listening! Michael will be back in studio tomorrow.  Have a great evening! 

The Business News Headlines 1September 2021

Welcome to a brand new month and one that has been, traditionally, a lousy month for Wall Street.  We'll share those numbers in just a bit. And, make sure you click through to the interview with Jeff Greenfield. We're talking about some critical information about advertising, marketing and branding...that will impact the bottom line.  But, first the news:

• That inflation stuff? Think, soup;
• Did cuts in unemployment benefits drive workers to jobs;
• The war in Afghanistan had a dollar price tag too;
• More bad news for Boeing;
• Your ID on your...phone?
• Private sector job numbers disappoint;
• The Wall Street Report;
• ZOOM goofs that cost careers and some tips.

For the interview you'll meet Jeff Greenfield the Senior VP, Buy Side at WideOrbit. We're talking advertising and marketing and using the spoken word to get the results you want...and need. Loads of tips and ideas that will seriously help you and your business. To listen click right here!  

Thanks for listening.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Lessons in Marketing & Advertising with Jeff Greenfield of WideOrbit

We've been doing Insight on Business the News Hour in one form or another for nearly 15 years and while every business interview is, we feel, important...there are some that are critical. This is one of those moments. My guest is Jeff Greenfield the Senior VP, Buy Side at WideOrbit. We are talking advertising and marketing and using the spoken word to get the results you want...and need. Learn about getting leads (upper funnel) and helping consumers make a buying decision (lower funnel). What works? What about digital advertising? How important is it that you "stay in the game"? This should not only be required listening for business people but also media salespeople. Understanding the power radio, television and podcasting have are all linked to a higher rate of return for your advertising/marketing dollar.  (And, if you listen carefully...toward the end you'll hear Yofi our "Studio Dog"...no, really

Thanks for listening.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 31 August 2021

It's the final day of August 2021...where did THAT summer go?  Coming up, right after the news headlines you'll meet shooting instructor Amanda Robinson and her story about guns, gun rights, safety, gear and more.  But first:

• The Pearl Milling Company and branding;
• Home prices rise yet again;
• But it's worse in Canada;
• Microsoft coming out with Windows 11;
• Supply Chain, COVID19 and Dollar Tree;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Getting a tech job with...a little help.

Those stories plus my conversation with Amanda Robinson and her journey from attorney to firearms instructor for Crossroads Shooting Sports and how she works with women to help them better understand the world of gun ownership and the responsibilities that come with it.  To hear that conversation, click here. 

Thanks for listening.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 19 August 2021

It is the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines and it's a Throwback Thursday where you can check out our Twitter Stream for some shots from years back. Head to @IOB_NewsHour.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Cutting family ties over vaccinations;
• More "Chip News"...chips people!
• Winnebago: "Hello bright lights big city";
• EV shares took a beating today and why;
• Putting more $ into retirement accounts...a trend;
• The typical Home Depot customer is...
• The Wall Street Report;
• New unemployment claims are down big time;
• "Experience you got...experience?" Newbies and jobs. 

Those stories plus a fascinating conversation with entrepreneur Nick Carter who comes from a multi-generational farm family.  He has created a way for farmers to get their diversified crops and critters to tables. Market Wagon is now in 15 states and growing...and they even have eight "foragers" who spend their days looking for farmer partners. To hear that story just click here!

Thanks for listening! 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Farm to Table - Market Wagon with Nick Carter

There has been a trend for some time among consumers; they want to know more about the food they eat. Where does it come from how is it produced and, even better, does it taste like...food? Taking a cue from his agriculture roots Nick Carter created a farm to table delivery service called Market Wagon. Here we talk about all the states Market Wagon serves, what started him down this path and why is it so important to his family and so many farming families in the United States.  Good stuff is just a click away! 

Thanks for listening! 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 30 July 2020

It was the final trading day for the month of July and Wall Street went out with a whimper. That's just one of the stories we've got for you today...here are the rest:

• The My Pillow Guy pulls his advertising;
• Former President Trump and tax returns;
• Mask? No Mask? Businesses are often confused;
• Work from home may continue for many into 2022;
• Door knocking to find a house to buy? Yep;
• Johnson & Johnson and another court case;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Looking for a new gig? We may have a hot tip.

Also, because it's Friday we've got Jeff Pitts in to chat it up about "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. He should know something about that...he is the managing editor of Cityview Magazine. To listen, just click here! 

Thanks for listening! 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.