Insight On Business the News Hour

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 3 September 2021

One word could describe this morning's Labor Department report on jobs created in august and we'll start our show with that story...and make sure you stick around for the fun stuff with Jeff Pitts as we chat it up about a host of things from People Magazine to Parade Magazine and...oh yeah..."Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro. But, first the news:
In a word the August Jobs Report was...
A muted day on Wall Street;
President Biden on the economy and Delta;
Elon Musk and Texas Politics;
Ghost Kitchens and Walmart in the news;
The IRS and emails;
Uber, Lyft and...Texas;
Barge Traffic, Harvest and Louisiana;
The Wall Street Report;
It's "The Great Wait" and it's expensive.
OK, then!  Time to enjoy "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro as Jeff Pitts and I riff about a whole host of things. Sure we've got music, sports, swords, knights, farmers markets but you'll also get a dose of "famous people who we don't know" and the weird direction Parade Magazine took, favorite celebs and more.  To listen to all of that, just click here!
 

Stuff to DO with Cityview and Jeff Pitts

Get ready...we've offered up the business news headlines and now it's time to have some fun already!! Jeff Pitts is the Managing Editor for Cityview Magazine and each week he comes in to share his list of cool stuff to do in the Greater Des Moines Metro. We also spend some time rambling on about other stuff.  Today taking on Parade Magazine, the celebrities we love and the ones we don't have any idea about (People Magazine). We've got music, sports, wine, arts, entertainment, swords and more. Hey...it's FRIDAY! 
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 2 September 2021

Just ahead of my conversation with Steven Wilson about medical cannabis and some things you may have missed we've got the business news headlines and here's what we've got for you today:
The FTC, McDonald's and Ice Creme;
GM halting more production lines;
Ford had a lousy August and why;
The August Jobs Number? We've got a guess;
Walmart to raise wages...again;
Gun sales are up but...there is a but;
What again? A toilet paper shortage;
The Wall Street Report;
Should you message the hiring manager?
In for the interview it's returning guest Steven Wilson the dispensary manager for MedPharm who sits down to give us the latest and, perhaps, where all of this may go someday.  Learn more about Iowa's Newest Crop...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.

A Medical Cannabis Update with Steven Wilson of MedPharm

You would think that now, nearly three years into medical cannabis being legal in the State of Iowa folks might have a better handle on the changes that have been taking place. However, there remains lots of misinformation about what is legal, what works, how it works, how products are made and who can take advantage of them. Here returning guest Steven Wilson the dispensary manager for MedPharm sits down to give us the real story and, perhaps, where all of this may go. Learn more about Iowa's Newest Crop...
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 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.

Meet Shooting Instructor Amanda Robinson - A Host of Gun Issues

Several years ago we sat down with Tom Hudson the owner of Crossroads Shooting Sports based in the Greater Des Moines Metro. Not long ago I decided that I would sit in on a class offered by Crossroads. There were many surprises starting with the fact the instructor was a woman. Meet Amanda Robinson a certified instructor who also happens to be an attorney. How she got started, why safety is the number one concern, her work with women seeking to correctly use a handgun, gear and the law. Also, you might want to take a peek at this Facebook Page, Adventures in Appendix Carry for those of you who may be interested in gear, safety and how to carry.
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 August 2021

Just hours ago the last U.S. military air-cargo plane left Afghanistan marketing the end of the war that has lasted twenty years. Meanwhile in the business news headlines:
Housing sales slow yet again;
Ikea wants your "slightly used" furniture;
Get ready to pay more at the pump and why;
Another restaurant shortchanging workers;
PayPal and stock trading?
Robinhood and the SEC;
The E.U and a new U.S. travel ban;
The Wall Street Report;
More news about the great "job reshuffle".
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.