Resources to help keep your world moving

Is the work-from-home bubble bursting? In 2020, many firms cited increased productivity and employee satisfaction with working from home. As the pandemic dragged into 2022, the enthusiasm for working from home seems to have cooled for employers and employees alike. Employees express frustration with the monotony of working from home, many saying it blurs the line between work and home life and creates an imperative for employees to be available 24/7. Working from home has also distanced coworkers by eliminating the informal and spontaneous communication that comes with sharing the same physical space.  Employers have expressed dissatisfaction with visibility into employee activity, some even going as far as tracking keystrokes or eye movement to ensure employees are actually working when working from home. Some have also pointed out the difficulties in identifying candidates for promotion without regular face time. The bottom line: employees are starting to demand more satisfaction from...

The Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Size has increased steadily over the last five years by a pace of over 5% per year. GlobeNewswire predicts over 8% growth in the next five years, driven by increases in trading and a growing e-Commerce industry.  With consumer demand for selection and speedy delivery driving some industries to need more goods available at the ready, it’s no wonder there’s growth in demand for warehousing and logistics. Businesses needing better inventory management and same-day or one-day delivery can benefit from a 3PL partnership.  According to the Dallas Regional Chamber, over 200 companies have moved their corporate headquarters to the region since 2010. This business boom in the Dallas region is fueled by rapid growth in certain industry sectors, namely transportation, construction, food service, health services, retail and technology. 3PL solutions are critical to these industries, providing stability and agility to global businesses. Changing consumer...

The secret is out: Atlanta is the hottest tech hub in the Southeast. Nicknamed “the Silicon Valley of the South,” this not-so-hidden gem is racking up recognition for its diverse talent, successful incubators and friendly business landscape. As Atlanta explodes in popularity, more national companies are betting on the metro by quickly growing their local presence. Some businesses have used Atlanta office relocations as strategic ploys to stay competitive in a tight labor market. A Jones Lang LaSalle report found that employees think the early-morning commute is worth the effort when their office is engaging, exciting and technology-enabled. As a result, offices built since 2015 are the only buildings that have seen positive net absorption over the past eight quarters. Moving to vibrant, up-and-coming office districts in Atlanta has allowed companies to attract a new pool of talent from the area’s top-ranking Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This trend is...

After several slow years, the United States hotel industry is finally picking up steam. The U.S. had 621,268 hotel rooms under construction by the end of the second quarter of 2022, according to Lodging Econometrics. The country’s 5,220 new hotel projects accounted for 37% of the global construction pipeline. As hotel developers resume their long-awaited projects from coast to coast, competition is steep for materials, labor and space. With ongoing supply-chain disruptions and a war for talent, the hospitality industry is calling on third-party logistics (3PL) providers to help them keep up the pace. A 3PL is a one-stop shop for any logistics, warehousing or fulfillment needs, providing insights on how to make supply chain processes more effective and efficient. For hospitality companies, 3PL partners are a critical resource before, during and after new construction. Here are five reasons why your hotel project needs a 3PL expert. 1. Protect your...

As the economy recovers from the early effects of COVID-19, more CEOs are hoping to create fresh starts for their companies by moving their headquarters across the United States. A recent survey by Chief Executive magazine found that 44 percent of CEOs are more open to considering new locations for their business than before the pandemic. More than one-third are thinking about moving operations to a new state. West Monroe data echoed the findings, reporting that 29 percent of companies were considering moving their headquarters to another state or country. Here are some pros and cons to consider when planning the future of your company headquarters. Pros in moving a business 1. Access to new business opportunities When local markets grow, CEOs should take notice. Being closer to the competition may also mean convenient access to business partners, labor, clients and more. It can also breed greater innovation, products and...

Houston is booming. In 2020, the metro area saw the highest number of new business applications in all of Texas, a more than 35% increase over 2019. In fact, Houston ranks among the top 20 metro areas in the United States for new business applications, outranking both Dallas and Austin. The area is seeing record growth in the service sector, with new hotels and restaurants popping up on seemingly every street corner. If you’re among those businesses looking to open a new location in Houston, or renovating or expanding your existing location, then you are most likely aware of the challenges that come with procuring and installing the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) you need to get your operation up and running. If you are interested in learning more about what is FF&E and why its procurement is important. FF&E can make up a large portion of your budget, as...

It’s no secret that 2022 has seen its share of challenges for manufacturing operations, and Dallas manufacturers are not immune to these global struggles.  A recent KPMG report found that 67% of CEOs will increase investment in detecting disruptions to their supply chains and will look to process innovation to help alleviate threats to global business operations. Global manufacturers need to become more flexible and resilient to meet the challenges of the current business environment. The New York Fed states, “The [Global Supply Chain Pressure Index]'s year-to-date movements suggest that although global supply chain pressures have been decreasing, they remain at historically high levels.” (August 2022) In fact, the Fed’s estimated pressures on the global supply chain in 2022 are higher than all reported rates since the Fed started this index in 1997 and even higher than the pressures experienced in 2020 during the global pandemic shutdown.  The Issues: Logistics...

Low cost of living, mild climate and quality of life factors such as arts, culture, entertainment and transportation make the Raleigh area highly attractive to retiring seniors.  The recent boom in new and renovated senior living communities is evidence that investment in this economic sector is strong. The Raleigh-Durham area is now home to over 100 senior living communities, ranging from active, independent living to more specialized care like skilled nursing or memory care facilities. Opening a new senior living facility in Raleigh may be more complex and challenging than bringing a standard residential community online. Even if you’re just renovating an existing facility or converting a traditional apartment complex into a senior living community, there are several factors to consider: Regulations Bringing a new senior living facility online comes with a host of red tape. Stay on top of the requirements for your area of specialty. Maximize your access...

Sometimes it happens — a house can sustain major damage with almost no warning, and no way for a homeowner to prevent it. Whether it’s a storm, flooding or burst pipe, these are unlucky and unfortunate circumstances, but you can be prepared for what to do next if it happens to you. If your home has sustained major damage from water, it will likely need some significant repairs. Often water damage will require replacing floors, furniture and even walls. It’s important to know the right steps to take to minimize hassles after damage and to restore your property to its original state as quickly as possible. Immediate Steps to Take After a Pipe Burst 1. Contact Your Insurance Agent Right Away Start the claims process immediately. Your agent should be working alongside you to get you the help you need and to ensure you receive reimbursements for qualified expenses. 2....

between the customer and crew members. Then, they walk through the home, paying careful attention to the state of the building. Depending on the type of hardwood flooring in the home, the van operator may decide to protect the floors before the crew begins work, going the extra mile to ensure they stay spotless. They may also protect carpets, doors and other sensitive parts of the property. Manage the packing, protecting and loading processes As a full-service moving company, Armstrong offers packing services to save customers time and energy. On such a job, the van operator leads the pack-and-protect process, ensuring the crews have enough tape and other materials.  When the crew begins loading items into the van, the van operator also keeps an eye on the weather, double-checking that everyone has enough water when it’s hot out. Depending on the size of the home and the number of belongings...