Celebrate National Soup Month with simple homemade soups
(ARA) - Many people turn to a comforting bowl of soup to take the bite out of chilly winter days. January is National Soup Month, and what better time to discover just how simple it can be to make sensational homemade soups? Whether serving soup as part of an entertaining menu or an easy weeknight meal, making soup from scratch does not have to require hours in the kitchen.
Shortcuts, like starting with ingredients such as 100% natural Swanson chicken broth, which provides an ideal blend of stock, vegetables, herbs and seasonings, make it easy to create the perfect foundation for every soup recipe.
Here are some quick tips to help you enjoy soup this month and throughout the year:
* Cook up a family favorite during the weekend and save leftovers for school and work lunches or for suppers throughout the week.
* Entertaining? Turn your party into a soup sampler. Ask each guest to bring their favorite soup and serve in cups, ramekins or even shot glasses to encourage people to try all the different varieties.
* Fire up the slow cooker. In the morning, place ingredients into your slow cooker. Let the soup simmer throughout the day and you’ll come home to an inviting aroma and a dinner that’s ready to enjoy. Add a crusty bread or salad to round out the meal.
Twice-Baked Potato Soup and Savory Vegetable Beef Soup are two soups that can be prepared in under an hour. Both are sure to please friends and family. For more flavorful soup recipes, visit www.SwansonBroth.com and www.CampbellsKitchen.com.
Twice-Baked Potato Soup
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
6 large potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1 small sweet onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
5 cups Swanson Chicken Broth (Regular, Natural Goodness or Certified
Organic)
1/4 cup light cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Toppers
1. Heat the oven to 425 F. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the potatoes to a bowl and cover the bowl. Let the potatoes stand for 10 minutes. Remove the skin from the potatoes and mash the pulp.
2. Heat the butter in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the onion and cook until it’s tender. Stir in the broth and 5 cups potato pulp.
3. Place 1/3 of the broth mixture into a blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Repeat the blending process twice more with the remaining broth mixture. Return all of the puréed mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the cream and chives and cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture is hot. Season as desired.
4. Spoon 1/4 cup remaining potato pulp into each of 8 serving bowls. Divide the broth mixture among the bowls. Serve with one or more Assorted Toppers.
Assorted Toppers: Cooked crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese and/or sour cream.
Time-Saving Tip: Microwave the potatoes on HIGH for 10 to 12 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with endive and sliced pear salad with lemon mustard vinaigrette sprinkled with crumbled blue cheese. For dessert serve chocolate eclairs.
Savory Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
1 3/4 cups Swanson Beef Broth (Regular, Lower Sodium or Certified Organic)
2 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
1 cup cubed cooked beef
3 cups V8 100% Vegetable Juice
1 can (about 8 ounces) whole peeled tomato, cut up
1 bag (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1. Place the broth and potatoes in a 4-quart saucepan and heat to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Stir the beef, vegetable juice, tomatoes, vegetables, thyme and black pepper in the saucepan. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a tossed salad and Ranch salad dressing. For dessert serve dark chocolate cookies with vanilla cream filling.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Five ways to save time and money on your taxes
(ARA) - The typical taxpayer is expected to spend more than three business days and more than $200 completing his or her tax return.
“That’s too much time and too much money,” says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation program. “The good news is, there are a few easy things people can do that will help them save time and money doing their taxes, as well as make sure they get the biggest refund they’re due.”
As people get ready to file their 2009 tax returns, there are a few things they can do to save time and money.
1. Make sure you’re prepared.
Having a few key items available when you start your taxes will save a lot of time. These include:
* Your tax return from 2008
* Social Security numbers for you, your spouse and children
* All W-2s (wage and tax withheld form for 2009 supplied by your employer), 1099s (statements on investment income provided by your financial services institutions), mortgage interest statements and other statements related to income
* All statements related to expenses that you will be claiming on your tax return
* The routing numbers and account numbers for the accounts in which you want to directly deposit your tax refund.
2. Use an online tax program.
One advantages of using an online tax program is that many of the items you need to start your taxes - like your prior year’s return - can be stored by the program. So, you don’t have to waste time hunting down information every year.
More than 32 million people filed their tax returns from their home computers during 2009, up nearly 20 percent from the prior year, according to Internal Revenue Service data. That number is likely to continue to increase as more people realize the benefits of online tax prep and electronic filing.
Using the right online tax program makes it a lot easier and faster for people to finish their tax return with no need to go to the store or download a program onto their computer.
Online tax programs also are a lot more accurate. In fact, the IRS reports that an electronically prepared and filed return has an error rate of less than 1 percent, compared to an error rate of about 20 percent for a paper prepared return.
3. Free file if you can.
Depending upon how complicated a person’s taxes are, they may be able to prepare and e-file their tax return absolutely free. For example, if you don’t need to itemize, and only have a few simple requirements - such as claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit - you may be able to use a free online tax program. For example, CompleteTax offers a free version of its program and the IRS lists other providers participating in the Free File Alliance.
If your tax situation is more complicated - for example, you have itemized deductions, investment income or you are a small business owner - you will want to make sure to purchase the online solution that is tailored to your needs. Good online tax programs for people with general tax needs are available for less than $20 and even investors or small business owners who have more complicated returns can find solutions for less than $75.
“Completing your tax returns does not need to be a drain on your wallet,” says Lundberg. “The right tax program can save a taxpayer both time and money.”
4. Maximize your credits and deductions.
The average tax refund for 2008 was nearly $2,800. However, many taxpayers have the sinking feeling that they are not getting the tax breaks they should. In fact, according to an independent survey conducted by CompleteTax, two-thirds of 1,000 randomly surveyed taxpayers fear they may overlook tax breaks or make mistakes that could cost them in fines or penalties.
“There are dozens of credits and deductions that people may have available to them. So it’s important to make sure that the tax program they’re using is geared to identify these and guide them to options that will maximize their refund,” says Lundberg.
Some programs will also provide tools to help further ensure accuracy. For example, while millions of people donate clothing and household items to charities, few have any idea of the value. A tax program, such as CompleteTax, with a charitable donation calculator, provides an easy way for determining and documenting the fair market value of these items, helping you realize the greatest charitable contribution deductions you can.
5. E-file and use direct deposit.
Electronically filing and using direct deposit significantly increases how quickly taxpayers have access to their refund. Generally, e-filers can have their refund deposited directly into their accounts within a few days, compared to the weeks it takes to receive a mailed check. Certain tax programs also allow customers to split their refund and deposit it into three separate accounts. For example, you could deposit part in your checking account, part in your savings account and part directly into a tax-advantaged IRA account.
“E-filing and direct deposit don’t cost you anything, but they can mean you have your refund faster so that it can start working for you - whether that’s paying off debt, buying something you want or saving for the future,” Lundberg says.
Taxpayers can find more money-saving tips through CompleteTax news and tax alerts at www.CompleteTax.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Break through the top weight loss myths of 2010
(ARA) - It’s not too late to resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2010. The road to sustainable weight loss can begin when you get rid of weight loss myths that might be standing in your way.
For all the good information out there on how to improve your health, there are a lot of weight loss myths that continue to circulate. Weight Watchers, the world’s leading provider of weight management services, debunks some of the most common and controversial weight loss myths, and provides some timely tips to help you make healthy changes in 2010:
Myth: Eliminating food groups will help you lose weight
By eliminating certain types of foods, like bread, you may experience an initial weight loss simply because you’re no longer eating the additional calories from that type of food. But in the long run, you start to miss the prohibited food - no bread means no sandwiches, after all. In the end, it becomes too hard to resist and you generally overcompensate by eating more bread than you normally would.
Tip: Incorporate all food groups into your diet. Visualize your plate in three sections - half filled with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with whole grains and the last quarter with lean meat or protein.
Myth: You have to eliminate sugar and fat, not to mention foods you love, in order to lose weight.
Everyone knows that a diet high in fat and sugar will pack on the pounds. This myth carries that concept to the extreme, with an all-or-nothing philosophy that assumes you can’t achieve the self control required to eat certain things in moderation.
Tip: Self-deprivation is a sure fire recipe for failure. Depriving yourself entirely of foods you love will likely make you resent the restrictions and return to old (poor) eating habits. Instead of giving up things like pizza or ice cream, plan your indulgences. On the day you want to enjoy pizza for dinner, have a lighter lunch or increase your exercise to compensate for the extra calories. Consider writing down what you eat so that it’s easier to track and plan ahead for treats.
Myth: Fresh produce is always healthier than frozen or canned
With so much emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, this is a myth that’s easy to believe. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of important nutrients, but some vitamins may be lost in handling or transportation, and while they’re sitting in your grocery store’s produce aisle for days at a stretch.
Tip: Frozen or canned veggies are packed at the peak of their freshness, which helps preserve their nutrients. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthful as fresh - as long as you make sure they don’t have added sugar or sodium. Increasing your veggie and fruit intake can help you succeed at losing weight, thanks to their higher fiber content and lower calorie count.
Myth: You can’t eat out when you are trying to lose weight.
Restaurant portions in America are notoriously over the top, and many dishes are high in fat, calories, sugar or sodium. Even salads, which might seem healthy, can be loaded with calories at a restaurant, thanks to add-ins like bacon bits, cheese and high-calorie dressings.
Tip: You can eat out and still chose foods that won’t derail your weight loss efforts. Take note of how items are prepared - a good rule of thumb is to select dishes that are grilled, sauteed or broiled versus fried or stuffed.
Also, don’t be afraid to request sauces and dressings on the side as this may help reduce your fat and calorie consumption. Many restaurants also now offer lighter options that feature the calorie and fat content. One way to avoid overeating is to request a to-go bag at the beginning of the meal versus the end to keep portion sizes in check.
You’ll find more tips and support for your weight loss goals at www.weightwatchers.com.
Cheesy Sloppy Joes
Preparation time: Five minutes
Cooking time: Fifteen minutes
Serves six.
Ingredients:
1/2 pound lean ground beef (7 percent fat or less)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (1.3- or 1.5-ounce) package sloppy joe seasoning mix
3 whole wheat hamburger buns
6 (3/4 ounce) slices fat free cheddar cheese
Directions:
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, four to five minutes, stirring with a spoon to break it up. Discard any drippings.
Stir in the mixed vegetables, 1 1/3 cups of water, the tomato paste and seasoning mix, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring, until thickened - about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Place the buns cut side up on a broiler rack and broil 3 inches from the heat until toasted; about one to two minutes. Top each bun half with one slice of cheese and broil until cheese is melted, about one minute longer. Spoon 1/2 cup of the beef mixture on top of each bun and serve.
Contains 207 calories, 4g fat and 26g carbohydrates per serving.
Pear-Oatmeal Crisp
Preparation time: Fifteen minutes
Cooking time: Twenty minutes
Serves six.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 (16-ounce) cans sliced pears in juice, drained, with 1/2 cup of the juice reserved
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package cinnamon and spice instant oatmeal mix
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Mix 1 tablespoon of the flour, 4 tablespoons of the brown sugar and the ginger in an 8-inch square baking dish. Add the pears and the reserved pear juice, stirring until blended. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, then prick a few holes in the plastic. Microwave on high until the filling begins to bubble, four to five minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.
Meanwhile, combine the butter and the remaining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar in a bowl. Add the oatmeal mix and the remaining 1/2 cup flour. Stir until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the filling. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake until the topping is golden, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Contains 225 calories per 1/2-cup serving, 4g fat and 46g carbohydrates.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year
(ARA) - An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.
Your vehicle can be a great “vehicle” to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle’s health.
After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.
To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here’s a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:
* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear’s new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.
* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.
* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.
* Keep it clean: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car’s finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.
* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.
For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
GARNER — Local and state officials have asked ConAgra Foods for more time to put together a financial incentives proposal that they hope will persuade the company to keep its damaged Slim Jim plant open in Garner.
Officials plan to present ConAgra with an incentives plan by Friday, said Ken Atkins, director of Wake County Economic Development. The company had originally wanted to see a proposal by Jan. 15, he said.
“We’re working on trying to get the details nailed down,” Atkins said
He said an incentives package, which could include state and local grants and tax breaks, could climb into the millions of dollars.
The Garner Town Council held a closed-door meeting Thursday to talk about wooing ConAgra. About half of the company’s plant off Jones Sausage Road was destroyed in an explosion June 9 that killed four and injured dozens
Mayor Ronnie Williams said a preliminary proposal discussed Thursday includes $450,000 from the One North Carolina Fund through the state Department of Commerce. Garner could match that amount in the form of tax breaks, Williams said.
Atkins declined to comment about the fund and what the state might be willing to offer
Read More:News & Observer
A Research Triangle Park company is in negotiations to invest $60 million in a new data center in a Garner industrial park.
Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams said the economic development project was discussed by the Town Council in a closed session Thursday evening. Williams said the town has not been told the identity of the company.
Boston-based Fidelity Investments, which operates a data center in RTP, confirmed Friday that it is considering expanding its operations
“Fidelity is planning for incremental growth beyond the capacity we have at our existing data center facility,” Fidelity spokesman Vincent Loporchio wrote in e-mail. “Beyond that, however, we do not have anything to announce at this point.”
Williams said Wake County economic development officials have code named the project “F,” and have told Garner officials that the company has an existing presence in RTP.
Ken Atkins, executive director of Wake County Economic Development, declined to comment.
Williams said the company is looking at the Greenfield South industrial park near where U.S. 70 and Interstate 40 intersect. He said the Town Council has been told the project would create between 20 to 35 jobs and would be a $60 million investment.
Williams said the Town Council has not voted on an incentives package for the company, but it has instructed Garner’s economic development director, Tony Beasley, to continue negotiating
Read More: http://www.newsobserver.com/business/local_state/story/287188.html
Garner North Carolina is growing, “as they say” like a weed, well in the mist of all this growth a number of area businesses has found a little hidden treasure that most businesses have over looked, Local online advertising and marketing, meaning locally owned and operated.
Garner NC City Guide has been competing, not only with the online and off-line local newspapers, but other local online business directories and the Internet giants, “Most of the major search engines” for Garner NC business customers for the past few years and Garner NC and the surrounding area’s answered by a 600% increase in free and paid listings since 11/15/2007.
Garner City Guide is nothing fancy with pop-up all over the pages, other ads all around your listings, promotional music and graphics screeming on your screen, but what Garner City Guide is, is bring traffic to your business and website at an affordable yearly fee.
If the search engines can’t find Garner NC business directory and local City Guide then its of no use to our Garner NC Businesses.
Garner North Carolina Business Directory!
Our goal is to provide community businesses and residents with a low cost way to advertise and be seen by many people in and around our growing area. Now with our City Guide Site businesses can finally get the exposure they deserve.
Our City Guide, business directory, event calendar and free classifieds allows local residents, as well as anyone around the world, to find information about businesses ranging from a wide variety of categories in Garner, North Carolina. garnernc-online.Best of all, gold member businesses are evenly rotated and featured on our home page below, as well as on the top of their respective category page. Therefore, receiving the highest level of exposure for their business, plus even more exposure with a new personal webpage on our server. You can also use our MARKETPLACE for buying and selling your products and services in the CLASSIFIEDS ADS Section.Local Basic Classifieds are FREE, however we offer a more advanced level for more exposure for your advertising. Garnernc-online is more than just a place to advertise your business or promote your products and services, we offer information, useful information about Garner NC and surrounding area’s that you and your business are looking for.
We invite you to use Garner’s Event Calendar, it’s also free, “list your events” -Crafts, Government, Charity, Sports, Holiday, Business, Church, Theater, Party, Networking. Lots of things happening in Garner NC- List Your Business Today!
Home exterior colors reflect style, personality and environment
(ARA) - Building or renovating a home is a decision-filled process. Some decisions, such as location, size and layout, tend to be more family needs-based than desire-based. But other decisions are based primarily on preference and offer the opportunity to express a homeowner’s design style. One such decision that can cause particular anxiety for people who are building or renovating is choosing an exterior color. After all, this element creates a home’s “curb appeal” and the first impression visitors and passersby will have of your home and you.
Identifying color trends
According to Pat Verlodt, president of Color Services & Associates - an organization that identifies color trends and educates consumers and manufacturers about those trends - one of the reasons that choosing a color for the exterior of your home is so difficult is because it is one of the longest-term decisions people make.
“The average length of time a homeowner will own a new car before buying another is shorter than the amount of time that the homeowner’s house will remain the same color,” says Verlodt.
Home colors follow various trends and begin years in advance before becoming mainstream.
“Siding color trends are slow to change because the trends themselves are long-term,” says Verlodt. “They often begin in fashion or accessory colors, then neutralize over time and become popular home colors.”
Some color trends are regional, such as sandy colors in the Southwest, or bright, tropical colors in Florida. Currently, a social movement is influencing the hottest home color trend nationwide. People throughout the United States are choosing shades of green siding and paint for their homes because of the color’s association with the environment.
Identifying color trends for homes involves investigating other industries such as fashion, cars and interior home colors. Within the last 10 years, the variety of home color options has grown immensely due to increased technological capabilities. And if you are looking for a low-maintenance solution, vinyl siding manufacturers can now meet this need with virtually unlimited styles, designs and color options.
According to Jerry Blais, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem, a building products supplier, manufacturers were unable to produce darker colors years ago to meet the stringent performance requirements in the field. Now, manufacturers such as Ply Gem use a co-extrusion process that combines a sturdy inner substrate with a weather- and fade-resistant capstock on the outside. The capstock layer is produced from acrylic polymers that hold their color and reflect ultraviolet and infrared light to increase the lifespan of the siding.
“Color is infused into the siding during this extrusion process. It is not painted or coated later,” says Blais. “These technological advancements have greatly increased the color palette available to homeowners, including darks, blends and even weathered cedar colors.”
Personalizing your home
Technological advances in siding colors allow homeowners to choose richer hues to suit their taste. No longer does vinyl siding need to come in bland beiges or grays. And because vinyl siding typically holds up to weather and sun better than paint, homeowners don’t need to worry about the need to re-paint every couple of years.
“People want to buy products that will last a long time,” says Verlodt. “But personalization is key.”
Color technology has advanced so much that the range of colors now available for vinyl siding, trim and accents is nearly limitless. Homeowners can actually customize their home to be almost any color they wish.
“We use a color customization process in our Mastic Home Exteriors by Ply Gem brand called DreamColor,” says Blais. “The DreamColor process offers over 700 colors in siding, trim and accents and allows homeowners to send in an item in a color they love, such as a favorite shirt, and we can customize a siding color to match that item.”
Add this capability with cedar shingle and stone veneer accents also available from Mastic Home Exteriors and homeowners can now create the designed and color-coordinated exterior they have always wanted without the maintenance.
The most important aspects of choosing a siding color are picking something that you’re comfortable with and that makes a style statement about you, yet doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb from your neighbors. Take your time when choosing a color and consult a color expert or siding manufacturer to learn about the latest trends. For more information on vinyl siding colors and options, visit www.plygem.com or www.mastic.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Degrees that will make you indispensable in the workplace
(ARA) - From digitizing and analyzing America’s health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the work force. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.
As employment opportunities within these new and emerging industries continue to expand, educational institutions are taking a look at refining curriculums to provide career-focused higher education, and better prepare students for careers in specific fields.
To do this, universities are working directly with high-caliber employers to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University, for example, works directly with companies including IBM and Cisco to create these student programs. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.
“Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive,” says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers.”
According to the Center for Education Policy Analysis, technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge, skills and the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are important for a variety of workers.
DeVry worked closely with Cisco using the Cisco Networking Academy program to deliver curriculums that teach students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.
“Working with DeVry University to equip students with technical knowledge and hands-on experiences will help meet growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries ranging from broadband and wireless to healthcare and green technologies,” says Amy Christen, vice president of corporate affairs at Cisco and general manager of the Cisco Networking Academy. “Individuals that are trained in the latest technology careers today will be well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities tomorrow.”
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an approximate 45 percent growth in the computer software engineer and application occupations. Anticipating this demand, these student/employer partnerships aim to prepare soon-to-be graduates for these technology careers, while helping to fill a growing need for professionals in the emerging industries around the world.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Small-business owners see silver lining in the recession
(ARA) - The current gloomy economic conditions contain some good news for the small-business sector.
According to a recent survey conducted by Citibank, some small-business owners and managers are finding a silver lining in the current recession, seeing more high-quality candidates available for hire, rising employee retention rates and gains in market share.
As a business owner, how can you take advantage of these small-business opportunities and make them work for your business? Small-business expert Dan Goodgame recently moderated a robust roundtable of small-business owners, who offer these three tips:
1. Take advantage of the talent pool
As a result of the recession, there is larger pool of highly qualified and highly skilled employees available for hire. Many who may not have considered working for a small firm are now more open to the idea. Take time to interview a variety of job candidates on a regular basis, even if you don’t have a current opening at the company. This technique can help you fill an opening as soon as it is created with the best possible talent, and avoid some of the costs - typically 50 to 200 percent of the employee’s annual salary - normally associated with staff turnover.
2. Retain your best employees
Holding on to your best employees is of course crucial to building your business, and it’s going to get harder as the economy starts growing again. First, create a two-way communication system that allows employees, on a regular basis, to give and receive feedback on their performance and the performance of their peers and managers. Second, create an employee recognition and rewards program that extends beyond compensation and bonus. Be creative with the rewards program; provide employees with paid time off to volunteer at their organization of choice. Provide recognition with “surprise” thank you gift certificates to a local cafe or restaurant. The “thank you” does not have to be a big dollar amount - just the recognition can go a long way.
3. Seek feedback from customers as you seek referrals
With marketing budgets pinched, many business owners are taking a fresh look at ways to gain new sales by winning referrals from existing customers. One of the most effective methods is to seek feedback from existing customers on the quality of your products and services, and on your pricing. Tell customers directly that you want to do whatever is necessary so that they will be so pleased that they will recommend your company to their friends and colleagues. Listen to their suggestions on how you can improve. And when you’ve followed through on their advice, check back with them. If you know of a good prospect, ask your existing customers if they know her, and can introduce you to her and recommend you. One advantage of this approach is that it helps you get the feedback that you need to improve your service, even as it brings in new business.
The small-business sector typically leads the U.S. economy out of recession, and that pattern seems to be holding up in the current downturn. Leveraging tips such as these will be key to surviving the toughest business conditions in more than half a century.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
