From the Archives of Ludington Business College

Business News

Ever since the formation of Mason County in 1855 education has been an integral part of the community. Much of this formalized education has been provided by public entities with a smaller portion being offered by religious based groups. Privately owned and operated schools also have been and continue to be a small, but important, participant in local education.The Ludington Business College, opened in 1895, was one of these “for profit” schools. It provided business and commercial education until the 1920’s.BUILDING

Scientists just excavated an unprecedented specimen from Antarctica

Science and Health

At an extremely remote Antarctic outpost, scientists have unearthed a pristine sample of our planet’s history. It’s an ice core 2,800 meters, or some 1.7 miles, long. But it’s not just the length that’s so significant. The ice contains preserved pockets of Earth’s air from some 1.2 million years ago, if not more. Previous ice cores provided direct evidence of our planet’s climate and environment from up to 800,000 years ago. So, this is a giant leap. The team drilled so deep they reached the continent’s bedrock.”We have marked a historic moment for climate and environmental science,” Carlo Barbante, a polar scientist and coordinator of the ice core campaign called “Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice,” said in a statement.
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An international group of researchers excavated the ice at Little Dome C Field Camp in Antarctica, located 10,607 feet (3,233 meters) above sea level. They beamed radar down into the subsurface and used computer modeling of the ice flow to determine where this ancient ice was likely to be. And they were right.

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This was no easy feat. Atop the Antarctic plateau, summers average minus-35 degrees Celsius, or minus-31 degrees Fahrenheit.

The location of Little Dome C research base in Antarctica.
Credit: Beyond EPICA / EU

Ice core drilled from the recent Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice expedition.
Credit: Scoto © PNRA / IPEV

Although paleoclimatologists, who research Earth’s past climate, have reliable methods of indirectly gauging our planet’s deep past — with proxies such as fossilized shells and compounds produced by algae — direct evidence, via direct air, is scientifically invaluable. For example, past ice cores have revealed that the heat-trapping carbon dioxide levels in Earth’s atmosphere today have skyrocketed — they’re the highest they’ve been in some 800,000 years. It’s incontrovertible evidence of Earth’s past. Scientists expect this even older ice core, however, will reveal secrets about a period called the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, lasting some 900,000 to 1.2 million years ago. Mysteriously, the intervals between glacial cycles — wherein ice sheets expanded over much of the continents and then retreated — slowed down markedly, from 41,000 years to 100,000 years.”The reasons behind this shift remain one of climate science’s enduring mysteries, which this project aims to unravel,” the drilling campaign, which was coordinated by the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy, said in a statement.

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Now, the drilling is over. But the campaign to safely transport the ice back to laboratories, and then scrutinize this over-million-year-old atmosphere, has begun. “The precious ice cores extracted during this campaign will be transported back to Europe on board the icebreaker Laura Bassi, maintaining the minus-50 degrees Celsius cold chain, a significant challenge for the logistics of the project,” explained Gianluca Bianchi Fasani, the head of ENEA (National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development) logistics for the Beyond EPICA expedition. These historic ice cores will travel in “specialized cold containers” as they ship across the globe, far from the depths of their Antarctic home.

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Revisit of Tanzania tourism development

Travel

Legacy of the Arusha Manifesto

TANZANIA: TANZANIA has long been renown as a ‘Safari Country’, endowed with abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
This reputation can be traced back to 1961 when the nation’s founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, signed the Arusha Manifesto.
In this historic document, he underscored the importance of wildlife conservation, emphasising its role in Africa’s natural heritage and the livelihood of future generations.

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Quoting from the Manifesto
“The survival of wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa… In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife, we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure that our children’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this precious inheritance.
“The conservation of wildlife and wild places calls for specialist knowledge, trained manpower and money and we look to other nations to co-operate in this important task – the success or failure of which not only affects the Continent of Africa but the rest of the world as well.”
Expanding conservation efforts
Six decades later, Tanzania proudly safeguards 32.5 per cent of its land area under various forms of protection. This includes 21 National Parks, 26 Game Reserves, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and numerous forest and bee reserves.
Tourism growth Tourism encompasses travelling and overnight stays for leisure, business and other purposes. At independence, both Tanganyika and Zanzibar inherited limited tourism infrastructure from their colonial administrations.
Hotels were scarce and skilled manpower was lacking. In response, the government took bold steps. In 1964, the National Development Corporation (NDC) was given the function to acquire, build and manage tourist hotels.
Their operations later delegated to a British firm called Hallmark Hotels (Tanzania) Ltd. By 1969, the Hallmark Hotels started a school which evolved into today’s National College of Tourism.
The era of Ujamaa and state ownership
Between 1967 and mid1980s, Tanzania adopted socialist policies under the banner of ‘Ujamaa’ (communal living) and ‘Kujitegemea’ (self-reliance).
During the period, major businesses were owned by the State. Over the years the number of government hotels increased and were managed through different firms and contracts.
In 1969, the Tanzania Tourist Corporation (TTC) was established to manage state-owned hotels, market tourism and provide travel services, including safaris.
Major infrastructure developments, such as the construction of Kilimanjaro International Airport (inaugurated in 1971), laid the foundation for future growth.
Transition to a free market economy
After the mid-1980s, Tanzania embraced economic reforms, transitioning to a free-market economy.
Loss making public enterprises were privatised. The Tanzania tourist corporation was disbanded and Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) was established in 1992 to focus on marketing and promotion. Eventually, government owned hotels were privatised. By 1996, international arrivals reached 326,000 and increased to 501,000 in 2000.
Tourism revenue doubled from 322 to 739 million US dollars in the same period.
Tourism Policy and Master Planning
To guide growth, the first National Tourism Policy was adopted in 1991 and reviewed in 1999. In the policy there is a general objective to attract one million (1,000,000) tourists by the year 2010 and another objective is to increase the role of private sector in tourism development.
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Notable policy strategies were to develop infrastructure and improve accessibility to tourism attractions, enhance quality control, identify target markets and promote Tanzania as a leading destination for wildlife viewing and hunting expeditions as well as designing environmentally friendly tourism programmes.
To affect the implementation of the tourism policy, The Integrated Tourism Master Plan was adopted in 2002.
The Plan emphasised the development of tourism products capable of attracting “low volume, high yield” segment of international tourist to spend their entire holiday trips in Tanzania.
The emphasis was to make Tanzania a main single destination and not “an addon itinerary” from a competing neighbour country. In addition, the plan concentrated mainly in areas of improving knowledge and skills, attracting investment capital, enhancing and expanding the tourism product and improving service standards.
Regulatory advances and collaboration
The expanding tourism sector required the legislation to regulate it.
The Tourism Act, 2008 repealed the Hotel Act and the Tourists Agents Licensing Act. In the new Act there is a section that requires a person or company that wants to conduct a tourism business in Tanzania, to be registered and have an office in the country.
Additionally, the Act has set aside the business of travel agency, mountain climbing or trekking, tour guiding and car rental solely for Tanzania citizens. Collaboration between institutions on Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar has been enhanced over the years.
On the government side, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has been working closely with the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism on the mainland.
On the other hand, these government institutions have been involving and cooperating with private sector associations on both sides of the union.
Such private institutions include Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) and Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO) from the isles.
On the mainland the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT), Tanzania Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA) and Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) have been more active.
The main agenda in these partnerships has been related to matters of marketing and promotion. Not so long time ago, Tanzania was branded as ‘The land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Serengeti’.
The efforts from both the public and private sector showed remarkable results. New international airlines entered the Tanzania market and investors increased accommodation facilities with international brands.
Packages for international tourists that combine a safari on the mainland and beach tourism in Zanzibar increasingly became popular.
Tanzania crossed the milestone of receiving one million international visitors in 2012 when 1,077,000 toured the country and earnings reached 1.7 billion US dollars. By 2019 the country was receiving 1.5 million tourists and tourism receipts reached 2.6 billion US dollars.
Tourism milestones and COVID-19 recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a sharp decline in arrivals and earnings.
Number of arrivals plummeted to 621,000 and receipts dropped to 715 million US dollars. Remarkably, by 2023, the nation rebounded, hosting 1.8 million visitors with receipts of 3.4 billion US dollars.
Leadership and Vision
Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, played a pivotal role in Tanzania’s tourism recovery and growth. Her ‘4Rs’ philosophy Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuilding stimulated rapid economic and social development in the country.
Dr Samia, instilled a new spirit of promoting tourism attractions including the programme of ‘Tanzania – the Royal Tour’.
Dr Samia set aside time of eight days out of office to feature in a documentary film as a lead tour guide for Tanzania’s tourist attractions.

Additionally, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, together with Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, have participated as key stars in another documentary film known as ‘Amazing Tanzania’.
These documentaries showcased the country’s attractions to a targeted global audience. Her Excellency, the President also prioritised infrastructure projects critical to tourism, including the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Plant; the SGR Railway; the Busisi Bridge; alongside the revival of the National Airline-ATCL; improvements in ground, marine and air transport; health and communication services.
Bright future for Tanzania’s tourism
With strong leadership, strategic investments and collaboration between public and private sectors, Tanzania has been named as Africa’s leading tourism destination and it is well on its way to becoming a leading global tourism destination.
As international arrivals are projected to surpass two million in 2024, the future of Tanzania’s tourism industry shines brightly, reflecting decades of resilience and visionary planning.
● The author, Ibrahim A Mussa (Msc International Tourism Management), is a retired civil servant.

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Another gorgeous town fed up with ‘too many tourists’ issues new tourism ban

Travel

A gorgeous town in Japan believed to have inspired a famous film has been grappling with overtourism and introduced a cap on visitors. Ginzan Onsen is an area in the country’s Yamagata region that sees around 330,000 visitors every year.Its name translates to “silver mine hot spring” and people from all over the world are drawn in by its picturesque scenery and historic buildings. The 300-year-old hot spring town is believed to have inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning animation, Spirited Away.The town, with its traditional inns and Edo-period wooden ryokan shopfronts, has been recently experiencing issues with overcrowding, altercations at popular photo spots, and verbal abuse towards locals.The congestion has even forced emergency services to abandon ambulances and respond to incidents on foot.In response to these challenges, the Ginzan Onsen association has decided to implement strict rules. From January 7 until the end of March, the number of day visitors will be limited during peak times.While there will be no restrictions from 9am to 4pm, those without advance reservations will need to leave by 5pm. Between 5 and 8pm, only 100 daytime visitors with pre-purchased tickets will be allowed into the town.From February, parking regulations will also be enforced. Day visitors will only be able to park in a designated area 2km away from the hot springs and will need to take a shuttle bus, costing 1,150 or £5.87, to reach their destination.Takayuki Saito, head of commerce and tourism for the municipality of Obanazawa, told AFP that “traffic jams have sometimes been caused by cars getting stuck in the snow, because travellers were driving with normal tyres” instead of snow tyres.The town added on its website: “Many guests became angry over good spots for the purpose of taking pictures, leading to traffic rules being broken, cheating, and making people seek better places and easier ways than others.”These measures follow a record-breaking year for tourism in Japan. In 2024, the country welcomed an astonishing 33.38 million visitors between January and November, surpassing the previous high of 31.88 million in 2019.

Greece’s tiny island with hardly any tourists despite being as pretty as Corfu

Travel

An island in Greece with a population of just under 800 people is a hidden gem with visitors praising it for its picturesque scenery and unspoilt natural beauty. Leispoi, also known as Lipsi or Leipso, is nestled between the islands of Patmos and Leros. It forms part of the Dodecanese groups of islands and is a lesser-known holiday destination than the popular Kos or Rhodes. The island has been recommended for those who enjoy relaxing in a place of “pristine nature” by the Greek tourist board, due to its town’s traditional nature and its location away from crowds.Getting to Leipsoi The most common route of getting to Leipsoi is to fly into one of Greece’s major airports such as Athens or Kos. You can then hop on a domestic flight to Leros Island, which is the nearest airport to Leipsoi, or take a ferry from Athens’ main port, Piraeus. While this takes longer, you will have an opportunity to take in the views and other islands such as Kos, Rhodes and Ikaria are also connected to the island via ferry.Things to do in LeipsoiWhile Leipsoi is small, there are plenty of sites to see from the Agios Ioannis Theologos church with its stunning blue dome to the Ecclesiastical and Folklore Museum next door. If you want to venture further afield, you can head to Panagia tou Charou, a monastery based 1.5km off Chora which dates back to the early 17th Century, or Kastro, a nearby ruins of an ancient town. The island has a mix of pebble and sandy beaches but all have beautiful, clear waters. Sandy beaches include Katsadia, a secluded cove, Kampos, one of the island’s longest beaches, and Platis Gialos, which is wind-protected and one of the most popular. For a pebble beach, visitors can head to Papantria, Ksirokampos, or Monodentri.Due to the small size of the island, most people can explore it on foot. Those who enjoy hiking are in luck as the chain of islands is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network and Leipsoi boasts hills, plains and ravines to explore. Food and drink on the island Leipsoi has several specialty dishes such as rice in fresh squid ink, lamb in lemon sauce, pitaroudia (crispy patties with green vegetables, eggs, tomato, cheese and spices) and favokeftedes (fried split yellow peas patties). In addition to its fresh seafood and locally raised lamb, the island is known for its goat kid meat and cheese. You can try touloumotyri and myzithra, soft white cheeses, and if you fancy something sweet, you should opt for the thyme honey on kserotigana with cinnamon and walnuts, the tourist board recommends. The island is perfect for wine-lovers, who can taste the sweet red wine made from the local Fokiano variety. In August, the island hosts a three-day wine festival, celebrating its tradition of producing and exporting the alcohol. 

The impact of business professionals on the economy and society

Business News

Business professionals are undeniably the major driving force behind many of the advancements we see in today’s economy and society. Their decisions, innovations, and leadership strategies impact not just companies but also entire communities and industries. From creating jobs to developing groundbreaking products, their influence touches nearly every aspect of modern life. As per 2024 data, the professional and business services sector is the largest employer in the United States, providing jobs to nearly 23 million people. This industry plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, supporting diverse fields like technology, consulting, and management, and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. Beyond the financial world, business professionals contribute to social progress, ethical practices, and community well-being. Their work often balances profit-making with societal benefits, making them key players in shaping a future that supports both economic growth and social development. Let’s discuss how their expertise and efforts leave a lasting mark on the world around us. The foundation of a business professional’s success often lies in their education and training. Advanced programs like MBAs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle complex challenges and lead effectively. Accredited MBA programs, specifically, provide a well-rounded approach, focusing on strategic thinking, financial acumen, leadership, and innovation. Graduates from these programs are prepared to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape with confidence and insight. The ripple effect of this education is significant. MBA graduates frequently lead organizations, start their businesses, or drive initiatives that spur economic growth. Their ability to analyze markets, manage resources, and make informed decisions often translates into improved company performance and increased job opportunities. Whether they’re managing a corporation or launching a startup, these professionals bring expertise that strengthens the economy at both local and global levels. One of the most notable impacts of business professionals is their ability to drive innovation. Identifying market gaps and finding creative solutions is a hallmark of their work. Whether it’s developing a new app, launching an eco-friendly product, or streamlining a delivery process, these innovations add value for consumers while creating new industries and opportunities. This innovation doesn’t just benefit businesses—it expands markets and generates economic growth. Companies that are led by forward-thinking professionals often set trends, inspiring competitors and collaborators alike to push boundaries. Their efforts translate to increased consumer choice, better products, and a more dynamic marketplace. As businesses thrive, so does the economy, creating a cycle of growth that benefits everyone involved. At the core of any thriving economy is job creation, and business professionals play a critical role in this area. From small business owners to corporate executives, their work creates opportunities for people to build careers and support their families. When businesses grow, they hire more employees, invest in training programs, and contribute to a skilled workforce that drives further development. The impact of job creation extends beyond the workplace. Employees with stable jobs contribute to their local economies through spending, housing, and education. In turn, this supports other businesses and fuels community growth. Business professionals who prioritize workforce development create a ripple effect that uplifts not just their organizations but also the regions in which they operate. Business professionals are increasingly focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a way to balance profit-making with societal impact. Through initiatives that address sustainability, diversity, and community support, they contribute to meaningful change. Many companies now prioritize reducing their carbon footprint, creating inclusive workplaces, or supporting local charities—all driven by leaders who understand the importance of giving back. The benefits of CSR are not only seen in the immediate impact on communities. Businesses that invest in social responsibility build trust and loyalty among customers and employees alike. These efforts demonstrate that companies can do more than generate profits—they can be a force for good in society. Business professionals who champion these initiatives show how commerce and compassion can coexist, creating a better future for everyone. In today’s interconnected world, business professionals influence not just local economies but global ones as well. They are often at the forefront of major economic shifts, from technological advancements to international trade policies. Professionals in industries like technology, healthcare, and finance are shaping trends that impact how businesses operate on a global scale. For example, adopting sustainable practices or integrating artificial intelligence into operations doesn’t just benefit individual companies—it sets standards for entire industries. These changes have far-reaching effects, influencing global supply chains, consumer behavior, and job markets. Business professionals play a key role in driving these changes and adapting to global challenges. Ethical decision-making is another area where business professionals leave a lasting impact. Leaders who prioritize transparency, fairness, and integrity set the tone for their organizations and influence the wider business community. Their commitment to doing the right thing fosters trust among stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors. Ethical practices aren’t just about avoiding scandals—they build a foundation for long-term success. Businesses that operate ethically are more likely to attract loyal customers, retain talented employees, and maintain strong partnerships. Professionals who uphold these values create a ripple effect, encouraging others in the industry to follow suit. The result is a healthier, more trustworthy business environment that benefits society as a whole. Business professionals are more than just drivers of economic growth—they are architects of societal progress. Through their leadership, innovation, and commitment to ethics, they shape industries, create opportunities, and tackle pressing challenges. Their influence extends from boardrooms to communities, leaving an indelible mark on both the economy and society. Whether through job creation, sustainability efforts, or fostering innovation, their contributions demonstrate that business is not just about profit—it’s about making a meaningful difference.

What is ITAD and why does your business need it?

Business News

Each year, businesses accumulate more and more old or broken-down IT equipment. But you can’t simply throw them away. They’re filled with sensitive data, sure, but they also pose an environmental risk. That’s where ITAD comes in. Understanding ITAD An acronym for IT Asset Disposal, ITAD is a process for managing and disposing of old IT assets. But it doesn’t just get rid of your equipment. ITAD services ensure the proper exchange or disposal of those IT assets. This is done in a way that doesn’t pose a security risk, and it also prevents unnecessary environmental damage. Why does your business need ITAD? 1. Secure data disposal The most pressing concern of tossing out IT equipment is a data breach. Simply deleting data isn’t enough — there are always remains on hard drives. By choosing ITAD services, you can fully eliminate that risk through data wiping and hard drive destruction. 2. Environmental responsibility Electronics are the fastest-growing source of waste on the planet. When they break down, they leak toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the ground and water. Help promote eco-friendly practices and reduce e-waste by recycling your materials through ITAD. Use this solution to move towards more sustainable business practices. 3. Compliance with regulations There are more and more laws governing data protection and waste disposal. Don’t risk fines or legal backlash just because you haven’t taken that into account. ITAD services make sure you’re compliant with the law and help you avoid fines. 4. Cost recovery Not all technology is unreadable. Sometimes, IT assets can actually be refurbished or repaired. Certain types of equipment can even be resold. Trust your ITAD provider to know the best move for your devices and help you determine their value. How ITAD works An ITAD process typically involves several stages: Assessment: IT assets undergo an examination to determine the best course for disposition or reuse. Data Sanitization: Sensitive data is securely erased or destroyed. Recycling or Resale: Assets will be resold, recycled, or donated depending on their conditions. Reporting: Detailed documentation ensures compliance with regulations. Secure the future Whether you’re clearing data, upgrading, or simply don’t have any more room, it makes sense to dispose of your IT assets. And you can do so both safely and responsibly. By investing in asset disposition, you ensure that your data, the environment, and your pocketbook all remain safe and secure — a triple benefit for a growing economy.