Category Archives: Business News

“If I ran my business like Irish water run theirs, we wouldn’t be in business” says Limerick TD

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The River Shannon (via Getty Images)

There are fresh concerns that a plan to pipe water from the River Shannon to Dublin could cost billions.

Uisce Eireann should fix Dublin’s infrastructure before they look at any water pipeline connecting the capital to the River Shannon, says a Limerick TD. Richard O’Donoghue has said after seeing how Uisce Eireann misused funds in transporting water to Croom, he does not trust the state-owned utility company with the proposed pipeline project, which is estimated to cost billions. A planning application is expected to be lodged by the end of the year at a cost of up to 6 billion euro, but it’s reported it could be as high as 10 billion. Limerick people and people living along the Shannon are worried about the impact it would have.

O’Donoghue told Live 95 News that billions of euros of taxpayers money would be used to fund the project, and he does not have faith that they can actually bring in any project online, on time and on budget, “I think there’s a lot more to be discussed about that.”

The Independent Ireland TD thinks leaks in Dublin’s water network should be fixed first, “Fix your own infrastructure first and then we can look at what they need.”

According to O’Donoghue, the project should be managed independently, “We also need to make sure that we have an independent overbody to look at the funding streams that Irish water are getting and the value for money that they are able to provide.”

A construction company owner from Banogue, which was also effected by water outages recently, Richard O’Donoghue is in regular contact with European counterparts on related issues, “Because if you look across other countries and other projects, if I ran my business like Irish water run theirs, we wouldn’t be in business.”

The Limerick County TD is calling on accountability, “…there has to be accountability across the board in Irish water and they need to be priced against other projects to show that they’re giving us value for money.”

A planning application is expected to be lodged by the end of the year for the pipeline, which is estimated to cost at least 6 billion euro.

 

‘Creative Ways of Funding Your Business’ workshop

(MBN) — The Marianas Business Network is thrilled to invite entrepreneurs and business owners to an insightful workshop titled “Creative Ways of Funding Your Business.” This free event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dae Jang Kum Restaurant, across from Saipan World Resort.Led by Carina Boston Pinales, an ERC Fellow with the Department of Commerce and a dynamic leader in social impact and change management, this workshop aims to equip participants with innovative strategies for funding their businesses. Attendees will learn how to enhance their outreach and marketing efforts through various topics, including:• Innovative Funding Solutions. Explore creative strategies for securing business funding.• Cross-Marketing Techniques. Discover effective methods for expanding outreach.• Outreach Strategies. Gain insights on improving business visibility.•  Social Media Health Check. Assess and enhance current social media practices.The workshop is a free event with an optional $10 buffet available for purchase.To attend, RSVP by visiting https://bit.ly/mbn11625This workshop offers valuable tools and insights to help business owners and entrepreneurs support and expand their operations. Don’t miss this chance to gain practical knowledge and connect with fellow business leaders.About the Marianas Business NetworkThe Marianas Business Network is dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth of businesses in the Northern Mariana Islands. Through events like this workshop, the network facilitates dialogue, collaboration, and development among local entrepreneurs and community leaders.For more details or inquiries, contact PK Phommachanh-Daigo, founder and president of the Marianas Business Networkat [email protected] or through WhatsApp: (670) 286-3010

OPINION ǀ CNMI government and business leaders must work together to find constructive solutions to CNMI economic issues

Jose S. Dela Cruz

AS we all know by now, the people of the CNMI are extremely worried about the continuing economic recession that has continued to adversely affect the livelihood of literally every resident on our islands. We are all hoping and praying that the economy of our islands will begin to turn around and improve during the new year which has just begun. But, as we should know, in order for our economy to improve, CNMI government, business and civic leaders have to sit down first and formulate constructive solutions and then undertake realistic actions that hopefully would begin to activate our insular economy and make it productive once again.For five long years now — from 2020 to 2024 — the CNMI experienced one of the longest and worst economic recessions in our forty-six year history as a U.S. commonwealth. Our leaders —particularly our government and business leaders — cannot and should not allow the present CNMI economic recession to continue indefinitely and allow it to turn into an economic depression. Because if that happens, a substantial majority of our residents will become jobless, homeless, hopeless and hungry.We are, therefore, hoping and praying that the fragile economy of our islands will soon regain strength and become vibrant and productive once again, otherwise our experiment in commonwealth self-government might likely fail this time. Our government and business leaders, therefore, need to first immediately revive and strengthen our main industry — the CNMI visitor industry — so that hopefully this year we will actually begin to see, once again, a healthy resurgence in the number of visitors coming to our islands.As we should also all know by now, literally every sector of the CNMI economy has been stagnant and performing very poorly. This is very evident from the substantial decline in local business activities in just about every type of business operating on the islands. It is also clearly shown by the substantial decline in business gross revenue tax (BGRT) collected by the CNMI Government during the past five years.The CNMI economic downturn is probably best illustrated by the huge number of abandoned, dilapidated and vacant business buildings that run the length of Saipan’s western shore — from San Antonio Village to Chalan Kanoa, Susupe and Oleai villages, and all the way to Tanapag and San Roke villages. Literally all the people of the CNMI are extremely worried and concerned that things would get worse before we begin to see any ray of light in our economy.Witness also, for example, the almost complete absence of business activity in our so-called “tourist hotel district” in Garapan from the Grandvrio hotel and the abandoned Imperial Pacific International casino building to the former Hyatt Regency Saipan (now the Sheraton Saipan Hotel). At night, almost all of this tourist hotel district is like a “ghost town.”Our people are thus worried that if the CNMI economy declines further, our unusually long economic recession would likely result in economic stagnation for the entire CNMI. This scenario is too scary to even contemplate. So, our government and business leaders must never, and should never, allow this possibility to happen. Our government and business leaders must ensure that the possibility of the CNMI falling into an economic abyss will not, and will never, happen. Our government and business leaders, including our civic and community leader (namely, all of us) should join hands and work together earnestly so that we can do everything in our power to turn around our non-performing economy and make it productive and vibrant once again, starting immediately.We have rested on our laurels for far too long, hoping unrealistically that our poor economy would, on its own, magically turn around. But as we all know, there is no such thing as magic. Like wishful thinking, the economy will not turn around on its own. Only through hard work, through implementing realistic solutions and through actually working as hard as we can to turn around our dismal economy, could we begin to see the CNMI economy—particularly our visitor industry– turn around.The CNMI simply cannot afford to see one more hotel, one more business enterprise, one more commercial or economic activity close down. The CNMI’s economic bleeding has to stop. It, therefore, behooves all our government and business leaders to immediately stop the constant bickering and disagreement going on among themselves. We must swallow our pride, roll up our sleeves, join hands and begin working together to turn around the CNMI economic recession that we have suffered from, for far too long. The “blame game” has to stop, because if it does not, we will only continue to hurt ourselves and our people. So, the paramount question that our government and business leaders must ask themselves immediately is this:Are we willing to set aside our differences, and begin working together to turn around our economy by formulating realistic solutions and undertaking realistic actions in order to improve the stagnant economy of the CNMI?A resident of Upper Navy Hill, Saipan, the author served as the first chief justice of the CNMI Supreme Court.

How a slowdown in business led to this executive’s new passion

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Benilde introduces new course to encourage technology in business

Business Solutions and Applications Program Chairperson Henry DV. Castro, Ph.D., along with the students
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has launched a new degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Business Solutions and Applications (BSBA-BSAA), aimed at equipping students with advanced technology skills to address operational challenges in the digital age.
The program merges business management with technology solutions and educational discipline to prepare graduates to become adept in organization-specific IT systems to streamline business operations and improve productivity.
This low-code or no-code business course is ideal for aspiring professionals without going through the complexities of software development.
The roster of faculty members of BSBA-BSAA, composed of seasoned practitioners and academicians, mentor students to evaluate business requirements and implement tech management solutions, as well as enhance their business management skills for different industries.
The core courses cover managerial accounting, business economics strategic, business laws, business finance, applied statistics, business and income taxation, management and business policy professional, and quality and business process improvement. Computer applications final project, international business agreement, and social entrepreneurship, responsibility and sustainability are also essential subjects.
Major courses are also retained in the curriculum, which consists of advanced office applications, business accounting, introduction to business processes, and enterprise inventory management. It will likewise include enterprise logistics and distribution, fundamentals of business analytics, lean sigma, business case development — business process, and project management.
Another milestone of BSAA is the addition of the FinTech elective, which involves the use of newly developed technology to digitize and automate traditional financial services and products.
Other new offerings include leadership, blue ocean strategy, business continuity planning, scrum project management framework, and operations.
The students are also expected to go on academic immersions with co-curricular activities in collaboration with local and international institutions.
The nine-trimester course under the School of Management and Information Technology allows its graduates to tread various professions, such as entrepreneur, business growth analyst, systems analyst, report author or developer, project manager, IT consultant, IT manager, and solutions architect.

Denver bars prepare for Broncos business boost ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game

DENVER — Not all Broncos fans made the trek to Buffalo for the wild-card weekend. That means many are staying in the Mile High City, and local bars are preparing for the boost in business.”We open up at 10 o’clock, and we are expecting a line at the door at probably at least 9:30, if not earlier,” said Jonathan Engleberg, general manager at Chopper’s Sports Grill in Cherry Creek. At Chopper’s Sports Grill, phones are ringing off the hook ahead of Sunday’s big game.

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“You can definitely feel the excitement of getting back into the playoffs now, for the first time in eight years,” said Engleberg. The sports bar stocked up on game-day staples. They’re expecting to dish out at least 150 orders of wings.

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“We have a very good, solid, classic wing that we do,” said Engleberg. Another fan-favorite, The Original Brooklyn’s, near Empower Field, is also expecting record crowds.

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It’s about staying ahead of the rush for employee Emilie Pettit. “It’s obvious that burgers are gonna start happening. So they’ll make sure that they get plenty lined up on the grill. So that way as soon as people come in, we’re just like, boom, boom, boom,” Pettit said.

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Both bars are ready for the business boost on a game day nearly a decade in the making. “Seeing the support that we get, not only from just our regulars who are here all the time. To the new fans that show up, it really tells us that we’re doing something right,” said Engleberg.

Denver bars prepare for Broncos business boost ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game

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FPCCI delegation in town to sniff out business opportunities

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has said that more dialogue between Bangladeshi and Pakistani businessmen would ensure the relationship, newly prioritised following the August 5 Uprising, by Dhaka.
“Exploring potential cooperation between the two countries could bring mutual benefits,” he said during a meeting with a delegation led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh at the Secretariat on Sunday.
During the meeting, key issues regarding bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh were discussed, including visa facilitation, direct flight operations, and future investment opportunities.
The adviser said that initiatives have been put in place to make trade relations between the two nations more sustainable.
Commerce Adviser seeks investment from Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in UK
“Despite the large populations of both countries, their trade volume remains quite low and there is significant potential for growth,” he added.
The FPCCI president expressed a desire to boost trade with Bangladesh. He pointed out that visa issues and the lack of direct flight services have hindered efforts to expand trade.
He called for steps to address these challenges.
The Pakistani delegation also showed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s agricultural, educational, tourism, and ceramic sectors.
In addition, they discussed Pakistan’s new export facilitation scheme and invited Bangladeshi businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The delegation also proposed organising a trade expo in Bangladesh to further strengthen business ties.
Bangladesh seeks roadmap from Malaysia for stranded workers
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maruf, attended the meeting.
The Pakistani business delegation is in Dhaka at the invitation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

Randy Moss’ Business Partner Updates on NFL Legend’s Cancer Battle

Randy Moss, the NFL Hall of Famer and Minnesota Vikings legend, continues to battle bile duct cancer, as his business partner provided a rare update on his condition. Moss, 47, revealed last month that he underwent a six-hour surgery and is currently unable to walk without a cane. Despite his health challenges, Moss remains in high spirits and is focused on his business ventures, including the upcoming opening of a new Crisppi’s Chicken location in Miami.
Brittany Tolliferreo, Moss’ business partner and co-owner of Crisppi’s Chicken, shared that Moss is determined to see the business succeed. ‘He was in great spirits when I talked to him,’ Tolliferreo told TMZ Sports. ‘I haven’t noticed any change in him, he’s pretty consistent with his personality. He’s a smart and strong businessman and he wants everything to be successful and continue to grow.’

Moss, who also works as an analyst for ESPN, has been receiving an outpouring of support from fans, colleagues, and fellow NFL players since his diagnosis. In December, he shared an emotional update on Instagram Live, revealing that he had undergone a Whipple procedure to remove a cancerous mass in his bile duct. ‘I’ve told y’all over the last couple of weeks about me battling something internally, and ya boy is a cancer survivor,’ Moss said. ‘I did have cancer, they found it in the bile duct, right between the pancreas and the liver.’
Moss credited Dr. John Martinie, whom he called ‘the best doctor in the United States,’ for performing the surgery. He also acknowledged the difficult road ahead, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments. ‘It’s going to be a tough road,’ Moss said, ‘but I’m nursing my way back.’

Despite his ongoing treatment, Moss has remained involved in his business ventures. Tolliferreo revealed that Moss has hinted at attending the grand opening of Crisppi’s Chicken in Miami on January 18. ‘You never know with Randy, he’s full of surprises,’ she said. ‘But he has given us his full support with this Miami location.’
Moss and Tolliferreo first partnered several years ago after Moss saw an Instagram ad for one of her dishes. Their collaboration has since grown into a successful fried chicken chain, with the Miami location marking their latest expansion. Tolliferreo praised Moss for his resilience and dedication, saying, ‘He won’t stop, and he wants everything to just be successful and continue to grow.’

As Moss continues his fight against cancer, fans and colleagues alike are rallying behind him. His former teammates, including Cris Carter and Jake Reed, have publicly shown their support, holding up Moss’ jersey in a recent tribute. Moss, known for his tenacity on the field, is now channeling that same determination into his health and business endeavors.

New awards to celebrate the region’s business community champions

AROUND 50 businesses, community organisations and individuals in Coventry and Warwickshire are on the shortlist for a new awards event for the region.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, developed by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has announced its finalists.
The winners will be announced at an awards celebration evening taking place at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday March 27.
The selected finalists are from across all areas of the region and cover everything from manufacturing and technology through to professional services, and leisure and hospitality. There are also a series of community groups shortlisted, recognising the not-for-profit sector.
Among those in the running are Wright Hassall LLP, The Shakespeare Hospice, Sydenham Neighbourhood Initiatives and Stratford College.
It follows a rigorous, independent judging process that saw nearly 200 entries submitted for the new awards that have been designed to celebrate the impact businesses, community organisations and individuals make in the region.Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Firstly, I have to thank all of our sponsors and judges who supported us in the run up to Christmas in going through raft of entries we had. The number and the standard of entries received was incredibly high.
“The fact that this is our first year meant we were taking a leap of faith that this kind of awards event was something the region wanted and needed, and the sheer level of interest and number of submissions has proved that to be the case.
“Now, it is all systems go as we build towards our inaugural celebration event in March which will showcase so much of what is great about Coventry and Warwickshire through the food on offer and the show on stage – and that’s before we even get to the awards.”
For more information visit https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/awards/

Delaware Small Business Chamber announces 2025 board

The Delaware Small Business Chamber has announced its newly elected board of directors and executive committee members for 2025.This year’s board comprises a diverse group of leaders committed to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of small businesses across the state. The board has representatives from all three counties, and more than two-thirds are small business owners.
New board members include Kristin Donovan from Aging in Place Senior Care Services, and Douglas Wolick McCann from Hawkins and Sons Appliances. Both of their backgrounds and support of the small business community make them excellent additions to the team.
“2025 holds immense potential for small businesses in Delaware, and with the new board and executive team, we are poised to make significant strides in supporting our members,” said Melissa Wolman of Choice Insurance, board chair. “We are especially excited to have Kristen and Doug join us, as their insights and experience will be crucial in guiding our initiatives.”
Executive committee members also include: Nicole Hammond, CAN Web Management, vice chair; Tracy Feinsilver, WSFS Bank, secretary/treasurer; and Christine Menser, FCCB, ex officio. Additional board members are Todd Wilson from Dover Federal Credit Union, who will also sit on the new DSBC Foundation board; Carla Guzzi from Bing’s Bakery; Steff DiMartine with World Trade Center Delaware; Kathleen Wood from Delaware Hospice; David Wilderman of Wilderman Physical Therapy; and Dylan Hannum from Fish Window Cleaning and Birdie’s Links & Drinks.
Each member of the board is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Delaware Small Business Chamber, which is to advocate for small businesses, provide resources, and create networking opportunities that enhance business growth and sustainability in the community.
For more information, go to dsbchamber.com.