The era of AI: How the Microsoft Cloud is accelerating AI transformation across industries

Posted on April 25, 2023
© Bolbik / Adobe StockThis past quarter has put a spotlight on advancements in generative AI, and the possibilities of its application to deliver pragmatic business outcomes. For organizations around the world, there is an incredible opportunity to enhance products and services while unlocking innovation and business value to help shape the future of industry. The pace and scale of technological innovation happening today is unprecedented and breathes optimism into a demanding economy. Those leveraging the Microsoft Cloud — the most trusted, comprehensive and integrated cloud — are best positioned to take advantage of these advancements. As leaders look…

Consumer interest in foods’ mental health benefits growing

Posted on April 25, 2023
CHICAGO — Consumers have become increasingly focused on the role food plays in their mental and physical health, according to new research from The NPD Group. The market research firm said consumers initially grew to care more about their overall health and wellness as a result of the pandemic, with food’s effect on health garnering more attention as the trend has continued. Now, consumers rank food and beverage choices just behind physical exercise as the main contributing factor to their health. The emphasis on health and wellness may also be seen in the meal kits market where consumers now rank…

Riggs rises to president of Hershey salty snacks business

Posted on April 24, 2023
HERSHEY, PA. — Kristen Riggs has been promoted to president of salty snacks at Hershey Co. Ms. Riggs has been with Hershey for more than 17 years, most recently as senior vice president and chief growth officer from January 2020 to November 2022. Previously, she was vice president of innovation and strategic growth platforms. Since joining Hershey in 2005 Ms. Riggs has held a range of leadership positions as well as roles in brand marketing, shopper marketing, global marketing and sales. Before joining Hershey, she worked as an engineer for Samsung Semiconductor in Austin, Texas. “Riggs is a dynamic Hershey…

Layoffs, funding delays reported at Solera Auto Finance

Posted on April 23, 2023
Solera announced Solera Auto Finance at the NADA Show in March 2022 and expected to reach 20 states by the end of the year. By August, it had reached 39 states and was working with more than 2,000 dealerships. Solera Auto Finance had been aggressive in seeking business, the second Solera Auto Finance sales manager said. The company had reached a rate of $25 million a month in loans, “and that’s when they hit the brakes on everything,” he said. “Solera Auto Finance’s entry into the automotive lending space was a success and well received by dealers,” Casas said in…

The Ultimate Packing List For A Festival!

Posted on April 23, 2023
Festival season is here and we’re back with our ultimate guide to help you pack to perfection this year! From helping you pick out your festival outfits to those secret hacks that you’ll thank us for later, this is your one stop shop for everything you need to pack. We’re assuming you’re camping here, as that’s when the more detailed planning should come in!Your Actual BagLet’s start with the bags you need to take. You’ll want a small bag that is really easy to carry, like a bum bag, as you can be hands free all day and…

Slideshow: New products from the Winter Fancy Food Show

Posted on April 23, 2023
LAS VEGAS — The 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show saw more than 1,100 exhibitors showcase their newest products Jan. 15-17 in Las Vegas. The $175 billion specialty food industry homes in on consumers looking for premium products, often made in small batches. This year, the Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel predicted an interest in bold and intense flavor experiences, specifically within the sauce and condiment categories. “What began in the hot sauce category is exploding into honey, spreads, confections, beverages, and snacks, snagging new markets like younger consumers, especially, and inspiring specialty food companies to introduce heat and spice into…

Influencer Marketing, an Industry that Reaches a Wider Market

Posted on April 23, 2023
At the moment, influencer marketing is an effective way to market products and services. Characteristics para influencers or contentcreators unique is the main attraction and strength in marketing activities so much brands or advertisers who took advantage of this opportunity. Furthermore, the results of the Indonesia Gen-Z Report 2022 research conducted by the IDN Research Institute show that Gen Z in Indonesia places high trust in brands who collaborated with influencers. Lots influencers in Indonesia established brands own and successfully sell using techniques marketing build emotional attachment with para followersas Jerome Polin did with brands menante drink. On the other…

Biden Administration Begins Initiative to Expand Access to Capital for Small Businesses

Posted on April 23, 2023
The Biden administration is looking to strengthen the small business sector by expanding access to capital, investments, technical assistance and services required to support the companies’ growth initiatives. As part of the initiative, the administration has proposed rules to diversify the network of private funds and managers that provide long-term debt or equity investments to small businesses and extend additional licenses to nonbank lenders and community development financial institutions, the White House said Tuesday . The Small Business Administration is also proposing to update regulations governing certain loan programs to ease processing burdens for small business borrowers. In December 2022,…