Author: admin

2024-11-26T23:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, particularly in Los Angeles. The county is home to more than 1.3 million small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs and income to the 10 million residents of this area.

One would think that the number of people driving in LA would be a boon to local businesses. However, the daily rush-hour traffic — not to mention sports and entertainment events — hurt businesses in the long run.

“Dodger fans will often drive up from here, causing tremendous amounts of traffic,” said Su Ling Lei, owner of the Jade Wok restaurant. In his 38 years of operating a business in Chinatown, he’s seen firsthand how traffic negatively impacts his and other businesses in the area. “Our customers are unable to pick up their orders. Some customers want to dine in but are unable to do so because of the traffic issue.”

Given the recent “Carmageddon” caused by fans flocking to Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium and upcoming major events like the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, innovative methods to reduce traffic are sorely needed.

How a novel method can solve a longstanding problem

While no magic bullet can fix LA’s traffic issues, a new project aims to reduce the traffic in Downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) is a proposed zero-emission aerial transit connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium. The transit system’s aerial gondola could move up to 5,000 people per hour per direction and transport 8,000 to 10,000 fans to Dodger Stadium in the two hours before the start of a game or event.

Rather than sitting in traffic, fans will enjoy a scenic ride from downtown to Dodger Stadium in just seven minutes. Projections suggest that LA ART could eliminate tens of thousands of game-day car trips to Dodger Stadium every season, greatly improve the flow of traffic and reduce the impacts of congestion on nearby freeways and surrounding areas.

Small business benefits

When asked what they thought about the project, many small-business owners see potential benefits to their establishments. In fact, more than 400 businesses in Chinatown, El Pueblo and Lincoln Heights have signed up to support the project.

In his opinion piece published by Climate Resolve, Jason Fujimoto, a Los Angeles Chinatown Corp. Board Member, said, “The gondola will be transformative for the region. As the first permanent transit system to Dodger Stadium, it will allow visitors and locals to travel up and above traffic while increasing economic growth and foot traffic for our local businesses, restaurants and cultural landmarks.”

Don Luis Camacho, owner and operator of the historic El Paseo Inn Restaurant in Olvera Street that sits next to a proposed tram stop, echoes Fujimoto’s sentiment. He welcomes the extra foot traffic and is excited about the resources the project would bring to Downtown LA. “It would change things for the better. This is a rare opportunity, which can actually benefit this area and really bring much-needed resources.”

Beyond the economics, these small businesses are also vital to the continued heritage and vibrancy of their communities.

“Chinatown is home to many unique and diverse small businesses that were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Icy Zheng, owner of Eighty Eight Hair Salon. “We are glad to be welcoming visitors back after a difficult few years and are excited to work with LA ART to find ways to encourage Dodger fans to visit Chinatown before taking the gondola to a baseball game.”

To learn more about the transit project and its benefits, visit https://laart.la/.

2024-11-26T13:05:00

(BPT) – Looking to level up your gift-giving game this year? The secret to inspired holiday gift giving is choosing meaningful things that will uplift, surprise and delight. It’s not about how expensive your gifts are, it’s about finding things that will make an impact and possibly improve your loved ones’ lives, perhaps with something special they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves.

Check all those boxes with an easy choice this holiday — give a bidet seat like the TOTO WASHLET! Though not a typical gift idea, a recent survey from TOTO and Harris Poll found that 58% of people would welcome a bidet seat as a gift, with 60% confessing they do not feel completely clean when just using toilet paper alone after a bathroom break.

Bidets have long been a central feature in European and Japanese bathrooms, and their popularity is skyrocketing in the U.S. Why? It’s easier than ever to upgrade your bathroom with a bidet. You don’t even need a whole new plumbed fixture anymore. Innovative electric bidet seats like the WASHLET from TOTO transform your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the existing toilet seat!

The WASHLET adds warmth, self-care, convenience and luxury to your loved ones’ everyday routine. And the good news for your holiday pocketbook — there is a bidet for every budget: the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5 or top-of-the-line WASHLET S7A.

Here’s how a bidet seat will surprise and delight everyone on your list:

For the environmentally conscious

Why they’ll love it: A bidet seat like the WASHLET can reduce a person’s toilet paper use by up to 75%. That’s good for the environment in terms of fewer trees being used and also less paper waste flushed into the sewer systems. It also reduces the amount of harsh cleaning chemicals people need to clean their toilet bowls because of their self-cleaning functions. With a WASHLET, people can have an eco-friendly bathroom that still feels luxurious. According to that survey by TOTO, 28% of Americans are motivated to consider purchasing a bidet as a way to reduce the environmental impact associated with using toilet paper.

For the apartment renter

Why they’ll love it: Portable and easy to install, WASHLET bidets can upgrade even small bathrooms without requiring major renovation. This is a luxury upgrade for renters who can’t make permanent changes to their bathrooms without losing their security deposit. Because a WASHLET can easily be removed, renters can even take their WASHLET with them to their next place of living.

For the wellness warrior

Why they’ll love it: For those who live by their self-care routine, a WASHLET is a way to level up wellness. WASHLET uses a gentle, effective spray of warm water to cleanse after using the bathroom, which is more hygienic than using toilet paper. WASHLET promotes overall wellness by helping to prevent or ease the symptoms of common health issues ranging from hemorrhoids and Crohn’s disease to jock itch. Many people find that toilet paper can irritate the skin, while the WASHLET’s warm-water cleansing provides a gentler clean. Many brands of toilet paper also contain harsh chemical additives. By limiting your use of toilet paper with a bidet, you are limiting your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

For multigenerational families

Why they’ll love it: According to survey data from TOTO, about 1 in 5 Americans (19%) live in a multigenerational home with at least one shared bathroom. A WASHLET provides a superior bathroom experience for people of all ages, at any stage of life. It supports everything from the challenges of keeping clean during potty training to the struggle of decreased mobility into old age. It’s especially useful for families with multiple generations living under one roof to ease the stress of raising young children while also ensuring elder family members can live their daily lives with dignity, privacy and safety.

For lovers of luxury and the celebrity obsessed

Why they’ll love it: A WASHLET by TOTO is an affordable way for someone to bring the luxury of a high-end hotel spa into their own living space. Many of today’s finest hotels feature high-end bidets in their bathrooms to give their discerning guests a luxurious experience and celebrities have them at the top of bathroom upgrades for their homes. TOTO found more than 3 in 5 Americans (63%) see a bidet as a luxury or status symbol.

And don’t forget to put yourself on that list. A WASHLET elevates any bathroom and turns it into a luxury spa-like retreat, making it a gift you and your loved ones will enjoy long after the holidays are over. You can find WASHLET at retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and Wayfair.

2024-11-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Traveling for the holidays? Whether you’re having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma’s house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you’ll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won’t help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely, from the good neighbors at State Farm.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids’ sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you’ll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don’t forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions. Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that’s not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key. Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you’re driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route. Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue. If you’re driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don’t want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it’s all about!

This content is sponsored by State Farm.

2024-11-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer at BILL

Imagine your neighborhood without any small coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops or craft stores. Would it even have the same feel and personality? Small businesses are what make towns and cities have a truly unique character and sense of community.

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) make up 99.9% of American businesses and they are engines of the U.S. economy, employing more than 62 million Americans. More importantly, they can help build and strengthen a community. I’ve seen this firsthand, growing up watching my dad own and run a small professional services business.

Years later, I was inspired to start my own small business selling children’s clothing. I worked hard to build connections with local businesses — finding suppliers, vendors and service providers that I trusted and enjoyed working with. This network was essential to my ability to serve my customers, build a community, and drive the success of my business.

My lifelong passion for SMBs led me to join BILL because I truly believe in its mission to be a champion of SMBs. Through our financial operations platform, BILL is dedicated to helping SMBs grow and scale their businesses.

During the holiday season, BILL celebrates our customers by recognizing them as the true pillars of their communities. To that end, we are encouraging people like you to #shopsmall this holiday season with this curated selection of gift ideas from a variety of businesses. Each of these businesses has a unique dream they are passionately pursuing. Take advantage of our special offer codes so you can save big, feel good and uplift these communities.

Food and beverage

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold aims to unite coffee and tea lovers worldwide through a common interest in investing in the community, specifically for the youth. The brand pledges 5% of its revenue to nonprofit organizations across America that invest in children’s confidence, exposure, and guidance for them to be the best version of themselves. Choose from a variety of whole bean, ground, cold brew and K-Cup pod coffee. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Bobelo

Bobelo is the first and only bubbly drink mix that carbonates itself and contributes to a healthier planet one drink at a time. With each purchase, a portion of the price is donated to the Bobelo One Foundation, which advocates for a better brain, body and biome. The B-Corp Certified Brand has gone through a rigorous process to become carbon neutral so it can continue its mission to provide healthy sodas while contributing to a healthier, cleaner earth. Get 20% off with code BILLHOLIDAY.

Packed with Purpose

Packed with Purpose offers curated gift boxes that delight recipients and strengthen relationships between employees, clients, prospects, families and friends. The brand sources thoughtful and sustainable gifts from over 140 purpose-driven organizations that have positively impacted nearly 1.5 million lives since the company’s start. The woman-owned B-Corp certified company’s gifts support women’s empowerment, sustainability, youth advancement, workforce development, health and well-being and amplify diverse, minority-owned businesses. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Beehive Meals

Beehive Meals is an award-winning meal delivery service with one goal: to simplify family dinner time by offering a convenient meal prep and delivery service for busy parents and families. Each month, the company prepares and delivers 10 freezer meals sealed for freshness. Menus rotate every month, offering a variety of new meal experiences for families across Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Get 10% off with code BILL2024.

Clothing and accessories

Marine Layer

Marine Layer was founded in 2009 by Michael Natenshon who set out to create a T-shirt that feels like an old favorite from day one. In addition to T-shirts made from ultra-soft, low-impact custom fabrics, the brand’s casual apparel for men, women and kids includes knits, outerwear and more. As part of its sustainable mission, the B-Corp company established the Re-Spun program to recycle T-shirts and use that recycled material across its entire line of products. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Blissy

Blissy is the best-kept secret of supermodels, hair stylists, beauty experts and dermatologists around the world. Its 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcases, sleep masks, hair accessories, clothing, face masks and other products are designed to improve skin, hair and sleep quality. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover, established in 2013 by three women, crafts problem-solving bags to help users keep up, stay organized and look good doing it. Rooted in empathy and excellent design, the brand strives to make users’ lives easier while maintaining eco-conscious practices. The eco-friendly brand uses non-toxic materials, has implemented waste reduction strategies and encourages consumer sustainability through resale, reuse and recycling initiatives. Most bags are now 100% vegan. Get 20% off with code BILLHoliday20.

Enso Rings

Enso Rings designs stylish and durable silicone bands that offer a comfortable alternative to traditional rings and wedding bands for active individuals. With a variety of styles from the brand’s Elements collection infused with precious metals, exclusive collaborations and custom rings, there’s a ring for many occasions and lifestyles. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Home and lifestyle

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Studio has a simple mission to create home fragrance products with captivating scents, beautiful minimalist designs and the best ingredients at an accessible price. Candles are made of 100% soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans for eco-friendly, clean burn and lead-free cotton wicks. All products are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

BrüMate

BrüMate offers innovative insulated tumblers, drinkware, coolers and more made to empower, inspire and enhance the daily routine. Balancing functionality and beauty, customers can enjoy their drinks, hot or cold, in stylish, leak-free designs to elevate their drinking experience. Most of the brand’s drinkware is made from highly durable, recycled plastic, packaged in 100% compostable/recyclable materials and built for long-term use. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Chatbooks

Chatbooks is on a mission to strengthen families and save the moments that matter most. The affordable photo book platform allows users to customize their very own photobooks online or on the brand’s phone app. In just a few taps, users can add, upload, edit and print their every day magical moments in a custom photo book. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Good Sport

Good Sport seeks to drive equitable access to youth sports and physical activity to support children in high-need communities. Over the past 10 years, the brand has worked around the clock to invent, design and create dozens of new and exciting games that can be played anywhere. Its bestselling backyard games include SmashNet — a cross between ping pong and volleyball. Get 30% off with code BILL30.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo was created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents who want to bring enriching experiences to their children. Each subscription toy crate includes a creative, hands-on project to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Crates are designed for different age groups, from 0-3 to 12-16+. Get 50% off the Clubs crate or 20% Panda crate with code BUILDFUN.

Beauty and wellness

Tower 28

Tower 28 is a cosmetics brand that offers high-performance beauty products made with non-irritating ingredients designed for sensitive skin so users can feel as good as they look. All of the company’s plastic product packaging is made from at least 50% recycled plastic to help divert waste from landfills and reduce the end-user responsibility associated with recyclable or compostable materials. Get 15% off with code T28XBill15.

Operation Good Boy

Operation Good Boy focuses on providing better-than-military-grade gear, treats, and tons of experiences for military working dogs. The purpose-driven brand is committed to serving this community of military-friendly dog owners and their packmates. That’s why Operation Good Boy provides unrestricted funds to these Military Working Dog Charities. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Kreyòl Essence

Kreyòl Essence brings natural hair, skin and body products from Haiti to the world. Its eco-friendly formulations are made from pure and natural ingredients from Caribbean Farms that focus on combating dry hair and skin. The social brand is dedicated to creating sustainable jobs, protecting and conserving the island’s environment and empowering women. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

MIKUNA

MIKUNA’s goal is to provide consumers with the world’s purest, nutrient-dense, plant-based foods while maintaining the highest consumer transparency, environmental protection and community stewardship. The brand’s name comes from the ancient Kichwa concept of nourishing the body through food. The single-source chocho plant protein is cultivated between 11,000 and 14,000 feet in the Andes Mountains by a network of Indigenous farmers and finely ground in small batches. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Community matters

When you buy gifts by shopping small, you’re not just supporting a business. You’re also supporting the passion, grit, and creativity of these independent business owners and giving back to their communities. At BILL we are dedicated to serving the needs of SMBs and accountants so they can focus more on running their businesses and serving customers. When SMBs thrive, so do their communities. To learn more, visit Bill.com. Happy holidays from BILL!

©2024 BILL Operations, LLC. BILL, the BILL logo, and the “b” logo are trademarks of BILL Operations, LLC. All other company names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

2024-11-25T14:19:00

(BPT) – The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals.

According to Bank of America’s Small Business Owner’s Report, more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season.

Scammers know how to exploit the season’s hustle and bustle. But don’t let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact.

The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams

• Phishing: Fake emails or texts disguised as retailers or shipping services claim “Order issues” or “Tracking updates.” Clicking these links can lead to malicious sites or stolen credentials.
• Payment fraud: Increased holiday transactions mean a higher risk of stolen credit card use, chargebacks, and “friendly fraud,” where buyers dispute charges after receiving goods. Physically damaged cards during in-person payments and mismatched addresses for online transactions can be red flags.
• The impact of malware: Cybercriminals target businesses with malware that locks its data or steals customer information, disrupting holiday operations.
• Website vulnerabilities: Unpatched software or weak security measures on your e-commerce site can lead to data breaches or malicious code injections.
• Gift card fraud: Hackers might target or even brute-force codes for digital gift cards, either to steal funds or use them fraudulently, which can result in financial loss and impact customer trust.

In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns.

The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. Train Employees to Spot Scams: Equip your team to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and adopt the mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
2. Secure Your Systems and Networks: Use strong passwords, enable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for all remote work, and keep software, operating systems, and drivers up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
3. Guard Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing personal or company information over email and rely on secure payment platforms to handle transactions.
4. Double Down on Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical accounts like banking, e-commerce, and email for an added layer of security.
5. Backup Your Data Regularly: Protect yourself against ransomware and system failures by maintaining up-to-date backups of important business information.
6. Protect E-Commerce and Gift Cards: Use secure payment processors and set clear refund policies to deter disputes. Employ tools like CAPTCHA to prevent hackers from brute-forcing codes and monitor for unusual activity.
7. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions: Tools like Norton Small Business Premium offer round-the-clock protection for your devices, data, and online activity — no IT skills required.

In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app. With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next.

Beyond just protecting your systems, it’s essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention.

The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season.

Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it’s your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.

2024-11-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults meet the CDC’s recommended daily intake of 1.5-2 cup-equivalents of fruit and 2-3 cup-equivalents of vegetables. This holiday season, Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s leading providers of high-quality fresh produce, is sharing creative and easy ways to get your fill of nutritious fruits and veggies during holiday celebrations.

1. Enhance your stuffing with pineapple

Add pineapple to your stuffing for a sweet and tropical twist. Fresh Del Monte’s Gold^® Pineapple Stuffing recipe elevates classic holiday stuffing combining the savory flavors of traditional stuffing with the brightness of pineapple, making it a flavorful way to incorporate more fruit into your holiday spread.

2. Make a flavorful side dish

Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and sweet potatoes are a great side dish and addition to any food spread. In fact, Fresh Del Monte offers a unique and delicious Skillet Brussel Sprouts recipe with toasted walnuts and dried cranberries that will surely delight your guests!

3. Treat your guests to a delicious and sweet pineapple as an appetizer or dessert!

Did you know that pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality? Serving guests a sweet, juicy pineapple as an appetizer or dessert is the perfect way to honor this iconic fruit’s history while offering a delicious starter without extensive preparation. In fact, this year Fresh Del Monte launched “You’re Welcome,” a campaign that reminds people of pineapple’s rich history and Fresh Del Monte’s role in revolutionizing the iconic tropical fruit with a range of innovative new varieties.

4. Create a classic fruit-based dessert

Indulge in your sweet craving and simply add fresh fruit to your dessert. Try Fresh Del Monte’s Buttermilk Peach or Nectarine Cobbler. Loaded with peaches or nectarines, this comforting cobbler is an easy and delicious way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth while bringing fresh fruit into a holiday dessert spread.

5. Blend veggies into mashed potatoes

Incorporate mashed cauliflower or parsnips into traditional mashed potatoes for a lighter, healthier twist. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also maintains the creamy texture that everyone loves, creating a deliciously satisfying side dish.

6. Offer a colorful vegetable platter with dips

There’s an old saying that “we eat with our eyes first,” so why not dazzle guests at your holiday party with a vibrant spread of colorful vegetables? Present an array of colorful vegetables alongside delicious dips like creamy hummus, zesty guacamole or yogurt-based ranch dressing. This is a great way to provide an easy-to-prepare and nutritious snack before the meal — and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and enhance your holiday spread.

7. Brighten up your holiday parties with colorful and sweet beverages

Elevate your holiday drinks and add fresh fruit to cocktails or mocktails. Slices of citrus, berries or pineapple add vibrant color and infuse your beverages with refreshing flavors, making them festive and enjoyable. A great option is Fresh Del Monte’s Blushing Oasis Fizz With Pinkglow^® Pineapple recipe, which perfectly combines taste and visual appeal for your holiday gatherings.

For more nutritious Fresh Del Monte fruit- and vegetable-based recipes, please visit https://delmontefresh.com/recipes.