Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2026-03-31T13:01:00

(BPT) – As tax filing deadlines approach, many Americans are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for help. While general-purpose AI tools offer quick answers, financial experts caution that for complex issues like tax preparation, only secure, purpose-built AI trained by human experts can guarantee accuracy and protect sensitive data. Here are four things to keep in mind before you file:

1. The Crucial Difference Between General-Purpose AI and Tax-Specific Expertise

Many consumers think all AI is equal, but general-purpose AI, which scans the open web, lacks the deep, specialized knowledge required for tax compliance, operating as a sophisticated search engine, not a licensed accountant. Unlike these open platforms, Intuit’s AI that powers TurboTax is purpose-built and trained by tax experts specifically for tax preparation.

As Enrolled Agent (EA) Liz Hanley notes, “General AI is a great search engine for tax questions, but it can miss crucial nuances. It might tell a parent all about a credit, but a tax professional knows their income phases it out completely. Without seeing the full picture, that generic AI response is not only inapplicable, it could lead to an incorrect filing.” Only AI-powered financial platforms informed by experts can put a guarantee on their outcomes.

This risk is why the IRS recently shared that “taxpayers should not rely on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions, and they should verify any calculations or information provided by artificial intelligence.”*

2. The Power of AI + HI: Expert Training and Seamless, Trusted Support

AI is a powerful tool for direction, but expert knowledge provides the necessary protection, especially for finances, ensuring you achieve your best possible tax outcome. Human Intelligence (HI) is foundational at Intuit; it is what trains its proprietary AI to be specifically accurate for tax prep, and it is also available as an option for support. Intuit’s Consumer Platform fuses Credit Karma and TurboTax with Agentic AI and human intelligence (AI + HI), using its purpose-built AI to automate the time-consuming heavy lifting while ensuring you have a clear path to human expertise when you need it.

“The future of finance is not about AI versus human experts; it’s about a seamless experience where technology is the catalyst for certainty,” said Mark Notarainni, EVP & General Manager of Intuit’s Consumer Group. “Our consumer platform combines the speed of AI with our unmatched virtual expert network of 15,000 experts to deliver the trust and protection our customers need when the stakes are highest.”

3. Walled Garden: Don’t Risk Your SSN on General-Purpose, Open Platforms

Just because AI is accessible doesn’t mean it is safe for private data. General-purpose AI platforms often use the data you give them to train future versions of the software — putting your sensitive financial information in the wild. You should never input your Social Security Number, bank details or specific income into an open platform. Always look for a secure, encrypted financial ecosystem, like Intuit TurboTax, designed specifically to protect your identity and keep your data private while leveraging our expert-trained AI.

4. Filing Your Way: Expert-Trained AI Supports Every Path

The power of a purpose-built AI extends to every way you choose to file, whether you prefer the self-serve path or want an expert to do your taxes for you. Intuit’s AI is a second brain for its 13,000 tax experts as well as a personalized guide for its DIY filers, ensuring every calculation is deterministic and accurate.

General-purpose AI is a fantastic tool, but for managing money and building wealth, you need a system where Human Intelligence trains the AI, and data security and privacy is of the utmost priority. Integrated AI technology and human expertise can securely and accurately unlock the confidence to make smart financial decisions.

*https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/a-deeper-dive-into-the-dirty-dozen-taxpayers-stay-alert-in-peak-filing-season

2026-03-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – How to use your business credit card rewards as a catalyst for stability, efficiency, and team success

Running a small business means making smart choices about where to invest your resources. Sometimes, the most overlooked opportunities are right in your wallet. Today’s business credit cards do more than process payments. They help entrepreneurs manage expenses, streamline daily operations and turn everyday purchases into valuable rewards.

With so many competing priorities, like covering day-to-day expenses, investing in growth, supporting your team and preparing for the unexpected, finding extra funds can be an ongoing challenge. That’s why it pays (literally) to look at cash back rewards as more than just a bonus. When you treat those rewards as a tool for reinvestment, you give yourself the flexibility to support your goals, fuel growth and build a stronger business.

Knowing where you spend most can help you earn more cash back. If your spending is spread out or you want something simple, a card that always offers 1.5% or 2% cash back on all purchases lets you earn rewards without tracking categories. For example, if you spend $2,000 a month and your card offers 1.5% cash back, you could earn about $360 in one year. If you want to maximize your cash back, look for a card that offers extra cash back in the places you shop most. If you often dine out with clients, shop at office supply stores or pay for business services like internet or phone, a card with bonus rewards in those areas can help make the most of your cash back. For example, spending $2,000 a month at an office supply store with a card that pays 5% cash back in that category could earn $1,200 in a year. Doing the math upfront helps bring to life the real impact rewards can have on your bottom line.

“Cash back rewards can be a meaningful resource for small business owners,” said Jenny Shum, General Manager of Small Business Card at JPMorgan Chase. “When used strategically, they can help bridge cash flow gaps and can be invested in people and tools that drive long-term growth.”

Consider these proactive ways to reinvest your cash back rewards and maximize every dollar:

1. Smooth Out Cash Flow Gaps

Cash flow rarely follows a predictable pattern in business. Seasonal dips in sales, delayed client payments or unexpected expenses — like equipment repairs or supply shortages — can create stressful gaps between outgoing payments and incoming revenue. These shortfalls can make it difficult to cover payroll, pay vendors on time or keep inventory stocked, potentially putting business relationships or daily operations at risk.

Using your business credit card’s cash back rewards allows you to add a layer of financial flexibility that helps your business weather the ups and downs. Instead of cashing out rewards for nonessential purchases, consider using them to offset other expenses. Some owners set aside accumulated rewards as a miniature rainy day fund, ready to deploy the moment a cash crunch arises.

“Using cash back to cover unexpected expenses is one of the smartest ways to put rewards to work,” Shum said. “It turns your card into a valuable tool for keeping your business running smoothly and with greater peace of mind.”

2. Invest in Digital Tools and Automation

Small businesses are increasingly turning to technology solutions to stay competitive, streamline operations and serve their customers more effectively. While many owners recognize the benefits of digital transformation, the costs of new tools can feel daunting.

With Chase Ink business credit cards, you can earn cash back on everyday purchases and then use those rewards to offset the cost of essential business tools like accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms or online marketing services that help your business grow.

These rewards can go even further when invested in digital solutions that streamline operations and expand your reach. For example, a robust CRM platform makes it easier to track customer interactions and personalize communications, which drive repeat business. Investing in digital advertising allows you to target your ideal customers, promote special offers and boost brand awareness across popular channels. Putting your rewards toward these tools can save you money while making your business more efficient and competitive.

By reinvesting rewards into digital solutions, you save money while positioning your business for long-term growth. Even $500 in cash back could offset the monthly cost of a CRM tool or pay for two weeks of digital ads that drive new customers.

3. Boost Employee Morale and Retention

Retaining top talent remains a challenge for business owners of all sizes. High turnover disrupts productivity and adds to costs, making it crucial to invest in your team. Many business owners use cash back rewards to create meaningful moments for their staff, turning everyday spending into opportunities for recognition.

Use rewards to offset other costs that allow you to fund employee bonuses, team lunches or professional development workshops. Some owners also invest in wellness initiatives or appreciation gifts that show their team members they are valued. This isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a smart business move. According to Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, companies with high employee engagement continue to outperform peers in profitability and retention. Ultimately, prioritizing morale and employee experience can have an outsized impact on your bottom line, especially in today’s competitive labor market.

“Your people are your greatest asset,” Shum said. “Using cash back rewards for recognition or professional development isn’t just a nice gesture. It increases retention, engagement and productivity, all of which matter in today’s labor market.”

4. Offset Insurance and Fixed Business Costs

Running a business means managing recurring expenses like insurance premiums, software subscriptions, licenses and utilities. These essential costs can add up quickly and put pressure on your cash flow, especially during slower months. Using cash back rewards to offset fixed expenses eases your operating budget and frees up funds for growth or emergencies.

This approach ensures you stay current on important obligations while making the most of every dollar your business earns. Redirecting cash back rewards toward these predictable costs is a proactive way to keep your finances balanced and your business resilient.

Growth and Stability Go Hand in Hand

By treating cash back rewards as a resource for reinvestment, you can strengthen your financial foundation, empower your team, and stay competitive — whether you use rewards to manage short-term expenses, invest in marketing and digital upgrades, or recognize your employees.

Ultimately, the way you use your business credit card cash back rewards can make a real difference in your company’s future. Business credit cards like Chase Ink are designed to give you more ways to earn and redeem cash back rewards, helping you reinvest in your company’s future and keep your business moving forward.

With a thoughtful, strategic approach, you ensure that each reward dollar brings your business closer to its goals. When you view cash back as an opportunity, not just a perk, you put your business on the path to sustainable growth and long-term success.

2026-03-10T07:01:01

(BPT) – From the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA)

Don’t focus only on your closets and curtains as you’re spring cleaning this year. Sure, evicting dust bunnies and decluttering feels rewarding, but so does digging up the adult equivalent of buried treasure you forgot you have.

Gift cards have been the most requested gift in America for nearly 20 years and you probably have a handful sitting idle around your house, in your junk drawer or in your inbox. No matter when you received them or why, now’s the time to make the most of your gift cards.

Think of it as the ultimate “clean-out” bonus — a reminder that clearing away the old often makes immediate room for something brand new and maybe even free.

Spend your way

You may have received gift cards over the holidays, as a reward from a retailer for making a certain purchase or from your boss as a thanks for a job well done. The greatest feature about those cards is their versatility.

Gift cards are the ultimate guilt-free currency and offer an invitation to buy what you truly want or need.

Didn’t get that book you wanted over the holidays? A gift card can make it happen. Not up for cooking and doing dishes? A gift card can take the work off your plate. Want to dive into a home improvement project? A gift card can help make the expense more manageable.

The choice is all yours.

Shield your budget

Life is getting more expensive. Gift cards can serve as a practical guardrail for your finances. They offer several advantages for budget-conscious consumers:

Debt Prevention: Using a gift card means you aren’t reaching for a credit card and risking interest charges.

Hard Spending Limits: Because a card only carries a specific value, it’s impossible to overspend or incur overage charges like with a debit card. Once the funds run out, the spending stops. This feature is especially helpful if you’re teaching your kids how to manage money — like capping in-app purchases for your teenage gamer.

Strategic Saving: Many savvy shoppers use gift cards toward major purchases to soften the financial blow or to buy something they ordinarily wouldn’t with their everyday budget.

Think of gift cards as “found” money — the modern equivalent of finding a $20 bill from last winter in your coat or a whole bunch of change in your couch.

Double down on savings

One of the most overlooked benefits of gift cards is that you can stack them with other promotions. A gift card isn’t just a payment method; it’s a tool to amplify your savings.

By using your cards to pay for items that are already discounted or part of a deal, you’re effectively getting more value and stretching out your spending power so you can buy more than you typically would.

Many retailers also allow you to earn loyalty points and rewards even if you’re paying with a gift card and don’t pay the full purchase price. This helps you save now and again in the future.

Enjoy optimal convenience

Today’s gift cards are designed to be where you are. Whether you prefer going to a physical store to shop, browsing on your couch, or in app and on the go, gift cards offer a seamless experience across the board.

To ensure you never leave them at home, many physical and digital cards can be uploaded directly to your smartphone’s digital wallet. This keeps them at your fingertips for when you want or need them. Catch an unexpected sale while driving by your favorite store? Find some extra time between errands to grab a quick coffee? Your gift cards are right with you and ready to spend.

If you’re worried about losing a physical card, uploading to a digital wallet can help protect them — it also helps you avoid a bulky wallet that you have to haul around.

Go get shopping!

Gift cards are found money you can spend however you want. They represent a unique blend of flexibility, budget protection and buying power. Don’t let them sit around collecting dust. Time to put them to work. Your next favorite meal, much-needed coffee break or new favorite outfit are waiting for you.

2026-03-10T06:01:00

(BPT) – Language barriers can make it difficult to connect with family, friends and neighbors who speak a language you don’t. When you’re traveling, lacking fluency in the local language can make trip planning challenging and take away from the trip experience. For those running small businesses, not being able to communicate with clients in their own language can lead to missed opportunities.

But what if your conversations could be translated in real time with the push of a button? This isn’t a far-off future technology. It’s here and now. Say goodbye to language barriers and hello to Live Translation from T-Mobile.

Turning conversations into community

Translation services have been around for a while. However, they can be expensive, require specific devices, apps, downloads and subscriptions, and route data in ways that aren’t always private and secure.

To bridge the language gap and make live multilingual conversations a reality for everyone, T-Mobile is launching a beta trial of Live Translation this spring, the world’s first real-time agentic AI platform built directly into a wireless network.

“Some of the biggest barriers wireless customers face are the simplest ones — like being able to understand each other,” said Srini Gopalan, CEO of T-Mobile. “When language gets in the way, the network gets reduced to just a signal — and that’s not who we are. By bringing real-time AI directly into our network, we’re delivering more than connectivity — turning conversations into community, starting with Live Translation.”

Because it’s built right into the network, this real-time voice translation service provides near-instant, two-way translation on any phone — from smartphones to the most basic flip phones — in over 50 languages. No special phones, apps or fees required.

A real-time interpreter at your fingertips

So, how does Live Translation work? It’s very simple. If you’re on the T-Mobile network, all you need to do is call and dial *87*. Live Translation will automatically detect two different languages and translate them in real time, allowing for a smooth, natural conversation. Plus, only one person needs to be on T-Mobile’s network to initiate translation.

“Live Translation shows what’s possible when you rethink the role of a wireless provider,” said John Saw, President of Technology & CTO, T-Mobile. “We started this journey years ago by betting big on 5G, and creating a network that wasn’t just about speed, but also one that could adapt and evolve. With nationwide 5G Advanced as the foundation, we can now run real-time AI services directly in the network with Live Translation being the first in a new era of AI-driven experiences for customers.”

Whether you’re calling your abuela to let her know about your job promotion, making hotel reservations for your trip to France or simply talking with your neighbor or local customer, you’ll be able to confidently communicate. If you’re ready to connect with people across the world and those next door, you can get early access to T-Mobile’s Live Translation by visiting T-Mobile.com/Live-Translation.

Eligible T-Mobile service required for trial. Limited spots available; registration does not guarantee access. Near real-time translation available for 50+ languages; translations are AI generated and accuracy is not guaranteed. For voice calling only. Available on the T-Mobile network; service also available when roaming internationally in select countries on partner networks with 5G or VoLTE enabled. Translation service not available for 911 or 988 emergency calls.

2026-03-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Credit Cards from Chase

The way vacations look when you’re traveling with a plus-one has changed. It’s no longer about filling your itinerary to the brim and hoping it works out. Instead, it’s about trips built around a shared idea: a food-first weekend, a nature reset or a destination chosen entirely for its vibe.

Traveling with a partner, best friend or family member makes these experience-first trips feel more intentional and personal. When both travelers are aligned on why they’re going, getting on the same page with flights, seats and timing feels lighter and more natural.

Southwest Airlines^® recently unveiled its newest chapter, with assigned seating and reimagined benefits for the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Credit Cards from Chase. The Cards deliver pre-flight seat selection and earlier boarding, so you may select a seat together and access overhead bins first. Plus, earning points on everyday purchases gets you closer to unlocking Companion Pass^®, a unique perk that lets you bring a plus-one on unlimited flights, free of airline charges, all year long.*

Paired with longstanding perks like 25% back on in-flight purchases, anniversary bonus points, and up to 4X points on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines^®, these benefits are built for people who live to travel and travel to connect.

Choosing trips built around what you love

Traveling with a plus-one makes experience-led trips easier to plan and more rewarding to share.

For a nature-forward escape, Denver sets the tone. Flying together on the same reservation with a Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Credit Card primary cardmember means both travelers can check a first bag free, so it’s easier to pack all your outdoor gear and essentials. And purchases earn points: pre-flight coffee, fuel for scenic drives and farm-to-table meals — all purchases contribute to your next adventure when paid for with your Card. By arrival, you’re in sync and ready to embrace the moment.

If you’re looking for Zen, Honolulu’s idyllic beaches and relaxed island vibes might be exactly what you need. With assigned seating now part of Southwest’s experience, you’ll be just as calm getting to and from the tropical hotspot as you are when you’re there. Cardmembers may secure seats together (if available), board in Group 5, and arrive in Hawaii ready to embrace every moment.

For a food-as-the-itinerary getaway, Chicago is best experienced together, bite by bite. Meals out at buzzy new restaurants or neighborhood favorites all earn points with your Card, making every shared meal more rewarding!

Whether it’s an outdoor reset, island calm, or a city chosen for its flavors, these trips are worth it.

A limited-time opportunity to travel together more often

For companions looking to make the most of their trips and turn vision boards into real plans, there’s an extra incentive right now.

Through March 18, 2026, the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card from Chase is giving new Cardmembers the opportunity to earn the coveted Companion Pass^® from Southwest^® through Feb. 28, 2027 — plus 40,000 Rapid Rewards^® bonus points — after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, making it easier than ever to share unforgettable experiences while exploring the country’s most inspiring destinations.

*Does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one way

Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

2026-02-25T09:59:32

(BPT) – Every year, AHR Expo brings together the biggest names in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to showcase their latest innovations and discuss topics of key importance for the industry, from new and emerging trends to current challenges and future direction. AHR Expo 2026, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, this February, centered on the themes of energy efficiency, sustainability, and system-level innovation — three areas of focus that are helping to shape the global HVAC landscape.

A regular exhibitor at AHR Expo and a company at the forefront of HVAC innovation, LG Electronics Inc. (LG) presented its core component technologies and shared its broader technology direction with event attendees, reinforcing its commitment to creating high-quality solutions for a better tomorrow.

Why Components Matter

LG’s exhibit focused primarily on the role of core technologies: essential components that determine the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the products they are deployed in. John Kim, vice president and head of the Component Solution Sales & Marketing Division at LG Home Appliance Solution Company, emphasized that the performance of everyday appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dryers, begins with the quality of the core tech inside them.

“Strong component technology is essential to enhancing the performance and reliability of finished products, which ultimately leads to better quality and user experiences,” he explained.

Kim added that LG’s advances in component technology are complemented and reinforced by its innovation in product design — a virtuous cycle that has given rise to continuous improvement across the company’s solutions portfolio. The momentum generated by this has also enabled LG to significantly expand its component solutions business, which has grown rapidly since 2019, particularly in North America.

With a broad range of residential and commercial solutions leveraging its cutting-edge component tech — such as compressors, EC motors, EC fans, and drives — LG possesses an unmatched ability to respond proactively to the evolving needs of the HVAC market. Moreover, the company continues to strengthen its status as a total solutions provider.

Heat Pumps and the Compressor at the Core

LG’s booth at AHR Expo 2026 also featured technologies such as heat pumps and compressors — essential elements that form ‘the heart’ of the company’s HVAC systems. In the U.S., rising energy prices are driving growing interest in heat pumps, which provide an effective way for businesses and homeowners to help reduce energy consumption. Viewed as a critical transition technology across both residential and commercial markets, heat pumps are helping to lower global dependence on fossil fuel-based and electric resistance heating systems.

For any heat pump, the compressor is a critical factor in determining performance, both in terms of power and energy efficiency. Jerry Edwards, head of Sales Engineering for LG Component Solution, notes that one of the biggest challenges for heat pump systems is maintaining reliable heating performance in low outdoor temperatures. To address this, LG has applied its variable-speed compressor designs and vapor injection technology — a pairing that enables efficiency and sufficient heating capacity even in bitterly cold environments. These innovative compressor technologies, verified for their robust performance and stability under real operating conditions, are major contributors to the overall competitiveness of LG’s heat pump systems.

Industry Perspectives on AHR Expo 2026 and LG’s Component Solution

Akane Ka from JARN magazine, a renowned HVAC industry publication headquartered in Japan, attended LG’s exhibition at AHR Expo 2026. Impressed by LG’s latest technologies, and its approach to presenting them, she described the company as “very energetic and dynamic.”

Ka also highlighted that LG’s compressor and motor technologies are employed not only in HVAC solutions, but in a wide range of everyday appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines. This breadth of application speaks to LG’s technological competitiveness across product categories and markets, and to its ability to bring value to almost every aspect of daily life.

She went on to note LG’s effective use of internal synergies to create innovative products for customers worldwide, adding that LG is well positioned to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient products.

LG’s Commitment to Elevating Appliance Quality Through Core Technologies

At AHR Expo 2026, LG put the spotlight on how crucial core technologies are to ensuring the quality, efficiency, and longevity of everyday appliances. Looking ahead, LG will continue evolving and refining its key component technologies in tandem with its differentiated product designs and features, delivering solutions that prioritize sustainability without compromising performance of usability.

2026-02-19T16:43:00

(BPT) – Growing up, Ryan Shaver — executive director of the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) — hadn’t planned on pursuing a career in the trades. But everything changed in 1989 when he enrolled in a high school masonry class.

“From that moment, I knew I wanted to be out there building things with my hands, and I’m proud to say, I’ve never looked back,” said Shaver.

What started as a random elective changed the course of Shaver’s life. Now, he’s using his years of experience in concrete masonry to give back, acting as an educator, mentor and advocate for the masonry trade.

“I want to see this industry grow in ways we have never seen,” Shaver said. “Masonry has always been about building things that last. If we get people excited and organized, the impact will last, too.”

After spending decades working across every side of the concrete masonry industry, Shaver wanted to do more to nurture the next generation of masonry. With the support of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, he established the Junior Blocklayer program, which offers youth, regardless of their skill set, fun hands-on challenges and competitions that expose them to the joy and pride of masonry.

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the program. Junior Blocklayer gives the industry a practical way to create awareness while strengthening the next generation of the masonry and design industry. Shaver built the program around his core belief that engagement in a trade starts with experience.

“Once you get a few blocks in someone’s hands, that’s when buy-in really starts,” Shaver said.

An American trade renaissance

Ryan’s story isn’t unusual; his experience reflects a larger career shift in the U.S. More and more students are shying away from traditional four-year degrees in favor of learning a trade like concrete masonry, electric and plumbing, among others.

According to a 2023 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. undergraduate enrollment declined by approximately 15% between 2010 and 2021, falling from about 18.1 million to 15.4 million students. On the other hand, fall enrollment at trade schools grew at an estimated compound annual rate of 3.2% from 2019 to 2024 and is expected to grow even faster from 2024 to 2030 at a projected rate of 6.6%.

But why are younger generations joining the trades? Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons is that young people are rethinking what makes a good job.

Debt-laden, desk-bound jobs without a clear impact or purpose are less appealing to younger generations. A recent Deloitte report found that roughly nine in 10 Gen Zers (89%) and millennials (92%) consider a sense of purpose to be important to their job satisfaction and well-being. Similarly, another Deloitte study found that 44% of Gen Z report rejecting employers whose values did not align with their own, signaling that meaning and contribution influence job choice.

By contrast, trade jobs like concrete masonry offer hands-on, purposeful and financially secure vocations that communities rely on every day.

With a registered apprenticeship, workers can expect to be paid from the day they start and can expect their wages to increase as their skills advance. As far as earning potential goes, these young tradespeople in construction and extraction jobs can expect to earn a median annual wage of $58,360, exceeding the median wage across all U.S. occupations, including white-collar roles.

How the industry is paving the way for the next generation

To capitalize on the renewed interest in the trades, industry leaders need to create a tangible connection — not just for students but for professionals as well. The success of Shaver’s Junior Blocklayer program is a clear example of how the industry needs to shift and meet young people where they’re at.

“We have to teach adults how to work with students,” he said, “not the other way around.”

That’s why the program’s events encourage direct interaction between participants and instructors, emphasizing simple actions like walking table to table, asking questions and building relationships that can turn curiosity in masonry into a long-term career.

Shaver’s Junior Blocklayer program isn’t the only way industry groups like CMC have been expanding awareness of the masonry trade and supporting educational opportunities for potential tradespeople. In fact, after years of limited exposure in collegiate settings, CMC has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world craftsmanship.

CMC’s programming has introduced or reestablished partnerships with more than a dozen leading colleges and universities to restore concrete masonry’s presence in the classroom through research, scholarships and hands-on learning.

Want a closer look at why masonry is resonating with today’s workforce?

Explore the Top 10 Reasons to Join the Masonry Team — from paid training and career growth to the pride of building work that lasts.

2026-02-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways:

• Workers must invest in lifelong learning and upskilling to remain employable in five years.
• AI skills are one of the most valuable skills for workers in 2026 and beyond. However, many workers are left to learn these skills without guidance.
• DeVry University offers entry-level and leadership employees eight AI courses to build their AI skills with the help of real-time agentic AI learning coaches.

Long-term job security doesn’t happen by accident. Lifelong learning and continuous improvement of workforce readiness skills are necessary for employees to secure and retain roles in the modern workplace.

According to DeVry University’s report, “Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America’s Talent Economy,” employers shared that — on average — 55% of their workforce needs to upskill significantly to remain employable in five years. Additionally, 63% of employers said they skipped workers for promotions because their skills were outdated.

2026-01-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know how much you’re spending on subscriptions each month? If you’re like most Americans, the figure is probably higher than you think. A survey by C+R Research found that on average, consumers’ real spending on monthly subscriptions was two and a half times higher than they initially estimated ($219 vs. $86). And 42% of respondents admitted to having forgotten about a recurring monthly subscription that they were still paying for but no longer using.

Clearly, there’s a lot of subscription waste — and the start of a new year is the perfect time to tackle it.

Many New Year’s resolutions fade by February, but smart financial habits pay off month after month. Taking a fresh look at your subscriptions can help you cut unnecessary costs, choose better options and keep your goals on track long after January ends. Now is a great time to review your subscriptions, cancel unused services and switch to smarter options, freeing up money every month for what matters most. Following are a few tips to help you get started.

• Cancel what you don’t use. Most people have subscriptions on auto-pay, and it’s easy to lose track of all the services you’ve subscribed to. Make sure you only keep the ones you actively need or want.
• Prevent surprises. Turn on alerts for all subscription charges, so you know exactly what you’re being charged for each subscription and when.
• Pay annually. If you know you’re going to use a service for at least a year, pay annually if you can, as annual rates are usually cheaper than monthly ones.
• Be open to changing providers. Sometimes loyalty is rewarded, but special offers for new customers might make it worthwhile to jump ship. Check out competing providers to make sure you’re getting the best rates.
• Consider family plans. You might be able to reduce your total cost for streaming, music or news subscriptions, for example, if you switch to a family plan, giving multiple people access under one payment.
• Pay attention to special offers when you make a purchase. Cellphone plans, internet/cable plans, electronics purchases and retail memberships often come with free or discounted subscriptions as a bonus. Make sure you cash in on these if they’re services you need and would otherwise be paying more for.
• Take advantage of credit card or banking perks. Credit cards and bank accounts sometimes come with bundles of benefits that can save you money too. For example, ICCU’s Central Plus Checking benefits include phone insurance and roadside assistance, allowing you to reduce the cost of your monthly phone plan and skip annual roadside assistance membership. Plus, the ability to manage your money and subscriptions in one place makes saving even easier.

As the subscription economy continues to expand, maintaining oversight and control will only become more important, so make this New Year financial cleanout an annual practice. Give your budget a boost every year by getting rid of unused subscriptions, reviewing opportunities to save, and combining memberships with overlapping benefits.

2026-01-16T08:07:01

(BPT) – Personal New Year’s resolutions usually come with gym membership and ambitious habits. For companies, they show up in spreadsheets, a mix of optimism, logic and recalculated risk. As 2026 approaches, one critical business workflow deserves more attention than annual forecasts usually give it.

Contracts.

Contracts are a medium of trust between a company and its key stakeholders, representing the business’ risk, revenue and reputation. This means managing them is as important as it is complex. In technical terms, contract lifecycle management (CLM) governs how every commercial agreement is created, negotiated, signed, tracked and fulfilled.

However, managing contracts from start to finish is a time-consuming and complex process, if not managed properly.

According to the report, “The Race is On: Navigating Uncertainty Through CCM Resilience” by World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) in collaboration with Sirion, a leader in the CLM space, and produced by the Commerce & Contract Management Institute (CCM Institute), 70%-80% of organizations lack clear accountability for the quality and integrity of the contracting process. Without clear accountability or ownership of the contracting process, enterprises leave themselves vulnerable to risk, compromising transparency and ultimately trust.

Future-focused enterprises that are seeking to upgrade their existing CLM platforms and keep pace with a changing industry in 2026 would do well to embrace intelligent contracting run by next-generation technology: Agentic AI.

The Gap in Enterprise Contracting

CLM was meant to bring structure to commercial agreements. Instead, it became a process where teams endured long approval cycles, scattered ownership, repetitive redlining and more routing than reasoning.

While many companies know that contract management is a critical aspect of business success, there is a significant gap between knowing and doing. The Sirion-WCC research also highlights that even though 88% of executives understand that Contract and Commercial Management (CCM) excellence matters, it’s often deferred because of its complexity. These aren’t edge cases. This is the baseline experience of global contracting.

AI automation has helped contracts move along, but it has not always helped the documents get sharper. That’s because the real bottleneck in contracting isn’t motion — it’s in output quality.

Output is where intelligent contracting powered by governed, agentic AI really shines. This isn’t simply AI that drafts. It’s an agent that, through the clauses, maps them to policy, and explains the risk like a reviewer would, minus the swivel-chair chaos.

Sirion’s founder and CEO Ajay Agrawal brings home the point. “Most of what is sold today as ‘AI for contracts’ still starts and ends with a text generator.” He adds, “It can draft, summarize or spot keywords, but it doesn’t reason. It can’t tell you why a clause is risky, or how that risk maps to a company’s playbook.”

Knowing how to spot risks is critical when contracts and clauses are at play, especially when external factors, like mergers and acquisitions or political forces such as tariffs, create an impact on agreements across the globe.

To truly lead a business into the future, the need of the hour is AI that is trained by lawyers and engineers to understand an enterprise’s needs; helping with better reasoning and working with higher efficiency and accuracy, where every clause, negotiation and decision can be traced, explained and trusted.

The Future of Contracting Is Not Just Autonomous. It’s Accountable.

Accountability is the name of the game for contract management in 2026. CLM platforms must deliver more than just contracting efficiency solely based on saving time through automation. Governable AI for CLM must offer risk management and ownership over the contracting process.

For enterprises seeking to improve their contracting, their CLM resolutions list would look similar to these goals below:

1. Set a real target to shorten contract timelines without increasing rework.

2. Evaluate AI by the quality of its logic, not just speed.

3. Lock core risk positions into governed playbooks.

4. Surface revenue, compliance and clause collisions before negotiation begins.

5. Shift to issue-based review, not serial document edits.

6. Create one place for commitments across legal, procurement, sales and finance.

7. Ensure that every change has a reasoning and playbook reference.

8. Prioritize CLM platforms that pause when confidence is low.

9. Make contracts a common, enterprise-wide language for risk and revenue.

10. Track defensibility and insight, not just completion.

“2026 will be the year enterprises start asking harder questions, primary among them, ‘Can I trust this AI to act on my behalf?’ The answer will not come from bigger models or faster demos, but from systems that know their limits,” said Agrawal. “Governed agents will become the standard layer between human judgment and machine action: They’ll understand policy, explain every recommendation and decline to operate when the data isn’t defensible.”

To learn more about agentic AI’s potential for CLM in 2026, visit Sirion.AI.