Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-11-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – While identity theft and similar scams are a problem for many Americans, U.S. veterans face a higher-than-average risk of falling victim to that kind of fraud.

Statistics back that up. For example, of the 200,000 reports of fraud the FTC received from military members in 2021, 78% came from military retirees and veterans. And an AARP survey shows that a whopping one-third of vets targeted by service-related scams have lost money in those scams.

What’s going on? Unfortunately, vets and their families are prime targets for fraudsters, in part because they receive special benefits and in part because while enlisted, they frequently changed residences. Past data breaches have also led to leaks of their personal information that make the problem worse.

The good news is that vets can follow these 11 suggestions for protecting themselves and their families from fraud.

1. Practice skepticism. Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails or text messages that demand action from you. Fraudsters often masquerade as legitimate organizations by creating authentic-seeming caller IDs, email addresses and websites; for example, their email addresses may be similar to those you know and trust, but they’ll be off by one letter — or they’ll end with .net instead of .com, .gov or .org. When in doubt, don’t click on the provided link or attachments or follow their directions; instead, end communications and contact the real organizations directly via the number listed on your latest bill or their official website to check whether the sketchy-seeming communications are legitimate.

2. Protect your private data. Be wary about sharing or allowing others to overhear your family’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), birth dates or other personal info. Provide the data only when necessary, then confirm how it will be secured. Black-out personal info on any forms you wish to use to access discounts.

3. Create a family code word. Provide that word to the legitimate banks, insurance providers and organizations with which you work so they can easily prove they’re not fraudulent.

4. Review account statements and credit reports. Regularly look over financial, medical and other statements. Every four months, request and read one of the free credit reports offered by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Follow up on any questionable charges or other discrepancies.

5. Set up free fraud alerts. Any of the three credit bureaus can arrange for you to be automatically contacted in the event of suspicious charges.

6. When in doubt, freeze your credit. If you’re experiencing identity theft or other possible fraud, a freeze will keep criminals from further accessing your credit.

7. Protect sensitive documents. Shred or keep safe papers containing personal info, including tax forms, birth certificates, Social Security cards, bank account statements and military benefit forms.

8. Be strategic about passwords. Use complex and different passwords, or even “pass-phrases” for each online account, incorporating multiple digits, upper- and lower-case letters and special characters. Stay away from obvious words like pets’ names, your hometown or your favorite sports team. Never write them down. A password manager tool can help you keep them all straight.

9. Forward your mail. Have all mail forwarded when you move or relocate so credit card offers and other documents with potentially private data don’t fall into the wrong hands.

10. Set up an active-duty credit alert. For active-duty service members, ask one of the three credit bureaus to mark your file with this free, one-year alert. It encourages lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new or additional credit. Your name will also be removed from pre-screened credit card or insurance offers for two years.

11. Know the signs of identity theft. Indicators may include a lost ID; unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements; credit score issues, calls trying to verify unfamiliar purchases; unfamiliar medical bills; mail theft; suspicious logins to your social media accounts; unrecognized account authentication messages; the arrival of unfamiliar bills or packages; or even warrants for your arrest.

Looking for even better peace of mind when it comes to fraud protection? Aura’s user-friendly, all-in-one digital security platform continually monitors your credit, financial transactions, bank accounts, SSN, the dark web, home and title use, and criminal and court records to help keep your finances and identity safe and secure. As added protection, Aura’s U.S.-based customer service team is available for problem resolution 24/7, and each customer is backed by a $1 million identity theft insurance policy for eligible losses.

Aura thanks military members, veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices by offering a two-week free trial and up to 50% off protection plans. Visit aura.com/veterans for more info.

2022-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – As a woman in business, it’s common to feel like you’re out of your league, don’t belong or are failing even when you have evidence to the contrary. Impostor syndrome is hard to shake, but you don’t have to live with chronic self-doubt about your business acumen.

When Cindy Monroe founded Thirty-One Gifts, she was a young mother with no formal experience as a business owner and felt that people viewed her as “unqualified” for the job. Now, she’s celebrating a milestone with her first book “More Than a Bag: Celebrating the First 20 Years of the Thirty-One Story.”

In the book, Monroe shares leadership lessons from 20 years of working with and mentoring thousands of women as she built one of the largest woman-owned companies in North America.

Here are three tips she recommends to combat impostor syndrome and create a meaningful impact.

1. Embrace change and take risks

Early on in Monroe’s business, making big bets on her product line and investing in consultants paid off. However, as the business grew exponentially, she and her team had to embrace more difficult changes to sustain the size of the business.

“As the company experienced a number of difficult turns, I [had to look] for a transition plan that would allow me to focus on my strengths and what I love most about the business, supporting our independent consultants,” said Monroe. “I took a step to secure the future of Thirty-One and create the change I needed in my own role.”

For Monroe that included taking on an investment partner, as well as hiring a CEO for Thirty-One Gifts so she could focus on her passions.

Monroe’s journey taught her that the best professional development happens when you take risks and embrace change. She reminds readers to not only think about change but to be it and do it. By doing so, you can become more confident in your business decisions.

2. Make margins in business and life

In business and outside of work, it’s important to set priorities and boundaries to make margins in your life. According to Monroe, “Margin is the space you build into your life to live intentionally and make time for what is most important to you.”

In her book, Monroe explains that this tip was inspired by pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley’s example of how margins work on the printed page. He encourages his audience to imagine how stressful it would be to read a page in their favorite book if there were no white space on the page — just words crammed from edge to edge. It would be unreadable.

This analogy spoke volumes to Monroe. “So much of my creativity, dreaming, free thought and even rest happened for me in the [margin] of life,” she said. “I learned that [margin] was not only where my dreams were born. It was also where they were mapped out and turned into action.”

In making time for yourself and enforcing boundaries between your personal and professional lives, you can make space for new ideas and solutions.

3. Trust your gut

When making business decisions, it’s important to not only rely on data and advisers, but to trust your gut or as Monroe calls it, your “inner coach.” This can be a tricky tip to practice, especially as a woman in business, where many prioritize facts over feelings.

Monroe shares that one of the most important things she learned in her 20-year entrepreneur journey was how to balance her own intuition with hard data and the wisdom and experience of others when making decisions.

When business takes a difficult turn or you face a disappointing outcome, it’s easy to worry that you’re not qualified or good enough to make an impact. Instead of projecting an unattainable image of an entrepreneur that knows it all, Monroe suggests stripping away concerns over image and defining your own version of success. By doing so, it’s easier to see the impact you’re making today and the opportunity to create a lasting impact in the future.

Using these three tips, you can feel more confident in your business abilities and focus on your passion and purpose. To learn more about Monroe’s journey and read more leadership lessons, visit MoreThanABag.com.

2022-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – Increasing tuition and mounting student debt is making a college degree more difficult to achieve. While policymakers are implementing debt forgiveness, nothing is addressing the root cause of the problem — traditional colleges and universities have built unsustainable cost models that can only be supported with ever increasing tuition. This leads to students believing they have no options, so they continue to willingly incur mountains of debt.

While some students choose to forgo college or dismiss the value of a graduate degree, many students are discovering a better way. One that doesn’t sacrifice the proven value of education to provide career-enhancing skills and advancement. Fully online institutions provide low-cost tuition models, largely due to lower operational costs, without sacrificing quality of education. Further, online higher education remains an affordable and attainable option for many students or working adults wanting to advance their career paths affordably.

High-cost education is often confused with quality, especially regarding four-year or advanced college degrees. But with historic levels of student debt combined with a significant shortage of skilled job applicants, isn’t it time to redefine how we measure the worth of a college degree? Online higher education institutions offer degrees that are significantly less expensive than traditional colleges or universities and offer substantial value and quality. A reflection of that value and quality is within graduation rate statistics where the norm for institutions is around 46 to 64 percent, according to Education Data Initiative and the National Center for Education Statistics.

The New York Times’ The Daily podcast recently aired “The College Pricing Game,” that suggested federal student aid programs, which are covered under Title IV, unfortunately exacerbate the affordability of education. In fact, one could argue that these programs have caused the student debt crisis because they have made students and parents desensitized to cost. At the same time, these federal loan programs incentivize institutions to raise tuition year after year. Student loan forgiveness, which has been touted as a potential saving grace, is at most a temporary solution and doesn’t truly address the central issue: traditional colleges and universities are too expensive.

Tuition, fees and housing at many state-funded universities range from $10,000 to almost $30,000 a year, depending on whether students are in-state or out-of-state. Including student loans and loss of income, the cost of a bachelor’s degree can exceed $400,000.

Affordable, accessible higher education solution

Fully online and non-traditional colleges and universities are filling that widening gap within the fractured education system, allowing students from all backgrounds and financial means to achieve success.

Leading online college American College of Education (ACE) breaks the link between the cost of tuition and the quality and accessibility of education. ACE’s funding is rooted in how much it costs to deliver a quality education rather than the maximum amount of government loans accruable through Title IV.

Global insights from HolonIQ Smart Estimates are projecting online education to grow by more than 12 percent annually through 2025. While it’s easy to directly correlate this growth with the COVID-19 pandemic, online (not remote) education has been growing for years, and there is a larger shift that needs to be recognized and addressed. Higher education should be accessible rather than exclusive and online colleges are pioneering the use of technology to increase academic quality and reduce cost. Without significant real estate and overhead expenses, these universities offer high-quality education programs, from micro-credentials to doctoral degrees, at a fraction of the cost of traditional colleges and universities. With affordable programs, fully online universities offer graduates the ability to cover the cost of their degrees within the first year or two of graduating.

“ACE has an unwavering commitment to putting students first, and this involves intentional attention to their concerns from cost to quality to flexibility,” said Geordie Hyland, ACE President and CEO. “Our low cost doesn’t require sacrificing quality, and we want to be a solution to the student-debt crisis and not a contributor. At the end of the day, many of our students graduate with minimal or no debt while earning a quality education that enhances their career development and contributions to society. We hope our efforts can inspire other institutions to do the same.”

2022-10-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – In a time of record-high inflation across the country, anyone can benefit from additional savings. Whether you want to save money at the gas pump, lower the grocery bill, or maybe save up for a vacation, credit cards ensure you get benefits that make your wallet fuller and happier. Here are three ways to earn rewards that can help you beat back inflation.

1. Travel

As our world opens back up and families increasingly travel abroad, it’s important to know the different ways you can save by using your credit card. From start to finish on your travel days, there are deals you can use to make flying more comfortable and affordable.

Most airlines have specific credit cards allowing you to earn miles through dining and travel purchases. They allow you to earn more miles on airline purchases (tickets, bags and food) and even travel-related purchases, like dining. While premium cards carry a yearly fee, there are plenty of great free options. Watch out for seasonal sign-up bonuses. Those can range in excess of 100,000 free miles. Depending on your favorite airline, you can choose the one that works best for you.

If you prefer having a more comfortable travel experience and getting credit card points is not your priority, then you should look into credit cards that offer specialty perks, such as priority check-in or free checked bags. The top cards even give complimentary lounge membership and other premium airport programs.

2. Lifestyle

Inflation affects the products we use every day, so it’s important to find ways to save whenever possible. Whether by stocking up your fridge or filling up your gas tank, credit card providers offer programs that send savings directly to your bank account without having to redeem them for specific travel or entertainment necessities.

Cashback programs exist across all major credit card providers and are sustained thanks to the interchange — the 1-2% merchants pay to accept credit cards. Without interchange, it would be impossible for banks and credit card networks to offer their customers rewards or fraud protection. Many banks offer between 1-6% cash back on purchases. The best cards give unlimited cash back on all purchases, including gas and grocery.

Those savings go right back into your pocket and add up quickly.

3. Entertainment

Finding time to relax and do things you enjoy is essential, and thanks to rewards cards, you don’t have to break the bank to do the things you love!

For instance, some cards allow you to earn more on dining at restaurants, including takeout and participating delivery services. There’s also no need to worry about spending your cashback rewards before they expire because many have no expiration date as long as your account is open. Or if you’re looking for a getaway weekend — or maybe even want to enjoy a staycation in your own city — there are premium cards that offer great options. Using the card regularly can quickly earn thousands of bonus points toward your next hotel stay, plane ticket or car rental. Not to mention, premium cards offer exclusive access to ticket presales for Broadway shows, concerts, sporting events and more.

Whether it’s travel, entertainment or just everyday purchases, credit card rewards can offer significant savings when prices skyrocket. Now is a great time to take advantage due to record inflation, but also because the future of rewards points is in doubt. Congress is currently debating legislation that would end most rewards programs, including all the benefits seen above. There is a consumer movement to stop the bill at HandsOffMyRewards.com, but until the issue is settled, the best you can do is cash in while the rewards are available.

2022-10-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is here, and with it comes gift-giving, travel and plenty of other ways to rack up expenses. If you want to maximize your dollars, you need to spend like a pro — and that means using credit card rewards. Whether you want to plan a trip away or have the best-decorated house on your street, here is everything you need to know to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

How to earn and use credit card points in three easy steps:

Rewards come in many shapes and sizes, but generally, there are three main ways to rack up savings: sign-up bonuses, purchases and credit card referrals.

First, when signing up for a credit card, issuers offer sign-up bonuses that work from the moment your card activates — basically free money. Additionally, a card might offer a massive point bonus after spending a fixed amount after signing up. In some instances, the bonus can exceed 100,000 points (about $1,000). That extra income is sure to jingle anyone’s bells.

Purchases also allow you to gain points with cashback cards that go directly to your “rewards portal.” These portals exist as space for you to redeem your points on things like airplane tickets, hotel rooms, or other big-ticket items. If you belong to specific loyalty programs, you can also transfer your points to those. With special deals on a rotating list of top brands, your loved ones are going to love the gifts your rewards card can bring.

Lastly, referrals are a great way to increase your credit card points. Depending on your favorite card, you can refer your friends and family to maximize your points. With digital transactions growing increasingly popular, it’s as easy as ever to send a friend a link and reap the rewards. Once they’ve signed up for the card, you’ll see the boost in your bank account. The holidays are about giving, so give your friends and family the gift of rewards!

Up your credit reward game for more holiday joy:

If you want to make the best holiday memories, being on a tight budget can really put coal in your stocking. But credit card rewards can help expand your budget and open new opportunities.

Retailers offer great deals on food and decorations, giving upwards of 10% cash back on specific purchases (including candy or gifts). This benefit can help reduce the price of a family meal, with grocery stores and even restaurants getting in on the action.

Hopefully, these tips and tricks have helped you find the best deals and opportunities to maximize your credit card points! With the holiday fast approaching, there are plenty of reasons to sign up now. Not only are the best deals approaching, but Congress is considering legislation that would end most reward programs. So, the time to sign up is now!

2022-10-31T12:01:00

(BPT) – Rated as one of the best places to live in the country, the region is already emerging as a popular choice for travelers seeking outstanding vacation experiences, and is quickly standing out as appealing relocation places to remote workers.

Below are some of the top reasons NWA should be on your radar:

1. World-class trails

Northwest Arkansas is considered the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” for good reason — the region boasts over 484 miles of trails through the Ozark mountains that are perfect for biking, hiking and camping. Everyone is welcome! Groups like Women of OZ are creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment on the trails for all individuals who identify as women, regardless of their background or skill level. And if camping is your thing, you can pitch a tent along more than 135 miles of the National Buffalo River — America’s first national river — or take time to explore the beauty of Hobbs State Park Conservation Area or Devil’s Den State Park.

2. Vibrant arts community

But if it’s innovative galleries and inspiring public sculptures that get your heart racing, view the art installations along the OZ Trails and enjoy well-curated art experiences at your favorite local establishments thanks to OZ Art NWA, which is making the community more vibrant by promoting access to unique, diverse and authentic art encounters. As an art lover, your trip to Northwest Arkansas won’t be complete without visits to world-class museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary, which offer a superb overview of art. And for lovers of the performing arts, theater is alive and well at TheatreSquared and the Walton Arts Center.

3. A view from the top

If you prefer finding a way to see the big picture, there’s nothing more thrilling than a “backcountry flying” tour courtesy of FLY OZ, which offers visitors opportunities to explore breathtaking views of 19 million acres of the “natural state” of Arkansas — and you could even learn how to fly the area yourself.

4. Supportive startup ecosystem

For solo entrepreneurs seeking a welcoming business environment, NWA is well worth a look. Home to three Fortune 500 companies and University of Arkansas (known for very high research activity), Northwest Arkansas is well-positioned to be a significant player in today’s innovation economy, recently emerging as a hotspot for startups. NWA is considered the second best Metro Area for Minority Entrepreneurs, creating a hub of economic and creative growth in the middle of the American Heartland. The Northwest Arkansas Council is a private nonprofit organization working to advance job opportunities, talent recruitment, physical infrastructure and quality of life in the region, connecting companies to startups and entrepreneurs.

5. Unique towns

Seeking a new hometown? NWA is home to several unique towns that offer a variety of great places to live — each with their own special combination of historic charm, vibrant communities, picturesque backdrops and plenty of activities to interest singles and families alike, including Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale. Exploring each one of these hidden treasures is a perfect vacation in itself — and may help you discover the next place you want to call home.

6. Tasty spots

From the creations of award-winning chefs (including three James Beard award semi-finalists) to new mouthwatering taste delights from local food trucks, Northwest Arkansas is quickly turning heads and attracting appetites thanks to options including the sustainably sourced, fresh, seasonal offerings at The Preacher’s Son, locally sourced elevated American classics at Pressroom, along with beautifully crafted cocktails at the Undercroft Bar and Lady Slipper.

Intrigued? Learn more about what other experiences are ready to be served up at ozlacarte.us. See how Austinites reacted when OZ Brands brought NWA directly to Austin.

2022-10-27T10:39:00

(BPT) – This 2022 holiday season it’s time to focus on whatever makes your heart happy. That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate, food — specifically turkey — remains at the center of all the good that comes with the holiday season.

The memory-making holiday meal

Food has the power to bring people together. The delectable smells alone can be reminders of holidays past. Maybe it’s Grandma’s pie recipe baking to perfection or your best friend’s special stuffing that’s the ideal pairing with turkey. Of course, nothing is more special than when you get to enjoy all the flavors of Thanksgiving with loved ones.

With turkey taking center stage on the table, it is no surprise that 85% of people say their favorite part of the holiday is the food, followed by being with family (79%) and friends (37%), according to Shady Brook Farms research.

With 71% of people planning to serve a whole turkey, budget-conscious consumers are planning to cut back on appetizers, sides and desserts to ensure the turkey is the focal point of the meal. Furthermore, 89% are planning on purchasing it from their local supermarket.

Your ultimate ‘Guide to Good’

Preparing the turkey is an important role. It’s no surprise that 44% of those celebrating are looking for help when it comes to preparation and cooking. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed this holiday season as Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are here to help. From perfecting holiday recipes to experimenting with new techniques and supporting local communities, their ‘Guide to Good’ initiative is focused on good actions, ingredients, taste and celebrations.

Thanksgiving culinary tips

In the guide, you’ll find helpful information on making a Classic Turkey so it comes out perfect at the exact time you’re planning to eat. If a new take on turkey is suited for your guests, try a Cranberry BBQ Glazed Whole Turkey recipe that puts a delicious twist on traditional Thanksgiving taste.

Of course, the Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without gravy. Did you know that turkey giblets could be the key to the savoriest gravy ever? Even better, gravy is the perfect way to ensure you use all your turkey to make for less waste in the kitchen. Check out the Giblet Gravy recipe that is guaranteed to help you create a gravy-crazed crew looking to top their turkey until the last bite.

After the feast is finished and your stomach and heart are full, you’ll need to tackle the leftovers dilemma. If you’re part of the 38% of those looking for ideas for leftovers, consider Turkey Eggs Benedict or a Turkey, Spinach and Swiss Quiche.

Spreading good by giving back

Millions of children and families living in the United States face hunger and food insecurity every day, according to Feeding America^®, and 15% of people are not going to celebrate at all this holiday season simply due to cost-related obstacles.

Understanding the critical need to help, Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are continuing their own give-back efforts this year partnering with retailers to provide a brighter holiday season with the donation of more than 20,000 turkeys to local community food banks and are encouraging consumers to do the same by offering easy ways to make an impact in their own communities.

If you’re in the position to support those in need, you can learn more on how to support your community by visiting the ‘Guide to Good’ at ShadyBrookFarms.com or HoneysuckleWhite.com.

2022-10-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – As America races to accelerate innovation across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), public and private sector investments are essential to advancing new technologies. The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 represents a solid step forward in the country’s path to investing smartly in STEM education and programming. Notably, the act allocates investments in STEM at K-12, community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels. It’s one way to ensure that more people from all backgrounds, regions, and communities around the country gain access to STEM education and training opportunities.

However, the responsibility to expand access to STEM resources does not rest solely on the government’s shoulders. Commercial and private institutions, as well as individuals (especially teachers and parents), continue to shore up the country’s competitiveness by working to educate and inspire future generations to explore STEM careers. And good thing, because STEM occupations are projected to grow at twice the rate of all other occupations in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-29 employment projections.

A thriving example of a private program that helps prepare young people for STEM careers, one award-winning online collection of hands-on STEM activities attracts thousands of visitors each month. Offered by 4-H, America’s largest youth organization, in partnership with HughesNet, the world’s largest high-speed satellite Internet provider, the platform presents hundreds of interactive activities designed for students from Pre-K through high school. As easy to do at home as they are in a school setting, here are just a few of the activities available on the platform to ignite student interest in STEM:

• With the How Do Satellites Communicate Augmented Reality (AR) Experience, viewers explore an animated model of a satellite and how it connects people to the Internet.
• In this Space Exploration Experience, a virtual astronaut explains how to grow food in space, operate a lunar terrain vehicle and see firsthand what it takes to live and work among the stars.
• Code Your Communication educates budding computer programmers about coding through this fun activity creating a bracelet with a message in binary code.
• Science Bug: Electrical Circuits has children exploring how circuits work and even making their own light-up “science bug” necklace.
• Get in Gear! teaches students about the power and mathematics of gears as they assemble and test different sets to see how small actions can create big movements.

“The STEM students of today are tomorrow’s technology leaders. These 4-H activities make high-quality STEM education materials available to them no matter where they live,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. “The innovative engineering behind HughesNet requires a strong science, technology, engineering, and math foundation, so we understand the importance of STEM. We proudly support 4-H in inspiring the new generation of STEM professionals.”

HughesNet delivers a fast connection for people who live beyond the reach of other Internet services. Recognized as the Best Rural Internet Provider of 2022 and Best Satellite Internet Provider of 2022 by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews, HughesNet high-speed satellite Internet connects millions of Americans to STEM education and much more. Visit hughesnet.com/4H to access a world of online STEM resources.

2022-10-25T20:01:00

(BPT) – By Chung Wook-jun, vice president and head of H&A Design Lab at LG Electronics’ Life Innovation Design Center

Home appliances, like furniture items, art and decorative objects, are an essential part of interior design. While flashy, attention-grabbing appliances have been quite popular at times, consumers today are showing a far greater appetite for subtle, sophisticated products that can bring harmony to their indoor spaces, rather than dominate them.

In 2018, to meet the rising demand for home appliances that can blend in well with each consumer’s decorating style, LG Electronics launched ‘LG Objet’, introducing a new concept in convergence products. LG Objet solutions are a premium combination of home appliances and furniture that delivers modern convenience as well as seamless stylistic and spatial integration.

And, in October 2020, the company took things to the next level with the unveiling of the ultra-elegant LG Objet Collection, further blurring the line between state-of-the-art home appliances and designer furnishings. Created to help bring harmony to any living space, LG Objet Collection products leverage the latest technologies to make daily life easier in multiple ways, along with an aesthetic that harmonizes effortlessly with one’s taste in décor, whatever it may be and however it might change. Offering various combinations of colors and finishes to choose from, the Collection presents a plethora of personalization possibilities.

At IFA 2022, LG once again raised the bar with the latest addition to the LG Objet Collection lineup: the groundbreaking MoodUP™ refrigerator. Featuring color-changing LED door panels that can be easily controlled with the LG ThinQ app, the unique MoodUP can enhance the atmosphere in the kitchen, reflect the user’s current mood or even help to brighten up their day. The ultimate fridge for those who enjoy variety and change in their living environment, the MoodUP can be ‘refreshed’ with a different color combo whenever the mood takes hold. And for those planning to redecorate their kitchen, the MoodUP can easily match any new décor by changing colors on the app.

Prioritizing and expanding the customer experience, the MoodUP refrigerator can also change its colors or flash in time to music played through its built-in Bluetooth speaker — yet another example of how LG is rethinking home appliances and finding inventive ways to harmonize living space and lifestyle.

The MoodUP refrigerator is a perfect example of how LG products are developed by studying different customers’ lifestyles and reflecting their demands. Accordingly, LG product designers play a rather active role in the product development process from the very early stages.

Inspirations can even be found unexpectedly in everyday life experiences. To offer a personal anecdote, a few years ago, an idea for a new product came to me randomly at home. I noticed my wife separating my clothes from those of my daughter and washing them in different loads, an observation that helped our team come up with the LG TWINWash™. This game changer allows users to wash small loads in the compact LG SideKick washer below while running larger loads on top. It is always such a rewarding experience when our customers use our products the way we originally intended and to see them satisfied with the experience.

What’s more, in my view, good home appliance design considers not only the functionality and the look of the product itself, but how that product can relate to and harmonize with the space in which it will be placed. Moreover, it should be able to fit in with any space and be able to accommodate the widest possible range of personal tastes.

To achieve this, designers need to consider how the product will allow consumers to curate their space as they want it, without making compromises. This is why LG product designers focus on balancing convenience and customizability, form and function, to create seamless solutions that enhance the customer experience for each and every user.

This story was edited from an editorial feature article published in Yonhap News. To read the full Executive Corner piece, visit lgnewsroom.com.

2022-10-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Marcus Benedetti, Chairman at Clover Sonoma

The Business Model of “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Done To You”

Many worldwide trends are convening on the truth that businesses that run by the model of “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done To You” will have more success than those that operate for profit at all costs.

First, consumers are increasingly aware of the power they have to trigger change by voting with their purchases, and they are voting every day. Providing transparency is now the lowest common denominator for businesses with a future — countless studies demonstrate how more and more millions of consumers are seeking to understand the impact they have on their communities, the environment and even politics through their purchases and food choices. Second, a growing segment of consumers of all ages want to understand the interdependence between what they consume and the health of the planet. Third, the desire for work that matters, is respected and makes a positive impact in the world. These trends combine to put the individual — as a consumer and an employee — in charge more than ever in modern history.

We are at a crossroads, where pressure will only continue to increase on companies to produce products that meet consumers’ ever-expanding desire to have a positive impact on their world. Bottom line, the general consumer desires not only to understand, but have confidence in, the companies behind the products they purchase.

Now’s the time to strengthen every business model for the future by building transparency into supply chains and business practices, and measuring your business performance against goalposts defined by positive impact, not just profit. We need to create systems and processes that provide credibility and checks and balances that help protect businesses for growth in an increasingly transparent and conscious world. We believe that when you measure revenue growth by positive impact, growth is inevitable.

Just Saying So Isn’t Enough

Of course, the reason running a business by the Golden Rule is even a discussion is because too many companies have obfuscated, sugar-coated, “washed” or explicitly lied about their business practices and their products. Just off the top of my head, many predatory companies come to mind: Enron’s fraud and corruption that not only manipulated energy markets but also lost billions; Wells Fargo’s duplicitous opening of millions of unauthorized accounts in its clients’ names; Bernie Madoff’s massive Ponzi scheme that lost $18 billion of other people’s money; Volkswagen’s intentionally programming of 11 million cars to activate emissions controls only during laboratory testing, so that drivers who had paid a premium to have a “clean driving” car were actually emitting 40 times MORE polluting nitrous oxide than the emissions test revealed. None of these companies broadcast their deceptions. People believed in these companies because each one had built a good reputation; reputations built on words, not on checks and balances or verifiable transparency. And while I wish everyone’s handshake was worth something, we have too much evidence that this is not enough to trust.

What the world of business needs now more than ever is what the B Labs bring to the table. I believe that with the B Corp Certification process, every company can be a verifiable force for good.

Every Company Can be A Verifiable Force For Good

B Corporations

The B Corporation (B Corp) certification evolved specifically to combat this “greenwashing” and to hold companies fully accountable for the impacts that they have on the world. Certified B Corporations have been certified by the nonprofit B Lab to have met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Unlike other certifications such as USDA Organic or Fair Trade, which verify select components of a supply chain, the B Corp Certification validates an entire company’s practices, including worker engagement, community involvement, environmental footprint, governance structure and customer relationships. The B Corp certification process separates the companies who are walking the talk from the companies that are just talking a good game.

Clover Sonoma has the benefit of a long legacy of our “do unto others” business model; it’s how the company started in 1977. However, every company can benefit from this business model, and be a positive force for good and a profitable business in their categories.

The certification process includes several steps to confirm that the company 1) has verified social and environmental performance, 2) legal accountability, and 3) public transparency. After each of these steps is passed with high enough scores or structures in place, each company signs the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, the document outlining the values that define the B Corp community. Certification is for three years, after which the company repeats the process to maintain its certification. You can read much more here.

The B Corp principles are a roadmap for running a positive impact company. At the same time, the rigorous certification is a third-party verification for our business partners, our team members, and our consumers that we mean what we say and that we are dedicated to a positive relationship with every constituency we touch.

The Golden Rule in Action: Trust and Respect

Treating everyone in your business ecosystem as your business would like to be treated is the most important principle for growth any business can have for today and for tomorrow.

The decision to implement what is inherently a choice to be a positive for good comes down to this: Do all of your stakeholders trust you to do what’s right for them and with them? Do you respect all of the companies, organizations, and people you’re dependent upon as you would like to be respected by them? When the answer to both questions is “Yes,” business can be future-proofed.

When the answer to either or both questions is “no,” your business is in trouble — not just for tomorrow but for today. Any friction in business and consumer relationships translates to wasted energy, lost money and overall inefficiency, all of which negatively impact the bottom line today and any company’s prospects for the future.

How does this translate in Clover Sonoma’s business?

When consumers trust us, our top line naturally grows in parallel, because more people have chosen to pay a premium for our high-quality dairy products, from fluid milk to yogurt, butter and eggs.

• Which means that our customers — the grocery stores and other retailers that sell our products — do a better dairy business, which in turn contributes to their ability to maintain their stores, employ people and offer better products to their customers at better prices.
• Which means that our family dairy farmers are able to thrive and increase their positive and sustainable environmental practices because of how well they treat their cows and manage their land.
• Which means our employees are excited and satisfied with their ability to produce and market better, healthier products.

It’s the total business that matters. Increased topline doesn’t matter unless the whole business is operating in sync to generate a positive bottom line. That bottom line is a result of positive, transparent and respectful business practices.

Every B Corp company, 2,788 companies across 150 industries in 64 countries (as of this writing), can confidently write a similar story about the relationships they have with the communities, employees and customers they touch.

For Clover Sonoma, the B Corp certification process was an affirmation of our legacy and focus. In 2016, we pressure-tested what we thought to be true about our company through the certification process. One of the proudest moments I had as third-generation CEO is when we received our score for the company’s initial certification, 97 out of 100, far above the 80 points required to qualify for the B Corp certification. Yet, we’re never done. What comes naturally, what is part of our DNA, we don’t take lightly. We’re constantly working at it, because we believe, as a business, it is our responsibility to help make the world a better place.

Business Can Make More Impact Than Any Government

Business (industry) makes more impact in our world than any government, humanitarian or environmental organization. By its sheer size, the world’s industry is bigger than all governments combined. (Global gross domestic product is almost $75 trillion, compared to Global government budgets of just over $23 trillion.)

Business can be the biggest force for good anywhere, simply by choosing to measure growth through the lens of positive impact, not just profit for profit’s sake. Taking this approach is also taking a positive step toward future-proofing your business. Given the growing call for transparency and the increasing power of consumers buying with a higher purpose in mind, companies that choose NOT to measure their success through positive impact will see their prospects shrink, and ultimately break under the pressure that not caring for the true impact of their business has on the world around them.

The growing family of B Corps is proving every day that when a business chooses to be a force for good, good things, including revenue, grow. And in turn, that business will create a strategic, forward-looking competitive advantage for the future.