In today’s information-overloaded business world, we often find ourselves deluged with literally hundreds of news items from dozens of sources. While it is likely impossible to read every article and remain productive, by not doing so we risk missing the one article that could change a key business practice or thought process. And that is where the NATSO Foundation’s publication, Biz Brief, provides assistance! The NATSO Foundation's Biz Brief is a daily collection of the most relevant business intelligence for truckstop and travel plaza operators.
While we think the Biz Brief is a must-read every day, if you only read ten news articles this week, these ten most-clicked Biz Brief articles are the ten to read.
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Driver Views on Loyalty Cards Mixed
Many retailers seek the loyalty of today's truck drivers. Truckstops, parts dealers, food service operators, convenience stores and truck dealerships are all trying to attract drivers through rewards programs. And drivers view the efforts differently. One driver commented, “Personally I HATE THEM! I have to carry so many ‘rewards’ cards that I sit 3 inches higher in my truck seat if I don’t remove my billfold before I sit down. All the different Truck Stop cards add up to at least 6. Then add motel cards, K-mart card, Wal-Mart card of some kind, CVS card, insurance cards, company credit cards, personal credit cards, debit card and more!" Others find the programs a useful benefit. Click here to read more > - Virginia Truckstop Receives Temporary Reprieve
The TravelCenters of America TA facility at Exit 150 on Interstate 81 has received a 90-day stay. The truckstop, which was scheduled to be closed by the Virginia Department of Transportation in August, now will stay open until at least November. As a result of a state interstate ramp construction project, the property on which the travel center sits will be taken by eminent domain proceedings. Unfortunately, this action will remove much needed truck parking from the I-81 corridor. Click here to read more > - Credit Card Fraud Rising
As credit card issuers and banks move closer to the transition from magnetic stripe technology to more-secure chip and PIN products, criminals are increasing their efforts to take advantage of the older technology. In fact, many European credit card issuers are declining transactions conducted in the U.S. because the fraud is so prevalent. According to Allen Friedman, director of payment services at Ingenico, "The overall fraud went way up in UK cards because cards were being counterfeited and used in the U.S. A lot of counterfeit fraud is from European issuers since the fraud is migrating to the easiest target, and the easiest target now is the U.S." Click here to read more > - Michigan TA Sells $4.4 Million Winning Lottery Ticket
A customer of the TravelCenters of America TA facility in Bridgeport, Mich., accidentally purchased a winning lottery ticket worth $4.4 million. The winner, who was not identified, inadvertently put a $20 bill into the lottery dispensing machine. Consequently, he played his usual ticket and picked a second one to spend the additional $10. The payoff is $4,000 per week for life. The lucky customer will use the money to live debt free from bills and mortgage payments and share the wealth with family members. Click here to read more > - Three Restaurant Trends to Watch
Understanding the difference between a fad and a trend can allow an operator to decide which tactics are most appropriate to apply. Fads, while important, tend to fade away fairly quickly. Consequently, a limited investment of time and money is a prudent tactic. Trends are long lasting and worthy of greater focus. Three trends that recently have been identified are the use of locally outsourced products, a focus on healthy food with great taste and the utilization of mobile devices and social media. Click here to read more > -
Etiquette and Leadership
As children, we often are told about the importance of etiquette. Unfortunately, as leaders we often fail to remember those childhood lessons. According to the attached article, "Knowing the rules of etiquette helps you to respond intellectually rather than emotionally to a difficult situation. Etiquette calls for self-restraint. This means being able to subdue “me first” behavior or self-important attitudes in favor of the comfort of others in your surroundings." Displaying proper etiquette is, in fact, a matter of leadership responsibility. Click here to read more > - Leadership Lessons From a Marine General
Retired Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who was the commander of the U.S. Central Command, has some counsel for leaders interested in inspiring their team. Mattis outlines four traits critical to successful motivation; be absolutely passionate about your work, support your teammates when they make a mistake, delegate to the lowest capable level and make sure to get your organization's culture right. Click here to read more > - Love's Opens in Colorado
Love's Travel Stops has opened a new travel center at Exit 26 on Interstate 70 in Grand Junction, Colo. The location, which includes a Carl’s Jr. restaurant along with a retail deli offering gourmet coffee and fountain drinks, gifts and travel items, will provide 80 truck parking spaces. The travel stop will employ 60 people and is the company's 10th in the state. Click here to read more > - June Oil Imports Hit 21-Year Low
Oil imports dropped 5.7 percent from a year earlier to 9.23 million barrels a day, which is the lowest level since 1993. Additionally, U.S. crude output increased 16 percent to 8.35 million barrels a day, the highest for June since 1986. Click here to read more > - Energy Department Offers Alternative Fuel Funding
The U.S. Energy Department has announced that it will offer $4.5 million to construct alternative fuel facilities. In an effort to reduce the consumption of petroleum products in transportation, the funded projects will include plug-in electric, natural gas, propane, and flexible fuel vehicles. The federal monies will support seven to 15 deployment projects. Click here to read more >
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