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 newest 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.
- Truckers' Shutdown Coming?
A group of truck drivers have established a Facebook page titled "Truckers To Shutdown America." The page states: "The American people are sick and tired of the corruption that is destroying America! We therefore declare a GENERAL STRIKE on the weekend of Oct. 11-13, 2013! Truck drivers will not haul freight! Americans can strike in solidarity with truck drivers!" The Facebook page has been active for three days and has 22,000 likes. Click here to read more > - Travel Plaza Employee Delivers Baby
Serendipity made an appearance at the Flying J in Ogden, Utah, last week. Michelle Sausameda was not scheduled to work, but was filling in for a co-worker at the Flying J. Destiny Johnson was not scheduled to deliver her baby for several weeks and was on a camping trip with her family. Michelle and Destiny met in a grass field beside the air compressor where the Johnson family had stopped to air their tires. Sausameda took on the extra role of mid-wife and helped deliver the Johnson's son, Braxdon. Click here to read more > - NATSO Industry Veterans Make Forbes 400
Tom and Judy Love, founders of Love's Travel Stops are listed as number 132 on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest people in the world. The Love's started their business in 1964 and opened the chain's 300th location this summer. Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Pilot Flying J, holds the 369th spot on the list. Pilot Flying J is one of the largest private companies in the country and operates more than 600 locations in 43 states. Click here to read more > -
“The shale revolution has created a new opportunity to meaningfully grow the U.S. economy. I believe that this is, this could be, the largest single advantage that the U.S. has enjoyed in the last century.
Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters of America LLC
Click here to read more > -
Group to Build Micro-LNG Plants in Several States
A group of alternative fuel and financial firms led by Clean Energy has plans to build micro-LNG production plants in Florida, Washington, Colorado, North Dakota, Ohio and Texas. General Electric and Ferus Natural Gas also are involved in the project. While no public announcement was made regarding level of investment, a production plant typically costs $40 million to $100 million to construct. Click here to read more > - California Close to 25% Increase in Minimum Wage
Legislation increasing California's minimum wage from $8.00 to $10.00 in two steps between now and January of 2016 passed the state Senate with a 26-11 vote. The majority leader of the state Assembly and the Governor have both thrown their support behind the bill. If the legislation passes, California would have the highest minimum wage in the country surpassing Washington state, which currently has a $9.19 per hour required minimum. Click here to read more > - Truck Stop Receives $100,000 Local Incentive
Scott's Square Truck Stop has been awarded a $100,000 tax increment financing grant from Cass County in Indiana to assist in the construction of their facility. The grant will help finance electricity and natural gas infrastructure, entrance paving and permit costs related to the project and will be repaid by future tax revenues generated by the new business. Click here to read more > - GPS Endangers Trucker
A driver hauling a flatbed full of fencing supplies to its destination was led on a series of switchback curves by his GPS and finally came to a point where he could not continue. His truck was within inches of plummeting off of the cliff into a ravine with no room to move forward or backward. A front-end loader was brought to the site to extricate the vehicle. Click here to read more > - New $100 Bill Coming in October
The Federal Reserve has announced Oct. 8 as the roll-out date for the new $100 bill. The bill initially was introduced in 2010, however, production delays hindered its original start date. It is suggested that retailers familiarize themselves with the new design and and its security features. Click here to read more > - Oil Infrastructure Needs Total $100 Billion
Companies such as Kinder Morgan are investing nearly $30 billion this year to upgrade infrastructure. These needs range from pipelines to ship channels to drilling facilities as oil production in the country continues to explode. Kinder Morgan's five-year backlog of infrastructure projects totals $14 billion. Click here to read more >
I might be biased, but I think if you aren't receiving Biz Brief, you are missing out! Not a subscriber? Be sure to submit a request to be added to the email list. Already receive it and have feedback for me? Be sure to email me at editor@natso.com.
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