News from August 2024


eSutures announces name change to Synergy Surgical in light of new services

The Surgical medical supply company formally known as eSutures has announced its new name as Synergy Surgical, as a more accurate reflection of the more than 30,000 products the company sells today.

Gaming stars win State Farm Gamerhood Season 3: Neo City

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., (July 17, 2024) — The world’s first “all things gaming” neighborhood has returned with a new look and feel for season 3, set in the futuristic and cyberpunk-inspired Neo City.

Anti-Defamation League CEO wants to see cancel culture replaced with 'counsel culture' which says 'everyone has an inherent degree of dignity'

Cancel culture is seemingly a way of life in 2024, where the public ostracizes and shuns an individual and the entities with which they're associated—from business owners and CEOs to athletes and artists—for acting in ways or expressing opinions deemed unacceptable. But the Chief Executive Officer of America’s oldest anti-hate group would like to see the notion of cancel culture replaced by what he calls “counsel culture.”

Amazon recognizes Black-owned businesses in August and throughout the year

In recognition of National Black Business Month, Amazon published an article highlighting how it supports Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States and around the world. It extends much of that support through Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator (BBA).

Gas prices decline slower ahead of Labor Day weekend

Pump prices continue to fall, though the decline has slowed, with a reduction of just two cents to $3.36 over the past week. The slight increase in gas demand may be attributed to end-of-summer travel. Additionally, a developing storm system in the Atlantic could impact gas prices.

Insurify predicts 20% car insurance cost increase for Nevadans this year

A report from Insurify released on August 11 projected that car insurance rates in Nevada will increase by a total of 20% in 2024, resulting in Nevada drivers paying an average of $3,531 for full coverage car insurance by the end of the year.

Gov. Kemp hosts the first of three roundtables on civil litigation policies

Gov. Brian P. Kemp, joined by other state leaders, hosted small business leaders for a roundtable that addressed civil litigation policies and their effects on Georgia businesses and consumers. It was the first of three roundtable listening sessions to explore the topic.

Uber drivers aren't just sources of transportation—they may just save your life

While Uber drivers are most often tasked with simply ferrying passengers from one location to another, some have gone well above and beyond the call of duty in their service to others by saving lives.

LETO showcases luxurious and sustainable pool floats with Labor Day sale

New outdoor luxury brand LETO will mark the end of the summer vacation season with an exclusive 30% off sale on its website through Labor Day.

SBA announces $1 million grant awards for veteran business outreach centers

On August 27, 2024, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of President Biden’s Cabinet, announced more than $1 million in grant awards to three organizations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. These grants aim to establish new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) to enhance training and counseling services for veteran and military spouse small business owners. The new centers will commence their project periods on September 1.

SBA administrator surveys disaster recovery efforts in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – On Friday, August 23, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, traveled to Iowa to meet with disaster survivors and assess SBA recovery efforts following devastating tornadoes and severe weather earlier this year.

Montage Healdsburg and Cocina de Autor receive prestigious AAA Five Diamond designation

Two properties have been newly awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond designation. Montage Healdsburg in Healdsburg, California, and Cocina de Autor in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, have earned the highest distinction from the AAA Diamond Program for their luxurious surroundings, unparalleled service, and high-end cuisine. Additionally, this month saw 10 hotels and two restaurants join the AAA Four Diamonds list. Four Diamond properties are recognized for offering upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining.

Flying Food Group COO: ‘Training our employees ensures a good safety culture’

Tom Biland, President and COO at Flying Food Group, said that effective training for their employees fosters a strong safety culture. He shared these details in an interview with Business Daily on July 29.

Gas prices fall while electric vehicle charging costs remain stable

The national average for a gallon of gas has dropped by six cents to $3.38, a price point last seen on March 6. In contrast, the national average for Level 2 (L2) commercial electricity has remained steady over the past month.

Advance Auto Parts announces sale of Worldpac for $1.5 billion

Advance Auto Parts Announces Sale of Worldpac to Carlyle for $1.5 Billion

SBA Administrator visits India to boost collaboration on small business growth

NEW DELHI – During the week of August 12, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of President Biden’s Cabinet representing over 34 million small businesses in America, visited New Delhi and Hyderabad, India. The purpose of her visit was to meet with national leaders and local entrepreneurs to enhance the U.S.-India partnership and explore increased trade opportunities for small businesses in both countries.

SBA announces third annual Small Business Cyber Summit during Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will host its third annual Small Business Cyber Summit on October 16 and 23. This free cybersecurity series aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, aiming to provide America's 34 million small businesses with essential tools and resources to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. The summit, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, will feature hands-on advice, interactive forensic assessments, and panels discussing available local and federal resources.

Biden cabinet member visits Oregon for Investing in America Tour

SALEM, Ore. - On Tuesday, August 27, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, will travel to Oregon as part of the Investing in America Tour.

State Farm partners with NBCUniversal to support diverse small businesses

Valencia Giles always had a passion for music growing up and later discovered she had the gift of teaching. Together with her husband, Ozzie, they started the award-winning Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music in Metro Atlanta. A small business that began with 30 students now serves more than 1,200. They run two schools and are looking to add a third.

Biden-Harris cabinet member visiting Iowa for disaster assessment

DES MOINES - On Friday, August 23, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, will travel to Iowa to meet with disaster survivors and local leaders following devastating tornadoes earlier this year and assess SBA recovery efforts on the ground.