The holidays are a time for family and friends, get-togethers and parties, and plumbing emergencies?
Christmas is a special time when many of us reflect on how thankful we are for what we have and are inspired to do something for those who are less fortunate. Whether it be through monetary donations, gifts, food, or music, we want to bring them joy and a little comfort during the holidays.
MIDA, the Marketing, Industry and Food Distribution Chamber, recently offered its members the results of a study on the situation of the industry. The study included a survey of 28 industry leaders who delved into the impact that demographic changes are having on the purchase and consumption of food.
Recently, and in view of the very serious challenges facing Puerto Rico, some analysts have called for a Compact among the various interest groups in society to agree on basic development issues. I fully agree with the need for what I would call a Compact for Puerto Rico (in Spanish, “Pacto por Puerto Rico").
As tired as I was over a sleepless night —horrified after reading José Enrique Gómez’s murderer’s description of his vicious and vile death and deeply concerned about Puerto Rico’s present and future — I couldn’t miss our standing high-school monthly dinner, especially because two of my very best friends from school were in town.
With a change of government at hand and a new year ahead, it would be interesting to dare imagine a vision of a proactive, efficient and transparent Puerto Rico, that is, the opposite of what we have today in many respects.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $200,000 in pollution prevention grants to the University of Turabo and the University of Puerto Rico’s Aguadilla campus to fund projects that will help prevent pollution in Puerto Rico.
To help break the economic dependence cycle of female victims of domestic violence and other socially disadvantaged women, FirstBank awarded a $5,000 donation to Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico (BCPR) to provide training in sewing and work for 34 weeks to two participants of Casa Protegida Julia de Burgos and Hogar Buen Pastor.
UPS announced the launch of “Grow Your Business with UPS,” an online promotional program aimed at both new and current customers. This is the first initiative of its kind in the region, and it will be available in Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it has given authority to Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito de Arecibo, better known by its acronym COOPACA, to provide financial assistance to small businesses under SBA’s 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program.
Anna’s Linens announced that, after the favorable reception it has had since entering the local market, the retailer decided to open its sixth store in Puerto Rico ahead of schedule. The new 15,000-square-foot store — the home goods retailer’s largest store in Puerto Rico — is located at the Mayaguez Mall, at Borders’ former location, and it required an investment of approximately $900,000. The store is scheduled to open its doors Dec. 13.
On June 28, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the HC Reform is largely constitutional, upholding the individual mandate provision. The individual mandate is the provision that requires Americans to maintain health coverage. While it is still uncertain if this provision would apply to Puerto Rico, or what impact it would have on the HC Reform come January 2013, we are certain that employers will continue to face challenging decisions regarding healthcare.
Considering the business risks related to managing Puerto Rico’s comprehensive and complex labor regulation, it makes sense for companies to protect their resources with an Employment Practices Liability (EPL) policy.
This Veterans Day, while we take a moment to honor the millions of men and women who watch over our freedom, it’s important to also share information about the resources available to help veterans who are on the path to entrepreneurship.
Puerto Rico Governor-elect Alejandro García-Padilla will be undertaking an administration facing a very difficult scenario, with severe resource restrictions.
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