Latest news with #TomSullivan
Fibre2Fashion
29-06-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
US Small Business Confidence rises slightly in Q2 2025
The MetLife and US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index rose modestly to 65.2 in Q2 2025, up from 62.3 in Q1. The uptick reflects improved confidence in business health and cash flow, with 69 per cent reporting their business is in good health and 73 per cent feeling comfortable with current cash flow. However, the index remains below the 69.5 recorded a year ago, underscoring ongoing economic caution. While concern over inflation has dropped to 48 per cent—marking the first time it has fallen below 50 per cent since Q2 2022—70 per cent of small businesses still report inflation has significantly affected operations, and 60 per cent have increased prices in the past year, the US Chamber of Commerce said in a press release. Workforce-related concerns are growing, with 16 per cent citing employee retention as their top issue, up from 11 per cent last quarter. The MetLife & US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index rose to 65.2 in Q2 2025, reflecting improved confidence in business health and cash flow. Inflation concerns eased, yet operational impacts persist. Staffing plans are up, but revenue expectations have softened. Supply chain issues, compliance burdens, and benefit complexities remain key challenges. Supply chain disruptions also persist, with 47 per cent of businesses having altered their supply chains in the past six months and 30 per cent unable to meet customer demand. The burden of licensing and compliance is also rising, with 40 per cent of small businesses spending more time on government requirements. 'Small businesses are cautiously navigating a complex economic landscape. While they are confident in their business operations—especially at the local level—when it comes to long term planning there is some hesitation as inflation concerns linger, and new trade policies create economic uncertainty,' said Tom Sullivan, senior vice president of small business policy at the US Chamber of Commerce. Expectations for future growth are mixed. While 42 per cent plan to increase staffing—up from 37 per cent last quarter—only 65 per cent expect revenue growth over the next year, down from 73 per cent in Q2 2024. 'We are managing these headwinds through tight cost controls, vendor renegotiations, and strategic investments in automation and distribution. These adjustments have improved profitability, even amid an unprecedented decline in demand,' said small business owner Colton McCurley . This quarter's survey also highlighted challenges in offering employee benefits. Although 93 per cent believe benefits are vital for employee wellbeing and retention, 66 per cent find selecting benefits difficult, and 67 per cent wish they had external guidance. Health insurance remains the most commonly offered benefit but rising costs and budget constraints remain barriers. Businesses in the services sector and those owned by baby boomers report lower confidence in both national and local economic conditions. Gen-Z and Millennial owners are more optimistic, added the release. 'Today's small business owners are navigating a complex benefits landscape that's only grown more challenging in recent years. It's no surprise that an increasing number, two in three, say they wish they had outside help,' said Bradd Chignoli, executive vice president and head of Regional Business and Workforce Engagement at Metlife . 'Partners such as benefits brokers and insurers are excellent resources to meet this challenge. By working with knowledgeable experts, small business owners can focus on their top priority: growing their business.' Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 NJ primary election: Here's a list of all contested races in North Jersey
The focus on the June 10 primary will be the gubernatorial election, but there are lots of local contested races in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Morris counties. This is New Jersey's first primary where all 21 counties will use a black ballot design for both parties instead of the "county-line." The line traditionally gave candidates who were endorsed by the county party a preferred ballot placement, but it was dismantled by a federal judge last year. As of May 1, New Jersey had 6,565,285 total registered voters, which includes 2,449,526 Democrats and 1,621,669 Republicans. More than 691,000 vote-by-mail ballots were sent out across the state and about 234,000 have been returned, according to state officials. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by June 10. One of the top contested local primary races to watch is that of the Bergen County commissioners. The contested Democratic primary will see former Palisades Park Mayor Chris Chung, former Bergen County Democratic Organization state Senate candidate John Vitale and former Closter Councilwoman Dolores Witko face off against incumbents and party-endorsed candidates Democratic Commissioners Tom Sullivan, Mary Amoroso and Germaine Ortiz. Other top local races to watch include the Rutherford Council, where six Democratic candidates are running for two seats, and Cresskill, where a two-year unexpired mayor term is up for grabs after Mayor Benedict Romeo, who had been in the post since 1999, died in February. The most-watched primary race in Morris County is in its largest town of Parsippany, where incumbent Mayor James Barberio is in a bitter primary battle with Councilman Justin Musella. Musella's exit from the council to run for mayor opens a second seat on the council. Barberio's ticket includes incumbent Councilman Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah. Musella is running with Casey Parikh and John Bielen. Story continues below photo gallery. The Democratic candidates for governor are Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. The Republican candidates for governor are state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman and previous nominee Jack Ciattarelli (endorsed by President Donald Trump) and former radio personality Bill Spadea. Two other Republican candidates, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and Justin Barbera, are also on the June 10 primary ballot but did not meet various qualifications to participate in debates this spring. The following are all contested races listed by county and party. An asterisk denotes incumbents. Members of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners (Vote for three three-year seats) Bergen County Democrats for Change Chris Chung John Vitale Dolores Witko Democratic Committee of Bergen County Thomas J. Sullivan * Mary Amoroso * Germaine M. Ortiz * CRESSKILL Mayor (Unexpired two-year term) Skyler Cohen —Better spending. Better schools. Better Cresskill Leslie Kaplan — Democratic Committee of Bergen County GLEN ROCK Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Jonathan Hendl – Putting Residents First Seth M. Rosenstein* – Glen Rock Democrats for Council Rachel C. Madley – Glen Rock Democrats for Council MOONACHIE Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Robert J. Bauer Sr. – Democratic Committee of Bergen County James D. Campbell – Democratic Committee of Bergen County Giovanni A. Brattoli – Your Voice, Our Future! RIDGEFIELD Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Joanna Congalton-Hali* – Democratic Committee of Bergen County James V. Kontolios* – Democratic Committee of Bergen County Andrew J. Borek – People Who Love Ridgefield RUTHERFORD Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Edward C. Narucki – Eddie – Alt Indie Democrat Douglas J. Hoffman – Rutherforward Richard H. Hussey – Rutherforward Christie Delrey-Cone* – Democratic Committee of Bergen County Dennis F. Mazone – Democratic Committee of Bergen County Susan E. Quatrone* – Democratic Councilwoman Serving Rutherford FRANKLIN LAKES Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Joseph S. Conte – Trusted. Responsible. Dedicated Joseph L. Rosano – Trusted. Responsible. Dedicated Joel D. Ansh* – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates Michael A. Kazimir – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates HILLSDALE Borough Council - (Vote for two three-year terms) Anthony J. DeRosa – Hillsdale Republicans Louis A. Casale – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates Stephen B. Riordan – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates WALDWICK Borough Council (Vote for two three-year terms) Nadia M. Luppino – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates Charles F. Asta – Bergen County Republican Endorsed Candidates Michele S. Weber* – Bergen County Republicans Mark J. Ramundo* – Bergen County Republicans BLOOMFIELD Running for the Democratic nomination for three three-year terms on the Township Council serving at-large: Jill Fischman Satenik Margaryan Monica Charris-Tabares* Tracy Toler-Phillips Widney Polynice* MILLBURN Running for the democratic nomination for two three-year terms on the Township Committee serving at-large: Michael Cohen* Jeffrey Feld Annette Romano* WANAQUE Running for the Republican nomination for two, three-year terms on the Borough Council: Dominick Cortellessa* - Passaic County Regular Republican Organization Inc. Angela Demetriou - Community: Stronger Together Edward Leonard* - Passaic County Regular Republican Organization Inc WAYNE Running for the Democratic nomination for one, four-year term as township mayor: James R. Freeswick - Democrat Donald Robert Pavlak Jr. - Passaic County Democratic Organization Endorsed Candidate DOVER COUNCIL (Democrat) Ward 1 (Vote for one four-year term: Claudia Toro* Daniele Mendez Ward 2 (Vote for one four-year term): Sergio Rodriguez Judy Rugg Ward 3 (Vote for one four-year term): Michael Scarneo Christopher Almada MENDHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (Republican) (Vote for two three-year terms): Robert Mason Bruce LaFera* Neil Sullivan MONTVILLE COMMITTEE (Republican) (Vote for two three-year terms): Daria Senaldi Chris Fano Thomas Mazzaccaro James Sandham Jr. PARSIPPANY (Republican): Mayor (Vote for one four-year term): James Barberio* Justin Musella Council (Vote for two four-year terms): Frank Neglia Jigar Shah Casey Parikh John Bielen ROCKAWAY BOROUGH (Republican): Council (Vote for two three-year terms: Robert DeVito Andrew Agliata* Thomas Slockbower* ROCKAWAY TWP. COMMITTEE (Republican): Ward 6 (Vote for one four-year term): Rachael Brookes* Tucker Kelley WASHINGTON COMMITTEE (Republican) (Vote for two three-year terms): Michael Marino* Michael Starr Lawrence Bajek Early in-person voting for the June 10 primary election will begin on June 3. Registered voters can begin to cast their votes on that day in their county's select early voting locations. They will be asked to vote for their party's gubernatorial candidate as well as local, state and federal races. This article originally appeared on 2025 NJ primary election: North Jersey contested races
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Lumber Liquidators Brings Back Iconic April Flooring Sale
Lawrenceburg, TN April 29, 2025 --( )-- The newly relaunched Lumber Liquidators is bringing back one of its most beloved traditions: the Famous April Flooring Sale, offering deep discounts across hardwood, waterproof, and laminate flooring—and servicing our customers in over 200 stores from coast to coast. 'This event started over 20 years ago when our then-CFO, Frank Marcus, reminded me we needed cash to pay our taxes,' says Tom Sullivan, founder and owner. 'So, we put our best deals on the floor—and customers loved it. It's grown into a major savings event that clears space in our warehouses while helping families get great floors for less.' Lumber Liquidators is back. New Company. New ownership. New Leadership. Same great floors and great pricing. This year's April Sale includes major discounts on overstocked and limited-quantity flooring, making it a perfect time for homeowners and contractors alike to save big. Don't miss it—this is your chance to be part of the new chapter of Lumber Liquidators. Visit or your local store to shop the sale while supplies last. Contact Information: F9 Brands Inc. Jill Witter 972-310-1449 Contact via Email Read the full story here: New Lumber Liquidators Brings Back Iconic April Flooring Sale Press Release Distributed by
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Tips To Help Small Businesses Boost Revenue As Concern About Economy Surges
Some 35% of small business owners, including Black entrepreneurs, have concerns about revenue. That is significant as it represents the highest share in four years. The finding comes from the Q1 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. It was the highest level of concern since the third quarter of 2021 at 34% when tracking for that measure started. It rose 10 percentage points this quarter, up from 25% in last year's fourth quarter. Worry for inflation climbed to a new high with 58% reporting it as a top concern this quarter. Some (66%) of those quizzed reported they are snug with their cash flow, down from 72% last quarter. Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, stated in comments in a news release, 'The data is clear, confidence is being shaken as small businesses increasingly worry about their revenue while at the same time confronting the possibility that tariffs will raise costs for them and their employees.' The Q1 survey was done online between late January and mid-February this year with a sample size of 750 U.S. small business owners and operators. It included at least 50 Black-owned small businesses, and 100 Black respondents. Further, 141 POC-owned small businesses were surveyed. At the same time, small businesses disclosing a drop in revenue surpassed those declaring an uptick, according to the 2025 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey. It was released March 27 by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks. Many small businesses have expressed concerns recently, including raising fears about inflation and how to navigate President Trump's new economic agenda. Here are some tips small businesses might consider on helping to boost revenues in uneven economic times: Enlarge your product offerings: Consider diversifying to attract a larger audience. That could come by checking out customer segments or new markets you're not serving now. Center on customer retention: It's often less costly and simpler to sell to existing customers because you already serve them, they trust you and they are loyal. Examine a strategy where you regularly seek feedback on what they want and digitally follow-up to help ensure they turn to you again when they need what you offer. Pinpoint niche markets: Focus on identifying and targeting underserved markets that larger providers might be neglecting. For example, offering tailored products or services that rivals are not providing might help you thrive by meeting that demand. Boost revenue by cutting costs: You can take several actions to help do this. For instance, canceling memberships or services that are not necessary for your business. Explore ways to reduce utility costs and seek discounts or better pricing from suppliers. Offer a personalized touch: People buying goods and services like to feel they are getting your attention and are valued. Tap into your customer database to offer personalized product recommendations, follow-up messages, or emails on discounts or special offers. Use upselling techniques: This approach can potentially get customers to spend more. It could involves encouraging customers to buy a higher-end version of a product than what they initially intended to buy. For instance, a patron going to a nail salon for a manicure can be encouraged in a non-pushy way to buy a top-notch nail care kit or even a pedicure. Capitalize on modern marketing methods: Broaden your exposure online by being proactive on digital media. You can research how well-known sites like TikTok can help with that. Observers say the most successful companies know their online audience and use everything from engaging content, leveraging hashtags, working with influencers, and posting regularly. Cross-sell with another brand or retailer: Partner or work with another business that provides a setting or supplies products and services that complement what you're offering. RELATED CONTENT: Small Businesses Can Use Checkout Technology To Help Tackle DEI Challenges Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado Senate gives initial OK to gun restriction bill, with exemption added
Sen. Tom Sullivan, a Centennial Democrat, listens to witness testimony during a Colorado Senate committee hearing on his bill that would ban firearms with detachable magazines on Jan. 28, 2025. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would ban the sale of many semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, though the chamber also approved a series of amendments that substantially altered the scope of the bill. The amended Senate Bill 25-3 would now allow people who have completed a safety and training course to acquire otherwise banned guns. That carve-out is expected to appease Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who has historically been wary of sweeping firearm restrictions. The chamber passed the bill on second reading after midnight on Friday after nearly 10 hours of debate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As introduced, the bill would have outlawed the sale, purchase and transfer of guns that accept detachable magazines in an effort to enforce Colorado's existing ban on large-capacity magazines, defined as magazines with over 15 rounds of ammunition. While not an outright ban on so-called assault weapons, the bill would have stopped the sale of the most common semiautomatic rifles and handguns. Opponents argued that it would decimate the firearm industry in Colorado. 'We spent quite a bit of time these last several weeks trying to get it to a space where we could be inclusive to everyone who was having concerns,' bill sponsor Sen. Tom Sullivan, a Centennial Democrat, said. That includes hunters, sportsmen and Polis. Throughout the debate, Sullivan held a photo of the 100-round magazine that a gunmen used during a 2012 mass shooting in Aurora to kill 12 people, including Sullivan's son Alex. 'What we're trying to do is save lives,' Sullivan said. 'We are all hoping that those 550 million firearms that are out there are in the hands of law abiding, responsible gun owners and we don't have to worry about them taking any action in our communities. What we are worried about is the new (owners) who all of sudden just walk down the street, and … after we pass this, and starting in September, the only assault style weapons they can get are going to have attached magazines to it.' The new carve-out approved on Friday, however, creates a pathway for Coloradans to obtain the type of guns targeted in the bill. First, a purchaser would need to be vetted by their county sheriff in a process that would be similar to that required when a person seeks a concealed carry permit. Then, if they already completed a hunter safety course from Colorado Parks and Wildlife — which people must do to get a hunting license in the state — they would need to take an additional four-hour basic firearm safety course. If a person did not already have their hunter safety certification, they would need to complete an extended course of 12 hours of in-person training over two days. The course would need to include safe handling and storage, child safety, information about gun deaths associated with mental illness and Colorado's red flag law. A person would then need to score at least a 90% on an exam after the course in order to qualify for the exemption. That exemption would be valid for five years, and a person would need to take a refresher course at that point if they wanted to buy additional firearms with detachable magazines. 'I want to acknowledge the extent to which we've heard concerns … from our governor and from Coloradans. We've worked to address them,' bill sponsor Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat, said before explaining the amendment. Republicans remained opposed to the bill and carve-out amendment. Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, said the policy would transform the right to own a gun as outlined in the Constitution into a privilege. 'Sure, it's a small thing to get a little bit of education to get a firearm, but it's a big thing to turn your back on your rights as a citizen,' he said. Ten states require purchasers to have safety training before buying certain firearms, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Washington, for example, has required training to purchase any semiautomatic rifle since July 2019. Republicans also argued that the amendment changed the bill too much and it should be sent back to committee for consideration. The bill passed the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in January on a 3-2 vote, with the two Republican members voting against it. Throughout the debate, they offered amendments to exempt certain demographics from the bill, such as domestic violence survivors and veterans. Those amendments all failed. Another successful amendment on the bill exempts about 40 of the most common semiautomatic rifles used for hunting and some relic firearms. The bill is set for a final recorded vote early next week, when it needs 18 votes to get through. There are 23 Democrats in the chamber. If it passes, it will then move to the House for consideration. Democrats have strong majorities in both chambers. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
