Safety
BBB Scam Alert: Texas employment scam reports in 2023 shatter five-year records
In quarter one of 2023 (January thru March), reports of employment scams to BBB Scam Tracker from Texas residents doubled, and money loss increased substantially compared to the typical rates Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives at the beginning of the year. The organization reminds jobseekers to be wary of fraudulent job postings, especially high-paying work-from-home…
Read MoreHow the World Really Works
I start this article with a quiz. What are the 6 human-made materials that are essential for our modern comfortable, affluent lifestyle? The book “How the World Really Works”, by scientist, Vaelav Smil, says they are low-cost energy, food, ammonia, steel, cement and plastics. Had I taken the quiz, I probably would have gotten energy…
Read MoreShred It for Sealife, to benefit the Texas Sealife Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Coastal Financial and Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) are proud to announce their upcoming event, Shred It for Sealife, to benefit the Texas Sealife Center. This community shredding event and donation drive will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 9am to 12pm at Texas Sealife Center located at 14220 S…
Read MoreBBB Tip: Finding a Trustworthy Landscaper this Spring
The beginning of spring is just around the corner on Mar. 20 and as businesses and homeowners prepare for warmer weather, many are also preparing to begin seasonal projects. Whether focusing on the interior or exterior of their homes and businesses, BBB reminds Texas residents to research businesses carefully before contracting services for whatever improvement…
Read MoreBBB Scam Alert: Impostors steal billions from businesses and consumers since 2020
A key strategy of scammers is to build trust between themselves and their target. The more the victim trusts the scammer is legitimate, the more willing they are to divulge personal information or provide payment. To help establish trust or authority, con artists often impersonate a wide range of reputable businesses or government agencies through…
Read MoreBBB Tip: Top 5 Coastal Bend-Area Scams of 2022
In 2022, Coastal Bend-area consumers and businesses reported multiple scams to BBB, totaling $30,000 lost for the year. Across Texas, BBB received an average of 250 scam reports per month totaling $1.9 million lost for the year. While the tactics of scammers often shift to take advantage of marketplace trends, online shopping, employment and phishing…
Read MoreUS Labor Department Independent Contractor Rule
In 2022 the US Labor Department (DOL) issued a new proposed rule for Independent Contractors. The comment period ended in November 2022 and it is anticipated the DOL will issue the final rule in the first quarter of 2023. If your business is a member of your trade association, it should have kept you informed…
Read MoreNational Glaucoma Awareness Month
The month of January is recognized as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Furthermore, The National Eye Institute projects that this number will increase to 4.2 million by 2030. Glaucoma is sometimes referred to as “the sneak thief of sight” since there…
Read MoreBBB Tip: How to avoid purchasing fake tickets to events
As another Texas summer with record-breaking heat ends and the beginning of the Fall season approaches, many people will be looking to get out and enjoy themselves at various events across the state. Residents may be planning on watching their favorite sports team compete this season or attending a concert featuring a famous musician. With…
Read MoreScreen for Progress: Developing Your Business With Technological Innovation
For small and mid-sized businesses, making inventive use of tech should be a top priority. The right tools can help you to optimize your processes, overtake the competition and develop the foundations for long-term growth – here are a few key areas to consider. Machine Learning Advances in data science have culminated in a new…
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