For most of us reliable high speed Internet access is a daily necessity that when interrupted causes havoc to our routines. We expect our access to be reliable like telephone, water, sewer, and electricity – like a utility. The debate for and against Net Neutrality centers on this question. Should Internet access be regulated like a utility or …
Giving Up Giving Gifts as Retail Sales Slow
With just 21 days left before Christmas we are now in the thick of the holiday “consuming” season. Shopping no longer being the operative word considering we are targeted by retailers and websites to buy what has the most margin after being baited by the best deal. We are merely consumers in the eyes of …
Work Revolution Needed for Tampa Bay Transit Plans
The top priority of improving our transportation network is to reduce congestion which would improve the quality of life and make our region more attractive to top employers and professionals. Infrastructure and bus improvements short of rail will certainly assist with relieving congestion; and with continued political efforts can be brought to reality. But will these initiatives ever really ease …
Ignoring This Trend Could Ruin Startup Incubators
For a while I have expressed concern about the future of startup business incubators that are not only in Tampa Bay but everywhere. Tampa Bay Innovation Center president Tonya Elmore noted in the Tampa Bay Times last year that every “city council member in every town wants an incubator now that startups like Facebook glamorized entrepreneurship”. The article estimates …
For Social Enterprise Potential, Look Back at Globalization
During discussions about the Conscious Capitalism and Benefit Corporation movement or my own book Corporate Empathy the conversation often has some focus on social entrepreneurship and social enterprises and what the potential is for these kinds of businesses. According to Wikipedia, “a social enterprise is an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being, rather than …
Apple Enters Smartwatch Category But Won’t Change Demand
With Apple’s announcements yesterday it seems the brand is taking another full step into the direction of being an average consumer electronics device company. Compared to Steve Jobs’ previous absence due to his ouster in 1985 this time they are at least remaining profitable and floating above water with the competition. For now. Apple will now be offering two …
Dirty Political Trick Exploits ALS Foundation
Yesterday’s negative claim about the ALS Foundation by the Political Ears website is an outrageous example of a low class website intentionally using data out of context to exploit a good organization. Yes the article reports accurately that only 27% of funds raised (last year) were directed towards research. But then like a dirty political campaign it uses …
TBO: Airport pitched as place to market products made in Tampa area
Personal friend Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist deservedly received good coverage today with this story in the Tampa Tribune. As I bring my own apparel and merchandise brand Corporate Empathy to market and partner with local brands like the Black & Denim Apparel Company it is nice to see this project’s focus. This “Made in Tampa Bay” …
Supreme Court Decision Paves Way for Corporate Empathy
The United States Supreme Court decision (PDF) this week in favor of Hobby Lobby has struck a cord and again raised the level of discussion around the subject of corporations as people. For my religious conservative friends it is a win for religious freedom and my liberal friends an attack on women’s rights. This case would …
I’ll Bleed for this. My #28DayChallenge Results
When May was coming to a close I accepted the cold water challenge given by a friend and decided that I could use a public self-challenge to tackle some tasks I had been wanting to accomplish while also changing some habits. A full month seemed pointless and difficult to track so the convenience of four weeks from June …