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Study Groups Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
By David M. Nelson Flashback: It’s June 19, 1985. I’m in a bit of a panic. The reports aren’t right. Tomorrow will be the very first Study Groups meeting. As we’re leaving Bellingham to drive...
The Case for Specialized Software: Why Best-in-Class Solutions Are Winning Over All-in-One Platforms
Evaluating Your Technology Strategy Your current technology may be showing its age, approaching end-of-life, falling short of evolving business needs, or delivering subpar service levels. As you search for modern solutions to address specific operational...
Choosing the Right Business Group: Local Business Leader Peer Group vs. National Industry-Specific Financial Benchmarking Group
When seeking professional development and networking opportunities, business leaders often consider joining various business groups. Two popular options are local business leader peer groups and national industry-specific financial benchmarking groups. While both offer valuable resources,...
Leadership That Endures
As the leader of a mid-sized company, you have moved from being an owner-operator dictating nearly every move to a leader of a team of decision makers. You’re in an influential position—able to impact culture...
Five Essential Steps for New Leaders to Drive Success
Becoming a new leader can be both exciting and challenging. As you embark on your leadership journey, it’s crucial to lay a strong foundation for success. In this blog post, we will explore five essential...
Optimizing Retail Performance: Data Delivery and Targeted Controls
This article provides a case study for GoMart, a three-generation retail chain of 125 stores that found itself facing increasing competition. With mature, experienced management and reliable business operations, the leadership team recognized the need...
The Corporate Transparency Act: What It Is, What Changed, and What Businesses Should Do Now
Why is the government asking who owns my business? The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which is bipartisan legislation, became effective in 2024. Designed to fight money laundering and illicit finance, the CTA requires certain companies...
How fuel retailers can find opportunity in a world of economic uncertainty
For more than two years, the American economy has defied expectations, avoiding a widely-predicted recession. Today, the risk of recession rises again, but both the economy and American retailers continue to show resilience. Several factors...
Navigating Payment Challenges: A Guide to Supporting Customers in Stress
What should you do when a previously reliable customer’s payment habits start to slip a bit, and they start to exhibit indicators for concern? Anything from new ownership or management to outside economic stresses or...
Software: Buy, Build, or Both?
Businesses rely on software for efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage. The key question is whether to build custom software or buy an off-the-shelf solution. Each approach has advantages, and the right choice depends on business...
Your Card Readers Are About to Expire. Are You Ready?
If you’re running a convenience store or retail business, there’s a ticking clock you can’t afford to ignore—your card readers are about to expire. And no, it’s not just a software update. The Payment Card...
How Does My Company Start a Hedging Program?
Source: LSEG To paraphrase a saying from the software industry, volatility in the energy market isn’t a ‘bug’…it’s a feature. The chart above of the continuous NYMEX ULSD futures contract proves the point. If you...