As global trade policies continue to shift, tariff-related uncertainty remains a critical issue for manufacturing executives—particularly Chief Operating Officers (COOs), who are charged with managing supply chains, cost structures, and long-term resilience. While some manufacturers are lobbying for product exemptions or weighing cross-border production strategies, others are actively assessing how tariffs impact their competitive positioning …..

The recent shift in presidential tariffs policy is expected to stimulate growth in U.S. manufacturing. While this anticipated surge is welcome news for the sector, it also exposes a critical weakness: a growing talent gap and an urgent need for workforce enablement. As production ramps up, manufacturers face increasing difficulty hiring, training, and retaining the …..

As manufacturers continue embracing digital transformation, they’re also becoming prime targets for increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. From smart machinery and cloud-connected systems to widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturers are operating in an era where convenience and innovation come with significant risk. Heading into 2025, it’s more critical than ever for companies in …..

By Al Nafea In 2025, emerging tech like AI, 3D modeling, drones, and VDC is helping small contractors boost productivity, cut costs, and thrive in a changing construction industry. Technology is improving productivity and profitability for small contractors as the building industry continues to change. Technological advancements are sweeping across all industries at a staggering …..

By Evan Milberg The US construction industry has an unusual balance of optimism and unease. Here are five of the biggest economic and technological trends to help contractors navigate the current climate. It’s a bit of a weird time to be a general contractor in the US. On one hand, the Trump administration has vowed …..

Tariffs on construction materials have been rising steadily, putting significant pressure on contractors and trades. Higher material costs can quickly erode profit margins, delay projects, and even lead to disputes over unexpected price increases. To survive and thrive despite these challenges, contractors need proactive strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their businesses. Here …..

By Erica Linguanti   The digital landscape of 2025 is evolving at a rapid pace, presenting unique challenges for nonprofit professionals. To stay ahead of the curve, nonprofits must continuously adapt and refine their strategies. What worked in the past, may not work in the future!   For example, while social media platforms remain a …..

As we move into 2025, nonprofit organizations face increasing competition for donor attention and support. To stay ahead, nonprofits must adapt to evolving marketing trends that drive engagement, build relationships, and amplify their mission. Research indicates that it can take 18–20 points of contact to reach a new donor, underlining the importance of a multi-channel, …..

The start of a new year presents an opportunity for nonprofit leaders to reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges. Assessing organizational successes and areas for improvement is essential for making strategic adjustments that enhance future success. Below, 20 members of the Forbes Nonprofit Council share insights gained from their experiences in the nonprofit …..

By  Travis Carey, CPA and Amy West, CPA Chief financial officers (CFO) of not-for-profit (NFP) organizations face many challenges today, especially workforce issues. Foremost is the inability to recruit and retain employees because of extraordinarily tight budgets. A large percentage of an organization’s expenses is related to personnel, making it difficult for nonprofits to compete for talent against …..

By Randy Gieseking, President of Safety Management Group Over three decades in the field, it has become evident that safety extends beyond compliance; it involves addressing the real challenges faced daily by workers, owners, and contractors on the ground. Recently, a senior safety advisor observed that a worker appeared to be struggling. After initiating a conversation, …..

By Jay Langston and James Hamilton For many general contractors, taking on work in a new state or region can offer transformative opportunities for building a thriving business and a respected reputation. But managing projects is challenging enough – even if the jobsite is down the street and all members of the project team are familiar …..

A construction business whose structures collapse is doomed to failure. This is why blueprints are drawn and foundations must be solid. A construction business that fails to keep its books is equally at risk of failure. If a construction business fails to track income and expenses, materials can’t be ordered, paid for, and their delivery …..

by Steve W. Smith In recent years, the U.S. construction sector has been caught in a perfect storm: a dwindling pool of skilled laborers just as demand for their expertise skyrockets. According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the industry is grappling with a deficit of 501,000 workers to satisfy existing demand. What’s …..

By Jeff Schreifels Back in my direct response days, August and September were crucial months to set the tone for the year-end fundraising push. But what you may not realize, if you haven’t been in direct response or annual giving, is that year-end planning starts months in advance. (Think… March.) Yet, too often, mid-level and major …..

By Anita Dennis Many not-for-profit organizations dread the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) because it can be a challenge to sort out when a not-for-profit’s activities are subject to the tax and when they are not.  However, it’s important that organizations that qualify as tax-exempt get their arms around UBIT’s uncertainties. More than 80,000 exempt …..

Have you been hearing the term CECL in financial and accounting circles?   CECL, pronounced “sea seal” is the common short-hand for Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (topic 326). CECL doesn’t just apply to financial institutions, it applies to nonprofits too.   The main goal of the standard is to …..

By Paul Clolery Nonprofit employees with 403(b) retirement plans would be able to participate in collective investment trusts (CITs), if new federal legislation passes and is signed into law. A CIT is a tax-exempt investment vehicle that is similar to mutual funds that provides a diversified, pooled investments. Under current law, 401(k) holders, 403(b) plan …..

As Boomers and Gen Xers approach retirement, effective financial planning becomes crucial to ensure a comfortable and secure future. This article outlines essential tax and financial planning strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals nearing retirement. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of retirement planning with confidence. Understanding Retirement …..

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was introduced as a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 to help businesses keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit was designed to provide financial relief to businesses that experienced significant declines in revenue or were forced to suspend …..