Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Consumer confidence holds at five-year high, but barely

Consumer confidence held at a five-year high in November, but there were signs that concerns about the "fiscal cliff" are starting to weigh on sentiments. The final November index of consumer sentiment stood at 82.7 based on the widely followed survey by Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan. That's a notch above the 82.6 reading for October, but down from the 84.9 preliminary index earlier in November. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Career academies prepare students for sustainable careers

With historically high unemployment rates it would be safe to assume that companies are in an advantageous position for filling their staffing needs. However, that isn’t always the case. Many communities struggle to fill positions because they lack the right types of workers for the positions that are available. More at the Gainesville Business Report.


Shoppers depend on social media, apps

Publisher's Column

Scams in the Sunshine

Floridian
I’m tired of scams. Scams of one sort or another have operated for years. But computerization makes the task easier and allows it to multiply. Both private businesses and government coffers are under attack from these nefarious tricks.

» Full column...

Retailers are ramping up their use of social media and mobile applications this holiday shopping season to lure shoppers into both brick-and-mortar and online stores. Bargain hunters are also using sites such as Facebook and Twitter to find deals and discounts, as many get exclusive or early access to retailers' Black Friday sales if they "like" or "follow" them in cyberspace. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


MIA lauded for vegetarian food options

The airport is tied for fifth place with Chicago O’Hare International Airport in a review by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit group that advocates vegan and vegetarian diets. The report studied 18 of the country’s busiest airports and said 76 percent of restaurants had healthy options, defined as at least one vegetarian meal that is low-fat and cholesterol-free. More at the Miami Herald and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.


Nonprofits scramble to meet families' needs

With Thanksgiving just a day away and Christmas on the horizon, some nonprofits are struggling to provide take-home meals for people who depend on them to bring some holiday cheer. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Shopping Guide
Small Business Saturday

small business saturdayCreated in 2010 to help support small business and jumpstart the economy, Small Business Saturday aims to benefit local merchants and shoppers alike. For example, if you have an American Express card, sign up for a $25 statement credit for Small Business Saturday and use the card at hundreds of Florida businesses to save $25 on your purchase. Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and see more information, including where to find deals, from American Express.