Forefront | Blog
Proliferation of the Strategic Capital Advisor
Managing new client development for Asset-Based Loans in the Midwest for a large regional bank over the last 13 years, I witnessed a waxing trend where the direct client sourcing and execution of a financing transaction moved away from me… Continue Reading
Cryptocurrency Mainstream Acceptance
Even if you are not involved, we have all seen the cryptocurrency exchanges bankruptcies over the past year plague crypto investors. But did you ever notice that large companies do not transact in cryptocurrency? Sure, a few companies that sell… Continue Reading
Inflation & the Fed by the Numbers
Over the past 18 months, the Fed has raised the Federal Funds Rate 11 times for a total of 525 basis points. Looking back at the past 25 years, the Fed has adjusted rates across nine economic cycles. Sue Koss explores this… Continue Reading
Community Colleges are Essential for Workforce and Economic Development
CNBC issued the 2023 America’s Top States for Business report. All 50 states were scored among ten categories of competitiveness. Michigan ranked 10th overall, earning high ranks in cost of doing business and cost of living, at 6th and 7th… Continue Reading
Does Tourism Attract Talent in the Long Term?
In early July of this year, the State of Michigan cut almost half of the budget for its Pure Michigan tourism campaign. In making its decision, lawmakers cited that “promotional advertising should focus on talent attract (sic), labor retention, and… Continue Reading
Pure Michigan Tourism
Welcome to this week’s Forefront Friday, where John Ruther takes a deep dive into the realm of Michigan summer tourism. In this insightful discussion, John explores the recent “cuts” to the well-known Pure Michigan campaigns and shares captivating statistics about… Continue Reading
From Off-Shoring to Near-Shoring
For decades, U.S. companies have “off-shored” their manufacturing to lower-cost countries, taking advantage of cheaper raw materials and labor and more favorable regulations and environmental policies. However, with rising transportation and tariff costs, new U.S. laws that reward or require… Continue Reading
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has quickly emerged as a significant disruptor across various industries. Julie Lock explains that while AI’s efficiencies and advancements in areas like data insights and the automation of repetitive tasks cannot be overlooked, it’s important to note that it… Continue Reading
Commerical Real Estate Crisis Looms
Is a commercial real estate crisis on the horizon? Roughly $1.5 trillion in commercial real estate debt is due by the end of 2025, and steeper borrowing costs, coupled with tighter credit conditions and a decline in property values, have… Continue Reading
Finlandia University Auction
Want to take home a piece of Finlandia University? Following the recent news of Finlandia Unversity closing its doors after 126 years in Michigan’s upper peninsula, the institution has begun to auction off items. The auctions include a variety of items,… Continue Reading