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1 week ago | 
smallbusinesscurrents.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
Customers want instant gratification — speed and availability every time, all the time. A 2022 study from HubSpot found that when they have a question. The problem is that, with an all-human team, it’s nearly impossible to offer 24/7 support, even with global help, because of how costly overhead is. AI-powered chatbots — with the help of strategically placed visual assistants — are bridging this gap by offering real-time assistance without the expensive around-the-clock staffing.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
The Travelers Companies, Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of workers’ compensation insurance, has released its 2025 Injury Impact Report. This latest report examines more than 2.6 million workers’ compensation claims spanning two distinct five-year periods — before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that while injury rates have declined, the costs tied to these incidents continue to rise.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
Amazon.com Inc. has settled a patent infringement lawsuit filed by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The case, which centered around allegations that Amazon copied patented elder care technology for use in its Alexa-enabled devices, has now been dismissed with prejudice, according to a filing in Delaware federal court.
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1 week ago | 
smallbusinesscurrents.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
In honor of Small Business Month, it’s a good time to reflect on the vital role small businesses play in shaping our communities and powering the global economy. Running a small business takes vision, resilience, and adaptability, but staying competitive in 2025 is more challenging than ever. Amid rising costs, evolving customer expectations and rapid advancements in technology, many entrepreneurs are navigating uncertainty while trying to maintain efficiency, morale and growth.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
A new study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports reveals that data from pet insurance claims can serve as an early warning system for disease outbreaks in humans, potentially offering a one-year lead time before illnesses appear in people. The research, supported by Fetch Pet Insurance, analyzed 14 years of canine illness data and found significant predictive correlations with human disease trends.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
A new national study conducted by Northwestern Mutual reveals that financial uncertainty is significantly impacting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of Americans, with nearly 7 in 10 individuals (69%) reporting feelings of depression and anxiety related to money, an increase from 61% in 2023. The 2025 Planning & Progress Study findings highlight how economic instability is infiltrating many aspects of daily life, particularly for younger generations.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
A new survey from Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage and consulting firm, reveals that U.S. business owners are taking significant steps to shield their operations from a wide range of external threats. The survey, conducted between March 21 and April 2, 2025, sampled 1,000 U.S. business owners and offers a data-driven look into the concerns and actions of businesses navigating current risk environments.
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1 week ago | 
smallbusinesscurrents.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
Servant leadership is revolutionizing team dynamics in modern organizations. Drawing on insights from industry experts, this article explores how this leadership style fosters trust, empowers team members, and cultivates a culture of collaboration. Discover practical strategies for transitioning from traditional command structures to a more inclusive, supportive approach that drives innovation and improves team performance.
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1 week ago | 
programbusiness.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
A new report released by The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. reveals a notable gap between homeowners’ awareness of home risk prevention tools and their actual implementation. The 2025 Hanover Home Report: Loss Prevention, based on a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, shows that while many American homeowners recognize common risks to their property, far fewer take action to prevent potential damage.
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1 week ago | 
smallbusinesscurrents.com | Maria Valdez Haubrich
It’s not even officially summer yet, and Retail Brew reports that back-to-school shopping is already underway. The site talked to Kassi Socha, a director analyst at Gartner, who says several mass retailers started the back-to-school selling season on Memorial Day weekend, and “It wasn’t just a clearance. Retailers are preparing earlier than they have in past seasons for back-to-school.”Wayfair, another major retailer, reported it expects back-to-school traffic to start building this month.
