Monthly Archives: December 2016

SBA Releases New Research Findings on Diversity Trends in Small Business Investing

Posted on by NAWRB

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In October 2016, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a report, Measuring the Representation of Women and Minorities in the SBIC Program, revealing diversity-related trends in small business investing. In order to address the diversity of SBICs and portfolio company program participants, the SBA approached the Library of Congress’s Federal Research Division with the following inquiries:

  1. How diverse are SBICs in terms of having women and/or ethnic or racial minorities in leadership positions?

     2. Are racially diverse SBICs more likely to invest in small businesses led or owned by women and/or ethnic or racial minorities?

     3. Are gender-diverse SBICs more likely to invest in small businesses led or owned by women and/or ethnic or racial minorities?

     4. How do SBICs led by women and/or ethnic or racial minorities compare in terms of investment performance to non-diverse SBICs?

     5. Are diverse SBICs more likely to invest in low and moderate income (LMI) communities?

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Happy Holidays from NAWRB!

Posted on by NAWRB
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22 Dec

 

The adorned trees in front windows, decorative neighborhood lights and bustling shopping malls all communicate the same message, the holidays are coming! The recently decreased traffic on the way to work suggests that many have already begun their holiday vacations and are travelling around the country to be with their loved ones during this wonderful time of year.

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Open Houses: Cookies Can’t Redeem a First Impression

Posted on by NAWRB
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20 Dec

 

Think about your favorite products, your favorite cereal, chips or toothpaste. Whatever the merchandise, we all have preferred items that aren’t the most inexpensive or even “best” product on the market. This is because when we find something we like—because of the way it works, its appearance or a memory with which we associate it—we care little whether it’s economical or the superior product on the market. We buy it because we have a relationship with that brand.

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Federal Reserve Board encouraging “consumers to closely monitor their financial accounts”

Posted on by NAWRB
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15 Dec

 

The holiday spirit is in full tow! From malls across America to online retailers, consumers are excitedly shopping for their loved ones’ perfects gifts. You must always remember to keep track of your finances during the holidays, a time when your accounts are experiencing increased activity.

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FHFA Performance & Accountability

Posted on by NAWRB

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The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) established the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to supervise and regulate the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal Home Loan (FHL) Bank System. The FHFA is an independent government agency that employs examiners, analysts, attorneys and industry experts. Congress provided the Director of the FHFA the authority to appoint the FHFA as the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and this authority was utilized in 2008.

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Department of Labor Research and Evaluation Plan for 2016 Request for Information

Posted on by NAWRB

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Dear Sharon I. Block,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Research and Evaluation Plan for 2016 Request for Information (RFI).

Of the Statistical Analysis of Trends and Surveys, I believe Gender Patterns and Pay in Occupations and Industries along with Caregiving and Women’s Retirement Security are of great importance to the evaluation plan and its practitioners. 

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that women’s median income is 79 percent of men’s median income. This is blatant inequality that needs to be addressed and rectified in order to encourage and secure the progress of women in the workforce and in our country. If women earn less than men, have less means and access to resources, how can they be expected to equally traverse the same professional and personal arenas?

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Recruiting and Retaining in Today’s World

Posted on by NAWRB
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13 Dec

“Times are changing,” a phrase that has been uttered by countless people throughout time. In regards to recruiting and retention, what has changed is the workplace and work culture. The office isn’t what it used to be, and neither are professional relationships. A growing number of workers are reaping the benefits of technology and flexible work arrangements leading to being able to work from home or have a modified schedule.

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