Most Small Businesses Give Fed Government a Barely Passing Grade: American small businesses aren’t feeling the love from the Biden administration, according to a new survey from Goldman Sachs of nearly 2,000 small businesses across the Continental US. A whopping 93 percent of those small biz owners feel that Washington isn’t doing enough to prioritize their issues over those of big business, while 55 percent are worried about a recession in the next 12 months. Respondents also cite the difficulty in finding and retaining qualified employees as their top concern (35 percent), followed by inflation at 23 percent and affordable employee benefits at 13 percent. On a positive note, 68 percent rate the current economy as fair or better, and more than half expect to create new jobs in the coming months. The full report can be read here.
Source: Goldman Sachs
Delta to Offer Free Wi-Fi on All Flights: In an industry that is known for slashing perks and charging for every little thing that customers will reluctantly pay for, Delta is sharing some good news with its frequent fliers. By the end of this year, Delta hopes to have more than 700 of its aircraft equipped with free Wi-Fi, with full availability on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024, according to an announcement from CEO Ed Bastian during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show last month. The airline has partnered with T-Mobile to bring “an easy, seamless experience” to its passengers. While Wi-Fi has not always been reliable on flights, so far the reviews are mostly positive across the travel blogosphere. Passengers have to use or sign up for a free SkyMiles account to access the free perk. The only drawback now is you can longer use “airplane mode” as an excuse for not answering those texts and emails at 30,000 feet. On the flipside, your flight won’t likely be delayed due to some stubborn celebrity refusing to stow their phone. Ah, the peace and quiet was great while it lasted.
Sources: Delta, CNBC
Las Vegas Tourism Was on Fire in 2022: There’s no stopping a trip to Sin City! The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority recently released its year-end report for 2022, noting that the city had a 38.3 million visitors, only about 4 percent below its 2019 high. Big spending—and winning—at casinos also boosted the state’s coffers as casino taxes equate to nearly 20 percent of the state’s total revenue. Additionally, convention attendance (like the upcoming 2023 CD/NLA Show this March 5-8!) was just below that of 2019 at 5 million (6.6 million in 2019). Hotel occupancy, building of additional state casinos, and sports betting was also up year over year. However, with such increased demand, officials are worried that a second airport might be needed, stat. Seeing a record 52.6 million passengers in 2022 at Harry Reid International Airport, with max volume expected to be reached by 2030, talks are for a new airfield about three dozen miles southwest of Reid near the California border along I-15. Another slated project—albeit with private funding—is a high-speed rail line connecting LA and Vegas, with construction expected to begin this year.
Sources: AP News, LVCVA, Brightline West
[02.07.23]