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A series of events across Georgia will highlight the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and how it can transform communities and jobs. 

Georgia AIM Week, which takes place Sept. 30-Oct. 4, is hosted by Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM). The week kicks off at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Tech Green with the debut of the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio. The vehicle will tour the state during the week to showcase how a wide range of organizations, including public schools, manufacturers, and technology startups are using AI. The week will conclude on Oct. 4, National Manufacturing Day, at the University of Georgia in Athens. 

Funded by a $65 million federal Economic Development Administration grant, Georgia AIM launched in September 2022 and connects 16 projects across the state, all working to develop a manufacturing workforce skilled in smart technologies and to deploy innovation in the manufacturing industry. Georgia AIM is believed to be one of the largest federally funded initiatives of its kind in the country to connect economic development with AI in manufacturing to foster advancements in innovation and workforce development. The grant project is led by the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).

“Georgia AIM Week allows us to showcase the incredible work that we have accomplished in partnership with a range of organizations over the last two years,” said Georgia AIM co-director Donna Ennis. “Artificial intelligence and smart technologies are game changers for small and medium manufacturers, and learning these technologies opens doors for our workforce. Georgia AIM is working across the state to ensure Georgia can take advantage of these new technologies, and Georgia AIM Week is highlighting these efforts.

Along with the kickoff and wrap-up events, Georgia AIM Week events will occur in Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Dawsonville, LaGrange, McDonough, Moultrie, Savannah, and Warner Robins. Two virtual “Hour of Coding” activities for 6^th to 12^th graders are also planned for the week. 

Manufacturing-focused events will be hosted by the Georgia MBDA Business Center, Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility located at Georgia Tech. 

Georgia AIM’s work across the state includes K-12 initiatives to connect STEM and problem-solving activities to students; new labs and equipment at Technical College System of Georgia campuses, a new program for cybersecurity training at the Cyber Innovation & Training Center with Augusta University, and new workforce development programs that include training and apprenticeships and fellowships that align with local manufacturing needs. Overall, more than 3,000 students and 1,500 teachers in K-12 schools have connected with new science-based challenges. New programs are connecting Southwest Georgia career academies to advanced technologies, and the number of robotics programs for K-12 schools in Middle Georgia have doubled. 

Georgia AIM funding created the AI-Enhanced Robotics Center at the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center in Warner Robins, where 24 students so far have received AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Specialist technical training certificates. Georgia AIM has also connected with dozens of manufacturers and communities across the state, assisting with technology implementation and pilot projects to help incorporate smart technologies.

Abigail Martin of Georgia Power talks about their focus on business owners and what factors may impact your rates.

Tupperware Brands Corporation (“Tupperware” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TUP), an iconic global brand, today announced that the Company and certain of its subsidiaries have voluntarily initiated Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”).

Tupperware will seek Court approval to continue operating during the proceedings and remains focused on providing its customers with its award-winning, innovative products through Tupperware sales consultants, retail partners and online. The Company will also seek Court approval to facilitate a sale process for the business in order to protect its iconic brand and further advance Tupperware’s transformation into a digital-first, technology-led company.

Following the appointment of a new management team within the last year, Tupperware has implemented a strategic plan to modernize its operations, bolster omnichannel capabilities and drive efficiencies to ignite growth. The Company has made significant progress and intends to continue this important transformation work.

“Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family. We plan to continue serving our valued customers with the high-quality products they love and trust throughout this process,” said Laurie Ann Goldman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tupperware.

“Over the last several years, the Company’s financial position has been severely impacted by the challenging macroeconomic environment. As a result, we explored numerous strategic options and determined this is the best path forward. This process is meant to provide us with essential flexibility as we pursue strategic alternatives to support our transformation into a digital-first, technology-led company better positioned to serve our stakeholders,” added Goldman.

In its annual US retail holiday forecast, Bain & Company predicts sales growth to slow this holiday season. The firm forecasts a subaverage 3% growth in US retail sales—significantly lower than the 5.2% ten-year average. However, interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve could help to bolster consumer confidence in the months ahead.

In-store sales to remain relatively flat, growth will vary across categories
Bain estimates US retail sales will reach a total of nearly $941 billion during November and December.

The firm predicts in-store sales will remain relatively flat, at a growth rate of just 0.5% year-over-year, the lowest rate since the Great Recession, with the strongest instore growth coming from general merchandise (excluding department stores), clothing and accessories, and grocery. Bain expects department stores, sporting and hobby stores, and furniture, building and gardening stores will experience negative single-digit growth.

Despite dropping slightly this year, Bain predicts nonstore sales to grow 9.5% year-over-year, driving about 90% of the growth.

Headwinds pose a challenge, but some tailwinds may boost sales 
Bain’s proprietary Consumer Health Index reveals US households across all income cohorts reported worsening fiscal outlook, with upper-income households who represent more than 50% of spending, reporting the steepest declines.

Retailers continue to face challenges that may stifle holiday sales this season, as shoppers allocate more of their wallet to costly non-discretionary spending—including housing and healthcare—and face growing credit card delinquency rates and lower savings rates.

“It’s been a relatively slow year for US retail, as consumers have grappled with rising costs and growing unemployment,” said Aaron Cheris, partner in Bain & Company’s Retail practice. “Yes, we saw stronger-than-expected retail sales in August, but that’s mostly due to expectations being so low. August sales actually saw a deceleration from July. Nonetheless, interest rate cuts and a strong stock market performance could help to bolster consumer confidence, potentially contributing to at least modest sales growth. If retailers want to beat these gloomy expectations, they will need to get an early start, emphasizing value and finding ways to delight shoppers during a stressful season.”

5 tips for retailers to outperform this holiday season

1. Emphasize value, no matter the price point
2. Entice consumers with intuitive search tools, personalized marketing, relevant gift lists, and timely promotions
3. Showcase exclusive products, collections, brands, and partnerships
4. Delight shoppers during a stressful season with upskilled holiday staff and more fulfillment options, including fast shipping and easy returns
5. Make omnichannel easier — utilize excess store capacity to meet digital demand

Harry Norman, REALTORS® is excited to announce the appointment of Stan Baker as the new Vice President of Relocation and Business Development. With over 30 years of experience in expanding business and operational efficiencies, Baker brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to the Harry Norman, REALTORS® leadership team.

In his new role, Baker will drive business growth through vertical and lateral business expansion initiatives and oversee the Corporate & Consumer Business Services (CCBS) group of experienced consultants who help individuals, corporations and relocation management companies with specialized relocation programs. His growth mindset and leadership will be instrumental in driving the company’s continued momentum. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Stan to our team,” said Jenni Bonura, Harry Norman, REALTORS® President and CEO. “His deep industry knowledge and proven ability to drive development make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that Stan will play a key role in our company’s future growth.”

Baker’s extensive career includes over 20 years in the relocation industry, where he consistently delivered outstanding results, driving exponential progress in sales and profitability. His expertise in transforming solid-performing business units into top performers is well recognized. Before transitioning to real estate, Baker served as President and part owner of a service provider to numerous Relocation Management companies, where he built an extensive network of key contacts that will undoubtedly be advantageous to the Harry Norman, REALTORS® organization. Baker’s career is marked by his operational excellence and leadership.

Most recently, Baker has been an agent at the Harry Norman, REALTORS® Collection at Forsyth office, where he demonstrated his exceptional skills in business development and customer relations. His appointment as Vice President of Relocation and Business Development marks a significant step forward for Harry Norman, REALTORS® as it continues to expand and innovate creating new opportunities for clients and agents.

Interviews are available upon request, and photography can be found here.

A new study from Bain & Company and KLAS Research shows US healthcare providers and payers are boosting their investment in AI, cybersecurity, and other IT areas to support innovation and improve operations. The survey of some 150 US healthcare provider and payer executives finds 75% have increased IT investments over the past year, a trend that is likely to continue. These are among the findings of Bain and KLAS in their 2024 Healthcare IT Spending study, released today.

“Payers and providers are continuing to place a premium on technology, a sentiment that has become increasingly true in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Berger, partner in Bain & Company’s Healthcare & Life Sciences and Private Equity practice. “While the focus on ROI has increased, we’re also finding these organizations are more inclined to experiment with technology, especially with advanced solutions, such as AI and natural language processing, to improve outcomes.”

“The need is there,” said Adam Gale, CEO of KLAS Research. “Providers and payers are making it clear that there are tremendous opportunities for vendors who are committed to providing innovative, secure, and reliable solutions that drive real outcomes and can show a real ROI.”

Where providers are investing
The study finds providers are focusing IT spending on IT infrastructure and services, such as cybersecurity, clinical workflow optimization, data platforms and interoperability, and revenue cycle management (RCM). IT infrastructure and services emerged as a top priority as providers seek to strengthen cybersecurity to mitigate the risk and impact of attacks and improve the integration of current IT applications. Efforts here have been amplified by the Change Healthcare incident, which highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Cost management and electronic health records (EHR) integration and systems interoperability remain provider IT pain points.

Where payers are investing 
Payer organizations are prioritizing IT investments in care coordination and utilization management as well as in claims processing and payments. The study found payers are investing in provider payment tools, modernizing their core administrative processing system infrastructure, and purchasing more payment integrity solutions.

More than 65% of payers cite legacy technology as a key problem. Aging infrastructure limits scalability and flexibility; maintaining these systems imposes significant cost. While legacy tech has been a long-standing issue for payers, significant system modernization entails a multiyear effort and poses operational risk that many chief information officers are loath to assume.

Cybersecurity has emerged as an imperative for payers as well, with IT leaders citing cybersecurity as a reason for increased technology investment.

AI gains attention and adoption
AI technologies have made inroads across healthcare, with providers and payers exploring AI-supported solutions to enhance decision making, improve operational efficiency, and deliver care and engagement. Providers have made strides over the past year, with about 15% of providers in our survey saying they have an AI strategy today, a stark increased from just 5% in 2023. Roughly 25% of payers say they have an established AI strategy in 2024. A healthy majority of both types of organizations are optimistic about implementing generative AI. However, despite its potential, several barriers hinder more widespread adoption of AI. Providers and payers cite regulatory and legal considerations, cost, and accuracy as main hurdles to implementation.

A robust IT investment outlook
Amid diverse approaches to IT investment, healthcare providers and payers are doubling down on their commitment to investing in IT solutions, with a renewed focus on cybersecurity. Providers grapple with budget challenges and the need to integrate new solutions with EHRs and other suites. To address these obstacles, they are concentrating on solutions that offer clear, rapid ROI and that have proven integration. Payers are dealing with legacy tech stacks, many of which require significant spending and manual effort to maintain. Organizations hope to streamline their tech stacks and often favor existing vendors that offer cost-effective solutions with reliable cybersecurity.