Author: Admin

Director of Logistics for the Georgia Center of Innovation Sandy Lake talks about the success of the 2024 Georgia Logistics Summit and what they have planned for 2025.

Key Findings: 

• Alaska tops the list as the most stressed state in the U.S., with a high overall Stress Score of 57.43

• Work-related stress is highest in California, while Alabama faces the most severe financial stress 

• Georgia ranks 10th overall, with significant financial and work-related stress factors

Stress is a pervasive issue in American life, with 83% of US workers reporting daily work-related stress, according to the American Institute of Stress. From the pressure of meeting deadlines to the challenge of maintaining a work-life balance, stress manifests in countless ways, impacting both personal well-being and professional productivity.  

However, the experience of stress is not uniform across the United States. Recognizing this variance, CBD.co (http://cbd.co), a leading online CBD marketplace, conducted a comprehensive study to uncover how stress levels differ from state to state. 

They examined a range of factors including work pressures, financial struggles, family obligations, and health concerns, to provide a nuanced picture of stress across America

The Data

The study analyzed various stress indicators across four main categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress. Each category was weighted equally (25%) to calculate an overall Stress Score for each state.

Data table showing 10 states with the highest Stress Score

		Weight	25%	25%	25%	25%
States	Rank	Overall Score	Work Stress Index	Finance Stress Index	Family Stress Index	Health & Safety Stress
Alaska	1	57.43	53.82	38.22	62.15	75.52
Arkansas	2	54.41	52.58	75.58	33.17	56.29
Nevada	3	54.40	53.73	48.88	43.29	71.71
Alabama	4	53.44	41.00	82.22	33.82	56.71
New Mexico	5	52.80	47.34	55.25	33.68	74.92
California	6	52.26	73.09	40.17	65.08	30.71
Mississippi	7	51.08	43.75	81.89	29.91	48.79
Arizona	8	51.02	36.85	57.53	39.62	70.09
Kentucky	9	50.44	52.50	69.87	37.64	41.77
Georgia	10	50.09	51.15	66.44	38.80	43.96

The team at CBD.co analyzed the top 10 states and their various scores, giving their insights into what the results suggest.

1. Alaska (57.43)

Tops the list due to high family stress (62.15) and health/safety stress (75.52). The harsh climate, remote living conditions, and high cost of living (31% higher than the national average) likely contribute significantly to these stressors. 

2. Arkansas (54.41)

The high financial stress (75.58) might reflect widespread economic difficulties. Low wages and a high poverty rate (seventh highest in the nation) are likely critical factors driving financial stress in the state.

3. Nevada (54.40)

Significant health/safety stress (71.71) may be linked to the state’s entertainment industry, including Las Vegas. The potentially transient population and economic volatility could further exacerbate stress levels.

4.Alabama (53.44)

The highest financial stress (82.22) among the top 10 might indicate severe economic challenges. Low median incomes and potentially high unemployment rates could be primary contributors to this stress. 

5. New Mexico (52.80) 

Substantial health/safety stress (74.92) might be influenced by high crime rates and possibly limited access to healthcare services. Economic instability could be adding to the overall stress burden. 

6. California (52.26)  

High work stress (73.09) and family stress (65.08) are possibly due to the high cost of living (30% higher than the national average), particularly in major cities, along with potentially long commute times. 

7. Mississippi (51.08)

Severe financial stress (81.89) could reflect economic hardships. High poverty rates (19.1% of Mississippi’s population below poverty line)and possibly limited job opportunities might be major stress factors for residents.

8. Arizona (51.02)

Significant health/safety stress (70.09) may be linked to high crime rates (highest murder rate in the country)and potentially concerns surrounding border security. The hot climate could also be contributing to health-related stress.  

9. Kentucky (50.44)

High financial stress (69.87) might stem from economic struggles, potentially including low wages (minimum wage of $7.25 an hour) and a declining coal industry. Health-related issues could also be playing a role in the state’s stress levels.

10. Georgia (50.09)

Significant financial stress (66.44) and work stress (51.15) might be due to economic disparities and potentially high living costs in urban areas like Atlanta (2% below national average, but 9% above state average).

The state’s rapid growth could be contributing to longer commutes and work-life balance issues for some residents. Additionally, the contrast between urban and rural areas might be creating pockets of economic inequality, potentially adding to the overall stress levels across the state. 

Factors Contributing to Stress Levels

Experts at CBD.co suggest the following key factors contribute to stress levels across the country:

• Work-related stress: 83% of US workers report suffering from daily work-related stress.

• Financial pressure: Economic instability and high living costs in many areas could contribute to financial anxiety.

• Work-life balance: 76% of US workers say that workplace stress affects their personal relationships.

• Workload: 39% of US workers cite workload as the main cause of their stress.

• Burnout: According to research from Indeed, 52% of employees feel burnout.

These factors can vary in intensity across different states, contributing to the diverse stress landscape revealed in the study.

A spokesperson for CBD.co commented on the findings: 

 “This study reveals how stress factors vary significantly across states. While work and financial pressures are common, their impact differs regionally. 

“Policymakers should consider investing in affordable housing in high-cost areas and improving healthcare access in underserved regions. For employers, implementing flexible work arrangements and providing financial wellness programs could address state-specific stressors. 

“Additionally, offering location-based compensation adjustments and mental health support tailored to local needs could significantly reduce employee stress. Understanding these regional stress profiles is key to developing effective, targeted strategies for both public policy and workplace well-being.”

The Kennesaw State University Foundation recently named Theodore “Teddy” L. Parrish, founder of Parrish Capital, as its new chair. His two-year term began on July 1. 

Parrish has been a member of the Kennesaw State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2010, most recently serving as vice chair. During his tenure, he has served on several committees and chaired the Investment Committee, where his efforts helped double the Foundation’s endowment in three years. In 2021, he received the Chairman’s Award for his efforts. Parrish is a member of the KSU Athletics Campaign subcommittee and is also a member of the Kennesaw State University Athletic Association Board. 

“Teddy brings a wealth of experience, deep-rooted dedication, and a profound understanding of our university’s mission,” said Lance Burchett, vice president for Advancement and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “His continued commitment will be invaluable as we advance our goals and foster greater opportunities for our students and community. I look forward to partnering with him as we work to build a brighter future for KSU.”

Prior to Parrish Capital, Parrish served as principal and director of investments at Henssler Financial and co-portfolio manager of the Henssler Equity Fund. He graduated from Kennesaw State in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and earned the coveted Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2004. While at KSU, he served as captain of the men’s basketball team and has remained a dedicated supporter of KSU athletics.

“I am honored and humbled having benefited from the foundation’s work as a KSU student-athlete to now working with so many great people on the board and throughout the university to help foster student success and experience,” Parrish said. “While we are in exciting and challenging times, I feel the University’s best days are ahead.”

The Foundation has also appointed six new trustees:

• Carmen Chubb ‘20, principal and president of Columbia Residential

• Randy Koporc, executive vice president/regional president of Fifth Third Bank

• Heather Robertson Fortner ‘99, chief executive officer and chair of the board of SignatureFD

• Lee Rhyant, president and CEO of LER Solutions, LLC

• Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center Community Improvement District

• Mark Wilson, chief impact officer of VXI Global Solutions, LLC

The Kennesaw State University Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation focused on furthering the interests of Kennesaw State University. Its mission is to serve as an advocate for the University, and to receive, invest, account for, and allocate private gifts and contributions in support of Kennesaw State University.

–NCR AtleosCorporation (NYSE: NATL) (“Atleos”) reports that Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) has upgraded its credit rating, which Atleos believes reflects solid strategic execution and financial performance since the separation from NCR Corporation in October 2023, coupled with the strong free cash flow generation from its businesses

Moody’s recently published a Ratings Action stating that Moody’s has upgraded NCR Atleos’ Corporate Family Rating to B1 from B2 and upgraded the rating for Atleos’ senior secured first lien debt instruments (including term loan A, term loan B, senior secured notes and revolving credit facility) to B1 from B2. Moody’s noted that the upgrade to B1 reflects Atleos’ improved leverage profile, solid free cash flow and commitment to use excess cash flow to reduce debt.

“We are pleased to see Moody’s acknowledge the improving credit profile and progress Atleos has made in our first year as an independent public company,” said Paul Campbell, Chief Financial Officer for Atleos. “As our strategy to leverage our existing installed base of hardware to generate additional service, software and transaction revenue streams continues to build momentum, we expect to drive strong incremental earnings and free cash flow that should further enhance the Company’s financial profile.”

Are you hosting guests in a sparkling clean vacation rental, only to find that your earnings are slipping through the cracks? Pricing your Airbnb cleaning fees might seem like a…

Use 2025 Thinking Now

Make the Transition to 2025 Thinking Now We’re likely at the dawn of a new era in small business. You should be excited about 2025 given there is a chance for great changes. And on Nov 8th, you yourself will have an opportunity to tell everyone what you believe and want for your business in…

Energize Your Travel Company

  Putting the Wind in Your Sales Is your travel company actually underperforming this year? Maybe this is the time to rejig your ship and set a clear, powerful course for growth in demand generation and leads? I think few business leaders really look at what is the wind in their sales. It’s actually talented…

Nearly two dozen current or former inmates in the state prison system as well as outside conspirators have been charged with using drones to deliver illegal drugs and cellphones inside prison walls.

Two federal indictments unsealed Wednesday accuse the 23 defendants of taking part in two networks of inmates and outside conspirators that delivered large quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana as well as cellphones and other contraband to Smith State Prison in Glennville, Telfair State Prison in McRae and various other state prisons. The conspiracies began as early as 2019 and continued through last month.

The indictments follow investigations spearheaded by Operation Night Drop, an effort mounted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Department of Corrections Criminal Investigation and Intelligence divisions, working with multiple local law-enforcement agencies.

“These indictments indicate networks of individuals determined to introduce into prisons controlled substances and other contraband that compromise the safety and security of individuals who are held in those facilities and those employed there,” said Jill Steinberg, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“We’re grateful to the many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose cooperative work unraveled these criminal operations.”

The primary charge in each indictment, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison, along with substantial fines and at least five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

Some of the defendants also were charged with unlawful use of a communication facility for using cellphones to coordinate the delivery and sale of the drugs. Text messages and Facebook posts included aerial images of prisons, drug quantities and prices, and photos of drones, drugs, and material and equipment used for packaging contraband.

The indictments include notices that the government is seeking the forfeiture of 10 drones and 21 firearms seized during the investigation.

Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. For more information visit capitol-beat.org.