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US Inflation Forecast 2025 & Next 5 Years

US Inflation Forecast 2025 & Next 5 Years As President Trump readies for his Presidential inauguration in one week, is there a problem lurking that could undermine his agenda for reviving America? Americans are enjoying a strong economy, great jobs market, and many are looking forward to the next 5 years as a golden era…

City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta today welcomes two talented physicians to their team: Dr. Amy Chen, otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, chief of Surgery and director of Thyroid Oncology; and Dr. Joannie M. Ivory, breast medical oncologist. Together, these board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians will expand the hospital’s disease-specific cancer centers and surgical expertise for the betterment of patient care. 

“We are thrilled to kick off the new year by welcoming highly talented physicians to our team,” shared Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Atlanta. “We carefully selected them both due to their compassionate, patient-centric approach to care; and their specialty skills and perspectives, which will broaden our services and meet the needs of cancer patients in the Southeast.”

Amy Chen, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

Head and Neck Surgeon and Otolaryngologist Dr. Amy Chenjoins the cancer center as chief of Surgery and director of Thyroid Oncology. Utilizing her specialty expertise in head and neck and thyroid tumors, she will lead the charge in developing a dedicated Thyroid Oncology team for City of Hope Atlanta, Phoenix and Chicago, while broadening access to specialized surgeries and procedures for patients. Dr. Chen brings over three decades of clinical, research and teaching expertise to City of Hope Atlanta. Previously, she served with Emory Healthcare’s Winship Cancer Institute and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Joannie M. Ivory, M.D., M.S.P.H., M.H.S.

Medical oncologist Dr. Joannie M. Ivory will serve City of Hope Atlanta on the Breast Cancer Center team, utilizing the latest systemic treatments and groundbreaking research to treat all types of breast cancer. With over a dozen honors and awards for her academic acumen, professorship and oncology expertise, as well as a strong interest in research and diverse, equitable patient care, Dr. Ivory brings a rich skillset to the cancer center. Prior to City of Hope Atlanta, Dr. Ivory practiced at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

To learn more about City of Hope Atlanta’s comprehensive cancer services, visit City of Hope’s website or call 855-939-HOPE.

HeatTrak, the pioneer of portable heated snow and ice melting mats, proudly celebrates 20 years of innovation. Since its founding in 2004, HeatTrak has grown from a startup into an industry leader, selling over 840,000 mats and transforming how businesses and homeowners tackle winter safety and maintenance.

A Legacy of Innovation

HeatTrak launched its first commercial heated mats in 2005 and introduced residential options in 2007. By 2009, its products were featured in major retailers like Costco, Home Depot, and Bed Bath & Beyond. These partnerships helped HeatTrak reach thousands of customers across North America.

In 2014, HeatTrak moved its headquarters from New Jersey to Atlanta, GA, while also shifting strategies to a direct-to-consumer model. The company acquired its manufacturing facility in Mexico in 2023, reflecting its commitment to quality and long-term growth.

“From a small operation to a leader in snow and ice melting technology, our 20-year journey has been defined by creativity, forward-thinking, and commitment to excellence,” said Hillel Glazer, Founder and CEO of HeatTrak.

Award-Winning Solutions

HeatTrak has earned multiple honors for its groundbreaking products. Its commercial line, HeatTrak PRO, received top awards at the FacilitiesNet Vision Awards in both 2022 and 2024, recognized in categories such as Safety, Exterior Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Grounds & Cleaning, and Innovative Technology. The company was also a winner of the Best New Product Award at the National Hardware Show.

Making Winters Easier

HeatTrak’s heated snow and ice melting mats simplify winter maintenance, eliminating the hassle of shoveling or salting. Engineered to melt up to 2 inches of snow per hour, they provide a reliable option for keeping pathways clear.

Designed with accessibility in mind, HeatTrak mats are ideal for those unable to manage traditional snow removal. They also provide unmatched convenience, helping businesses and homeowners maintain safety without labor-intensive effort.

“Our goal has always been to create solutions that genuinely improve everyday life,” Glazer said. “Over the years, we’ve seen how our products bring peace of mind during the toughest winter months, both inside and outside the home.”

Looking Ahead

As HeatTrak enters its third decade, the company is focused on expanding its product offerings and introducing new technologies to meet evolving customer needs.

“While we celebrate our past, we are energized by the possibilities of the future,” Glazer added. “Our team is committed to building on our success and redefining how people handle winter challenges.”

Key takeaways

• In the U.S., intent to purchase a hybrid vehicle (HEV/PHEV) is up 5 percentage points year-over-year to 26% as surveyed consumers seek a “best of both worlds” solution to fuel costs. Internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV intent declined five and 1 percentage points year-over-year (to 62% and 5%), respectively.

• Demand for public charging infrastructure may be exaggerated, as 79% of U.S. EV intenders surveyed plan to charge their vehicle at home.

• Over half (54%) of U.S. consumers surveyed plan to switch brands for their next vehicle (up from 51% last year), as product quality ranks highest in determining the next vehicle brand choice.

• As driverless technology gains traction, more than half (52%) of U.S. consumers surveyed are concerned about fully autonomous robotaxi services operating where they live.

• More than 4 in 10 U.S. consumers surveyed aged 18-34 would be willing to give up vehicle ownership in favor of a fully available mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solution.

Why this matters 

The automotive industry continues to contend with evolving mobility, shifting consumer preferences and variable ownership experiences. For 15 years, Deloitte has explored automotive consumer trends impacting the dynamic and evolving global mobility ecosystem. This year’s report, “2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study,” examines the consumer trends and issues shaping the global automotive sector, including electrification, future vehicle intentions, brand loyalty, connectivity features and mobility-as-a-service offerings.

Hybrid vehicles gain momentum 

While consumers appeared to be navigating more toward ICE powertrains last year, interest is beginning to normalize in some markets. At the same time, hybrid powertrains continue to build traction as a “best of both worlds” solution for reducing fuel costs and emissions. In addition, reliance on public charging infrastructure may be somewhat overstated given the reality of charging intentions coupled with average driving distances and increasing EV range.   

• Among surveyed consumers in the U.S., intent to purchase hybrid electric vehicles (HEV/PHEV) is up 5 percentage points year-over-year to 26%, and interest in ICE vehicles is down 5 percentage points from 2024 to 62%.

• Interest in all-battery electric vehicles remains nominal among U.S. consumers surveyed and relatively flat at 5%, underscoring the headwinds automakers face in ramping up BEV production.

• Lowering fuel costs remains the top reason among U.S. consumers surveyed to purchase an EV (56%), followed by environmental considerations (44%) and driving experience (36%). However, available battery driving range remains a top concern (49%) for U.S. consumers surveyed, followed by the time required to charge (46%) and the lingering cost premium associated with BEVs (44%).

• One-third (35%) of U.S. consumers surveyed said they drive 60 miles or more from their home only once or twice a month with a further 23% saying they never drive that far away, raising an important question regarding the amount of investment being earmarked to build out EV charging infrastructure.

• The push to create public charging infrastructure may be overstated as most U.S. EV intenders surveyed (79%) plan to charge their vehicle at home. However, more focus on making it easy and affordable for people to install a home charger may be required as 58% of those surveyed said they currently do not have access to a dedicated EV charger.

• Charging wait times may be a softening barrier for U.S. consumers surveyed as three-quarters (77%) are willing to wait up to 40 minutes to charge their vehicle to 80% from zero. U.S. consumers surveyed prefer a dedicated EV charging station (44%) to a traditional gas station with EV chargers (15%).

Vehicle brand loyalty wanes 

A significant number of global consumers surveyed intend to switch to a different brand the next time they are in the market for a vehicle. Despite evolving preferences, key factors like price, performance and quality remain the primary drivers of purchase decisions.

• Almost half (47%) of U.S. consumers and a majority (55%) of respondents in China and Japan owned the same brand of vehicle prior to their current car. However, in the U.S., only 5% say they are first time owners, compared to nearly one-third (31%) who say the same in China, signaling the need to build strong relationships to ensure forward brand loyalty.

• A majority of consumers surveyed in most global markets plan to switch brands for their next vehicle, with the highest intent among consumers in China (76%) and India (72%). In contrast, 54% of U.S. consumers surveyed plan to switch brands, up 3 percentage points from 2024.

• Brand affinity for domestic brands ranks highest among surveyed consumers in Japan (76%), whereas almost half (47%) of U.S. consumers surveyed indicate no preference as long as the vehicle meets their needs.

• When determining the brand of choice for their next vehicle, U.S. consumers surveyed prioritize product quality (58%), followed by price (53%) and vehicle performance (51%).

• Regardless of vehicle brand, U.S. consumers maintain the need to interact with the vehicle in person (86%) and conduct a test drive to ensure it is the right fit (86%).

Key quote

“As the global automotive sector continues to navigate shifting consumer preferences, powertrain intent and brand affinity are two decisive battlegrounds for industry stakeholders across the value chain. Interest in full hybrids and range extender technologies reflects a growing desire for pragmatic, cost-effective solutions that lower emissions without requiring a robust charging infrastructure. Simultaneously, brand loyalty is being tested, with rising defection rates across several markets signaling the importance of cultivating strong relationships, particularly in emerging markets with a high proportion of first-time buyers.”

—     Jody Stidham, managing director, global automotive, Deloitte Consulting LLP

Consumers want new technology on their terms 

As autonomous vehicle technology extends into potential commercial applications, consumer safety concerns mount as opposed to dealing with safety-related AI features in isolation. As automakers continue looking for ways to monetize vehicle cabins and infotainment screens, transitioning consumers away from longstanding smartphone integration may be difficult in some markets. Further, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is emerging as an alternative to traditional vehicle ownership for younger, cost-conscious consumers surveyed.

• When it comes to autonomous applications, surveyed consumers express concerns over fully driverless robotaxi services operating in India (63%), the U.K. (52%) and the U.S. (52%).

• How new technology is deployed makes a difference, as the majority of consumers surveyed in India (82%) and China (77%) see the addition of AI in vehicle systems as beneficial. Conversely, that sentiment is less prevalent in the U.S. (45%) and the U.K. (43%).

• As some automakers seek to introduce their own connected service ecosystems, surveyed consumers in some global markets still believe their next vehicle should retain the ability to connect with their smartphone, particularly in the U.S. (63%) and India (87%).

• About one-half of those surveyed in the U.S. (49%) and India (51%) indicate they drive their vehicle every day, twice that of consumers in South Korea (25%) and Japan (23%), reflecting the quality and/or availability of mass transit in those markets.

• Despite the travel volumes observed among those surveyed in India and the U.S., many younger consumers aged 18-34 are interested in giving up vehicle ownership in favor of a mobility-as-a-service solution (U.S. 44%; India 70%).

Key quote

“The U.S. automotive industry is navigating a period of profound transformation, shaped by evolving mobility trends, shifting consumer preferences and diverse ownership models. Considering last year’s slowdown on EV intent, the rise in hybrid adoption may serve as a practical bridge between legacy and alternative powertrains for U.S. consumers as infrastructure and cost realities persist in the near term. Autonomous vehicle technology is also regaining attention, but safety concerns remain a significant hurdle to success.”

—     Lisa Walker, vice chair and U.S. automotive sector leader, Deloitte

Deloitte’s “2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study,” is based on a survey of more than 31,000 consumers from 30 countries conducted between October and November 2024. For additional details and country-specifics, please visit the interactive dashboard.

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Last year the General Assembly approved a three-year, $392 million renovation in Atlanta’s Capitol Hill area. The first project is a new Legislative Office Building for lawmakers’ offices, as well as for staff and committee rooms. The second is the renovation and restoration of the historic Capitol building. The goal is to renovate the interior, regild the gold dome, improve accessibility, replace the mechanical systems and restore the original state library.

However, work will be suspended next week so the opening of the 2025 General Assembly won’t be disrupted.

Gerald Pilgrim, deputy executive director of the Georgia Building Authority which oversees the renovation, gives James Magazine Online some interesting facts about the regilding project. He says, “Gold was sourced from two Dahlonega gold mines, 40 ounces of gold cover the dome, over 100 contractors worked on the project erecting the scaffold and repairing damage. and seven artisan installers applied the gold leaf over three months.” Also, “erecting the scaffolding and removing it took over three months and had to be done by hand.”

In addition to the dome being re-gilded, the new eight-story legislative office building will have a 500-car parking deck along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The renovation is “a framework for bringing the Capitol and the Coverdell Legislative Office Building up to a standard that will address the state’s needs for the next 50 years,” according to a study assessment presented last January to lawmakers by the Georgia Building Authority.

Pilgrim also praises Atlanta-based SG Contracting. “The company has been a valued partner in this entire project. Its experience and expertise have been important as we tackled the largest project on Capitol Hill and one of the largest in the state’s history. Its CEO Sachin Shailendra has worked tirelessly to ensure not only the success of the project but on the budget to help make sure we provide the best value for the state and being fiscally responsible. The state is lucky to have partners like SG Contracting who understand and appreciate working on a legacy project like this.”

Renovations will resume in April after the legislative session ends. The new legislative office building is slated to be finished by the end of 2026 while overall renovations should be finished by late 2027.

Georgia is a global production hub: In 2024 alone, film and TV productions spent $2.6 billion, sparking economic growth in cities and towns statewide.

The Georgia Film Office’s Camera Ready Communities program, which helps communities showcase their unique locations to productions, is at the heart of this success. The Georgia Office launched the Camera Ready Communities program in 2010 to train and certify Georgia counties to work effectively with production companies and provide local, one-on-one assistance in every aspect of production, from location scouting and film permits to traffic control, catering, and lodging.

Each of Georgia’s 159 counties have a Camera Ready liaison, connecting productions to hidden gems far beyond Atlanta or Savannah.

“There are challenges to drawing productions out of metro areas…but it can and is being done,” Stacey Dickson, president of the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau and Camera Ready liaison for Hall County, told Georgia Cities Magazine. 

Promoting Local Assets: Local leaders can use the Georgia Film Office’s location database to upload pictures and descriptions of potential locations in the area. From pig farms to theme parks to prisons, offbeat locations can be the biggest draw for productions. 

Connecting with the Georgia Film Office is just one way communities can increase their production appeal.

• Streamline permitting: Making it easy and efficient for film crews to get permits goes a long way to show hospitality and preparedness, and helps communities track productions. 

• Be a good partner: When a community works together to welcome and accommodate filming, from emergency services to small businesses to public works, it helps to ensure that productions are safe and disruptions are minimal. `

Georgia’s film industry isn’t just entertainment – by becoming film-friendly, local leaders can attract productions, create jobs, and foster economic growth, proving that when productions come to town, everyone wins. 

Curious about how to harness the benefits of filming in your town? Click here to read the full article featured in Georgia Cities Magazine! 

In an effort to ensure all students receive full access to the instruction and opportunities they need to prepare for their futures, the Georgia Department of Education is launching several initiatives to combat chronic absenteeism.
 
“Chronic absenteeism” refers to the number of students missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, divided by the number of students enrolled. Georgia’s current chronic absenteeism rate is 20.7% — this is the 17^th-best rate in the nation, but GaDOE is aiming to improve it further to ensure all students are fully accessing the instructional opportunities available to them.
 
“Particularly as we continue to focus on academic recovery after the instructional disruptions of the pandemic, it’s essential that students are attending school daily and accessing the full curriculum,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We are committed to combating chronic absenteeism and ensuring schools are equipped to reduce barriers to attendance and address issues that cause students and families to disengage from school. This is a key area of focus for our Office of Whole Child Supports heading into the new year.”
 
Multi-Agency Attendance Summit
On December 4, 2024, GaDOE’s Office of Whole Child Supports hosted an Attendance Summit for Georgia agencies and policymakers. Attended by representatives of multiple state agencies, education organizations, and school districts, the purpose of the summit was to increase awareness and foster collaborative relationships in an effort to promote next steps to reduce chronic absenteeism.
 
Attendance Works, a nationally recognized organization focused on promoting positive attendance practices, led the discussions, giving attendees opportunities to dig into the data and consider potential solutions.
 
The Office of Whole Child Supports plans to follow up with future work sessions and engagement with school partners to facilitate long-term changes.
 
“While Georgia’s chronic absenteeism rate has started to decrease, our state still has work to do,” said Justin Hill, GaDOE’s Deputy Superintendent for Whole Child Supports. “The Summit was a step toward building a foundation for improvement in the area of attendance, and with the focus and efforts of policymakers, educators, parents, and community members, we can make a significant change.”

Attendance Dashboard and PSA Available

GaDOE has also launched an Attendance Dashboard to provide real-time data to schools and districts. Located in Georgia Insights, the dashboard allows districts and schools to examine subgroup, grade-level, and yearly data, find potential root causes, and determine next steps. Users have access to comparison data, average daily attendance calculations, chronic absentee rates, and subgroup-specific information for the last six years.

The Office of Whole Child Supports also partnered with Georgia Public Broadcasting to develop a Chronic Absenteeism Public Service Announcement. The purpose of the video is to raise awareness and emphasize to parents and students the importance of attending school every day – the PSA is available here.

Future Plans and Professional Learning Opportunities for School Districts

Moving forward, GaDOE plans to use Stronger Connections grant funds to decrease chronic absenteeism in high-needs school districts in Georgia. The project will include a partnership with UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to conduct a statewide analysis of chronic absenteeism; meetings of a monthly Attendance Advisory Group; and workshop days, professional learning, and coaching for high-need school districts.

A webinar on chronic absenteeism is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and is available for all district and school staff – registration information is available here.

On Saturday, January 4, President Joe Biden signed into law, H.R. 9600, a bipartisan bill led by Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) and supported by the Georgia Congressional Delegation, that designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 119 Main Street in Plains, Georgia, as the “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office.” A companion bill in the U.S. Senate was introduced and led by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock.

Both bills were introduced in the Fall of 2024. H.R. 9600 was approved with overwhelmingly bipartisan support in the U.S. House on December 5, and then by the U.S. Senate on December 19. It was presented to President Biden on December 27 and signed into law on January 4, just several days following the passing of former President Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated their lives in service to their community, their country, and the world. From the Plains peanut fields to the Governor’s Mansion, to the White House – and to communities around the globe – they remained grounded and humble, and Plains always remained home in their hearts,” said Congressman Bishop. “Designating the Plains postal facility as the ‘Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office’ would be a small, but meaningful gesture to honor and thank two dedicated servant leaders who spent their lives working to improve the lives of others.”

“Renaming the post office in Plains, Georgia, in honor of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter is a tribute to their lifelong service,” Sen. Ossoff said. “The Carters have left an indelible mark on our nation and the world. A Post Office named in their honor of Plains is a small but fitting tribute to their legacy.”

“Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter led exemplary lives while serving Georgians and our nation and were fiercely committed to uplifting the lives of all Americans,” said Sen. Reverend Warnock. “Renaming the Plains post office after both of these Georgia icons is a small nod to their triumphant legacy in the Peach State.”

“Plains holds a special place in the heart of President Carter as the place he and First Lady Rosalynn Carter called home for most of their lives, so it is especially fitting to name the Post Office in their honor,” said Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, the nonprofit organization that carries on their global work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope. “We appreciate the Senators and House members from Georgia who introduced this legislation as a tribute to the Carters’ legacy in their hometown.”

Full text of H.R. 9600 can be found here

KPIs for Travel Company Marketing

Travel Marketing KPI Performance Framework Given the cost of marketing and challenge of being competitive in advertising, SEO, social media and content marketing, travel business managers are eager to discover what works and what doesn’t. But then most don’t have adequate marketing analytics, and are far from the era of AI predictive analytics and personalized…