Information, news, and entertainment for the commercial
alternate financing, bank, finance and leasing industries

Subscribe to Leasing News - FreeSearch | All Lists | Site Map
Advertising| Archives | Classified Ads | Columnists

Email the Editor



Friday, February 16, 2024


Today's Leasing News Headlines

FBI Raids Home of Prime Commercial 
  CEO Kris Roglieri
    By Ken Greene, Leasing News Emeritus
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance Conferences
  2024 – UPDATED with Current Information
    Note Leasing News Writers Covering the Event
New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
    Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Attracting
  Top Talent to Your Team
    By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners
Sloan Schickler, Esq.
    Leasing News Advisor
Tesla Becomes Most Dominant in America as
  Stellantis to Adopt Tesla’s Charging Port
    By Matthew W. Daus, Esq.
Fora Financial Surpasses $4 Billion+
    in Capital Provided to America’s Small Businesses
Hound/Great Pyrenees Mix
    Albany, New York  Adopt-a-Dog
Beloved films of Norman Jewison (1926 -2024)
    Reviews by Fernando Croce

News Briefs ---
Mortgage rates rise for the second week
    reaching 6.77%
How Hispanic residents will power metro
    Atlanta’s population boom
Kia debuts first Georgia-made EV
    at State Capitol
67% of Companies Continue to
    Adopt AI Slowly: Report
Airports nationwide receive $970 million
    federal grants to improve terminals
Boston budget woes as office building values dip,
    shortfall of between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion
Layoffs and closures have roiled the media industry
    What will happen those studying journalism?

You May Have Missed ---
Microsoft subsidiary renews S.F. headquarters
    lease despite remote work policy, new sharing of work

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (wrilter's columns)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months
Sales Make It Happen

Sports Briefs
   California News
    "Gimme that Wine"
 This Day in History
  SuDoku
   Daily Puzzle
    GasBuddy
     Weather, USA or specific area
      Traffic Live----
       Wordle

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a press release, it was not written by Leasing News nor has the information been verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a byline. It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

FBI Raids Homes of Prime Commercial CEO Kris Roglieri
By Ken Greene, Esq. Leasing News Emeritus


Kris Roglieri
Founder and CEO
Commercial Capital Training Group
https://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/School-Franchisors.htm#cctg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-roglieri-0251152

The Feds have targeted Kris Roglieri and his companies, including Prime Commercial Lending and Prime Capital Ventures, for allegedly conducting a massive Ponzi scheme. Earlier this month, the FBI executed search warrants and raided the homes of Roglieri and his associate, Kimberley (“Kimmy”) Humphrey.

Roglieri is CEO of Prime Commercial Lending (“Prime Commercial”), formed in 1993. He also owns Prime Capital Ventures (“Prime Capital”). He is the CEO of Commercial Capital Training Group (“CCTG”) and CEO of Finance Marketing Group (“FMG”), both formed in 2009; Co-Founder of Durham Commercial Capital (“DCC”), formed in 2006; and the Founder of the National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers (“NACLB”). 

Each of these entities appears to operate in different financial sectors. Prime Commercial, in Roglieri’s words, “provides capital directly and indirectly for commercial real estate finance as well as business loans to small, medium and large size businesses.” He also claimed on LinkedIn to have “funded over $2 billion of transactions.”

FMG, also according to Roglieri” is a ”one of a kind digital marketing agency that leverages talent, direct experience, marketing know-how, and a passion for many finance industries.” It would appear to be a service that provides marketing expertise to lenders and brokers.

CCTG is “the nation's number [sic] premier commercial finance training company teaching and educating current or aspiring entrepreneurs about commercial financing. This writer’s independent research has confirmed that Roglieri would convince experienced industry people to provide educational services without pay in exchange for membership in the NACLB.

DC is a “non-recourse direct lender” for factoring accounts receivable.

According to Roglieri, things were going well in 2022 when Prime Commercial claimed in Leasing News to have “just funded a $188,000,000 development transaction . . . via Prime Capital…, our own fund for large construction and development transactions”. Forbes Magazine named Roglieri one of New York’s top business leaders. The NACLB claimed to have almost 1000 commercial loan brokers at its 2023 conference.

The bubble burst in December 2023 when creditors claiming to have been defrauded out of tens of millions of dollars filed an involuntary Chapter 7 case in the New York Bankruptcy Court. That case was dismissed in January upon request of the creditors, as they, led by a company called Compass-Charlotte 1031 LLC, filed a federal civil fraud lawsuit on January 12, 2024, in the U.S. District Court in Albany. This is one of several suits pending against Prime Capital alleging fraud. The NACLB is a co-defendant in the U.S. District Court receivership action.

Then, on February 2, the FBI executed warrants and raided the homes of Roglieri and his associate Humphrey.

In the District Court action, the Court appointed Paul Levine as receiver to take over Prime Capital’s assets and accounting records. Levine is now laboring to account for Roglieri’s assets and his businesses. Concurrently, a federal criminal probe has been opened by the FBI. Roglieri has not been charged with any crime and has retained prominent local criminal defense attorney William Dreyer to represent him.

Levine alerted U.S. District Court Judge Mae D’Agostino that this “classic Ponzi scheme” brought in more than $50 million in deposits from unsuspecting loan customers who were told the deposits would be used to pay interest on their loans.  But there were no loans, according to Levine. He claims that Roglieri converted the deposits to purchase exotic cars, luxury homes, private jet travel, a $2.6 million Richard Mille Skull Tourbillion watch, and more.

The attorney for Prime Capital asserts its innocence and blames others, including Berone Capital of Marietta, Georgia, for the fraud.

This story is unfolding daily. We will update you as matters develop.


Ken Greene
Law Office of Kenneth Charles Greene
5743 Corsa Avenue, Suite 208
Westlake Village, California 91362
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
ken@kengreenelaw.com
www.kengreenelaw.com

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

2024 Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance Conferences
with Current Information
Note Leasing News Writers Covering the Event

March 5-7: Funder's Forum, Miami, Florida
https://leasingnews.org/Ads/Completed/brokers_expo112023.html

March 25–28: NEFA Finance Summit, Huntington Beach, CA
Agenda, Attendee List, Registration
Theresa Kabot, CLFP, Kabot Commercial Leasing LLC, will be
covering the Conference for Leasing News

April 16-18: AACFB Conference, Glendale, Arizona
https://annualconference.aacfb.org/home
Find Your Funder Here - Exhibitors List
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2024/02_05.htm#aacfb
Vicki Shimus, CLFP, Balboa Capital, will be covering this event for
Leasing News

April 16-18: ELFA 35th Annual National Funding Conference, Chicago, IL
Funding Sources as of 02/06/2024 - Schedule -Hotel-Registration
Edward Kaye, Inspiration Mobility, will ve covering the ELFA
Fundng Conferencce for Leasing News

April 30-May 1: AGLF Conference, Austin, Texas

May 5–7: Equipment Finance Connect, Nashville, Tenn.
https://equipmentfinanceconnect.com

May 20: deBanked Broker Fair, New York City
https://brokerfair.org/register

Sept. 4-5:  AACFB Commercial Financing Expo New Orleans, LA

Sept. 10-12:  Auto Finance CEOs,  San Antonio, Texas

Sept. 10-12, CFLA Conference, St. John's, NL, Canada

Oct. 16-18: NVLA Conference, Clearwater Beach, Florida
https://www.nvla.org/page/2024conference
Sloan Schickler, Esq., Schickler & Schickler, wlll be
covering the conference for Leasing News. She is also
presenting there.


Oct. 27-29: 63rd ELFA Annual Convention, Austin, TX

Nov. 3- Nov. 5: NACLB Conference, Las Vegas, NV
https://naclb.getregistered.net/2024-conference-expo/agenda
Note: While this is open for registration, the company
and individuals are involved in a major law case
(Hopefully, more on this in Wednesday, February 21 Leasing News)

Nov. 11-14: NEFA Funding Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana

To be listed, email: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

 [headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries


Harold Gartner was hired as Senior Director, Quantum Financial Technologies, New York. Previously, he was Senior Director, KM2 Solutions (2021 - 2023);  President and Chief Revenue Officer, Purefy (January, 2021 - March, 2022). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldgartner/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldgartner/


Josh Nantz was hired as Account Executive, Vartana, Greater Seattle
Area. Previously, he was Partner Account Manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (May, 2022 - February, 2024). He joined Blue Street Capital June, 2017, Account Executive, promoted Sales Director (January, 2022 - May, 2022); Account Executive, Currency (March, 2017 - June, 2017). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-nantz-46799566/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-nantz-46799566/


Brendan Ristaino was hired as Loan officer, Eastern Funding, LLC, New York, New York. He is located in Greater Hanford, Connecticut. He joined Yankee Equipment Systems, LLC, September, 2016, Vice President, Revenue, promoted June, 2009,  promoted General Manager (December, 2021 - December, 2023); Financial Advisor, INVEST Financial Corporation (2009 -  2011); Financial Advisor TD Banknorth (2008 - 2009).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-ristaino-30967a/


Karen Schreck was hired as Application Support Specialist, LTi Technology Solutions, Omaha, Nebraska. She is located in Lancaster, New York. Previously, she was Senior Analyst, Sales Enablement and Initiative Support, Key Equipment Finance (April, 2003  -July, 2023);
Account Reconciliation, Pershings (October, 1999 - April, 2003).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-schreck-clfp-57353915


 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted


 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Attracting
Top Talent to Your Team
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners

Attracting top talent to your team is a crucial endeavor for any organization aiming to thrive in a competitive market. However, it's not just about offering competitive salaries and benefits. Successful talent acquisition requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. To help you avoid common pitfalls, here's a list of 10 things you should NOT do when trying to attract top talent to your team.

  1. Neglecting Employer Branding: Failing to establish a strong employer brand can lead to an unappealing reputation in the job market. Potential candidates research your company's culture, values, and reviews before considering a position. Invest in showcasing your organization's unique attributes and values to create a positive perception.
  2. Ignoring the Candidate Experience: A cumbersome and impersonal application process can drive away talented candidates. Ensure that the application process is user-friendly and communicates clearly at every stage. Lack of communication or prolonged waiting times can frustrate candidates and deter them from pursuing opportunities with your organization.
  3. Rigid Job Descriptions: Overly specific job descriptions can limit your talent pool. Instead of focusing solely on a fixed skill set, highlight the potential for growth and learning within the role. Allow room for candidates to bring diverse skills and perspectives to the team.
  4. Offering Inflexible Work Arrangements: In today's workforce, flexibility is highly valued. Failing to offer remote work options or flexible schedules might lead top talent to look elsewhere for opportunities that better suit their work-life balance needs.
  5. Neglecting Development Opportunities: Top talent seeks continuous learning and growth. Failing to offer clear pathways for skill development and advancement within your organization can deter ambitious candidates. Highlight opportunities for professional growth during the recruitment process.
  6. Lack of Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: A diverse and inclusive workplace is attractive to top talent. Ignoring diversity and inclusion efforts can signal that your organization is not committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Showcase your commitment to diversity through actions and initiatives.
  7. Underestimating Compensation: While compensation is not the only factor, it still plays a significant role in attracting talent. Offering salaries and benefits that are below industry standards can result in losing out on qualified candidates who may have multiple offers.
  8. Neglecting Employee Testimonials: Highlighting current employees' success stories and experiences can provide an authentic insight into your organization's culture. Neglecting to share these testimonials can make your recruitment efforts seem less genuine.
  9. Rushing the Hiring Process: A rushed hiring process might lead to poor candidate selection. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate each candidate's fit for the role and the organization. Hasty decisions could result in turnover and lost opportunities.
  10. Overlooking Feedback and Analytics: Gathering feedback from candidates about their experience during the recruitment process can provide valuable insights. Utilize data analytics to measure the effectiveness of your talent attraction strategies and make necessary adjustments over time.

Attracting top talent requires a well-rounded approach that goes beyond traditional recruitment methods. Avoiding these 10 common mistakes will help you create a more compelling and attractive environment for the best candidates in the job market. Remember, the key lies in showcasing your organization's values, offering growth opportunities, and providing a positive candidate experience.


Ken Lubin, Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Sloan Schickler
Leasing News Advisor

Sloan Schickler, Esq.
Schickler & Schickler PLLC
One Rockefeller Plaza, FL11
New York, NY 10020
Direct Dial: 212-262-5297
sloan.schickler@schicklerlaw.com
https://schicklerlaw.com

Sloan Schickler has contributed articles to Leasing News for several years. She was appointed to serve on the Leasing News advisory board in February of 2023.

Sloan is a highly experienced commercial attorney. Her firm and its predecessors have been a leader in the financial services area of vehicle and equipment finance for decades. Sloan’s practice includes secured lending, commercial and consumer leasing, retail installment sales and dealer floor plan finance, regulatory licensing and compliance, syndicated revolving credit facilities, asset securitization, corporate structuring and governance, and real estate finance. Clients have included major commercial banks, captive finance companies, financial institutions, investment banks, leasing companies, auto manufacturers, auto dealerships, real estate investors, hedge funds, and public and closely held corporations.

Over the years, Sloan has served as outside general counsel to auto finance companies; advocated for her clients before the New York legislature; designed documentation and compliance procedures for financing recourse loans collateralized by vehicles leases and loans; documented and conducted numerous sales and financings of vehicle lease and loan portfolios including at foreclosure; and served as special counsel in bankruptcy, work out and loan modification matters.

Sloan is currently the Legal and Legislative Counsel for the National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) and a director on its Board. She is the founder of the NVLA’s Women in Leasing initiative.

A loyal alumna of Vanderbilt University Law School, Sloan has served as Class Agent for her class for decades.  She also acted as an alumna interviewer for the school. Sloan has also served on the board of directors of a not-for-profit organization that developed a residential model for autistic individuals.

Her career began at Holland & Knight (Haight Gardner Poor & Havens) as a commercial litigation associate. Sloan is currently a partner of Schickler & Schickler PLLC. Her bar admissions are the State of New York, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sloan is also the proud mother of two daughters who have attended Vanderbilt University as undergraduates. She resides with her husband, a physician specializing in infectious diseases, and her Maltipoo dog, Lulu.


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------


Tesla Becomes Most Dominant in America as
Stellantis to Adopt Tesla’s Charging Port
By Matthew W. Daus, Esq.

Stellantis, the parent company of brands like Jeep and Chrysler, announced it will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). It is the last major Western automaker to announce compatibility, meaning Tesla’s push to make its EV charging standard the dominant one in North America is essentially complete.

Stellantis said Monday that “select” electric vehicle models made by its sub-brands will use Tesla’s NACS charging port starting in 2025, and like other automakers, will make adapters available to current owners so they can plug into Tesla’s Supercharging network. The company didn’t say if those connectors will be offered for free, like Ford recently announced.

Tesla first announced in November 2022 that it was opening up access to its vast Supercharger network by publishing the design specs and allowing other automakers to build the NACS port into their EVs. Ford was the first major automaker to bite six months later, followed by General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as EV upstarts like Rivian and Lucid. Even competing charging companies — most notably, Electrify America — decided to add NACS plugs to their networks.

Matthew W. Daus, Esq.
Partner and Chairman, Windels Marx Transportation Practice Group
President, International Association of Transportation Regulators,
Transportation Technology Chair, University Transportation Research Center
Contact: mdaus@windelsmarx.com
156 West 56th Street | New York, NY 10019
T. 212.237.1106 | F. 212.262.1215

Source: Tech Crunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/12/stellantis-tesla-nacs-standard-jeep-evs

 

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

##### Press Release ############################

Fora Financial Surpasses $4 Billion+
in Capital Provided to America’s Small Businesses

Empowering Small Businesses with Capital
Amid Economic Uncertainty

NEW YORK,  – Fora Financial, a leading provider of short-term financing to the SMB community, announces that it has surpassed $4 billion in capital provided to more than 55,000 small businesses since its inception in 2008. The company achieved this milestone on the heels of a record-setting 2023, in which it supplied the nation’s small businesses with over half a billion dollars of flexible financing.


Andrew Gutman, Fora Financials Chief Operating Officer, said, “In a year of challenging economic conditions when small business confidence levels fell to historical lows, the Fora Financial team took great pride in expanding our support for the SMB community.

After achieving this significant milestone, Fora Financial has continued its impressive momentum entering 2024.  In January the company deployed more capital than in any previous month in its history.

 "This record-setting month further solidifies our dedication to supporting the SMB community amidst economic uncertainty," remarked Gutman. "Our broad sales relationships, diversified capital base, and deep funding experience enable us to continue financing small businesses through the ups and downs of the economic cycle."

As the SMB community continues to navigate through the challenges ahead, Fora Financial remains steadfast in its mission to provide essential financial support to small businesses across America.

About Fora Financial
Founded in 2008, Fora Financial has provided more than $4 billion of financing to more than 55,000 small businesses. It offers fast, personalized small business loans and revenue advances, supported by a cutting-edge technology platform, one-on-one customer service, and total transparency. The firm employs more than 140 people at its New York headquarters and Miami office.

https://www.forafinancial.com

### Press Release ############################


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Watch at Home
by Fernando Croce, Leasing News Movie Reviewer

A diligent filmmaker for four decades, Norman Jewison (1926-2024) tackled numerous genres with a preference for topical subjects and a deft hand. So check out our list for some of the most beloved titles in his oeuvre.

The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966): After hitting his stride with “The Cincinnati Kid,” Jewison cemented his status as a talented newcomer with this popular Cold War satire. Set in a coastal New England town, it charts the rising tensions that ensue when a Soviet submarine runs aground on a sandbar. Trying to avoid embarrassing international complications, a group of Russians led by Lt. Rozanov (Alan Arkin, in his screen debut) goes ashore and ends up at the home of a vacationing TV writer (Carl Reiner). The police chief (Brian Keith) and his bumbling sidekick (Jonathan Winters) try to keep the calm, even as the hotheaded townspeople put together a private militia. Bright, buoyant, and amiably dated, Jewison's film plays like a forerunner to Steven Spielberg's underrated extravaganza "1941."

In the Heat of the Night (1967): A multiple Oscar winner in the divided Hollywood of 1967, this classic thriller gave Jewison his first Best Director nomination. Set in the tense, prejudiced Deep South, the story is a crime drama that brings together a pair of contrasting lawmen, Black homicide detective Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier in a signature role) and white police chief Bill Gillespie (Best Actor winner Rod Steiger). The former’s dignity and the latter’s crudeness are an odd match, yet they put aside their differences (and learn a mutual respect) to work together and solve a murder involving a prominent businessman. Working with a tight screenplay and brilliant actors, Jewison keeps the suspense robust and adds some humor to the serious-minded story. Quincy Jones composed the memorably stirring score.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968): Steve McQueen had one of his most iconic roles in this glossy caper, directed by Jewison with oodles of chic sleekness. He stars as Thomas Crown, an ultra-rich businessman who, out of bored arrogance, comes up with the perfect crime. After organizing the audacious robbery of a Boston bank, he finds himself pursued by Vicki Anderson (Faye Dunaway), a beautiful insurance-company investigator who’s determined to prove he’s the culprit. Their suspicion grows into a steamy romance, but things come to a head when Crown decides to stage another heist to see if he can get away with the same crime twice. Luxuriating in exotic locations, gorgeous vehicles and cinematic gimmicks, the film triumphs mainly courtesy of the crackerjack chemistry between McQueen and Dunaway.

Fiddler on the Roof (1971): Jewison tried his hand at the musical genre (and won his second Best Director Oscar nomination) for this lavish screen adaptation of Joseph Stein’s Broadway hit. Set in a small Russian village on the turn of the century, it follows the travails of a Jewish family headed by Tevye (Topol), a poor but joyous milkman. As his daughters are courted by suitors, Tevye notices the growing rift between tradition and modernity, an awareness increasingly tinged with apprehension as the Revolution brews on the horizon. Jewison’s epic folk-opera struck a chord with box-office audiences, and its mix of exuberance and heartbreak has kept it a favorite with many viewers since. The score includes such numbers as “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”

Moonstruck (1987): Jewison scored his third Best Director nomination for one of the most beloved comedies of the Eighties, a Brooklyn-set charmer that won Cher a Best Actress Oscar. She plays Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American widow whose boyfriend, Johnny (Danny Aiello), takes off to Sicily soon after proposing to her. In the meantime, Loretta meets Johnny’s younger brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage), and, despite their initial hostility, the two fall passionately in love. Interwoven with their romance are subplots involving other members of the Castorini family, including Loretta’s philandering father (Vincent Gardenia) and pensive mother (Olympia Dukakis, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar). With an Oscar-winning script by John Patrick Shanley, this is an irresistibly funny, energetic tribute to giddy love that works wonders thanks to its marvelous ensemble cast.

Fernando Croce is a nationally recognized film reviewer and has been contributing to Leasing News since 2008. His reviews appear each Friday.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hound/Great Pyrenees Mix
Albany, New York  Adopt-a-Dog

Houdini

Male
3 Months old
Medium
Tricolor
(Brown, Black * white)
Coat Length: Medium
Neutered
Vaccinations up-to-date
Adoption Fee: $350

Houdini is a 3-month-old male Hound/Great Pyrenees (??) mix up-for-adoption with Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York. Mom is “Rizzo” on the website, who’s a 30lb. smooth-coated, petite Hound mix! We don’t know who daddy is but we think he was bigger and FLUFFY. Houdini is wicked smart and has a nice, friendly temperament. He loves everyone and is great with the other dogs in his foster home. Houdini sleeps through the night in his own crate from 10pm-5:30am! He’s also doing great with housebreaking as long as you let him out consistently and regularly.
If you’re looking for an adorable, fluffy puppy that will be a medium to large size adult, Houdini might be just the thing for Valentine’s Week!!

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of NY
PO Box 5782
Albany, New York 23305
tamadvan@gmail.com
(518) 424-1738

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

News Briefs

Mortgage rates rise for the second week,
    reaching 6.77%
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/15/economy/mortgage-rates-february-15/index.html

How Hispanic residents will power metro
Atlanta’s population boom
https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/hispanic-population-to-drive-metro-atlanta-growth-through-2050-arc-says/WWHGHQUCQVACVG7PF7EKNYVWFA/

Kia debuts first Georgia-made EV
at State Capitol
https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/kia-debuts-first-georgia-made-ev-at-state-capitol/AGYHFB6ARFBLFDZTBGOOUKT63M/

67% of Companies Continue to
Adopt AI Slowly: Report.
https://www.cfo.com/news/67-of-companies-continue-to-adopt-ai-slowly-report/707456/

Airports nationwide receive $970 million
federal grants to improve terminals
https://www.courthousenews.com/airports-nationwide-receive-970-million-in-federal-grants-to-improve-terminals/

Boston could face budget woes as office building values dip,
report says shortfall of between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/15/business/office-market-boston-tax-revenue/

Layoffs and closures have roiled the media industry.
What will happen to the young people studying journalism?
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/12/business/young-journalists-navigating-media-industry


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------


Microsoft subsidiary renews S.F. headquarters
lease despite remote work policy, new sharing of work
https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/s-f-github-renews-lease-18670310.php

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------


Sports Briefs---

49ers fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks
     in wake of Super Bowl LVIII loss
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-fire-defensive-coordinator-steve-wilks-18667222.php

49ers’ Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave played
through significant injuries
Kittle’s decision: Tight end George Kittle missed the first nine plays of the 49ers’ overtime-opening drive. Kittle, who returned for the final four plays, discussed the difficulty of not playing with the Super Bowl tied in overtime. He debated whether it would be detrimental if he tried to play with his injury.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-arik-armstead-javon-hargrave-played-18666420.php


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------


California News Briefs---

Santa Clara-based Nvidia is now worth more than
Alphabet, one day after surpassing Amazon
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/15/nvidia-is-now-worth-more-than-alphabet-one-day-after-surpassing-amazon/

 One of California’s largest auto insurers
     hikes prices 30% -  Allstate
https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/allstate-car-insurance-18665199.php


[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Gimme that Wine

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8    

The FBI is seeking documents on some of Napa’s most
   famous wineries. The question is why
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/napa-fbi-subpoena-records-18665856.php

Mendocino 2023 Harvest Tops the Books
    InUSDAPreliminaryGrape Crush
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/283279 Report

Extra-large wine bottles are having
their big moment
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/one-liter-bottles-18667365.php

Nine California Counties Make Top-10 List
for Ag Sales in the U.S.
https://plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov/wordpress/?p=27335

Gallo Name Change Honors Family,
Embraces Endless Possibilities
'https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/283156

[headlines]
----------------------------------------------------------------

This Day in History

hhttps://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2022/02_16.htm#history

-------------------------------------------------------------

SuDoku

The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

https://sudoku.com/

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Puzzle

How to play:
http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm

Refresh for current date:
http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.gasbuddy.com/
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GB_Map_Gas_Prices.aspx
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GB_Mobile_Instructions.aspx

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Weather

See USA map, click to specific area, no commercials

http://www.weather.gov/

[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Traffic Live---

Real Time Traffic Information

You can save up to 20 different routes and check them out with one click,
or type in a new route to learn the traffic live

--------------------------------

Wordle

https://www.powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle/

How to Play
https://www.today.com/popculture/popculture/wordle-know-popular-online-word-game-rcna11056

[headlines]

Features

Alerts and Flags
Bank Beat
Brian Link Observations
Career Crossroads-Emily Fitzpatrick/RII
Cartoons
Charlie Chan sayings
Computer Tips and Social Media
Credits and Collections 102
Customer Relation Management Keeps Score
Dan Harkey Observations
Employment Web Sites
Equipment Leasing Haiku by Paul Bent
Fernando's Review
Financial Technology 102
From the Desk of Michael Witt, Esq.
Leasing 102
Leasing Cases by Tom McCurnin
Observations from the Front Porch by Jim Acee
Online Newspapers
Placards
Recruiter Hal T. Horwitz Speaks Out
Sales Make it Happen
San Francisco Valley Leasing
The Secret of Our Success
The Top Performer’s Corner
To Tell the Truth
TV Reviews by Kit Menkin
Ultimare Hire by Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners
View from the Top
Why I Became a CLP
Wine Reviews by Kevan Wilkinson