The Sonic Boom

Eddy

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David Cates Discusses the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act

David Cates discusses the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act and how it is being violated by multi-million dollar corporations who deny construction workers their rights to inflate their bottom line. This may be a surprise to some in the public, but Mr. David Cates, an award-winning trial lawyer, has been fighting on behalf of hard-working men and women for decades. He is known for his environmental work representing clients against polluters in the Midwest. However, he is especially noted for his personal injury trials, where jurors have often awarded him record-breaking verdicts.

David Cates is considered by his peers to be among America’s top lawyers. He is an expert in class action and mass tort lawsuits involving defective drugs, dangerous medical devices, and hazardous consumer products. He has been responsible for some of the most significant verdicts and settlements in these types of cases. In addition, Mr. Cates possesses an acute knowledge of Illinois’ complex laws which he uses to his client’s advantage and benefit.

He is a strong proponent of union rights and is fighting to protect all working men and women in Illinois who deserve their rights. This includes the prevailing wage, which he says is a right that mandates certain workers be paid fair wages with benefits for their work on public projects such as schools, highways, and bridges.

We asked Mr. Cates to share his knowledge about this critical issue and what the law states regarding prevailing wage. This will be a discussion of Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act so we can better understand how our hard-earned tax dollars are being used by corporations who benefit from them at the expense of workers.

We begin with a question: What is the prevailing wage?

“Prevailing wage is the pay scale of wages set by law for employees who work on public projects such as schools, highways, and bridges. Prevailing wage laws are primarily found in state statutes that require contractors on public construction projects to hire only workers who are paid at or above a certain rate determined by law.”

We then asked Mr. Cates how this law helps the average citizen.

“Well, the first thing it does is that prevailing wage laws provide everyone who works on public projects with fair wages and benefits paid for by taxpayer dollars. It provides workers with job security because it ensures all contractors compete equally for work. Prevailing wage makes sure taxpayers are getting what they pay for by ensuring quality work, fair competition, and legal wages.”

One might ask what the argument against prevailing wage is. We posed this question to Mr. Cates as well.

“The contractors who oppose prevailing wage claim that it costs too much because they have to pay more for labor than they made before. While this may be true at times, particularly where the contractors are already paying prevailing wages in their home state, it is not a fact in all cases. For example, in some states where the prevailing wage is listed as $20 an hour, companies will seek to pay $10 or $15, arguing that the cost of living is lower in another state. This happens regularly, and that’s why we have such broad support for Prevailing Wage across this country.”

We asked Mr. Cates what the difference is between prevailing wage and minimum wage.

“That’s a great question. Prevailing wage looks at multiple factors such as skill level and geographic location, among other considerations, to set fair compensation rates for employees working on public construction projects. Under federal law, state and local governments may pay less than the federal minimum wage to workers with disabilities. That’s not allowed under prevailing wage laws because prevailing wages are scheduled rates set for all employees working on public projects.”

“Another difference is that private contractors are required to pay overtime – usually time and a half or 1.5 times their normal pay rate. Under prevailing wage laws, public contractors have to pay their workers more than minimum wage. Prevailing Wage considers the skills of the people working whether it be skilled or unskilled labor.”

 

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Josh Melick Discusses the Key Positions Every New Business Must Have

Josh Melick is a serial entrepreneur, having helped launch multiple successful companies. His last startup was Broadly, a local small business marketing platform that lets customers communicate with their customers through automated messaging, uncovering new ways to manage customer marketing and effectively measure ROI.

We asked Josh about the key people and positions every new business must have to get off the ground and succeed.

What should a new company do before hiring?

Josh says, “Hire an employment attorney to draft your offer letter and ensure that you protect yourself against future litigation. A typical contract for someone with duties like marketing or sales will be longer than this person’s (and their own attorney’s) attention span. That spell check button is your friend.”

Do you need a CTO? Is it someone in the company, or should this person be brought in from the outside?

Josh says, “Ideally, an early hire would have both skillsets – development and product management. However, you don’t want to burn through three engineers before landing one who can effectively manage the product and business objectives. Early on, I found senior engineers who were still green but had strong work ethics and self-management skills to be more valuable than experienced duds.”

The first hire I made at my first company was an intern from Stanford University. He was an intelligent guy, came very cheap (read: free), and had a strong work ethic. In his first few weeks, he taught himself the product inside out. He recommended small changes that would have been easy for an engineer to implement but also ended up being critical features of our future product lines. I made him a full-time offer after the internship was over.”

What should be a company’s top priority?

“Proactively vet potential hires. Talk with their previous managers and, if possible, find a reference that is not related to them directly. Make this person’s phone number available, and you’ll often get very detailed feedback.”

What should go into creating an effective job description?

Josh says, “I think it depends on who you want to hire. For an early-stage startup, you’re not going to attract candidates with years of experience in your space. So be honest about the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a new company, but emphasize the opportunity for growth.”

What are some common pitfalls companies often face when hiring?

Josh says, “The worst thing a company can do is to hire someone and then never check upon them. If you’re not going to talk to your hires regularly, your company’s culture will die a slow death.”

What should companies work on when hiring salespeople?

Josh says, “In the B2B world, sales teams are typically broken into three buckets: inside sales, mid-funnel salespeople, and account executives.

Inside sales are focused on closing small deals (i.e., less than $10k) with scalable assets like email lists or access to CRMs. The advantage of inside sales is they can close more deals over time (making the economics work), but the disadvantage is that it’s tough to track success. The best inside sales reps can close $100k+ in ARR for a SaaS company, but they’re also the hardest to find.”

The mid-funnel salesperson is focused on closing larger deals that are not self-serve, using phone calls and email. The report into mid-funnel sales management. Their goal is to get prospects to the next step, whether that is a trial or a meeting with an account executive.”

“Account executives are focused on closing deals that require more human touchpoints, usually over phone calls and in person. The report into account executive management and their job is to deploy mid-funnel salespeople and close the deal. Most account executives manage $1m+ in ARR.”

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Michael Hingson of accessiBe Discusses the Americans With Disabilities Act

When we think of the Internet, we think of a place where no boundaries exist, and everyone who is able and willing to use it can access information and technology. But according to Michael Hingson, chief vision officer at accessiBe, this isn’t the case for many individuals with disabilities.

Writing for Forbes, Hingson discusses the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which he says has helped make buildings and public transportation more accessible to those with disabilities.

But when it comes to the Internet, Hingson notes that there are still significant gaps in accessibility. For example, many websites feature huge barriers for people whose ability to read print is impaired by conditions such as dyslexia. Others contain many images, which are useless without text descriptions.

“Taking it a step further, when you begin thinking about all of the different websites that come together to create an entire experience—the apps and programs that collect data for analytics purposes or perhaps enable payment processing features—it becomes clear how vast the accessibility challenge is,” Hingson adds.

Hingson points out that 380 new websites are created every minute, and programmers who attempt to make them more accessible can’t keep up. He also notes that there is no such thing as universal design for the Web, which would allow individuals with disabilities to personalize their online experience.

“We need a scalable solution,” he says.

Hingson believes that new artificial intelligence solutions can help solve many of these problems. For example, accessiBe provides text-to-speech capabilities for nonvisual browsers and allows individuals to customize the way they view websites by using voice commands.

“Programmers are only one part of the equation; we believe that AI can actually drive programmer behavior and scale development,” he says.

Hingson notes that the Internet is such a valuable resource for those with disabilities, and they shouldn’t be limited from using it like it currently is. Instead, he urges companies to take accessibility more seriously and find solutions that can help bridge the gap.

“We urge you to start thinking about how your company, your department, or even your product can play a role in making the Internet more accessible for everyone,” he concludes.

Hingson went on to say, “It is important to make it easier for all, rather than harder. Programmers alone cannot keep up with the creativity and ingenuity of those that create these products and services without considering accessibility. AccessiBe is a scalable solution that will help.”

“Inclusiveness is a fundamental right, not a privilege. All people, regardless of ability or background, should have the opportunity to benefit from the many benefits of technology,” Hingson said.

Hingson went on to say, “It is important to make it easier for all, rather than harder. Programmers alone cannot keep up with the creativity and ingenuity of those that create these products and services without considering accessibility. AccessiBe is a scalable solution that will help.”

In closing, Hingson said, “I am excited about the future of AI and what it will mean for accessibility on the Internet.”

 

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Multivitamin FAQs | Get To Know Multivitamins

So many people choose to take multivitamins to ensure their bodies are getting all the necessary nutrients. That’s because you could intentionally incorporate a rich diet into your daily meals and still miss out on essential vitamins for various reasons.

Since a lot of vitamins are gotten from food, many people don’t see the importance of taking extra vitamins. However, if you have ever wondered if multivitamins are really worth it, here is a guide that provides the answers to some of the most asked questions on the topic.

What are multivitamins?

Multivitamins, as the name suggests, contain more than one vitamin or mineral in either tablet, liquid, capsules, chewable gummies, or powder form. They are useful for people who are not getting enough nutrients from their food.

Most multivitamin supplements will contain base vitamins like Vitamin C, Iron, or calcium. However, it’s important to note that multivitamins only act as supplements and should not replace a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, multivitamins should be taken alongside a healthy diet.

Why are multivitamins important?

Not everyone can enjoy a rich, varied diet. Some people are allergic to certain food groups or have personal beliefs or aversions to some types of food. This means that not everybody can rely totally on their diet or benefit from the wide range of vitamins and minerals supplied by various foods. However, there are many other reasons why people take vitamins.

The truth is, some people who rely heavily on vitamins do not even need them. One of the major reasons why some people may require certain multivitamins is usually health-related. Eating a balanced diet should normally give everyone all the nutrients they need.

However, this is not always the case as some have health conditions that make it harder for the body to benefit from certain vitamins solely from food sources. So, a multivitamin can be prescribed to ensure the body gets all the vitamins/minerals it requires to function normally and properly.

Plus, there are so many multivitamins on the market that are made specifically for certain health deficiencies, lifestyles, ages, and genders. For children, women, or men that need extra support for proper growth, healthy pregnancies, or glowing skin – multivitamins can assist with that.

It is true that some people argue about the relevance and potency of multivitamins. Others condemn people who take these supplements without finding out if their body needs them. Regardless of the controversies surrounding multivitamin supplements, the truth remains that they do give peace of mind. People who combine healthy diets with multivitamins can at least be sure that their bodies are getting all the nutrition it requires to run efficiently.

How regularly should multivitamins be taken?

It is possible to overdose on multivitamins. As essential as these supplements are, just like any drug or food for that matter, they must not be taken in excess. This means that multivitamins should not be taken arbitrarily. While most multivitamins are taken once daily, it’s important to either adhere to the instructions on the pack or follow the doctors’/physicians’ orders.

What vitamins should I look out for?

The vitamins you need in your multivitamin will entirely depend on your situation. However, some of the major vitamins people look out for are:

Vitamin D: It helps support a healthy immune system and supports normal muscle function.

Iron: Helps the body metabolize other drugs effectively. (If you have an iron deficiency it’s important to take iron supplements, especially as a pregnant woman).

Folic acid: This is also recommended for pregnant women for the healthy development of the fetus in the first three months. It’s also a great idea to take folic acid months before conception.

Vitamin C: Helps protect and promote healthy cells, skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels.

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Ways To Fortify Homes Against Tornadoes

The home needs to be safe but in some parts of the country, it can be dangerous to even have a home in some areas. Tornados can be incredibly damaging and you need to prepare properly in order to not be affected. Preventing catastrophes is not always possible but everything you do will have an impact on the result. While you can deal with tornado roofing damage in Texas in different ways, fortifying your property is always the priority. Here are some things that you can do.

Identify All Outdoor Hazards

When a tornado appears, winds can go over 300 miles per hour. This means debris will be thrown in literally all directions. As a result, it is important to securely store or remove those things that are a real hazard. This includes things like:

  • Lawn chairs and other outdoor furniture.
  • Children’s toys.
  • Empty planters.
  • Potted plants.
  • Downed tree limbs.
  • Trees that are a risk for electrical lines or homes.

Just walk around the home and see if there are some dangerous things present that could damage the home. Also, make sure to inspect the roof, brickwork, facia, soffit, and siding. And look for leaks that might need some patching.

Reinforce Your Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. So, you surely do not want it to fly off during tornadoes since this would only lead to more damage. Reinforce the strength of the roof by installing professional hurricane clips or straps. These will be attached to the rafters or trusses of the roof. As a result, the connection is much more solid.

Add Some Extra Protection To Doors And Windows

Doors and windows can end up blowing off when not secured. They can also shatter when hit by debris. Fortunately, many precautions can be taken in order to strengthen doors and windows. This includes:

  • Storm Shutters – These offer really fast protection for windows. They can be permanent or you can build some alone with some plywood to use just when the tornado comes.
  • Impact Resistant Windows – This option does cost more but will add some protection. It is much less likely to have shattered windows when foreign objects strike them.
  • Brace Garage Doors – The garage door is particularly vulnerable during tornadoes. If it drops, the home’s structure is compromised. This is why you need to install metal or wood stiffeners to gain extra support.

Secure All Large Appliances And Furniture

Large items and heavy furniture are a risk whenever sheltering indoors as the tornado hits your home. Such items can end up toppling over. You should reduce the possibility that this will happen by doing the following:

  • Use childproof latches – You can also use sliding bolts.
  • Use furniture anchors – These are good for the larger pieces of furniture, like bookcases and dressers.

You can also use flexible cables, braided wires, and metal strapping to secure the water heater and other large appliances. And there are several other things you could use in order to secure dangerous items inside the home.

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How to Start an Esports Business: Tips for Gaming Entrepreneurs

Over twenty million people used Twitch daily in 2020. The streaming platform garnered over ninety-three billion watch hours by the end of 2020 and has continued its astronomic growth run into the current year. ESPN, which currently sits on about $50 billion in value, generates an average of four dollars per streamer.

Generally, the eSports industry is booming. The future is even more promising as virtual technologies grow, shooting average screen time numbers further up. What these giant eSports businesses do to keep enjoying the significant growth isn’t too much of a mystery. If you’re an inspired gaming entrepreneur, here are some tips on starting your eSports business.

Do Some Market Research

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Getting your eSports business off the ground takes more than a great gaming or business idea. You may have to ensure your new idea is well-grounded before making it up the startup ladder. Conducting market research can help a great deal. From the “Dafran Overwatch” situation to Blizzard’s lawsuits, it helps to know everything the market is saying and what they mean for your business.

Going through all the long hours or even days in reading and building test cases to analyze your new business might look like a daunting task. However, it’s an important item you’ll need to cross off your checklist before your business goes live. The eSports industry is a numbers-crazy game, and building your business on analytics can be a great way to make an appearance on the scene.

Have a Niche

If only you get your market research right, it’ll be easier to know your niche. A niche is a specific position for your business in the entire marketplace. So are you building the next groundbreaking game? Or, perhaps you just want to focus on the eCommerce side of things. If so, it might be a good idea to check out an eCommerce online course at lambdasolutions.net. It’s a comprehensive eLearning and online course platform that offers vital resources that’s help boost your eCommerce skills.

Keep in mind that, no matter how magical your business idea is, you likely can’t do everything. And you most certainly cannot appear to be doing too many things at once. Picking a side keeps you lighter and prepares you for the long startup journey up ahead.

Seek Financing

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The eSports industry is capital intensive. Gaming entrepreneurs can spend huge amounts of money on cutting-edge VR technologies to host their applications. So, after conducting market research (with a clear picture of your space in the market) the next step is to create a compelling story for selling your business. You and your affiliates can put up the sweat equity needed to move your business, but that might not be enough to make any strides in the game.

Collaborate and Network

Getting a successful business off the ground requires knowing the right people to move your business further up. You can start your business alone in your room, but you’ll need a long list of people to get it up and running. It doesn’t matter how you meet them, it could be in person, or you can hit it off online. What’s important here is the trust to keep a working business relationship for both parties. Collaboration can help you negotiate successful third-party partnerships that can reduce startup pressure, especially in terms of financing and competence.

Build a Community

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Creating a community around your brand is a helpful way to ensure sustainable growth. A community of fans will influence their friends to try your game out. An investor community will do the same in connecting your business to the best financial opportunities you can find.

Community management in an industry like eSports can be a bittersweet situation. We’re talking about a GenZ market that has all the love and loyalty for whatever is cool. On the other hand, they are a powerful group of people, where one customer’s tweet can be all it takes to see everything crash.

For starters, who you are as a brand and what you stand for can draw the people you need. Generally, building a community requires consistent efforts to keep your eSports stakeholders in the loop at every step of the way.