Calling all Kansas businesses! Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has exciting news: the Kansas Department of Commerce is now seeking nominations for the prestigious 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. This annual recognition program celebrates the innovative and outstanding businesses that are driving economic growth and success across the Sunflower State. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry pioneers are invited to submit their nominations and showcase the remarkable achievements that are propelling Kansas forward. Whether you're a small startup making big waves or an established company pushing the boundaries of innovation, this is your opportunity to be recognized for your exceptional contributions to the state's economic landscape. The To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable businesses that embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience that define Kansas's dynamic business community. Don't miss your chance to be part of this prestigious celebration of business excellence.

• 2025-05-06 21:47:41

Samsung Electronics announced on Wednesday that its subsidiary, Harman International, has finalized a strategic acquisition of Masimo's audio business for a substantial $350 million. The deal marks a significant expansion of Harman's portfolio in the competitive audio technology market, potentially strengthening Samsung's position in consumer electronics and sound innovation. The transaction underscores Harman's commitment to growing its audio capabilities and Samsung's ongoing strategy of diversifying its technology offerings. By bringing Masimo's audio expertise under its umbrella, the company aims to enhance its product range and technological capabilities in the audio segment. Financial details of the deal suggest a carefully negotiated transaction that could provide both companies with strategic advantages in the rapidly evolving consumer electronics landscape. The acquisition is expected to create new opportunities for product development and market penetration.

• 2025-05-06 21:06:35

Passion for Pet Therapy: Spears Business Instructor Marla Mahar and Her Canine Companion Make a Difference When Marla Mahar isn't teaching at Oklahoma State University's Spears Business School, she's making waves in the world of pet therapy alongside her loyal golden retriever, Oakley. The dynamic duo recently showcased the transformative power of human-animal connections at the inaugural P3 Symposium in late April, warmly greeting attendees and highlighting the incredible impact of pet therapy. As an active member of Pete's Pet Posse, Mahar and Oakley demonstrate how compassionate canines can bring comfort, healing, and joy to people in various settings. Their participation in the symposium not only celebrated the remarkable work of therapy dogs but also raised awareness about the profound emotional and psychological benefits these four-legged friends can provide.

• 2025-05-06 20:57:07

Zurich Insurance Group Revolutionizes Customer Service with Cutting-Edge AI Technology In a bold move to enhance customer experience, Zurich Insurance Group is transforming its customer relationship management approach by integrating advanced artificial intelligence into its service framework. The innovative AI system empowers insurance agents with unprecedented insights, enabling them to deliver highly personalized and responsive support to clients. By leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms, the new AI-driven platform analyzes customer data, interaction history, and individual preferences in real-time. This allows agents to craft more targeted and meaningful interactions, anticipating customer needs before they even arise. The result is a more intuitive, efficient, and customer-centric approach to insurance services. The implementation of this AI technology represents Zurich's commitment to digital transformation and customer satisfaction. Agents now have access to intelligent tools that streamline communication, provide deeper understanding of client requirements, and ultimately create more meaningful connections with customers. As the insurance industry continues to evolve, Zurich Insurance Group stands at the forefront of technological innovation, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can revolutionize traditional customer service models.

• 2025-05-06 20:50:05

As the warm summer days approach and outdoor shopping beckons, Yelp has unveiled a helpful guide to support local small businesses. The curated list aims to connect shoppers with hidden gems and neighborhood treasures, offering a refreshing alternative to big-box retailers. With a focus on community and local entrepreneurship, this carefully crafted directory provides shoppers with an exciting opportunity to discover unique stores, boutiques, and local enterprises. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, artisanal products, or personalized shopping experiences, Yelp's recommendations promise to guide you toward memorable local shopping destinations. By highlighting small businesses, the list not only helps consumers find exceptional products but also supports the local economy and celebrates the creativity and passion of community entrepreneurs. This summer, shoppers can explore a world of distinctive shopping experiences right in their own neighborhoods, all thanks to Yelp's thoughtful curation.

• 2025-05-06 20:49:39

Monson Savings Bank Welcomes Seasoned Banking Professional Ana M. Parrelli Monson Savings Bank is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ana M. Parrelli as its new Business Development Officer. With an impressive career spanning over 20 years in banking, sales, and community engagement, Parrelli brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to the financial institution. Her extensive background demonstrates a proven track record of building strong client relationships and driving business growth. Parrelli's deep understanding of local market dynamics and commitment to community development align perfectly with Monson Savings Bank's core values and strategic objectives. In her new role, Parrelli will be instrumental in expanding the bank's business partnerships, developing innovative financial solutions, and strengthening the bank's presence in the local community. Her addition to the team signals Monson Savings Bank's continued dedication to providing exceptional financial services and support to its customers and regional businesses.

• 2025-05-06 20:45:15

As the school year draws to a close, high school seniors participate in an exciting and playful tradition known as the end-of-year water gun battle. This spirited event transforms the campus into a vibrant battlefield where graduating students engage in a thrilling, lighthearted competition. Armed with colorful toy guns and boundless enthusiasm, seniors create memorable moments of camaraderie and excitement, marking the final days of their high school journey with an exhilarating splash of fun. The water gun showdown serves as a jubilant celebration of friendship, marking the transition from student life to the next chapter of their lives. Dressed in casual attire and armed with water-filled weapons, students dart and dodge, creating a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, teamwork, and pure joy. It's a cherished ritual that allows seniors to release stress, bond with classmates, and create lasting memories before they embark on their future adventures.

• 2025-05-06 20:43:05

Long before most teenagers are thinking about innovation, Alexander Saigh was already tinkering with inventive ideas. His journey into invention began during his high school years, sparked by an unexpected source: the popular science show MythBusters. While watching the show, Saigh noticed moments when the cast struggled to make certain experiments work, which instead of discouraging him, ignited a spark of curiosity and determination. Inspired by the challenges he saw on screen, Saigh decided to take matters into his own hands. Rather than being deterred by the difficulties encountered by the MythBusters team, he saw an opportunity to explore, experiment, and potentially solve problems that others had found challenging. This early passion for problem-solving would become the foundation of his innovative spirit, driving him to create and explore beyond the conventional boundaries of teenage invention.

• 2025-05-06 20:27:18

In a passionate defense of the American economic landscape, "Making Money" host Charles Payne delivered a powerful message to investors: never underestimate the resilience and potential of the United States economy. Speaking with conviction, Payne cautioned against the growing trend of betting against American markets and businesses. Payne emphasized that despite current challenges, the United States remains a powerhouse of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic dynamism. He argued that investors who short-sell American stocks or predict widespread economic collapse are fundamentally misreading the nation's inherent strengths and adaptability. Drawing from historical precedents, the financial commentator highlighted how the American economy has consistently demonstrated remarkable recovery and growth, even in the face of significant obstacles. From economic downturns to global disruptions, the United States has repeatedly proven its capacity to reinvent itself and emerge stronger. "Betting against America is not just a financial mistake," Payne warned, "it's a fundamental misunderstanding of the country's innovative spirit and economic potential." He urged investors to look beyond short-term fluctuations and recognize the long-term value embedded in American markets and companies. For those seeking smart investment strategies, Payne recommended focusing on sectors driving future growth, supporting domestic businesses, and maintaining a balanced, optimistic perspective on the nation's economic trajectory.

• 2025-05-06 20:00:56

In a tense diplomatic encounter on Tuesday, President Donald Trump once again downplayed the critical economic ties between the United States and Canada during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The president's remarks, which appeared to deliberately understate the significance of the bilateral trade relationship, raised eyebrows among economic experts and diplomatic observers. Trump's characterization of the US-Canada trade partnership seemed to contradict well-established economic data, suggesting a potentially provocative approach to international economic diplomacy. The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions in trade negotiations and underscored the complex dynamics of North American economic relations. Despite the president's minimizing rhetoric, the United States and Canada maintain one of the world's most integrated and valuable trade partnerships, with billions of dollars in cross-border commerce occurring annually. Experts continue to emphasize the mutual economic benefits of this long-standing relationship, even as political rhetoric sometimes suggests otherwise.

• 2025-05-06 19:52:39