Livingston Reporting - page 53

Billions of Dollars Set for Energy Projects via Infrastructure Bill

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The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will fund a number of projects for electrical contractors thanks to an infrastructure bill signed into law on November 15, 2021. Numerous infrastructure projects will reap the benefits from a pot of more than $62 billion.

Some of the highlights include:

  • Investing over $7 billion in the supply chain to be used toward mining, sourcing, and recycling batteries. These are essential to power the grid with clean, affordable, and resilient energy.
  • Improving workforce development by investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the power grid, green building, and industrial sectors. Thanks to this funding, access to cutting-edge technology will spur training and career expansion.
  • Establishing an Energy Jobs Council to oversee the development and release of energy jobs and workforce data. By joining with stakeholders, decisions made by national, state, and local governments will be well-informed.
  • Providing grants to communities, cities, states, territories, and more through investments of $500 million or more into the State Energy Program, which develops and implements clean energy programs and projects, thereby creating jobs.
  • Devoting $550 million into the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG).

Additionally, about $17 billion will exclusively focus on the electrical grid. The DOE said, “Extreme weather events like the Dixie Wildfire, Hurricane Ida, and the 2021 Texas Freeze have made it clear that our existing energy infrastructure cannot endure the impacts of climate change. Modernizing and expanding the electricity grid will make our energy sector more resilient, while enabling the buildout of affordable, reliable, clean energy.”

Of the $17 billion, $11 billion will go toward grants for states, Native American tribes, and utilities to increase electrical infrastructure against extreme weather, ransomware, and other issues. A $3 billion expansion of the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program will be allocated, as well as a $2.5 billion Transmission Facilitation Program. Both programs aim to develop the power grid’s flexibility, upgrade to clean energy, deploy energy storage, and more.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

J & P Electrical Company

What are No-Doc Loans?

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Borrowers looking to get approved for a mortgage and cannot show income verification are perfect candidates for no-doc loans. This type of mortgage loan does not require tax returns or income verification.

To qualify for a no-doc mortgage loan, borrowers have to show adequate credit history, real estate investment experience, and liquid assets, which are all passed through underwriting.

No-doc loans are typically unregulated, so they involve elevated down payments over traditional mortgages. In addition to requiring a higher down payment, no-doc loans generally have higher interest rates as well.

For standard mortgages, borrowers are required to submit proof of income to qualify for a loan. Lenders determine this proof via W2s, pay stubs, employment letters, and/or recent tax returns. Borrowers should be able to prove they can afford loan payments through their source(s) of income. Down payments and credit scores are also relevant.

With no-doc loans, the paperwork load is significantly lighter. All the borrower needs to do is provide a declaration saying they can repay the loan. Generally, those who are self-employed, investment-wealth capitalists, immigrants, real estate agents, or temporary workers apply for these loans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a regulatory agency established by Dodd-Frank, says, “Your organization must verify the information you rely on using reasonably reliable third-party records. You generally cannot rely on what consumers orally tell you about their income.”

No-doc loan borrowers should have excellent credit scores and high cash reserves for down payments. Down payments are roughly 30 to 50 percent higher than traditional mortgages. The higher the down payment, the easier the borrower can be approved for a loan.

Using bank statements and other paperwork, the borrower can prove their capacity to the lender and qualify for a no-doc loan.

Do you need a no-doc loan? Contact the mortgage experts at EB Mortgage today!

EB Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at 866-246-0516 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Uncategorized

IT Job Growth Slows

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According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in the US IT industry decreased during October. The latest figures from Janco Associates showed 4,800 positions added, a drop from 8,900 positions in September.

Slowdowns in the restaurant, entertainment, service, and other hospitality industries due to COVID-19 continue to decrease IT growth. Finding qualified applicants is currently the biggest challenge in the industry.

M. Victor Janulaitis, Janco’s CEO, said in a statement, “From data that we have reviewed, shutdowns resulted in fewer computer science candidates graduating from universities and trade schools. Those in the pipeline for those degrees were reduced as well. One of the drivers of that trend was that the closing of borders limited the number of foreign nationals who could qualify for that training and education. Many of the new positions that CIOs are trying to fill are in new technologies. There is a shortfall of individuals who have the training and skills necessary. There are open positions that cannot be filled. At the same time, attrition rates are on the rise in many IT organizations.”

Earlier in 2021, the US IT industry was more robust, with a surge of 25,400 new jobs in August, 18,500 in June, and 9,900 in July. IT job growth accelerated for 15 straight months, averaging 13,000 new jobs each month of 2021. IT salaries were also growing during 2021.

Pre-pandemic, the IT job situation throughout the US reflected similarly to how it looks now: more positions than candidates. If businesses found qualified IT professionals to fill positions, they would have reached an increased number of employees. With HR focusing on staff retention rather than finding developers, cybersecurity, and compliance professionals, the talent shortage is feeling the pressure.

As of October 31st, 189,000 new positions were available in 2021. In total, Janco estimates there are roughly 3.72 million IT professional careers open in the US.

Do you need some IT help due to an inability to find/hire employees? Look no further; contact the IT professionals at Creative Programs and Systems today. From residential services to Managed IT plans, we have you covered!

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

Fewer Imaging Exams Scheduled During Virtual Visits

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New research published in the JAMA Network Open suggests primary care visits that take place via video or phone result in fewer imaging scan orders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled telehealth as a primary way for physicians to offer patient care. As patients stay home to limit exposure to the virus, physician follow-up care can look different.

Using pre-pandemic data from more than 1.1 million patients, Kaiser Permanente researchers found that primary care doctors ordered imaging in roughly 59 percent of office visits versus 29 percent of virtual and 27 percent over the phone.

The study did not specify the reason behind the variance; however, the authors suggested patients who were more ill might have sought out in-person primary care.

Mary Reed, DrPH, a Kaiser Permanente research scientist, said, “It is possible that these differences in treatment might be driven by the types or seriousness of concerns that patients chose for each visit type, or by the degree to which physicians could assess the patient in each visit type. We need to explore these details further in future research.”

The study analyzed primary care appointments at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California between 2016 and midway through 2018; almost 2.2 million were evaluated. Video and telephone visits resulted in a lower number of medications prescribed (39 percent and 35 percent, respectively) compared to office-based visits, which were at 52 percent.

Overall, 25 percent of video visits required a follow-up appointment within a week. Telephone and in-person visits required follow-ups at 26 percent and 24.5 percent, respectively.

Emergency department visits or hospitalizations did not see a difference.

The study wrote, “In contrast to prior studies of direct-to-consumer telemedicine, we did not find evidence of over-ordering or over-prescribing among patients using telemedicine to visit their own primary care doctors. Video or telephone visits may be a convenient and safe way for patients to address some primary care needs without generating a substantial number of follow-up office visits or experiencing health events.”

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Acceletronics

Snow and Ice Preparedness

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Most people are “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to snow. This mindset might be acceptable for home or other personal settings, but as a business owner, it’s imperative to start planning for snow removal services now. Don’t get buried in snow due to a lack of planning.

By pre-planning for early winter snowfall, your business won’t get shut down or experience operation delays due to a large dump of snow. Blizzards, colossal storms, and bomb cyclones have wreaked havoc on many states throughout America. There have been weather disasters even meteorologists couldn’t predict. Snow removal, including plowing, salting, and de-icing, can make or break your brick-and-mortar business.

According to the CDC, millions of people sustain injuries from falls yearly. Hazards such as ice and snow contribute to this statistic. Don’t let snow and ice become a hazard to you, your employees, or your customers. If a massive storm blows through your business and leaves a great deal of snow behind it, will you be prepared? Part of a storm preparedness plan is to secure a contract with a reliable snow removal services company.

Professional snow removal businesses are well-equipped to handle ice and snow in any accumulation, thanks to heavy equipment and experienced contractors. Grounds management companies are always prepared to cover – or uncover – more ground.

As the winter season approaches, commercial snow removal companies gain an influx of customers. Start planning today to ensure your business driveways, sidewalks, and more are free from snow and ice.

Looking for a commercial snow removal company? Look no further than T&T Property Maintenance!

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T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Check out our website, call, or e-mail us today to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

T&T Property Maintenance

Layering Clothing in Cold Weather

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Cold, frigid air is heading our way. If you find yourself in a chilly survival situation, it’s crucial to regulate your body temperature before executing other tasks. Exposure to freezing temperatures combined with windchill can freeze you solid.

To keep your body dry and warm, layering is essential. This simple yet effective process will keep a moisture-wicking layer against your body while ensuring warm air is trapped between a light, fluffy layer. A weatherproof outer layer will also be valuable in minimizing wind and snow.

Cold weather can quickly saturate your body, especially when you are in harsh environments. The most natural reaction people have when it comes to being cold is to get warm immediately. If you overdo it, however, you could start to sweat, which causes wet skin. Wet clothing or skin exposed to cold temperatures will make you susceptible to rapid freezing. Frostbite and other conditions can easily set in before you realize it.

Choose three different types of materials for your base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. Base layers should be a modern synthetic fabric or merino wool. Avoid cotton as it saturates quickly and takes a long time to dry. For the mid-layer, consider a lightweight, fluffy material that is mainly responsible for trapping air, warmed by your body heat, to keep you warm. Synthetic blends or wool are good options, and again, avoid cotton. Outer layers are the shell between your body and the elements. Choose a heavy  jacket that will block wind, precipitation, and is waterproof.

It might go without saying, but don’t forget hats, gloves, boots, etc. Look for hats with flaps to cover your ears. Ensure your boots have room for a second layer of socks.

Regulate your body temperature through layering, and you will notice a difference when outdoors. In extreme situations, layering could make a difference between survival or death.

Are you looking for cold-weather gear? Check out our online store – we have what you need!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Wolf Survival Gear

EV Growth Expected to Continue

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A recent report released by BloombergNEF called the “Zero-Emission Vehicles Factbook” worldwide momentum toward zero-emission vehicles has grown substantially since 2019.  

In 2019, Electric Vehicle (EV) sales were 2.1 million. In 2020, that number rose to 3.1 million, and in 2021, they are projected toward roughly 5.6 million. 7.2 percent of global new car sales throughout the first half of 2021 were electric, a jump from 4.3 percent in 2020 and 2.6 percent in 2019.

Fueled by automakers that have committed to selling 40 million EVs by 2030, 27 percent of automakers have also planned to phase out combustion engines at that time.

The report states, “The global clean road transport market will be worth around $244 billion this year,” but cautioned, “Most of them [automakers] still have a long way to go before we can be confident that we are on a zero-emissions trajectory. Manufacturers and technology companies will need to accelerate the development and deployment of vehicles and supporting technology, such as batteries, infrastructure, and software.”

A policy paper published by COP26 titled “COP26 Declaration on Accelerating the Transition to 100 Percent Zero Emission Cars and Vans” promised, “As representatives of governments, businesses, and other organizations with an influence over the future of the automobile industry and road transportation, we commit to rapidly accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Together, we will work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission globally by 2040 or earlier, or by no later than 2036 in leading markets.”

Major governments, city, state, and regional governments, auto manufacturers, business fleet owners and operators, investors, and financial institutions signed the agreement. Throughout the United States, 13 states signed the agreement, as well as 11 automobile manufacturers.

Time to get an EV? State Electric Company sells and installs residential and commercial EV chargers.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

State Electric Co.

New Nerve Cell Discovered in Retina

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A new type of neuron, or nerve cell, has been discovered in the retina by scientists at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.

A complex group of neurons communicate with each other in the central nervous system, relaying sensory and motor information. These interneurons are an essential aspect of communication. This finding marks a breakthrough for scientists who are working toward a better understanding of the central nervous system. By identifying and classifying all neurons, researchers can more easily distinguish between different aspects.

A research team led by Ning Tian, Ph.D., identified the interneuron in the mammalian retina. Tian said, “Based on its morphology, physiology, and genetic properties, this cell doesn’t fit into the five classes of retinal neurons first identified more than 100 years ago. We propose they might belong to a new retinal neuron class by themselves.”

The new neuron is dubbed Campana after a handbell, resembling its shape. Campana cells are able to transmit visual signals in the retina, but the exact function is yet to be determined.

Tian said, “In the brain, persistent firing cells are believed to be involved in memory and learning. Since Campana cells have a similar behavior, we theorize they could play a role in prompting a temporal ‘memory’ of a recent situation.”

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Michigan Lasik

Ozone Proves to be Useful to Disinfect Water

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The standards of water disinfection are currently chlorine and ultraviolet light when pertaining to city water. A project called MIKROOZON backed by Schleswig-Holstein, CONDIAS, and the European Union aims to create a tiny ozone generator for people to use in water dispensers or appliances such as fridges or dishwashers.

There are several advantages when it comes to ozone being used for water disinfection, including a positive environmental impact, a short retention time, and tasteless quality. Ozone is an excellent choice when it comes to combatting germs, thanks to its high oxidation potential. The cell membrane in common pathogens is easily broken down by ozone.

Ozone water disinfection is the standard in Germany to clean swimming pools, drinking water, and wastewater. However, ozone is not typically implemented to purify water in small appliances such as ice machines, water dispensers, and showers.

Norman Laske, a researcher at Fraunhofer ISIT, said, “The ozone generator is very compact and can be integrated in systems and appliances that require regular disinfection. You simply connect it up to the water line, and it will produce the right amount of ozonized water whenever required.”

Only a couple of centimeters in size, the ozone generator can generate pure, clean water through electrolysis.

Volker Holinder, CEO of CONDIAS GmbH, said, “Each partner has contributed years of experience from their own area of specialization. This has created a product that can now be manufactured on an industrial scale. The spread of the coronavirus has underlined the importance of disinfection. The use of chemical disinfectants is often problematic, because they leave harmful residues. Our system uses electrolytically generated ozone to eliminate germs. It therefore does not produce any residues from disinfectants.”

Do you have dirty water? Contact the water purification experts at Reynolds Water today.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Reynolds Water

Electrical Component Industry Shortages

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By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the global supply shortages affecting nearly all industries. From vehicle manufacturing to computer components, nearly every business involved in overseas production has been affected.

The sudden rise in consumer electronics created a demand that the electronics supply chain couldn’t handle during the beginning of the pandemic. Due to worldwide shutdowns creating a pause in production, many companies are now playing catch-up. Moreover, tariffs were imposed on imported Chinese goods, which made the situation more challenging.

Raw materials and bulk electronic component shortages forced manufacturers to remain idle, many with half-finished products. The electronic components in high demand include capacitors, resistors, semiconductors, and other parts. Prices for several raw materials, including copper and steel, have doubled between 2020 and 2021. Semiconductors, microchips, and PCBs are all produced in Asia, so some manufacturers are looking to move their operations back to America to compensate.

Rising prices are also a factor; as demand rises and supply dwindles, costs increase. ElectronicsB2B reported that the semiconductor industry value is expected to increase by 11 percent from 2020 to 2027. Factors such as 5G-based automation, increased chip demand, and geopolitical issues could all play a massive role in whether the semiconductor shortage will ease up any time soon.

Labor shortages are also another large factor in part causing supply deficiency. The number of global working hours was decreased by 8.8 percent due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. 

Supply chains are the root of the shortages; the longer they are, the more susceptible to interruptions. This is partly why many suppliers are trying to relocate closer to home, called reshoring. With a more relative location, electrical components will arrive more punctually.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

J & P Electrical Company