March 20, 2013 The housing bubble of a few years ago mostly bypassed Central New York where in the midst of a stagnant economy homes had only modestly increased in value, thus, prices only decreased slightly when the downturn hit. Now the New York State Association reports that January home prices and sales in Oneida and Herkimer Counties have seen significant increases. The figures may surprise you.
February 4, 2013 They are names many of us have grown up with but with the advent of online shopping they are seeing their revenues and profits steadily decline. 24/7 Wall Street is reporting that 8 big retailers are expected to close between 125 and 600 store locations this year. Which ones are on the list?
January 24, 2013 It's a sign of the times. Dish Network, the parent company of Blockbuster, has announced it will be closing about 300 stores and eliminating some 3000 jobs. I remember when going to Blockbuster to rent videos and later DVD's meant hoping that your favorite would still be in stock and then waiting in long lines to check out. Things have changed.
November 9, 2012 At Big Frog 104, we like to share positive local economic news, and Nirvana Water is expanding its Boonville facility.
October 24, 2012 Looking for a little extra cash this holiday season? Silly question. If you are out of work or have some spare time you'd like to fill FedEx might be the place for you. The Consumerist reports that the company is seeking some 20,000 workers to assist with the expected holiday rush, especially from orders filed by online shoppers. Furthermore, FedEx is not alone.
June 23, 2012 My wife and I just closed on a winter getaway place in Florida and while her first thought was how little it would cost to heat mine was how much it would cost to cool--even if we weren't there--in the summer. We here in Central New York have our share of hot and humid summer days when air conditioning comes in handy and I've come across a few tips courtesy of Yahoo Shine that can help save a few bucks.
March 13, 2012 Last week we reported on the theft of manhole covers in the city of Utica. Now, according to WIBX, officials in Oneida are seeking those responsible for stealing several storm drains. As with the case of the missing manhole covers the reason behind the thefts appears to be money.
March 8, 2012 A Michigan man, Joshua Thompson, has initiated a class action suit against the AMC theater chain alleging that the high cost of concession stand snacks amounts to price gouging. According to the Wall Street Journal Thompson used to bring his own snacks to the movies until recently when he noticed a sign saying customers were no longer allowed to do so. It's really amazing at how much profit margin there is on a typical bag of popcorn. How much you ask?
January 19, 2012 Whether it is the economy or just better built cars American's are keeping their cars on the road longer than ever before. According to R.L. Polk and Co. the average age of your typical car is up to 11.1 years, up from 11 years in 2010. Pickup trucks and SUV's are seeing similar increases in longevity.
October 18, 2011 Gap Inc. will be closing 189 stores--about 20% of its locations--before the end of 2013. USA Today reports that while the company which also runs Old Navy and Banana Republic outlets is closing stores in the U.S they will be expanding the number of locations in China. The reasons for the cutbacks are mostly economic.
June 10, 2011 Well, think of it. You're in college and your majoring in something that really interests you. You're grades are great and it's green pastures ahead. Well, it may not be all peaches and cream after graduation. 89 percent of people polled in a Rasmussen Report say it will be 'somewhat difficult' for college students to find a job after graduation due to the current economy.
