Guest commentary: The challenges of the “business” responsibilities of pastors and senior church lay leaders
By Paul Witman Cal Lutheran University Most businesses have someone designated as the CEO – the person in charge. In a church, that is often the pastor, tasked with not only the spiritual leadership of the church but also managing its business operations. Ask almost all pastors, and they describe their administrative training in seminary Read More →
Guest commentary: An economic outlook on California’s climbing energy prices
By Michael Manchak A recent report from The California Center for Jobs and the Economy reveals that the Golden State currently faces the highest energy rates in the nation for electricity, gasoline, and diesel, with the fifth-highest natural gas prices. The forecast for 2024 suggests a continued upward trend in energy prices, primarily influenced by Read More →
Guest commentary: Navigating the transformative potential and risks of Generative AI in the workplace
By LightGabler In the relentless pursuit of efficiency and consistency in the workplace, businesses find themselves at the forefront of an unprecedented technological revolution. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) programs like ChatGPT, GPT-4, DALL-E 2, Midjourney, and DreamStudio have emerged as powerful tools that are changing the way we work. These innovations hold the promise of Read More →
Guest commentary: Trust but verify your online maps and directions
By Paul Witman Cal Lutheran University It was intended to be a straightforward, 5-hour drive northeast from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to pick up our son at the airport, en route to Utah for Thanksgiving. But what started as a time-saving detour ended for us in a 2-hour delay to get back to where Read More →
Guest commentary: How small business owners can prepare for 2024
By Kristi Alameda As 2023 comes to a close, it’s always a good time for business owners to use the final weeks of the year to reflect on the state of their business and the factors that matter most to their success. This is a great starting point to hit the ground running strong in Read More →
Guest commentary: Doubling down on Lutheran educational values to forge common ground
By Lori Varlotta The mid-21st-century world at large, including areas where we live and work, is markedly polarized at this moment in time. Many complex, nuanced issues are boiled down to “sides,” where co-workers, fellow citizens, friends, and family members stake their claims while vehemently opposing those of others. Of greatest concern is the propensity Read More →
Guest commentary: Application for SBA’s Persons of the Year are still open
By Dawn Golik & Julie Clowes Small Business Administration For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. During the first week in May, the SBA honors the best of our country’s 33 million small business Read More →
