Downtown Urbana Farmers Market features fresh fruit, flowers and local finds

Saturday mornings in Urbana continue to deliver one of summer's favorite traditions as Market at the Square welcomes shoppers with seasonal fruit, flowers and more than 100 Illinois vendors. This week's market brings the arrival of peaches and blueberries alongside community booths and Father's Day weekend offerings.

---

Photo: Karen Longwell/PEXELS

---

by Sentinel News Service
OurSentinel.com

URBANA - There’s something about a Saturday morning at Market at the Square that feels like summer settling into its rhythm.

Tomorrow morning, downtown Urbana will once again fill with shoppers carrying canvas bags, neighbors catching up over coffee, and more than 100 vendors turning the city center into one of central Illinois’ busiest weekly traditions.

The Market at the Square runs from 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October — rain or shine — and this week’s lineup arrives with one unmistakable headline: peaches and blueberries are officially here.

Several longtime favorites are bringing early-season fruit to market.

Cary’s Garden of Eatin’ plans to offer both blueberries and peaches, while Fermanian Blueberries will set up near the tomato vendors. Mileur Orchards, traveling from Murphysboro, returns to its familiar spot, and Sager Farms of Kell will bring an earlier-than-expected peach crop, setting up in the area normally occupied by Leeyah-Symone Lemonade, which returns next week.

For visitors making a Father’s Day weekend stop, Harden Ranch will be serving up something a little different than produce baskets.

The ranch will offer bison steaks for grilling and Father’s Day meals, along with a buy-one-get-one-free special on knuckle bones for four-legged family members. Customers can also place orders for larger 30- and 80-pound meat bundles.

Flower shoppers may want to arrive early.

Delight Flower Farm says this weekend marks the final appearance of its standout peonies while also kicking off lily season at the market — a seasonal handoff that should bring plenty of color to market bags and kitchen tables.

Meanwhile, The Little Farm Co. is arriving with what it calls a lush, vibrant harvest featuring an extensive selection of greens, roots and microgreens. Offerings include arugula, broccoli, kohlrabi, several signature blends, melons, Thai basil, radishes, leeks, sweet peas, sunflowers and pet grass. Visitors can find the farm in Row 2 and sample varieties before purchasing.

Beyond the food and flowers, community organizations remain part of the market’s weekly draw.

Campus Cooperative Preschool will host an informational booth during the event, sharing information about its play-based preschool programs and current fall enrollment opportunities.

For first-time visitors, Urbana’s Market at the Square operates as a producer-only market. That means vendors sell products they have grown, raised, made or produced locally in Illinois.

Shoppers will find everything from produce, meats and dairy products to prepared foods, plants, flowers, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, candles, clothing, body care products and garden décor.

All vendors accept cash and personal checks. Many also accept credit cards, and some offer electronic payment options including Venmo and Apple Pay.

LINK benefits are accepted, although funds must be converted into market tokens before purchases. For more information on using a LINK card, visit this link - Using your LINK card at the Urbana Market.

Whether the goal is stocking up on summer produce, finding flowers for the table, picking up something for Dad, or simply spending a Saturday morning outdoors, Market at the Square continues to offer one of Urbana’s easiest reasons to slow down and wander.

Additional weekly market information is available at urbanamarket.org.

This week's vendors:

5am Bakery

Aban Irani

ABC123 Craft Studio

Advocates for Aging Care

AO - Spicy and Sweet

Artesanía Nails

AT&T

Atropos Scissors

Bad Bear Pottery

Bakelab LLC

Ben & Molly's Farm

Berries and Flour: Bakery & Harvest Goods, L.L.C.

Bunning's Bakery

Burrito King Food Trucks

Campus Cooperative Preschool

Carly Morrison Clay

Carnation Bookhouse

Cary's Garden of Eatin

Central Illinois Bakehouse

Champaign County Democrats

Champaign County Environmental Stewards

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

CIMIC

Cindy Sampson/sampson N delilah

Ck Almonds

Claybank Farms

Cloud Mountain Kombucha

Country Cottage Farm

Cuddlebug Cottage

DayDreams

Delight Flower Farm

Designed With Hartman

Discardistry

Disco Cheeks

El Oasis

Elm City Coffee

EvermoreWood

Everyday Feast

Fabrikate

Foufoufactory

Fruitful Vines

Gadgets & Gizmos A-plenty

Gelater llc

Gigi's Soapery

Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar

Granny Cakes

Green G Farm

Hanna’s Hobbies

Harden Ranch

Heart Fired Pottery

Illinois Willows

J&S Sales

Jasmine’s Jewelry Co

Jehovah's Witnesses

Joyfully Blooming

Jurassic Grill

Just Sew Sew

Keke's

Koller family gardens

Kountry Fresh / Koss Family Farms

Lancaster Flower Co.

Laurel & Lemon Children's Clothing

League of Women Voters

Light of the World Fragrant Candles LLC

Little Bird Pottery

Living Light Farms

Lucania Arts

Madilyn Jane Ceramics

Maxwell’s Mushroom Farm

Melissa Morgan

Mellie Lia Crafts

Mexican Delicacies La Paloma

MILEUR ORCHARD

Moore Family Farm

Mueller Family Farm LLC

Nan Argentine Sweets

Nano Farms

Niece's Pieces Brownies

NitroCup

Not Too Sweet

nuEra Cannabis

Ochoa Farm

Olde Tyme Kettle Korn

OLLI at Illinois

Phil Strang Artist

Piato Catering & Organic Food Nanny

PopCycle, LLC

Power House COGIC

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery

Reimagined Relics

Richard Oosterhoff & Son

SBSTRANDCOLLECTION

Science at the Market, Physics UIUC

Silver Lining Goods

Skye & Earth Jewelry

Sola Gratia Farm

Sparkles by Stephanie

SPROUTS!

Stango Cuisine

Strawberry Void

Strictly Wicks Candle Company

Studio Mayday

Sugared In Champaign LLC

Suline Creations LLC

Sweet N Simple

Tempered Mettle Historical Fencing

The Blooming Idiot

The Button Man

The Cousins Dog Biscuit Co

The Little Farm Co.

The Macaron Palace

The Wright Soapery

Thoughtful Fiber Arts

Three Berry Flowers

Tiger Gardens

Triple S Farms

Ts Random Snacks by Letisha

Twin City Theatre Company

Uniquely Blended Mood Modifiers

University of Illinois Developmental Psychology Labs

Warm Paws Bakery

Winfrey Wood Works

---

Urbana Market at the Square Saturday vendors, downtown Urbana farmers market peaches and blueberries, producer-only farmers market in Urbana Illinois, local food and artisan market Champaign County, things to do Saturday morning in Urbana Illinois

The most common causes for bottlenecks in warehouses

by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Warehouses sit at the center of modern commerce, yet their work remains mostly invisible until something breaks down. A late shipment, a backed-up dock or a crowded staging lane can turn a routine day into an expensive one. That is why warehouse bottlenecks matter. They expose weak points in the way a facility receives, stores, picks, packs, and ships goods.

---

Photo: Tiger Lily/PEXELS

---

In many operations, the real challenge is not identifying the slowdown, but tracing the problem back to its cause. Below, we’ll outline the most common causes for bottlenecks in warehouses and provide some measures managers can take to avoid them.

A Bottleneck Starts With Flow

A bottleneck forms when one part of the operation cannot keep pace with the rest. The issue may begin at receiving, where inbound freight sits too long before put-away. It may show up in picking, where workers spend too much time traveling between slots. It may emerge at shipping, where completed orders wait for wrapping, labeling, or door assignment.

Once one point in the system falls behind, the delay begins to spread. A slowdown in one area creates idle time in another and pressure somewhere else. By the end of the shift, managers are trying to recover the pace of the entire building.

Labor Shortages Change the Rhythm of the Floor

Staffing remains one of the most common causes of warehouse bottlenecks. Even a well-organized building loses efficiency when it lacks enough trained workers in the right roles. A short crew at receiving can leave trailers waiting at the dock, or a shortage of forklift drivers can delay replenishment. Too few workers at packing stations can leave finished orders sitting in queues.

This problem gets worse when volume shifts during the day. A warehouse may look properly staffed in the morning and still struggle by late afternoon if outbound demand spikes. Labor planning built on rough averages instead of task-by-task workload can leave entire departments scrambling to catch up.

Training Gaps Create Hidden Delays

Headcount alone does not solve the problem. A warehouse also depends on training that prepares workers to move safely and efficiently through the building. New employees need time to learn travel paths, scan procedures, slotting systems, and equipment rules. Without that foundation, even motivated crews can lose time through hesitation and mistakes.

Training gaps create hidden delays because they do not always look dramatic. A worker may pause at the wrong rack location, or another may scan the wrong pallet. Each moment seems minor, but across a full shift, those seconds turn into missed throughput and growing congestion.

Poor Layout Forces Extra Movement

Some bottlenecks begin long before the shift starts. They grow out of the physical design of the warehouse itself. If the layout forces workers to take longer routes, wait for traffic to clear, or move product twice, the building creates its own delays.

Aisles that are too narrow for traffic volume can slow forklifts and pickers at peak times. Storage zones far from packing or shipping stations add unnecessary travel to every order. Staging lanes that crowd active dock doors can block both inbound and outbound movement. These design choices make it harder for every team to keep a steady pace.

The Loading Dock Absorbs Pressure from Every Direction

The loading dock is one of the clearest examples of how small inefficiencies can turn into larger delays. It sits between receiving and shipping, which means it absorbs pressure from both sides of the operation. If too many trailers arrive in the same window, if drivers wait too long for door assignments, or if staging fills before a prior load clears, congestion builds quickly.

Once the dock loses rhythm, the rest of the warehouse feels it. Receiving crews cannot unload on time. Shipping teams cannot push completed orders out the door. Forklift traffic increases, space shrinks, and supervisors start making reactive decisions just to keep freight moving.

Rework at Shipping Slows the Entire Line

Outbound work becomes slower when crews must stop and fix preventable problems. Damaged pallets, loose cartons, missing labels, and unstable loads all create rework that interrupts the normal flow of shipments. Instead of moving freight from packing to staging to loading, workers pause to rebuild or secure what should have been ready.

Packaging equipment and load containment play a larger role here than many people realize. Stretch wrappers play an important role in reducing warehouse bottlenecks by reducing delays from unstable pallets and manual wrapping. In facilities where shipping volume runs high, repeated rework at that stage can back up the dock and strain the entire schedule.

Communication Problems Turn Small Issues into Bigger Ones

Warehouses depend on coordination between receiving, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping. When that communication breaks down, a manageable delay can grow into a broader disruption. A late inbound trailer may compress the day’s labor plan, or a rush order may need to move ahead of standard work.

If those updates do not reach the right teams quickly, workers continue with outdated assumptions. That causes repeated questions, wasted motion, and frustration on the floor. Strong communication does not eliminate every bottleneck, but it keeps one problem from multiplying into several more.

Equipment Failure Exposes Weak Process Design

A single piece of equipment can determine whether a shift moves smoothly or falls behind. When a conveyor stops, cartons back up. When a scanner fails, workers switch to slower manual checks. When a forklift goes down, replenishment and loading can stall at the same time. If one wrapping station or labeling unit carries too much of the workload, a short outage can affect the entire building.

The deeper problem is not just the machine failure. It is the lack of flexibility around it. Operations that rely too heavily on one station or one asset leave themselves vulnerable. When workers have no efficient backup plan, delays spread faster, and recovery takes longer.

Temporary Workarounds Can Become Permanent Problems

In many warehouses, the first response to a bottleneck is a workaround. Supervisors move workers from one department to another, or stage orders in temporary corners. These choices may help in the moment, but they also create more touches and more confusion.

Over time, temporary fixes can become part of the routine. That is when a warehouse starts normalizing inefficiency. Managers then face the same delays day after day, even though everyone on the floor has learned to work around them.

Better Flow Starts With Observation

The most effective warehouses do not eliminate pressure, but reduce the friction that turns ordinary pressure into chronic delay. They match staffing to real workload, maintain equipment before failure disrupts the shift, and use slotting decisions that reflect actual product movement.

Why Bottlenecks Matter Beyond the Warehouse

A warehouse bottleneck is not just an internal operations problem. It affects transportation schedules, labor costs, customer expectations, and the reliability of the businesses that depend on those shipments. When delays build inside the building, they reach far beyond the dock door.

For managers, the central question is simple: where does the flow break first, and why? The answer usually points to labor, layout, data, equipment, or communication. Fixing that misalignment can steady the workday, protect workers, and keep freight moving on time.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

---

More that might interest you

Tips for pallet maintenance, how businesses can extend the life of wooden pallets

Wooden pallets play a major role in warehouses and supply chains, but poor maintenance can lead to costly damage and safety risks. Consistent inspections, proper storage and careful handling can help businesses extend pallet life and improve daily operations.

---

Arti Kh/PEXELS

Treating pallets as valuable equipment rather than disposable items helps improve overall warehouse performance. Businesses can also reduce waste and improve efficiency through timely repairs, inventory rotation and consistent maintenance routines.

---

by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Wooden pallets do a lot of hard work behind the scenes. They move products through warehouses, support heavy loads and keep supply chains moving, yet many businesses do not think much about them until something goes wrong.

That approach can get expensive in a hurry. When pallets crack, warp or fail before their time, companies deal with damaged goods, disrupted operations and avoidable replacement costs. Good pallet care helps businesses get more value from every unit and keeps daily work running more smoothly. Use these tips for proper wooden pallet maintenance and care.

Start With Regular Inspections

One of the best ways to maintain wooden pallets is to inspect them often. A quick visual check can reveal split boards, loose nails, broken stringers, protruding fasteners and other common issues before they create bigger problems.

Regular inspections also help teams separate usable pallets from those that need repair or removal. When damaged pallets stay in circulation too long, they can harm products, create safety hazards and slow down workflow. A consistent inspection routine keeps those problems from spreading across the operation.

Keep Pallets Clean

Dirt, moisture, spilled products and debris can all shorten the life of a wooden pallet. Over time, grime can hide damage, weaken the wood and create sanitation concerns, especially in facilities that handle food, beverages or sensitive materials.

Basic cleaning goes a long way. Sweeping off loose debris, wiping away spills and removing buildup from storage areas helps pallets stay in better condition. Clean pallets also make inspections easier because teams can spot damage more quickly when boards and fasteners remain visible.

Control Moisture Exposure

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to wooden pallets. When pallets absorb water, they can swell, warp, grow mold or weaken over time. Those changes reduce strength and make pallets less reliable during storage and transport.

That’s why storage conditions matter so much. Keeping pallets in dry, well-ventilated areas helps preserve their structure and extends their useful life. If pallets must stay outdoors for a period, covering them properly and keeping them off wet ground can reduce damage from rain and standing water.

Store Them the Right Way

Poor storage habits can wear out pallets long before they reach the end of their natural service life. Stacks that lean, sit unevenly or rise too high can damage the pallets at the bottom and create safety concerns for workers nearby.

A neat, stable storage setup makes a big difference. Pallets should sit on level ground and stay stacked in a way that limits shifting and excess pressure. When storage areas stay organized, teams can access pallets more easily and reduce accidental damage during handling.

Handle With Care

Even sturdy wooden pallets can break down quickly when people handle them roughly. Dragging them across the floor, slamming them with forklifts or dropping heavy loads carelessly can crack boards and loosen joints in a short amount of time.

Employees should know how to handle pallets properly so they do not create unnecessary damage during routine operations. Careful lifting, proper forklift entry and thoughtful placement help protect the pallet and the product sitting on it.

Repair Damage Promptly

Small pallet problems rarely stay small for long. A loose board or a partially lifted nail may seem minor, but repeated use can turn a simple repair into a full replacement if no one addresses it early.

Prompt repairs help businesses get more use from their pallet inventory. Replacing broken deck boards, securing loose fasteners and fixing structural issues can return many pallets to service without much delay. A repair-first mindset often saves money and reduces waste when the pallet still has solid life left in it.

Match the Pallet to the Load

Not every pallet should carry every type of load. Overloading a pallet or using the wrong size or construction for the product can lead to bending, breakage and unstable shipments.

Teams should understand weight limits, product dimensions and how the load sits across the pallet surface. When a pallet matches the job, it performs better and lasts longer. When it does not, damage often follows quickly.

Watch for Fastener Problems

Nails and other fasteners play a major role in pallet strength. When nails start to back out or shift, the pallet becomes less stable and more dangerous to handle. Exposed fasteners can also damage packaging, injure workers and snag on equipment.

Routine checks help catch those issues early. If teams find loose or exposed nails, they should repair or remove the pallet right away. Paying attention to fasteners may seem like a small detail, but it can prevent bigger structural failures and day-to-day disruptions.

---

Alfo Medeiros/PEXELS

Wooden pallets are essential to warehouse operations, but poor maintenance can lead to safety issues, damaged products and higher replacement costs. Regular inspections, proper storage, moisture control and careful handling can help extend pallet lifespan.

---

Rotate Inventory

Some pallets wear out faster simply because teams use the same ones over and over while other units sit untouched. That uneven use can make inventory management harder and lead to inconsistent pallet quality across the facility.

A rotation system helps spread wear more evenly. When businesses cycle pallets through use instead of relying on the same group every day, they can extend overall inventory life and maintain a more consistent supply of dependable pallets. Rotation also helps teams spot aging inventory before it becomes a problem.

Build a Clear Maintenance Routine

Pallet care works best when it becomes part of normal operations instead of an occasional reaction to damage. A clear routine gives everyone a shared standard for inspection, cleaning, storage, repair and replacement.

That routine doesn’t need to feel complicated. It just needs to be consistent. When managers set expectations and teams follow them daily, pallet maintenance becomes easier to sustain. Over time, those small habits can reduce costs, improve safety and support better warehouse performance.

Know When To Retire a Pallet

Some pallets reach a point where repair no longer makes sense. If the wood has widespread damage, repeated cracking, severe warping or major structural weakness, retirement becomes the smarter choice.

Holding onto failed pallets for too long can create more trouble than value. A clear process for removing worn-out units keeps bad pallets out of active circulation and protects the rest of the operation. Sometimes the best maintenance decision is knowing when to stop patching and move on.

Strong Habits Make Pallets Last

Wooden pallet maintenance requires attention and consistency. Clean storage, careful handling, routine inspections and timely repairs all play a part in helping pallets stay safe and useful for longer.

When businesses treat pallets like valuable equipment instead of disposable afterthoughts, they often see better results across the board. Products stay better protected, teams work more safely and replacement costs become easier to manage. Good pallet care starts with simple habits, and those habits can pay off every single day.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

---

More that might interest you

---

TAGS: wooden pallet maintenance tips, how to extend pallet lifespan, warehouse pallet care best practices, supply chain pallet safety tips, proper wooden pallet storage and repair

Communities without trucks? A sobering look at America’s supply lifeline

Roy Broo/PEXELS

Without truckers, local economies would take serious hits. Shelves, like pictured above, would be empty if it wasn't for the work of long-haul truckers.

---

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

Imagine walking into your grocery store only to find rows of empty shelves. What if the fuel at your local gas station suddenly ran dry? This is the reality we would face in a world without long-haul trucking. Long-haul truckers form the backbone of supply chains, moving goods swiftly and efficiently across the nation. Without them, essential industries would grind to a halt, and the ripple effects would reach every corner of society. How the end of long-haul trucking would affect communities like yours is a question we rarely think about—but, as the industry faces substantial change, it’s worth considering.

The Lifeblood of Commerce

Long-haul trucking ensures that communities of all sizes stay connected. Whether it’s fresh produce, consumer electronics, building materials, or medical supplies, the logistics of modern life depend on a seamless trucking system. Supply chains function under tight deadlines, relying on drivers to move products from manufacturers and warehouses to cities and towns. To paint a clearer picture of the immediate effects, let’s talk about two ways that long-haul trucking has an immediate, visible impact.

Enabling Local Economies

Without truckers, local economies would take serious hits. The corner stores, diners, and markets that give towns their charm rely heavily on goods transported by trucks. Farmers’ harvests wouldn’t make it beyond local roads without long-haul routes to distribute their produce regionally and nationally. Big cities wouldn’t fare much better; major urban centers would face delays in stocking grocery stores, hospitals, and retail hubs.

Supporting Small Businesses

Small businesses would struggle to adapt if trucking slowed down. Many independent business owners count on timely deliveries to meet customer demand. For those selling perishable items like fresh flowers, dairy products, or baked goods, even short delays could result in major financial losses. The absence of dependable trucking networks could isolate small businesses and leave them unable to compete with larger corporations.

Current Challenges in the Long-Haul Trucking Industry

Despite how crucial it is, the long-haul trucking industry is under pressure. A combination of economic shifts, legislative demands, and difficult working conditions has made it hard to recruit and retain drivers. Understanding these challenges is essential to grasp why the industry faces a potential crisis.

Economic Pressures

Fluctuating fuel costs and limited compensation packages make trucking a tough sell. Despite the critical role truckers play in the economy, many earn wages that fail to reflect the long hours and sacrifices the profession requires. The unpredictable costs of maintenance, fuel, and insurance further strain the financial health of small trucking operations. These economic pressures ripple through the supply chain, increasing costs for both businesses and consumers.

Labor Shortages

A growing driver shortage is compounding the problem. The trucking industry faces one of the most significant workforce gaps in recent history, with thousands of vacant positions left unfilled. The grueling demands of the job play a part in this shortage. Spending weeks away from family, enduring long hours, and navigating complex regulations discourage many from pursuing trucking as a career.

Regulations and Safety Measures

Complex regulations, like different axle weight limits for semi-trucks and other safety measures, make compliance—and innovation—challenging. While these measures are crucial for safety, they add layers of bureaucracy that can deter new entrants into the field. Additionally, shifting state and federal requirements mean that drivers and fleet owners must constantly adapt, increasing stress for those working long hours.

The realities of life on the road take a toll on drivers’ physical and mental well-being. Long hours behind the wheel with limited opportunities for exercise lead to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and back pain. The isolation of being away from loved ones for extended periods compounds stress, contributing to burnout among even the most experienced drivers.

The Ripple Effects of Trucking Stopping

If long-haul trucking stopped, these challenges wouldn’t just affect the industry. Communities and their residents would face significant hardships. Critical infrastructures like hospitals, schools, and emergency services would be jeopardized due to supply interruptions.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Essential items like medications, clean drinking water, and protective equipment rely on trucking logistics. Supply chains are fragile ecosystems where delays in one link can cause cascading effects throughout the system. Without long-haul trucking, delays would become widespread, leading to shortages, inflation, and economic downturns.

Public Services at Risk

Emergency response systems rely on supplies transported by truckers to function effectively. Ambulances, fire departments, and police stations regularly need fuel, medical devices, and protective gear. These lifesaving services would face overwhelming challenges if trucking networks disintegrated.

Everyday Convenience

The everyday goods we take for granted might suddenly become scarce. Everything from fresh milk to electronics would be harder to access, with shipping times greatly extended. Communities without reliable access to products would highlight the great divide between urban centers and rural towns. Unfortunately, remote areas would likely bear the brunt of these disruptions.

A Path Forward

The question isn’t just what happens if trucking stops; it’s how we ensure it doesn’t. Investing in solutions to support long-haul trucking could help address these challenges head-on while protecting communities.

Reframing the Industry

Promoting trucking as a rewarding, essential career could help alleviate the workforce shortage. Offering competitive wages, addressing driver health needs, and improving the work-life balance are essential steps. Leveraging technology, such as improved GPS systems and automated loading processes, could also ease the workload.

Policy Solutions

Policymakers can play a pivotal role by simplifying regulations while maintaining safety standards. Providing grants for truckers to upgrade to fuel-efficient or electric fleets, for instance, would serve both economic and environmental interests. Ensuring fair compensation structures could attract new talent to the industry while keeping experienced drivers on the road.

Community Collaboration

When communities step up to support truckers, everyone benefits. Truck stops with healthier food options, fitness facilities, and parking for overnight rest could improve drivers’ quality of life. Public campaigns to recognize drivers’ contributions might also help illustrate the crucial role they play in daily life.

Communities Without Trucks? A Sobering Thought

How the end of long-haul trucking would affect communities like yours is more than just an abstract question. It’s a potential wake-up call for how much we depend on these essential workers. From local businesses to global supply chain networks, the effects of losing long-haul trucking would be disruptive and far-reaching.

Preserving this industry isn’t just about keeping commerce on track; it’s about ensuring that communities continue to thrive. By confronting today’s challenges with thoughtful solutions and community support, we can safeguard the pivotal role trucking holds in modern society. The next time you see a semi pulling into town, it’s worth considering the vital importance of what they bring to your community.

---

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

Democrats push for federal ban on price gouging amid Trump's tariff rollout

---

Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade.

---

Photo: Tung Lam/Pixabay

Democrats are pushing a bill at the federal level, clarifying that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against merchants who overprice goods to American consumers. Critics say it could make issues worse.

---

By Brett Rowland .::. Investigative Reporter
The Center Square

CHICAGO - Democrats are pushing a bill prohibiting price gouging at the federal level and giving the Federal Trade Commission another $1 billion and new tools to go after companies charging "grossly excessive" prices.

Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade. A tariff is a tax on imported goods that the importer pays to the federal government. That importer can then absorb the loss, or try to pass the added costs on to consumers through higher prices.

Critics say the measure could actually make shortages of key products worse.

---

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.

---

A group of Democrats reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act "to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration's chaotic tariff policies," they said. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against "grossly excessive price increases."

"Donald Trump's reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary," said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. "My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse."

Ryan Bourne, of the Cato Institute, said the measure was just as bad as it was the first time it was introduced.

"This 'anti-price gouging' bill is a reheated version of Elizabeth Warren's earlier misguided proposal. Back then, Democrats found it politically convenient to blame greedy corporations for an inflation overwhelmingly caused by excessive government spending and loose monetary policy," he told The Center Square. "Now, the same politicians are using the price-inflating effects of Donald Trump's tariffs to revive their anti-corporate legislation."

---

This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities.

---

Bourne said the measure could exacerbate shortages at critical times, such as after a natural disaster.

"The results of such a federal law would be disastrous. Capping prices below what people are willing to pay for goods would produce shortages and empty shelves during volatile periods," he said. "Firms today face ever-shifting trade barriers, unpredictable demand conditions, and evolving supply chains – all factors that increase price volatility. This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities. Firms fearing prosecution would hesitate to raise prices even when those higher prices accurately reflect genuine scarcity or increased risks. The price controls would thus risk making goods' shortages far more severe and prolonged."

Democrats first introduced the measure in 2024, but it failed to advance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.

The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The measure would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network, according to a news release.

"Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. "While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table."

The bill would give the FTC an additional $1 billion in funding to do the work. It would establish when price gouging occurs during a significant shift in trade policy. It lists a set of market shocks – including an "abrupt or significant shift in trade policy" – and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices, according to Democrats.

---

Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

---

The measure would also create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Sponsors noted that "small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers." That affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show "legitimate cost increases."

The bill would further require public companies to disclose costs and pricing strategies.

"During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings," according to the sponsors.

Warren and Schakowsky face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House and Senate. Republicans have been moving in the opposite direction. The Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency created after the 2007-08 financial crisis to establish a single agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris promised to introduce a federal anti-price-gouging law during the 2024 presidential campaign.

---

TELL THE SENTINEL WHAT YOU THINK

Do you think a federal anti-price gouging bill is a good idea? Send us a letter telling us why it is or is not. .::. Here is how and where to sent it

---

More stories worth reading ~

Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat according to recent study

Learning by leading: Building teen entrepreneurship and real-world business know-how

Why India’s youth must step into politics: Breaking barriers and building the future

Global Zionist citizenship, an updated anifesto

State Representative says Illinois needs to focus on its citizens

Vaccination is key to ending a resurgence of measles and stopping a preventable disease from spreading

---

Tags: federal price gouging prevention legislation 2025, Elizabeth Warren anti-gouging bill against corporate pricing, Democratic response to Trump tariff price hikes, FTC funding increase to fight excessive pricing, impact of trade policy shifts on consumer goods prices

Business |Restaurants, retailers face growing number of "friendly fraud" transactions

---

Friendly fraud presents a real and persistent challenge for modern businesses. Here's how businesses can protect themselves against this new deceptive practice.

---

Photo: Jonas/Pixabay

---

by Ben Robertson
The Sentinel

In an increasingly digital economy, one type of fraud is becoming a growing concern for businesses of all sizes—"friendly" fraud. Though the name suggests harmless intent, the impact can be anything but. For merchants, chargebacks can lead to lost revenue, extra fees, and strained relationships with payment processors. Fortunately, there are practical steps businesses can take to protect themselves.

Friendly fraud was first observed back in 2010. Before then, chargebacks categorized under fraud reason codes were generally rare and almost always indicative of genuine card fraud. Mastercard says: "Friendly fraud costs merchants over $132 billion a year – and that amount does not include the additional losses merchants absorb, like the loss of goods or services they ultimately refund."

Understanding Friendly Fraud

Friendly fraud occurs when a customer makes a purchase using their credit or debit card and later disputes the transaction with their bank. The reasons for these chargebacks vary—some claim they never received the product, others say they didn’t authorize the transaction, and some simply don’t recognize the charge.

Sometimes these disputes are the result of misunderstandings. A child may have made the purchase, or the buyer might not recognize the business name on their bank statement. But in many cases, the customer did receive the goods or services and is intentionally abusing the chargeback system.

According to WAND-TV, restaurants in particular have seen a noticeable spike in friendly fraud over the past three months. This is especially costly in an industry where margins are already thin.

"When this occurs, the restaurant is responsible for the original charge, and a chargeback fee,” WAND-TV reported. “Additionally, if there are enough chargebacks, businesses’ credit card processing fees increase for every order.”

Rick Carbaugh, General Manager of Sun Singer Restaurant in Champaign, told WAND-TV that his business has been hit hard in early 2025.

---

For merchants, the financial damage from friendly fraud extends beyond the lost sale.

---

“Ever since January, Sun Singer Restaurant has lost about $1,100 in chargebacks,” Carbaugh said. “We've had 11 chargebacks since January, which for comparison's sake, between 2021 and 2024, we had four chargebacks total.”

Carbaugh noted that most of the recent disputes stemmed from deliveries to student housing. Customers would often provide inaccurate phone numbers or email addresses, preventing the restaurant from contacting them. As a result, Sun Singer was forced to stop offering online payment and delivery altogether.

The Cost to Businesses

For merchants, the financial damage from friendly fraud extends beyond the lost sale. Businesses are often required to pay a chargeback fee, which can range from $20 to $100 per transaction. Too many chargebacks can raise red flags with credit card processors, potentially leading to higher processing fees—or even termination of merchant services.

According to industry data, friendly fraud accounts for a significant portion of all chargebacks. As e-commerce grows, the opportunities for this type of abuse increase.

Prevention Starts with Clarity

One of the most effective ways to reduce friendly fraud is to ensure that the customer clearly understands what they’re buying and who they’re buying from. Here’s how businesses can improve transparency:

• Use recognizable billing descriptors.
  Many chargebacks result from customers not recognizing a company name on their credit card statement. Businesses should make sure their billing descriptor matches their brand or website name as closely as possible.
• Clearly outline refund and return policies.
  Policies should be easy to find and written in plain language. Businesses that offer refunds or exchanges reduce the customer’s incentive to file a chargeback out of frustration.
• Provide order confirmation and shipping details.
  Sending automatic confirmation emails and tracking information can help prove that a purchase was authorized and fulfilled.

---

Photo: Hannes Edinger/Pixabay

---

Strengthen Internal Documentation

If a chargeback is initiated, having proper documentation on hand gives merchants a better chance of successfully disputing it. Key documents include:

• Signed receipts or order confirmations
• Proof of delivery, such as tracking numbers or delivery confirmation
• Screenshots of product descriptions and terms at the time of sale
• Communication logs with the customer

For digital goods and services, which are harder to prove as “delivered,” businesses should log IP addresses, account access, download timestamps, or user activity when possible.

Use Payment and Fraud Protection Tools

Technology can also play a vital role in preventing friendly fraud. Most payment processors offer tools for flagging suspicious transactions or verifying cardholder identity. Some of these include:

• Address Verification System (AVS)
• CVV verification
• 3D Secure authentication (e.g., Verified by Visa)

While these measures don’t prevent all chargebacks, they demonstrate due diligence on the part of the merchant and may be considered favorably during a dispute.

Stay Proactive and Respond Quickly

When a chargeback is filed, time is critical. Businesses should respond promptly and provide clear, concise evidence to support their case. It’s also helpful to monitor chargeback patterns. If a particular product, region, or customer profile seems to generate more disputes, it may be worth adjusting how those transactions are handled.

Friendly fraud presents a real and persistent challenge for modern businesses. While no system is foolproof, a layered approach that combines transparency, documentation, and technology can significantly reduce the risk.

---

New Asian supermarket, H Mart in Urbana set to open tomorrow

New H Mart at 220 N. Broadway in Urbana set to open on Thursday at 10 a.m.

Photo: oursentinel.com

---

URBANA - H Mart, America's largest Asian supermarket chain, will open its first downstate Illinois location Wednesday in downtown Urbana, marking a significant expansion beyond its Chicago-area presence.

The 32,000-square-foot store at 220 N. Broadway Ave. will celebrate its grand opening with traditional festivities beginning at 9:50 a.m., including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Korean dance performance and Lion Dance.

The store represents H Mart's sixth location in Illinois and brings authentic Asian grocery options to the diverse Champaign-Urbana community. The new location occupies a renovated former Save-A-Lot building, demonstrating the company's commitment to adaptive reuse.

"H Mart is excited to bring an authentic taste of Asia to your neighborhood," said H Mart President Brian Kwon in a statement. "Our market is all about celebrating the richness and variety of Asian cuisine, making it easier than ever to find the flavors you love, right here at home."

The store features the "Market Eatery" food court, offering various Asian cuisines in a sit-down dining environment. Shoppers will find extensive selections of packaged good, Asian produce, seafood, meats and Asian specialty items.

Opening day shoppers can participate in several promotions, including free gifts for purchases over $50 and complimentary reusable shopping bags with $30 purchases. New members joining the H Mart Smart Rewards Card program will receive a free thermos mug cup and 2025 calendar.

Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin welcomed the investment, noting the store's potential impact on downtown vitality and job creation.

"Our diverse community is excited to shop the full line of Asian and American groceries, meats, seafood, produce, housewares and ready-made meals," Marlin said.

The store will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. Opening day promotions include free gifts for purchases over $50 and reusable shopping bags for purchases exceeding $30, while supplies last.

Founded in 1982 in Queens, New York, H-Mart as grown to more than 100 stores across 18 states. The Urbana location marks the chain's sixth Illinois store and its first venture outside the Chicago metropolitan area.

---

Photo Gallery |A look at Thursday's Night Market at Lincoln Square

Lane To, from Champaign, browses buttons and pins at a booth at last week's Night Market at Lincoln Square Mall. Held at the mall's southwest parking lot near Vine Street, the market offers more than two dozen booths of vendors offering chocolates, flavored popcorn, homemade household goods, and handmade art. Every Thursday until October 10, the market also hosts several food trucks and live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

LaRisha "RiRi" Exum-Howard, owner of RiPoppedIt, finishes a sale at her booth last Thursday. RiRi creates "Bougie" flavored popcorn for special events and parties. Customers can choose unique flavors such as Cotton Candy, Lemon Pound Cake, Red Velvet and a dozen more made at her store at 2004 S. Neil St. in Champaign. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Artist Dan Wild, from Champaign, draws a group caricature for a family. Wild, Art Director at Adams Outdoor, is a talented illustrator, graphic designer and caricaturist. At last Thursday's Night Market, he drew portraits at no charge for marketgoers who would pose for two minutes at his booth. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Local punk rockers Pancr8s performs in their opening set last Thursday. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Lead singer and songwriter Simona performs with Pancr8s, a local punk rock band. This week's Night Market at Lincoln Square Mall entertainment features the duo Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Hundreds of shoppers peruse the vendor booths at last Thursday's event. Tonight market starts at 6 pm with live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Maria Ayala, owner of Pueblito Nature, explains the origins of her Columbian Chocolate with customers last Thursday at her booth. Pueblito chocolate is created in small batches to feature the unique taste from the different growers in rural Columbia. Ayala and her booth will be at tonight's installment of the Night Market at Lincoln Square. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

A short line of marketgoers order drinks at Keke’s Mobile Beverage Trailer. Keke's offers fresh, handsqueezed lemonade, limeade, and teas, each that can be customized to taste with a dozen different flavorings. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

A shopper closely inspects a set of handcrafted earrings from one of the many vendors last Thursday. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

A couple enjoys a quiet moment away from the music in the parking lot a few steps away from the market area. Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman are headlining this evening's live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)

---

Building an app can help you grow your business, here's how to do it right

Photo: relexahotels/Pixabay

---

StatePoint - In today’s world, apps are crucial for business growth and customer experience. They enable shopping, appointment setting and customer service interactions. In fact, around three-quarters of U.S. adults say they buy things online using a smartphone, according to Pew Research, which means if you don’t have an app for your business, you’re leaving money on the table. However, if building one sounds daunting, experts say there is good news -- artificial intelligence can help.

“AI enhances app development through code generation, chatbots, process optimization, content creation, user stories and prototype generation. Anyone, even with little to no experience, can quickly and cost-effectively develop an app using AI,” says Sachin Dev Duggal, founder and chief wizard at Builder.ai, an AI-powered composable software platform that allows every business and entrepreneur to become digitally powered.

Despite the relative ease of developing an app harnessing today’s AI tech, it’s nevertheless important to get your app right. With over 77% of users uninstalling an app within the first three days after download, according to WifiTalents, you’ll want to ensure your app provides your users with real value.

So, before building your app, first consider how it will help customers, and how it will help you solve your short- and long-term business objectives. Asking yourself these questions can give you clarity on the type of app you need, how you will fund and maintain your app, and how it will function.

When you are ready to begin development, here are the benefits you can anticipate by using AI to meet your objectives:

• Rapid development: AI-driven platforms significantly reduce development time.
• Unlimited customizations: AI app development platforms offer pre-built, customizable modules.
• High performance: AI creates high-performance apps with fast load times and smooth user experiences.
• Cost efficiency: AI reduces the need for extensive developer hiring, lowering costs.
• Error reduction: Around 66% of software projects fail. The primary cause? Human error.
• Seamless articulation: New AI technology allows you to speak directly with the development platform, enabling you to convey your ideas and instructions effortlessly, making app development more intuitive and efficient.

So, how do you actually use AI to build your app? In the case of Builder.ai, it’s as simple as following these simple steps:

1. Choose and customize a base template.
2. Review and finalize features.
3. Identify the app’s platform (Android, iOS, desktop) and build a timeline.
4. Establish a payment plan.
5. Match with a product expert for guidance.
6. Review and monitor the app’s progress.
7. Launch your app.
8. Leverage data from your app to optimize business.

To learn more about developing your app with Builder.ai, visit https://www.builder.ai/.

“AI automates repetitive tasks, code generation, bug detection and testing, resulting in shorter development cycles and reduced costs while maintaining high quality. By giving everyone, regardless of their tech knowledge the power to build applications, we’re removing the barriers that have traditionally stopped individuals and business owners from unlocking their potential,” says Duggal.

Guest Commentary | Walmart can't take the losses, retailer closing stores around the country

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

---

---

If your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall. This principle applies to us all, even Walmart.

Walmart has been the largest company in the world by revenue since 2014, but they are closing 20 stores this year. Is your town on this list? Most likely, you hope not as most Americans shop Walmart at least occasionally. For many it’s their go to destination weekly for groceries, electronics and much more.

Here are the latest store closings provided by Yahoo.com:

Arkansas:
3701 SE Dodson Road, Bentonville
(Pick-up only concept)

DC:
99 H Street NW, Washington

Georgia:
1801 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta
835 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW, Atlanta

Florida:
6900 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park
(Neighborhood Market concept)

Hawaii:
1032 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu

Illinois:
17550 South Halsted St, Homewood
12690 S. Route 59, Plainfield
840 N. McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood
1511 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia
8431 S. Stewart Ave, Chicago
4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago
2844 N. Broadway, Chicago
2551 W. Cermak Road, Chicago

Indiana:
3701 Portage Road, South Bend

Minnesota:
1200 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center

New Mexico:
301 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Albuquerque

Oregon:
4200 82nd Ave. SE, Portland
1123 N Hayden Meadows Dr., Portland

Texas:
24919 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy (Neighborhood Market concept)

Washington:
11400 Hwy. 99, Everett

Wisconsin:
10330 W. Silver Spring Dr, Milwaukee

Walmart plans to close half of its stores in Chicago. This is a reversal of the retail giant’s high-profile commitment in 2020 to expand in the city as part of its corporate racial justice initiative.

Walmart recently announced that it will close four poor-performing stores out of the eight it operates in Chicago. Three of the locations are located in Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods, which are predominantly minority and have long struggled with grocery and retail access. One of the stores is in Chicago’s North Side, which is predominantly White and more affluent.

The announcement comes after Walmart highlighted its efforts in Chicago as a “critical part” of its broader $100 million pledge to advancing racial equity in 2020. (CNN)

Walmart said the closings are due to a lack of profits, theft and security issues. (CHICAGO (WLS)

Walmart is not the United States government. They can’t keep pumping money into a store or city that is losing millions of dollars every year. Walmart is a business that has become the largest company in the world by making a profit. Communities who steal more from their Walmart or any store, than they pay for at the register can most likely expect to see their store closed.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

-----------------------------------------------------------

This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------

7 big mistakes small businesses can't afford to make

Photo: David McBee/PEXELS

by Courtney Rosenfeld

Running a small business often means wearing many hats. From accounting to marketing and everything in between, it can be difficult to know all the ins and outs and to always make the right decision. Here are seven mistakes to avoid in order to turn your new venture into a big success.

No Business Structure

When you start as a solopreneur, you may be tempted to forgo all the legalese and just work on launching your product on the market. But not choosing the right business structure and not registering as the right business entity can end up hurting you in the long run.

For example, When it comes to incorporating a business, there are two main options: an S corporation (S corp) or a C corporation (C corp). You need to understand the S Corp vs C Corp pros and cons, so it's important to do your research before making a decision.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

One key difference between the two is that an S corp has pass-through taxation, meaning that profits and losses are passed directly to the shareholders, who then report them on their personal tax returns. A C corp, on the other hand, is taxed separately from its owners. Another notable difference is that an S corp is limited to 100 shareholders, while a C corp can have an unlimited number of shareholders. This can be important if you're planning on expanding your business in the future. When it comes to raising capital, a C corp has an advantage because it can sell shares to the public. However, this also means that there is more paperwork.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between an S corp and a C corp. It depends on your specific business needs and goals.

No Business Budget

For small businesses, keeping track of where the money is coming and going is critical. It will help you separate your personal and company finances, see how much your company is making, and establish what your fixed and variable costs are. Without a budget, you can’t set spending goals or run financial projections to attract potential investors or partners, which will hinder business growth.

No Marketing Plan

So you have a great product, but what good is it if no one hears about it? Without a strong advertising and marketing plan in place, you won’t be able to reach out to your target audience and ultimately generate sales. Failing to do some market research, analyzing what your competition is doing, and forecasting industry trends will prevent you from creating effective ad campaigns that will resonate with potential customers.

No Social Media Presence

It’s not just the kids doing it anymore; in today’s digital world, every business is online, posting content and engaging their followers on various platforms. This is where you showcase your brand and create sales funnels. You can also use social media to join groups and share your expertise, putting yourself out there for all the world to see. Keeping your content useful, relevant, and timely will also help you gain more customers.

No SMART Goals

Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals will help you steer your business in the right direction. Without SMART goals, you won’t be able to clearly see the end result, and you’ll be left wondering if your company is performing the way it should. Short-term goals are great to help you stay on track and motivated so that you can reach your long-term goals and turn your budding company into a big success.

No Legal Guidance

You may be a do-it-yourselfer in most areas of your life, but when it comes to your business, make sure you consult with experts and professionals to avoid costly fines and penalties. Not filing the proper paperwork with the state, or failing to register your business and paying the fees and taxes required to be in compliance, could lead to huge penalties and even put your company under. Consulting a business attorney may cost you upfront, but their expertise will definitely spare you troubles later on.

No Time for Fun

As excited as you may be to launch your own venture, make sure to carve out time for self-care once in a while. Too many entrepreneurs end up suffering from burnout because they don’t think they can afford a day off. But in order to refuel and spark your creative juices, you need to step out of the office and enjoy some downtime once in a while.

Owning your own business can bring you great freedom, but make sure you avoid pitfalls and take the necessary steps to keep it successful. Don’t hesitate to get expert advice, and hire professionals to fill in potential gaps. Your company will keep thriving, and you’ll enjoy running it.

---

Courtney Rosenfeld started Gig Spark to be a resource and the first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.