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Our recent SAM Huddle, Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Times, was recorded on April 21, 2025. With tensions around trade and cross-border relations rising, this conversation brought together industry and policy perspectives to delve into how these developments are reshaping the landscape for travel and resort operations throughout North America. This is episode two of our two-part series covering this conversation. The J-1 visa program is facing potential cuts, prompting resorts to diversify recruitment strategies. While the program currently remains viable for the upcoming season, H-2B visas are being considered as a more stable—albeit costlier—alternative. Many resorts are preparing to use both to cover seasonal staffing needs. Plus, efforts to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process are also underway, with more responsibility placed on project sponsors to prepare documentation. Staffing shortages at the federal level are causing some delays, leading to increased use of third-party contractors. But, projects that can align with forest health and wildfire mitigation goals may gain added momentum. Speakers: Dave Byrd, Director of Risk and Regulatory Affairs, NSAA Scott Prior, Senior Associate, Environmental and Permitting, SE Group Nate Riccardi, Pabian Law Listen to part 1 of the conversation here.
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome our guest Michael Davie, Senior Account Manager with M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Michael emphasizes the importance of investing in employees through continuous training and personal development, noting it drives company growth and shows genuine care. He discusses the valueof sharing knowledge gained from industry events and integrating key takeaways into daily operations. Michael also highlights the need to relate to young people in mentorship roles by being supportive and engaging, aiming to sparkcuriosity rather than just solve workforce shortages. He stresses promoting the industry's career viability to parents and educators, while he shares both challenges like the H-2B worker program and optimism about client understandingand future opportunities. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape and Skyler Westergard withLandCare.
Welcome to Media in the Mix, the only podcast produced and hosted by the School of Communication at American University. Join us as we create a safe space to explore topics and communication at the intersection of social justice, tech, innovation & pop culture. This week on Media in the Mix, we're joined by none other than, Jamie Sisley! Jamie Sisley is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who recently wrote and directed "Stay Awake," a narrative feature film that premiered at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival, where it won the AG Kino Gilde Auteur Award and was Honorable Mention for the Crystal Bear. Starring Chrissy Metz ("This Is Us"), Wyatt Oleff (“IT," Netflix's “I Am Not Okay With This," Apple's “City on Fire”), and Fin Argus (Max's “Queer As Folk,” “The Other Two”), "Stay Awake" is a personal exploration of the roller coaster ride that families go on while trying to help their loved ones battle addiction. The feature is based off a short film of the same name that Jamie also wrote and directed. The short film premiered at the 2015 Berlin Film Festival, won both the National Board of Review Film Prize and Slamdance Grand Jury Prize, and played over 120 film festivals around the world.In addition, Jamie received an Emmy Nomination for his feature documentary, "Farewell Ferris Wheel." Shot over the course of six years, "Farewell Ferris Wheel" explores how the U.S. Carnival industry fights to keep itself alive by legally employing Mexican migrant workers with the controversial H-2B guestworker visa. The film won the Creative Promise Award from the Tribeca Film Institute, received an Imagen Award Nomination for the positive portrayal of Latinos in entertainment, and was nationally broadcast on PBS and Netflix.Jamie's work has been supported by the Sundance Institute, SFFILM, Tribeca Film Institute, Film Independent, ITVS, and The Smithsonian Institute. Prior to film, Jamie was an artist manager in the music industry at Red Light Management.Learn more about SOC in the links below. Graduate Admissions:http://www.american.edu/soc/admissions/index.cfmUndergraduate Admission:https://www.american.edu/admissions/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ausoc/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/au_socFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausoc/?hl=en
Hear Bill's interview with Brian Turmail, Vice President, Public Affairs & Workforce, Associated General Contractors of America. (AGC). Brian's role is to develop and oversee all public, member, and chapter communications activities for the 27,000 member construction trade association. He also helps oversee the implementation of the association's Centennial "Future Focus" plan designed to position the association to help member firms thrive amid significant technological, process, and labor transformations taking place within the industry. Brian has been a guest on our show before and he does an excellent job of outlining the challenges America faces in regards to hiring and training a workforce to keep pace with the construction industry demands. As an example, according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 80% of construction companies in Florida say they are having a hard time finding workers. This poses a serious issue as our state is experiencing explosive growth and we need workers for every facet of the construction industry, including infrastructure improvements, roads, bridges, homes, condos, and office buildings, manufacturing plants, and more. Brian and Bill discuss the return of vocational education in our schools to further develop a "home grown" workforce, as well as an H-2B program to help provide workers to meet employment demands. The construction industry offers amazing opportunities for individuals who wish to earn an earnest living...and perhaps one day, start and run their own business.Support the show
In this episode of the Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast, host Scott Molchan sits down with H-2B visa expert Nataly Mualem to reveal a game-changing hiring strategy that most landscapers don't even know about—the October Strategy. If you rely on H-2B workers, you already know how tough the competition is getting. With visa caps filling up faster than ever and an increasing number of businesses applying, many landscapers are struggling to secure the workers they need. But what if there was a way to beat the system and drastically improve your chances of getting H-2B workers? Nataly breaks down: ✅ What the October Strategy is and why it gives you an advantage over spring applicants. ✅ Why most landscapers miss out on this opportunity (and how to fix that). ✅ The rising demand for H-2B visas and what's driving the competition. ✅ Green card options – Can landscapers secure a more permanent workforce? ✅ The biggest mistakes landscapers make with H-2B applications. ✅ Legal & policy updates that could impact your hiring in 2025. If you've ever lost out on workers due to visa caps or want to make your hiring process less stressful and more predictable, this episode is a must-listen.
Send us a textOn this Episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we welcome back Martha Vega from National Community Service to discuss one of the most pressing issues affecting the agricultural industry: immigration.A Look at Immigration Policies and Realities: Martha Vega, who previously appeared on Episode 35, provides her expert insights on the current immigration landscape. She explains that while Donald Trump's administration has made immigration policies more visible, they are not fundamentally different from those of past administrations. Many undocumented workers in Florida have the means to become legal but lack proper information, which organizations like National Community Service strive to provide.Addressing Fears and Seeking Solutions: Willie and Martha discuss the fears many undocumented individuals and business owners face when dealing with immigration concerns. Many are hesitant to seek help due to misinformation and fear of exposure. Martha emphasizes the importance of consulting qualified immigration attorneys and organizations instead of falling victim to scammers who take advantage of vulnerable individuals.The Current Immigration Climate: With reports of increased patrol activity and executive orders prioritizing the deportation of undocumented individuals with criminal records, many are living in uncertainty. While the Constitution allows for these measures, Martha highlights cases where individuals with pending asylum cases and work permits have been unfairly detained. However, those who can prove they live law-abiding lives are often released quickly.Real-Life Cases and Legal Pathways: Martha shares examples of individuals who have faced immigration challenges and how legal intervention has helped them. She also discusses the importance of preparing for potential detainment by setting up power of attorney and ensuring that children and property are taken care of in case of deportation.Understanding Visa Options: For those in the Green Industry looking for legal employment solutions, Martha outlines visa options like the H-2A and H-2B programs, which allow foreign workers to be legally employed in agriculture and other industries. She encourages businesses to seek Department of Labor certification to ensure compliance and avoid workforce disruptions.The Dignity Act: A Path to Legalization: Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar's proposed Dignity Act is a bipartisan bill that aims to provide a path to legal status for undocumented individuals who have lived law-abiding lives. Martha urges listeners to contact their congressmen to support this initiative, which could provide stability for millions of individuals and businesses that rely on immigrant labor.Moving Forward with Knowledge and Faith: Misinformation often prevents people from taking the right steps. Martha stresses the importance of obtaining accurate information from reliable sources like National Community Service, which offers free consultations and legal assistance. Connect with National Community ServiceFor those needing assistance, National Community Service is located at 1883 West Flagler Street, Suite 3, Miami. They provide information clinics and connect individuals with trusted immigration attorneys. For more details, call 305-244-3125 or 305-303-3092.Final ThoughtsImmigration is a complex and emotional topic, but with the right resources, individuals and businesses can find solutions. Willie and Martha encourage listeners to take action, stay informed, and support policies that benefit the community.Support the show
Trump Puts Home Construction in CrisisJoin us for a compelling conversation about the impact of the Musk/Trump administration's immigration, tariff, and federal workforce policies on the construction industry, especially housing..In a discussion with Brian Turmail, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Lean to the Left podcast explores those issues, which he says have put home construction in crisis.. Turmail highlights a severe labor shortage exacerbated by restrictions on programs like the H2B visa and cancellations under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DACA. This labor scarcity could lead to higher costs, longer construction times, and stalled community development projects. The discussion touches on the broader economic consequences, such as increased housing prices, reduced funding for public education due to stagnant real estate growth, and the potential economic harm from tariffs on construction materials. The AGC advocates for more investment in career technical education and a streamlined, lawful immigration pathway to address these workforce needs. The session concludes with a call to action for listeners to support these initiatives via the website WorkforceDoneRight.org.CHAPTERS:00:00 Trump's Immigration Policies and the Construction Industry00:58 Introduction to the Labor Shortage Crisis01:35 Historical Context and Education Policies02:56 Visa Programs and Their Limitations06:50 Impact of Workforce Shortages on Communities08:17 Potential Solutions and Policy Recommendations20:37 Economic Consequences of Tariffs26:49 Call to Action and ConclusionAbout Bob GattyBob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of its podcast.Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won't pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.
In this episode, the hosts break down a North Carolina-based landscaping business listed for $9 million, generating $1.8M in EBITDA on $8.2M in revenue. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. They dive into hidden risks like customer contracts, labor concerns, and equipment valuation to determine if this is truly a great deal—or a potential headache.With 52 employees, $2.3M in equipment, and major growth potential, there's a lot to love… but also some red flags. They discuss why the seller is moving on, the impact of H2B visa labor risks, and the real cash flow number buyers should consider before making a bid. If you're eyeing a blue-collar business acquisition, this episode is packed with insights!
In episode 2 of NAWL's Bridging Divides series, NAWL member Autumn Tertin engages in a compelling conversation on immigration with Jennie Guilfoyle from VECINA. They explore the recent shifts in immigration policy and address the critical implications of immigrant-focused disinformation under the new presidential administration. Tune in to learn more about VECINA's volunteer opportunities and discover how you can take action.To learn more about VECINA and how you can actively combat immigrant hate, visit: Get Involved - VECINA. Your support makes a difference. Jennie Guilfoyle is VECINA's Legal Director. She has worked in the immigration field for 25 years. most recently as the former Deputy Director for the Immigration Justice Campaign at the American Immigration Council. Before joining the Council, she spent four years as an Attorney Adviser at the State Department in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, working on issues ranging from citizenship to intercountry adoption. Prior to that, she worked for many years as a Senior Training Attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, designing and leading in-person and online trainings on a wide range of immigration law topics. She also worked at Church World Service, where she trained refugee resettlement programs on immigration law and program management. She began her legal career as an Equal Justice Works fellow at the New York Association for New Americans, where she represented asylum seekers and VAWA applicants. Jennie studied English as an undergraduate at Harvard, and earned her J.D. at New York University School of Law. Autumn Tertin is an Attorney in McLane Middleton's Corporate and Immigration Department, where her practice focuses exclusively on U.S. employment-based immigration law. She assists employers across the U.S. with temporary and permanent visa solutions in a wide variety of industries. Autumn also assists immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, as well as other specialized foreign nationals such as individuals with extraordinary ability, professors and researchers, and those seeking national interest waivers. In addition, she works with many New England employers seeking short-term staffing solutions through the H-2B visa program. Autumn also handles I-9 audit and compliance matters, and is a frequent presenter to the HR community on these topics. She works with area universities on student visa issues and I-17 certifications as well.Autumn serves as Chair of the National Association of Women Lawyers Immigration Law Affinity Group and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She has also served as the NH USCIS Liaison for the American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter. Autumn was previously selected as a Super Lawyers New England Rising Star in 2021 – 2023, an honor only bestowed upon 2.5% of attorneys per state. She is a lifetime member of the Polish Women's Alliance of America (now part of FCSLA), and has held various chapter officer positions within the organization. Autumn is also a former Vice-President of the Polish American Congress of New Hampshire.Prior to joining McLane Middleton, Autumn was an Attorney at GoffWilson for over 10 years. She has been active in the immigration law field since 2005, having worked as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for several Metro Detroit immigration firms prior to and during law school. Autumn earned her Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law as a Public Interest Scholar, and is a member of the New Hampshire Bar. She received her B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude, from the University of Detroit Mercy.
In this episode, the hosts break down a North Carolina-based landscaping business listed for $9 million, generating $1.8M in EBITDA on $8.2M in revenue. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. They dive into hidden risks like customer contracts, labor concerns, and equipment valuation to determine if this is truly a great deal—or a potential headache.With 52 employees, $2.3M in equipment, and major growth potential, there's a lot to love… but also some red flags. They discuss why the seller is moving on, the impact of H2B visa labor risks, and the real cash flow number buyers should consider before making a bid. If you're eyeing a blue-collar business acquisition, this episode is packed with insights!
In this episode, Mike and Larry sit down with Nataly Mualem, Esq. Nataly shares the process of H-2B, including application, strategies and other important considerations. Get an inside look at how the process works and how you can use the process to get awork force for your company. Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/ https://www.sidehustlesquadpodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/ https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months) Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear: https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle https://www.lawncarelife.com/conference
Political rhetoric around immigration can be polarizing. In this episode of the Work in Progress podcast, we take a step back and look at the economic impact of the immigrant workforce and the jobs they fill. Joining me in the discussion is Jane Oates, senior policy advisor for WorkingNation. The U.S. is home to 47.8 million immigrants, about 14.3% of the population. The immigrant population is about 45% Latino from Spanish-speaking countries, 31% Southeast Asian, 12% from Europe and Canada, and the rest from other countries, based on U.S. Census data. One in five U.S. workers is an immigrant. From high-paying jobs in tech to low-wage jobs in agriculture and home health care, they are a vital part of our workforce and consumer shopping, contributing $1.6 trillion to the economy and paying more than $579 billion in local, state, and federal taxes, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. As Jane explains, for example, "the Latino labor market participation rate is 80%. The general average for the whole population is 62.5%. The Latino population in the United States represents a GDP that's greater than the GDP of India or the U.K.," says Jane. "So, losing any of that buying power is going to be really detrimental to the U.S." In the podcast, Jane and I discuss some of the misperceptions around immigrants and other foreign workers, and the work the are doing in the U.S. She explains how employers play a major role in bringing them to the country. "Know that before you can apply for a visa – whether H1B, H2B, H2A, it doesn't matter – an employer has to demonstrate that they have advertised locally for local talent. An employer has to promise you a job before you can get that visa," she says. There are caps on H-1B visas, these are for workers with bachelor's degree and higher. There are also caps on H-2B visas, which are visas for non-agricultural temporary workers. "They're doing construction. They're doing special manufacturing. They may be people doing masonry. "Then finally, the H-2A, which has no caps. That's ag workers. Every employer will tell you that they cannot get people to pick fruit, to pack fruit. They can't get them to mow lawns, pick apples. You can talk to employer after employer and they'll say, 'I tried to get local talent. I'd like to do that,'" she adds. There is a lot more in the podcast on the economic impact of immigrants, including their role in starting new small businesses. You can listen to the entire conversation here, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find our podcasts on the Work in Progress YouTube channel. Episode 352: Jane Oates, Senior Policy Advisor, WorkingNationHost & Executive Producer: Ramona Schindelheim, Editor-in-Chief, WorkingNationProducer: Larry BuhlTheme Music: Composed by Lee Rosevere and licensed under CC by 4Transcript: Download the transcript for this episode hereWork in Progress Podcast: Catch up on previous episodes here
Boca Woods Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, is a premier residential community offering an upscale yet relaxed lifestyle. Members enjoy two championship golf courses, Har-Tru tennis courts, a modern fitness center, and a contemporary clubhouse. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it provides a range of resort-style amenities. On this episode of The Wednesday Match Play Podcast presented by Eden Mill St Andrews, Kyle shares his journey to Boca Woods, from arriving in the United States on an H-2B visa from his native South Africa to working alongside his wife in the private club industry. He highlights the importance of continued education, CMAA, and professional excellence while also offering insights into Boca Woods Country Club, its homes, and the vibrant community of members and guests that make it special. Additionally, Kyle discusses being named a Willmore H. Kendall Scholar and the crucial role of data and transparency in club management. It was an absolute pleasure having him on the show! Let's tee off.
In this episode, we explore the H-2B visa program and how it can benefit businesses facing labor shortages, particularly in the landscaping and tree care industries. Our guest, Nataly Mualem, an experienced immigration attorney, shares her expertise on the H-2B program. Nataly explains the key aspects of the H-2B visa, including the application process, strategies for improving approval odds, and important considerations like housing and costs. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the H-2B program can be a valuable solution for businesses struggling to find reliable, hardworking employees. Whether you're a landscaper, arborist, or any business owner facing seasonal staffing challenges, this episode offers practical insights that could transform your workforce and operations." LinkedIn- Nataly Mualem www.mualemfirm.com Connect with Jason and Jordan https://greensideuppodcast.com/ greensideuppodcast@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Mention Green Side Up or use the link below to get $500 off with your SingleOps subscription! https://referral.singleops.com/l/JORDANUPCA68/ Intrigue Media IG:@imintriguemedia Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Part 1:We talk with Teresa Cotsirilos, staff reported and producer at Food & Environment Reporting Network.We discuss the abuses that are being perpetrated against agricultural and food service workers, many of whom are immigrants. We discuss what Temporary Protected Status workers are subjected to by abusive employers, and how little power they have to fight back. In addition, we also look at how H2A and H2B visas are used by employers to treat this captive work force as virtual slaves, and are used to undercut wages for ALL workers, including documented, undocumented, and citizens.Part 2:We talk with Dr. Robert Kopack, human and historical geographer at University of S.C.We discuss Muslk's Stargate Rocket Testing facility in Texas. A 'company town' is being built, with its attendant changes to the environment and culture there. In addition, we look at the implication of Musk's more extensive role in government space and defense programs. These serve to put more power into his hands, with no oversight or accountability. WNHNFM.ORG productionMusic: David Rovics, "Time to Act", for Will Von Sproson
Elon Musk recently set off another firestorm by criticizing U.S. immigration policy—specifically the H-1B visa program. In a CBS interview, Musk lamented the “dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers,” warning that if America turns away the best global talent, it risks losing its competitive edge. As a seasoned business and immigration attorney (with the bonus perspective of both Canadian and U.S. citizenship), I'm often asked if Musk is right. Is the annual H-1B lottery hurting America's ability to recruit top professionals? The short answer: It depends on your industry, your hiring strategy, and the position you're filling. But one thing's certain—if you want to attract the best from around the globe, you need a smart approach to navigating the visa system. Below are 4 proven tips to boost your chances of landing work visas for foreign national employees, especially if you're aiming for the highly sought-after H-1B. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, education, or beyond, these insights can keep your organization ahead of the pack. 1. Maximize F-1 (Student) Opportunities If you plan to hire recent grads on an F-1 visa, leverage Optional Practical Training (OPT) to its fullest. OPT provides up to 12 months (with a 24-month extension for STEM degrees) of work authorization, allowing the foreign national to work in their field while waiting for the H-1B lottery. 2. Check for Cap Exemptions Certain organizations, especially nonprofits, universities, and government research institutions—may be exempt from the H-1B visa cap. A cap-exempt H-1B can be filed year-round, freeing you from the pressure of the springtime lottery. 3. Create a Multi-Visa Backup Plan Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for your foreign hires. Missing the H-1B lottery doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. Depending on your company's structure, L-1 (intracompany transfer) or O-1 (extraordinary ability) visas might be viable alternatives. For seasonal work, the H-2B or an H-3 training visa could be your next best bet. 4. Consider Seasonal and Training Visas Assess whether H-1B is really your best option—especially if your needs are seasonal or primarily training-focused. If your company's workload ebbs and flows or requires specialized on-the-job training, the H-2B (for temporary non-agricultural work) or the H-3 (training visa) might be more efficient. The H-1B lottery can feel like a gamble, especially for sought-after roles in tech and engineering. But for savvy employers, a well-informed approach—complete with multiple visa options and backup strategies—makes all the difference. There's an entire ecosystem of work visas beyond H-1B that can help you build a global, cutting-edge team. Ready to Boost Your Visa Success Rate? Don't let the complexities of the immigration system stop you from hiring the best talent around the world. I have navigated (and mastered) this landscape for over two decades and our law firm offers a free 15 minute consultation. With expert guidance, the U.S. immigration process can be manageable—maybe even simpler than landing on Mars, Elon. Let's get your company set up for success in the visa realm so you can stay laser-focused on what truly matters: growing and innovating in today's global marketplace. We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group, PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers (AILA).
El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) anunció que no procesará nuevas solicitudes de visas H-2B para empleos que comiencen antes del 1 de abril de 2025, excepto para 20,000 visas adicionales para ciertos países latinoamericanos y casos exentos. Se realizaron también ajustes a las visas H-1B y H-2B, incluyendo un aumento en el cupo de visas H-2B y mayor flexibilidad para cambios de empleo. El artículo enfatiza la necesidad de consultar la página web del USCIS para información actualizada y recomienda a los solicitantes revisar los formularios modificados. Finalmente, se informa sobre la continua disponibilidad de visas para algunos países mientras haya cupos.
On today's Labor Radio Podcast Daily: H1B and H2B visas on the Voice of the People podcast; cops riot in Tompkins Square; Jimmy Carter quote @wpfwdc @AFLCIO #1u #UnionStrong #LaborRadioPod Proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network
Join moderator Curtis Smith (TNLA) and expert panelists Devin Guinn (AquaGreen Global, LLC), Anique Watson (Action Visa Assistance) and Antonio Vergara (Mundo Verde Irrigation and Landscaping) for an insightful live podcast. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of H-2A and H-2B work programs in the Texas green industry, sharing practical advice for navigating complex regulations, securing reliable labor, and fostering workforce sustainability. Sponsored by Forward.us, this session is a must-listen for industry professionals seeking to adapt and thrive. Thank you to our sponsor FORWARD.US
Linda Gillison, Soundman Jim and Mark host the show this week. Our word of the week is “H-1B Visa” and how they are affecting workers in the computer and software industries. We will then take a look at the war of words in the Trump camp over these same H-1B visas. Then we turn to H-2B visas, what the outgoing Biden Administration is doing with them and how it affects US truckers. Next, we hear DSA organizer Robbie Liben read his opinion piece on the assassination of the United Healthcare CEO and the health insurance industry. Then we look at the recent massive increase in the number of unhoused. We look at the late Jimmy Carter's record on labor issues in his one-term as President. Finally, we discuss the failed mega-merger of grocery giants Albertsons and Kroger.
Rumors are swirling about the number of H-2B visas being issued for truckers, but a look at the facts shows a very different situation. Also, the week's news was led by a court ruling on beneficial ownership information reporting, as well as emission rules and a junk fee regulation. Then, years ago, longtime trucking writer Bill Hudgins created some trucking versions of classic Christmas carols. We'll bring you several today. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says bad signage is behind a trend he's seen of trucks going down a wrong road after finding a main route blocked. 0:00 – Fact check: Number of trucking H-2B visas is small 10:06 – You don't have to file beneficial ownership information – for now 25:00 – Trucking Christmas Carols 39:51 – Avoid those ill-considered truck detours
Steve Steele, Steele Dynamic Services, LLC., joined the Wilson team in July 2020. Formerly Vice President of Business Systems for Heartland, LLC, a private equity financed holding company that acquired Keesen Landscape Management in November 2016, Steve has deep expertise in corporate finance and administration, including mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, business process redesign, technology implementation, and change management. Steve brings a personalized approach and collaborative spirit to the Wilson team, ensuring that clients benefit over the long term. As financial practice leader, Steve will help clients identify and capture efficiency and effectiveness opportunities in their core operations, pursue and address unique challenges facing landscape services leaders, and evaluate opportunities to capitalize on emerging industry trends. Steele earned an MBA, with honors, in Finance and Accounting from Regis University, Denver, Colorado. He is a graduate of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he received a BBA in Business Management. Steve has served in leadership roles on GreenCo.'s legislative committee, was a member of the board of directors and an officer of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, and served as a board member and president of the Rocky Mountain Classic. In addition, Steve has been an active voice for the green industry's H2B problem and led an advocacy delegation to Washington D.C., to speak on its behalf to the U.S. Congress. A virtual native of Colorado, Steve is a lifelong travel adventurer, a passionate travel photographer and can be found on Instagram @WalksYourWay.
rWotD Episode 2770: HIST1H2AE Welcome to Random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia’s vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Tuesday, 3 December 2024 is HIST1H2AE.Histone H2A type 1-B/E is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HIST1H2AE gene.Histones are basic nuclear proteins that are responsible for the nucleosome structure of the chromosomal fiber in eukaryotes. Nucleosomes consist of approximately 146 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer composed of pairs of each of the four core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The chromatin fiber is further compacted through the interaction of a linker histone, H1, with the DNA between the nucleosomes to form higher order chromatin structures. This gene is intronless and encodes a member of the histone H2A family. Transcripts from this gene lack polyA tails; instead, they contain a palindromic termination element. This gene is found in the large histone gene cluster on chromosome 6p22-p21.3.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:57 UTC on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see HIST1H2AE on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Amy.
On this episode, we sat down with new CEA Member, Mualem Law Firm to talk about owner Nataly's career, getting started working in the construction industry, and her H-2B visa program.
Let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to cover! Welcome back to Green Industry Perspectives! In this episode, Jay Worth welcomes Nataly Mualem to the show!Nataly has a tremendous amount of experience working with Green Industry businesses. As a lawyer, she worked for a huge law firm for several years and handled ALL of their H2B clients during that time. Now operating her own practice, Nataly focuses on helping Green Industry businesses solve their staffing needs. And while H2B visas are the focus of her practice, that's not all she brings to this conversation. During her career, she's seen the best and worst of companies that staff effectively. She shares why the companies that are most effective at staffing focus on three things: workforce planning and forecasting, being flexible and resourceful, and emphasizing training, development, and company culture. ---Check Out Our Events Page!---Visit the Mualem Firm WebsiteEmail Nataly: natalymualem@mualemfirm.comCall or Text Mualem Firm: (216) 312-4700Follow Mualem Firm on LinkedIn
After a slew of illegal immigrants were nabbed on this idyllic island by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for sex crimes and assault over the course of a month, many residents fear their home has changed forever. Five migrants from Guatemala and El Salvador were picked up by Enforcement and Removal Operations of Boston in separate actions this month. Elmer Sola and Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo were charged for sex crimes against children, per the agency; Felix Alberto Perez-Gomez and Gean Do Amaral Belafronte were charged with sex crimes against adults; and Angel Gabriel Deras-Mejia was a documented member of the notorious gang MS-13. Immigrants – many who have obtained H2B visas for seasonal work – are a vital part of Nantucket's tourism industry and make up a large portion of the summer vacation spot's year-round population. Multiple local bars, like The Muse, host packed Latino nights each week; 41.5% of students in Nantucket's public schools speak a language other than English at home, per online school district data.
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the inspiring career journey of Alan FitzGerald, a golf course superintendent whose path has taken him from the emerald shores of Ireland to some of the world's top golf courses. Alan shares his experiences growing up around golf courses, his early career at Mount Juliet resort, and his education at Penn State and Loch Lomond. His six-year tenure at Pine Valley and 19 years at Ledgerock prepared him for his current role at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, where he continues to innovate and lead in the field of golf course management. Continuing Education and Innovation Alan's commitment to lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of his success. Earning his Master Greenkeeper certification stands as a key milestone in his career, symbolizing not just his expertise but his dedication to staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. This pursuit of excellence has driven him to embrace new tools and techniques that continually push the boundaries of golf course management. One standout example is his early adoption of drone spraying technology. Recognizing the potential of drones, Alan integrated this cutting-edge tool to enhance precision and efficiency in maintaining course conditions. By leveraging technology to streamline operations, he has set a new standard for innovation in the industry. Beyond specific tools, Alan emphasizes the importance of staying on top of industry trends. Whether implementing the latest agronomic techniques or exploring new methods for sustainable course management, his proactive approach ensures that he and his team remain leaders in their field. Innovative Staffing Solutions A forward thinker in staffing as well, Alan has found creative ways to address labor challenges while maintaining high standards on the course. His use of the H2B visa program has allowed him to bring in skilled international workers during peak seasons, a strategy that ensures quality and consistency in course management. At the same time, he has also tapped into the experience of retired staff, whose mentorship and practical knowledge have proven invaluable to his team's success. Alan doesn't just rely on conventional methods to recruit and train staff. He is also a strong advocate of the First Green program, an initiative by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), which provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in environmental stewardship and golf course management. Through this program, Alan inspires the next generation of golf course professionals, while strengthening ties between the golf community and the public. Industry Engagement and Community Impact Alan's involvement with The First Green program exemplifies his broader vision for the industry. By integrating students into the operations of his course, he fosters a deeper understanding of the environmental practices and career opportunities within golf course management. The program not only serves as a valuable educational tool, but also enhances public relations, showing how golf courses contribute positively to the community. By engaging with the next generation of professionals and creating these meaningful connections, Alan helps bridge the gap between golf course operations and the broader community. His work in this area positions golf courses as community assets, showcasing their role in environmental stewardship and local engagement. Alan FitzGerald's career is a testament to the power of innovation, education, and community engagement. His dedication to adopting new technologies, developing sustainable staffing solutions, and inspiring the next generation continues to set him apart in the industry. As he moves forward in his role at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Alan's forward-thinking approach ensures that he will remain a leader in golf course management for years to come. Soundbytes: "I think that was part of it, but it was a bit deflating for a while. Over the last 18 months, I applied for several jobs that I thought I could interview for, but I didn't get any." 17:07-18:00 “On the flip side, I was pleasantly surprised by a few things. For example, at LedgeRock, where I built everything from scratch, I thought implementing agronomic practices would be much harder. But, to my surprise, it's been going well so far.” 25:23-25:30 Quotes: "I think the interviews before I've tried to say the right things or do the right things, and I really wasn't myself. In this process, I was myself and in doing that, I took the pressure off myself somewhat." "I think it's great to see younger kids getting excited about the First Green program. However, engaging teenagers has been more challenging than I expected. To keep them interested, it needs to be more than just educational; it must also be challenging and engaging." "Although our total payroll is close to 40, we only have around 25 staff members here each day. The flexibility in scheduling has been excellent, with up to 16 to 18 people working on weekend mornings. Overall, the setup has worked really well for us." “Leaving a long-term, comfortable position can be challenging, but exploring new opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.” “Continuously pursuing education and adopting new technologies can help you stay ahead of the curve and improve efficiency.” Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ The First Green - https://www.thefirstgreen.org/ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alangfitzgerald/
Welcome back to The Green Grind Podcast, Kory and LeRoy welcome Wes Brommel, COO of Perficut Site Management in Des Moines, IA. Wes takes us through his personal journey with Perficut, sharing how he rose through the ranks to become a key leader in the company. He delves into the operational side of running a large-scale site management business, providing valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of leading such an organization. From managing teams to overseeing projects, Wes offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to maintain the high standards that Perficut is known for. Beyond daily operations, Wes discusses his involvement with the H2B program, explaining its importance in the landscape management industry and how Perficut benefits from it. He also opens up about his leadership philosophy, offering listeners tips on how to effectively lead teams, build company culture, and maintain a focus on growth and excellence. This episode is packed with practical advice and leadership insights, making it a must-listen for anyone in the lawn care and landscape business. Powered by Jobber and Protiv! Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1. Green Frog Web Design guarantees to have your website live in 3 weeks from the projected start date or its FREE for a year. https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard
Small businesses across America are facing a labor crisis that threatens their growth and survival. Despite their best efforts to hire locally, many are forced to turn to temporary foreign workers through the H-2B visa program just to meet basic staffing needs. However, this vital lifeline is severely restricted by outdated regulations and caps that fail to reflect the realities of today's labor market. As a result, entrepreneurs who follow the rules are punished and often find themselves at a disadvantage, unable to access the workforce required to operate at full capacity and capitalize on new opportunities. Fiona Harrigan from Reason and Boyd discuss what can be done to protect our small businesses.
Americans for Prosperity: There is a better way Jordan Fischetti and Emily Greene, with Americans for Prosperity Join Rose Unplugged Removing Government barriers to opportunity Biden making it more difficult for hiring people coming in legally H-2A seasonal farm workers to work make money and return home to enrich their community. Same is true for H-2B; Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers. Biden passed regulations that made it extremely costly for those who employ H-2A and H-2B workers.This Admin doesn't care about the working class. What happens at the border directly affects you no matter where you live. Check out petition and to get involved at border: Americansforprosperity.org and https://www.bidenomics.com for more info on bad economics --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rose-unplugged/support
Hospitality runs in the family. Alexandria LaRocca, Director of Member Engagement at The Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, New York, and Matt Assumma, who served at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, join the podcast. And, they've known each other for years, and we mean for years, since they were kids. Alexandria and Matt are both offspring of well-known and highly regarded club managers, having grown up in the industry. Their respective backgrounds highlight how important both human resources and hospitality are in the private members club industry. Ocean Reef Club And Gaining Membership Through Visitation Matt spent eight years at one of the leading clubs in the country, Ocean Reef. He notes how he worked his way up through the ranks from banqueting and ended up working in the membership department, where he would flag visitors who may have visited the club more than twice in five years, but who had not expressed an interest in gaining membership. Membership plays such an important role at any club through events, such as outings and member guests, but for a iconic club on the tip of Key Largo, perhaps new members can be even more significant. Ocean Reef, although a private club, can be seen as a destination with both a conference center and an inn on property. Matt notes the friction that can be caused between hosting events, attracting new members and the tradition of a small, fishing village which was the dream of its founder and present-day members, according to Assuma. Member Communications LaRocca notes that although email is very strong, different messages require different timings and different avenues of communication. Tennis, food and beverage, and timing of delivery all affect how communications are received by her elite and private membership at Beach Point Club. She realizes that with the numerous clubs in the area, a director of membership really is forced to know the entire brand – not just the activities at the club – but the brand that is the club's identity. That identity separates the club from its many competitors, especially in the Westchester/Fairfield county areas of New York and Connecticut. The Pros and Cons of Living On Property Assumma lived on campus at Ocean Reef for a year before he, for the first time in his life, commuted from a property off campus during his time in the industry. Housing can attract great talent, especially since many may be on J1 or H2B visas, states LaRocca. But, there are times when living on property can be difficult. Your thought process may be that you can never be “off duty” or a member might find you late at night as they might need their clubs for an early-morning flight, as has happened to Assumma. In looking back at their respective careers, it's clear that perhaps the hardest job one might have in the private members club arena is running a dining room. With that said, both these individuals started doing that as teenagers working with their fathers, and food and beverage is clearly a life-long love as well as a wonderful way to learn the club industry from the inside out.
Jacob is joined this week by Tom Dausch, part owner of Bell Landscaping & Property Management in Cecil, Pennsylvania. Tom shares his & his wife's journey into this industry and the struggles they initially faced: labor, most specficically, which was both aided and exasperated by H2B and other similar programs.In 2020, he took a chance and purchased a COVID-closed bar, turning it into a landscape supply center with a material yard open to the public.Tom gets authentic about his journey with information sure to help others, plus he shares what sets his company apart from competitors that you can implement in YOUR business.Find Tom & co. on Instagram.Learn more about his company here.
Megan Wright, masLabor's Senior Director of Industry Relations, ensures each client is comfortable and confident with the H-2 program prior to enrolling. She stays up on all of the regulatory and compliance requirements, which is an ever-moving target. While Megan focuses on the company's business development, communications, and public affairs functions, she enjoys staying on the road educating folks on how the H-2 visa can save their businesses. She most recently served in a government consulting role for Booz Allen Hamilton at the U.S. Department of labor. She received her dual B.A. in International Politics and French from Virginia Tech and is both a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and a licensed Project Management Professional (PMP).
In this episode, I chat with Maura McMahon. Maura McMahon is currently the Employment Manager at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY. She recruits globally to build the best-in-class staff at one of the historic hotels of America. Mohonk's Food and Beverage team has earned accolades including the #2 Hotel Restaurant of the year 2023 by USA Today. She credits the professionalism of her culinary, pastry and dining services teams as a driver to attracting talent locally and worldwide. Maura has succeeded in the competitive space of college recruiting in the US and abroad. She manages J1 internship and trainee programs for Culinary, Pastry, Front Office and F&B as well as managing H2B recruiting for other departments of the resort. Before Mohonk, Maura managed the Career Advising office of The Culinary Institute of America where she worked for 18 years. Maura is a Certified Hospitality Educator from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and earned her Master's degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from St. Joseph's University in 2023. In the episode we talk about why Maura enjoys recruiting so much, the art of the job interview, resume building and much more. You can connect with Maura on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauramcmahon845/ Subscribe to the Line Cook Thoughts newsletter here: linecookthoughts.com
On this episode of the podcast, we break down a few regulatory updates. Our resident political expert (Melissa) answers questions from our resident political nerd (Kyle) about H-2B visas, the latest from Dept. of Labor regarding overtime rules, and more. It's riveting content, to be sure – and will hopefully answer some lingering questions you might have about how these updates will impact your club. As mentioned, you can read more about legislative and regulatory updates in the Legislative Blog: connect.cmaa.org/browse/leg-blog.
Put AI to work on your farm: https://farmwave.io/másLabor: https://www.maslabor.com/Edward Silva is the CEO of másLabor and AgWorks, the nation's leading providers of H-2A (agriculture) and H-2B (non-agriculture) labor solutions. As one of six children of Portuguese immigrants, Edward and his brothers grew up farming in California's Central Valley for their family's almond and grape operation. Edward's academic background includes studies in International Agricultural Development at the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has dedicated his company's mission to saving U.S. businesses by helping them secure the workforce they need to successfully run their operation. másLabor, under his leadership, represents more clients in more industries and geographies than any other service provider for H-2 visas.One cool part of today's story is that Edward had reached out to me cold years ago in October of 2020 when he was fresh out of business school and looking for a business to buy. I read his message later in today's episode and explain why it was so memorable and why it's so cool that here he is three years later as a guest on the podcast. So not only do we talk about the need for ag labor and some of the challenges around the H2A process, but we also talk about entrepreneurship through acquisition, and Edward's journey of starting a search fund to find an existing agricultural business to buy, and how that led to masLabor.
In a conversational episode, host Bill Calkins and his guest (and friend) Rich Christakes cover an extremely wide range of topics related to the modern greenhouse and garden center industry rooted in the goal of providing perspective and opportunities for action. Rich, CEO of Alsip Home & Nursery (a grower-retailer with two locations in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland) and founder of the Ship My Plants online marketplace, has a unique perspective on garden center retail, variety selection, business management, the importance of peer groups and creating exceptional customer experiences. Bill and Rich start by covering spring 2023 and new ways to meet the needs of today's shoppers and then start talking plants—focusing on improvements to best sellers and the importance of new breeding. Then they change gears and address labor. Rich shares how Alsip has benefited from H2A and H2B labor sources and the importance of training and staff development. He explains some recent shift in Alsip's purchasing strategies and ways they've set new goals for buyers and managers, which has resulted in significant revenue gains. Then Rich and Bill spend time talking about ways to inspire key emerging customer bases by allowing them to shop however they prefer, from in-store and traditional delivery to online and even on Amazon. New shopping approaches provides a perfect segue into Ship My Plants, an innovative online platform for buying and selling plants. Think of it as “DoorDash or Uber Eats for plants” because it's a multi-vendor marketplace that allows shoppers to order plants from local garden centers. This means garden centers maintain their store name and brand while engaging new customers and gaining another avenue for sales. Before closing, Rich and Bill express how thankful they are to work in an industry that reflects positivity at a time when it's so needed. Plants make people happy, benefit the Earth and improve mental health—and as green industry professionals, there many reasons to be proud and extremely grateful. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this episode! There are a ton of actionable ideas for everyone. RESOURCES: Ship My Plants: https://www.shipmyplants.com/ Ship My Plants Director of Business Development, Clint Albin: clint@shipmyplants.com Alsip Home & Nursery: https://www.alsipnursery.com/
Donald Trump sube al estrado en el juicio por fraude contra su negocio familiar; Israel dice que ha dividido la Franja de Gaza en dos mientras Antony Blinken intenta evitar un conflicto regional; el gobierno duplica la cuota anual de visas tipo H-2B para 2024 y Tyson Foods retira del mercado casi 22,000 libras de sus nuggets de pollo con forma de dinosaurio luego de que hallaran trozos de metal. Más información en UnivisionNoticias.com.
Join us as we uncover the intriguing metamorphosis of converting an old Sales Center Into Seasonal Employee Housing with our guests Fred Fung, Joseph Elwell, Richard Brumm, and Peggy Taylor. We promise a riveting conversation that will provide a glimpse into the history of the building, the existential need for this type of housing, and the labyrinth of the H2B visa process. Learn with us as Joseph talks about the fascinating tale of the building's journey since its purchase by Bonita Bay Club in 2019. Richard and Peggy add depth to the conversation by shedding light on the necessity of an affordable housing system for international seasonal staff, as well as the project's logistical obstacles and financial aspects.Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of obtaining visas for employees? Or about the financial implications and timeline of a major renovation project? This is the episode for you. Peggy will guide us through the complex process of visa procurement and share some insightful experiences from the Bonita Bay Club. Richard will give us a peek into how they have successfully cultivated a team of returning employees who embody the ethos of the hospitality organization. We also get a chance to delve into the financial costs associated with the transformation and the anticipated timeline for the facility's launch as an employee housing center. So sit back, relax, and join us on this enlightening journey of discovery and learning. Let's together dig deeper into the multifaceted issue of housing for international seasonal staff, its effects on the local community, and the broader implications of this proposed change.
Mike Mason, CEO and chairman of TELSCO Industries, dba Weathermatic, and its subsidiaries, led Weathermatic to become the world leader in water conservation technology and labor automation. Telsco Industries' portfolio of companies includes Weathermatic, Unlimited Labor Solutions, SmartLink, and Water Engineering Services. Twenty-nine years ago, Mason took over a beleaguered Weathermatic and grew it into the industry icon it is today, setting new industry standards and becoming the undisputed leader in innovation technology and automated labor processes. Mason's background is replete in accomplishments in investment banking and high-stakes corporate turnarounds. His exceptionalism led him to work closely with The Hunt family of Dallas, TX, and the Cox and Rollins families of Atlanta, GA. He is accredited with successful turnarounds, mergers, capital raises and acquisitions including Anchor Crane and Hoist, Blockbuster Video, Alert - alarm monitoring, Blockbuster Video, Hartland Cable Television, and the introduction of Cox Cable into the fiberoptics world via PSO Metrolink of Dallas and Oklahoma. Today, Weathermatic large network of professional landscape contractors, comprised of well over half the Top 150 contractors in the country, many of which have reported a doubling of their profits by focusing on irrigation repair revenue through Weathermatic SmartLink Network. According to Malcolm Morris, former Chairman of Weathermatic “Weathermatic is poised to become one of the most valuable companies in the landscape industry in the next four years due to its innovative technology, rapid market growth, and state-of-the-art technology automating water management and labor for landscape contractors.” Most recently, Mason founded Unlimited Labor Solutions, a thriving immigration consulting company paving the way for legal immigration into the United States by converting H2B seasonal workers into permanent labor. Mason made it his mission, via Unlimited Labor, to utilize his extensive connections, resources, and business acumen to take the lead in addressing the labor crisis through coupling proven SmartLink automation with Unlimited Labor's immigration resources. Mason is currently the Chairman of Save Water Give Life Foundation and on the Board of Directors of Living Water International and served over two decades on the Board of Directors of Freedom Alliance. As an inspirational speaker, he frequently promotes servant leadership, conservative values, mentorship, and entrepreneurialism.
The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: Sam Peak—Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss his editorial at The New York Post, “Biden's H2 Visa Rules Are Hurting Migrants, Small Businesses.” Peak writes, “Biden's most recent migrant policies have been a master class in how to worsen the multiple problems behind his dismal polling numbers. Burrowed among them is the White House's recent sabotage of the H-2A and H-2B visa programs—which help employers legally recruit seasonal workers, such as farm-hands and landscapers.” You can read the full article: https://nypost.com/2023/09/30/bidens-visa-rules-hurting-migrants-small-businesses/ Speaking with Fox 29, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner was asked about the wide-spread looting that plagued the city last week. He said that looters will be judged on a case-by-case basis—“we will look carefully to see if this is a one-off situation and if they're fundamentally law-abiding people.” Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) being carjacked in Washington D.C.—would President Joe Biden feel safe parking his Corvette Stingray in D.C.? While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers referred to Travis Kelce as “Mr. Pfizer”—referencing Kelce's recent appearance in a COVID-19 vaccine commercial. Rich reveals that he doesn't care for Taylor Swift's music—is he even allowed to say that? On Tuesday, New York Judge Arthur F. Engoron placed a gag order on Donald Trump. According to Jonah E. Bromwich of The New York Times, the order arose because Trump mocked a court clerk on social media on Monday. He explains Trump mocked “the clerk, Allison Greenfield, shortly before noon on his Truth Social site. His post was a picture of Ms. Greenfield with Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader. Mr. Trump mocked Ms. Greenfield as ‘Schumer's girlfriend' and said that the case against him should be dismissed.” Is Trump receiving a fair trial? You can read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/03/nyregion/trump-gag-order-fraud-trial.html In a video that has recently resurfaced, New York Judge Arthur F. Engoron—the judge overseeing the civil fraud case involving Donald Trump—can be heard exclaiming: “I'm going to say something controversial…juries get it wrong a lot.”
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (10/04/2023): 3:05pm- On Tuesday, Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Bob Good (R-VA), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Ken Buck (R-CO) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) joined Democrats in a vote to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House—the first time a speakership has been ended on a no-confidence vote. The final vote was 216 to 210 in favor of vacating the speakership. According to reports, on Tuesday night House Republicans held a closed-door meeting at 6:30pm to determine what steps to take next. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who is now serving as temporary speaker, has adjourned the House and is expected to hold a vote to fill the speakership early next week. 3:15pm- Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) have both announced their intention to openly contend for Speaker of the House. 3:30pm- According to Audrey Fahlberg of National Review, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) may be the next Speaker of the House. Fahlberg writes: “With the House speakership hanging in limbo after Kevin McCarthy's ouster Monday evening, allies of the former speaker say House Majority Leader Steve Scalise currently has the clearest path to the speakership as he continues to gauge support for his newly announced bid. But the race is early, and there is widespread concern among different House GOP factions about his health…with a host of House Republican sources cautioning that Scalise's blood cancer diagnosis is causing many McCarthy allies to keep their powder dry, even if his health issues aren't necessarily disqualifying.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mccarthy-allies-say-steve-scalise-has-clearest-path-to-speakership-but-point-to-concerns-about-his-health/ 3:40pm- Speaking from a New York City courthouse, Donald Trump told reporters that he would consider accepting the House speakership position if Republicans thought it would be in their best interest. Although Trump is obviously not a member of Congress, that isn't a prerequisite for holding the position of speaker. 3:45pm- Speaking with reporters outside of the U.S. Capitol following a vote which vacated the House speakership, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said America is the biggest winner now that Kevin McCarthy isn't serving as speaker. Gaetz seemingly endorsed Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) to fill the vacancy. 4:05pm- Rich speaks with listeners about the decision to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. Will changing Republican leadership in the House have an impact on the quality of legislation passed? Or do institutional checks make it impossible? 4:15pm- While appearing on Fox News, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel condemned the House's decision to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker. She explained, “we cannot do this and win” in 2024. 4:40pm- Who should serve as the next Speaker of the House? Jim Jordan? Steve Scalise? Donald Trump? Or maybe even…Rich Zeoli!?!? One listener hilariously calls for Rich to be nominated. 4:50pm- In one of his first acts serving as temporary speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) evicted Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) from her Congressional office. Pelosi had been granted an abnormally large office space following the end of her speakership. 5:00pm- Sam Peak—Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss his editorial at The New York Post, “Biden's H2 Visa Rules Are Hurting Migrants, Small Businesses.” Peak writes, “Biden's most recent migrant policies have been a master class in how to worsen the multiple problems behind his dismal polling numbers. Burrowed among them is the White House's recent sabotage of the H-2A and H-2B visa programs—which help employers legally recruit seasonal workers, such as farm-hands and landscapers.” You can read the full article: https://nypost.com/2023/09/30/bidens-visa-rules-hurting-migrants-small-businesses/ 5:15pm- Speaking with Fox 29, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner was asked about the wide-spread looting that plagued the city last week. He said that looters will be judged on a case-by-case basis—“we will look carefully to see if this is a one-off situation and if they're fundamentally law-abiding people.” 5:20pm- Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) being carjacked in Washington D.C.—would President Joe Biden feel safe parking his Corvette Stingray in D.C.? 5:30pm- While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers referred to Travis Kelce as “Mr. Pfizer”—referencing Kelce's recent appearance in a COVID-19 vaccine commercial. Rich reveals that he doesn't care for Taylor Swift's music—is he even allowed to say that? 5:40pm- On Tuesday, New York Judge Arthur F. Engoron placed a gag order on Donald Trump. According to Jonah E. Bromwich of The New York Times, the order arose because Trump mocked a court clerk on social media on Monday. He explains Trump mocked “the clerk, Allison Greenfield, shortly before noon on his Truth Social site. His post was a picture of Ms. Greenfield with Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader. Mr. Trump mocked Ms. Greenfield as ‘Schumer's girlfriend' and said that the case against him should be dismissed.” Is Trump receiving a fair trial? You can read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/03/nyregion/trump-gag-order-fraud-trial.html 5:45pm- In a video that has recently resurfaced, New York Judge Arthur F. Engoron—the judge overseeing the civil fraud case involving Donald Trump—can be heard exclaiming: “I'm going to say something controversial…juries get it wrong a lot.” 6:05pm- Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) have both announced their intention to openly contend for Speaker of the House. 6:10pm- According to William M. Arkin of Newsweek, “The federal government believes that the threat of violence and major civil disturbances around the 2024 U.S. presidential election is so great that it has quietly created a new category of extremists that it seeks to track and counter: Donald Trump's army of MAGA followers. The challenge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the primary federal agency charged with law enforcement, is to pursue and prevent what it calls domestic terrorism without direct reference to political parties or affiliations—even though the vast majority of its current ‘anti-government' investigations are of Trump supporters, according to classified data obtained by Newsweek.” You can read the full article here: https://www.newsweek.com/2023/10/13/exclusive-fbi-targets-trump-followers-2024-election-nears-1831836.html 6:50pm- Rich is joined by 1210 WPHT producers Anthony and Dan who are at Citizen Bank Park ahead of tonight's game 2 playoff matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins
More than a thousand workers at the Windom, Minn. hog slaughtering plant, Hylife, face their last day of work Friday. That's at least partially a result of the hog industry taking a downturn this year. In early April, Manitoba-based HyLife announced plans to close the Windom plant if they could not find a buyer and soon after that, they filed for bankruptcy. Closing the plant will have big reverberations in the area. Workers who came to this country for those jobs will have to find a new one quickly, or leave the U.S. Read more HyLife H-2B employees face unknown future MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with two people who are helping workers affected by the Windom Hylife plant layoffs. Gabby Nelson has facilitated the aid response to the Hylife layoffs through the Windom Cultural Integration Collaborative, a group formed to welcome the hundreds of Hylife workers on temporary H2B visas that came to Windom. Maria Guerrero is a community health worker with Wellshare International in Mankato. She has worked to find solutions for the hundreds of laid-off Hylife workers who live in hotels in the Mankato area. The majority of those workers arrived from the Mexico border.
VISA PROGRAM PRIMER FROM THE DECEMBER 2022 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY SHAWN PACKER NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Many employers turn to the temporary foreign guestworker visa programs like the H-2A and H-2B visa—so much so that we're seeing record numbers of applications. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) certified 317,619 H-2A temporary agricultural visas and 181,451 H-2B temporary non-agricultural visas. That's up from a DOL certified 200,049 H-2A visas and 133,985 H-2B visas in 2017. Here are five things you should consider before embarking on this journey of hiring workers under these programs.
Tormentas invernales no dan pausa y dejan al menos 13 muertos y a medio millón sin electricidad; el gobierno dice que se agotaron las 33,000 visas H-2B para para la segunda mitad del año fiscal 2023; al menos 35 personas son arrestadas en Atlanta durante disturbios en un sitio donde planean crear un centro de entrenamiento de policías y bomberos, y matan a tiros a un funcionario del Congreso del estado mexicano de Veracruz y a su hijo. Más información en UnivisionNoticias.com.
What are they doing on the hill? H.Res.69 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the dedication and devotion of law enforcement personnel should be recognized and that calls to "defund", "disband", "dismantle", or "abolish" the police should be condemned.H.R.616 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)For the relief of Victoria Galindo Lopez.H.R.615 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes. H.R.614 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to provide for the inclusion of certain workers in the exemption from numerical limitations on H-2B workers, and for other purposes. H.R.613 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To establish a process for the creation of minority impact assessments to determine whether pending bills, if enacted, are likely to create or exacerbate disparate outcomes among racial or ethnic minority groups, and for other purposes. H.R.612 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To require a report on security cooperation with respect to Western Balkan countries.H.R.610 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To provide for the rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.H.R.609 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against income tax for tuition expenses incurred for each qualifying child of the taxpayer in attending public or private elementary or secondary school.H.R.608 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To terminate the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.H.R.607 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To direct the Secretary of Transportation to revise regulations relating to child restraint systems, and for other purposes.H.R.606 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To prohibit the use of Federal funds to study, propose, establish, implement, or enforce any mileage tax, including through the funding of a mileage tracking program.H.R.605 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend the Special Drawing Rights Act in order to strengthen congressional oversight with respect to allocations of Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund, and to prohibit such allocations for perpetrators of genocide and state sponsors of terrorism without congressional authorization, and for other purposes.H.R.604 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make available video conferencing for applicants for NEXUS.H.R.603 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To require a study on Holocaust education efforts of States, local educational agencies, and public elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.H.R.602 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to expand the veterans healing veterans medical access and scholarship program to include more students and schools.H.R.601 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To modify certain requirements to encourage the recovery of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.H.R.600 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To waive certain provisions in the case of an emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.H.R.599 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3500 West 6th Street, Suite 103 in Los Angeles, California, as the "Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Post Office".H.R.598 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To ensure 100 percent renewable electricity, zero emission vehicles, and regenerative agriculture by 2030 to address global warming caused by human activity.H.R.597 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To improve the collection of intelligence regarding activities by drug trafficking organizations in certain foreign countries.H.R.596 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 to authorize certain polygraph waiver authority, and for other purposes.H.R.595 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To extend the right of appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board to certain employees of the United States Postal Service.H.R.594 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend title 39, United States Code, to modify procedures for negotiating pay and benefits of supervisory and other managerial personnel of the United States Postal Service, and for other purposes.H.R.593 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, as the "John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic".H.R.592 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from carrying out certain activities under the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program until certification of system improvements and facility readiness.H.R.591 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To provide for the development of a plan to increase oil and gas production under oil and gas leases of Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Defense in conjunction with a drawdown of petroleum reserves from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.H.R.590 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to prohibit lifetime or annual limits on dental coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program, and to require wraparound coverage of dental services for certain children under such program.H.R.589 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To impose sanctions on the Supreme Leader of Iran and the President of Iran and their respective offices for human rights abuses and support for terrorism.H.R.588 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to transfer, without reimbursement, materials to construct roadways and physical barriers along the Southern border of the United States to the governments of the States in which such materials are located, and for other purposes.Support The Show: https://patreon.bpmg.usSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates again, but not by as much as before. Susan Schmidt explains what that could mean. Sticking with the Fed, we look into another tool it has that can affect your mortgage. The number of H-2B seasonal worker visas being offered has sharply increased.
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates again, but not by as much as before. Susan Schmidt explains what that could mean. Sticking with the Fed, we look into another tool it has that can affect your mortgage. The number of H-2B seasonal worker visas being offered has sharply increased.
On this episode of the podcast, we break down a few regulatory updates. Our resident political expert (Melissa) answers questions from our resident political nerd (Kyle) about H-2B visas and the latest update from the Dept. of Labor regarding the definition of “Independent Contractor”. It's riveting content, to be sure – and will hopefully answer some lingering questions you might have about how these updates will impact your club. As mentioned, you can read more about legislative and regulatory updates in the Legislative Blog: https://connect.cmaa.org/browse/leg-blog.
A Florida jury has decided that the Parkland shooter will spend the rest of his life in prison. Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. We learn more with WPLN reporter Gerard Albert. Then, Andrew Selee of the Migration Policy Institute joins us to talk about the increasing cap on H-2B visas and new procedures for Venezuelans arriving in the U.S. And, for years, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman has covered former President Donald Trump. Now, she has a new book tracing his origins from New York real estate developer to president. She joins us with more.