Kentucky, Oklahoma and North Dakota ranked as the best states to start farms in 2021, according to a study by LawnStarter. At the other end of the spectrum Alaska, Maine and Connecticut were ranked as 50th, 49th, and 48th respectively as states that are relatively less enticing to start a farm or ranch.

LawnStarter compared all 50 states across 44 key metrics to rank the best states to start a farm or ranch. Measuring them based on available infrastructure, prevalence, environmental factors, cost, and potential returns of farming and ranching in each state.

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Best States to Start a Farm in 2021

The U.S. agriculture industry forms a big part of the economy agriculture, food, and related industries contributed $1.109 trillion to the US economy in 2019 covering 5.2 % of the nation’s income.

Other findings of the study include:

• Kentucky leads all states as it has plenty of fertile land, ranking high in prevalence categories such as farms per state area and the share of family-owned farms.
• Wyoming, Montana and Nevada lead the nation by having the largest average farm sizes, while New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts have the smallest average farm.
• Nine of the top 10 states that are great to start a farming business are either fully or partially located within the central Great Plains. States such as Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas boast cheap land, a good growing climate coupled with a highly developed infrastructure for farmers and rural residents.

• While the Deep South is known as an agricultural destination, many states, such as Louisiana and Alabama are ranked middle to low on the list. Both states fare well in

• When we go to the West, California performs surprisingly poorly in the study. While the No. 1 agricultural state when it comes to return on investment, the Golden State also ranks as the worst state for cost metrics, having the highest average per-farm production expenses of any state.

Farming Metrics

Unlike many states have competing metrics that cancel each other out: high populations and crop yields can lead to equally high land prices and less available land. Kentucky sits right in that middle as the best state for new farmers and ranchers.

However, the South falls short in terms of infrastructure and farm-friendliness. Louisiana ranks lower than any other state in the number of new farms in the last year, showing a marked decrease.

It may also prove more difficult to establish a small new ranch or farm in an already crowded corporate field. California ties with a few other states for the lowest share of family-owned farms. California may be an excellent place to grow food, but it’s far from the best state for your growing agribusiness.

There is Money to be Made in Farming

Investments in farms in recent years have been lucrative. The Department of Agriculture projecting net farm income in the US to have reached $134.1billion in 2020. With the steady rollout of innovations in recent years, modern farmers and ranchers have far greater opportunities to expand in their field.

States in the study that have the highest average farm income are California, Arizona, North Dakota, and Connecticut. While those that bring in on average less income are West Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Image: Depositphotos, Lawnstarter

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The travel industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. But there are still some who want or need to stay in vacation rentals throughout the country. And those consumers may prefer a personalized experience when they arrive.

Luckily, that’s exactly what Tailored Stay provides. More specifically, the concierge service provides grocery delivery, pre-made dinners, and even holiday services. Read more about the idea and the company’s journey in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

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What the Business Does

Prepares vacation rentals for guests.

Founder and President Kristin Fitzgerald told Small Business Trends, “We aim to take the stress out of vacation arrival by placing groceries and celebration items in vacation rental homes BEFORE the guests arrive.”

Business Niche

Providing convenient service.

Fitzgerald says, “By securing partnerships with top vacation rental property management companies we are able to gain access to the units, differentiating us from many other grocery services. We have received great testimonials for having provided memorable and safe vacation experiences in remote destinations this year.”

How the Business Got Started

After wishing for a similar service.

Fitzgerald explains, “The concept of Tailored Stay came separately to two of our founders. Tera Bennett was looking to have Birthday balloons, cupcakes and champagne placed in her Airbnb prior to arrival. She spent hours on the phone to achieve this and thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was a service that did this?’

At the same time, Fitzgerald and her husband Stephen arrived in Paris late at night. And they struggled to find an open grocery store to get basic late night meal and breakfast items. Because of that, they wished there was a service they could pay to make it easier on them.

Biggest Win

Creating valuable partnerships.

Fitzgerald says, “Hospitality is ultimately about people. And without working together on the shared goal of exceptional guest experiences, we wouldn’t get the word out as readily or build trust as fast as we have in Northern New Mexico.”

Biggest Risk

Launching in a remote area of New Mexico.

Fitzgerald explains, “None of our original founders live in the area. We were able to find wonderful personnel who truly care about hospitality to execute on the ground. Without them we could have suffered in product and delivery. At the same time, we offer over 6K items on our website. Without our wonderful IT staff, that could have looked more like 60. And we would have had very limited offerings.”

Biggest Challenge

COVID-19.

Fitzgerald adds, “There were some on our team who were ready to fold. But through true grit and hope we were able to prevail. We stayed afloat by delivering locally (not our original business model) and by ensuring potential vacation guests, who would drive from neighboring states that we could help them more ‘safely’ vacation.”

How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000

Expand technology and service area.

Fitzgerald says, “Our technology could use some work in terms of speed and user experience. We would also expand operations to multiple beach locations so more vacationers could experience stress-free vacation arrival through the services of Tailored Stay.”

Team Tradition

Virtual meetings.

Fitzgerald explains, “We meet virtually every Wednesday and usually open up with a funny tidbit about the hard work of being a startup and close the meeting with a cheers and glass of wine to celebrate accomplishments big and small.”

Favorite Quote

“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” ? Ibn Battuta

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Image: Tailored Stay; Top Image: Kristin Fitzgerald, Tera Bennett, Stephen Fitzgerald, Nicholas Armstrong, Anna Arrow, Mark Dominic Grosso

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Rolling TV stands are a great video and graphic solution for businesses. They help boost your presentations in conference rooms, trade shows, hotels, meetings, and other settings.

Because they are mobile you can take them in different places without having to worry about dislodging the displays from walls. And since most TV rolling stands are height adjustable and can be tilted, you can adjust them to your viewing preference.

Some TV stands come with shelves for storing items such as laptops, sound systems and speakers, allowing you to have your presentation on wheels. There is a wide range of rolling TV stands in the market. To help you narrow down the list, here are some of our picks for the best rolling TV stands.

 

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Best Smart Security Cameras

 

VIVO Mobile TV Cart

Top Pick: You can use the VIVO mobile TV cart for 32-65-inch plasma, LED, LCD, curved, OLED and Ultra HD TVs. It can support flat panel TV sets up to 110 pounds. You can tilt the display up to 15° for better viewing angles and it comes with four locking casters.

This TV stand also has a middle storage shelf with 19″ x 11.5″ dimensions capable of holding up to 10 pounds. This is enough to accommodate a laptop, receiver, and audio/ video equipment. Made from steel, it comes in at 29.4 x 13.6 x 7.1 inches, weighs 35.2 pounds and a three-year warranty.

VIVO Mobile TV Cart for 32-65 inch LCD LED Plasma Flat Panel Screen TVs up to 110 lbs, Pro Height Adjustable Rolling Black Stand

Buy on Amazon

 

PERLESMITH Rolling TV Stand

Runner Up: PERLESMITH’s mobile TV stand is compatible with most 23-55-inch LCD, LED flat screens and curved TVs. At 30.4 x 12.5 x 4.5 inches, it weighs 24.1 pounds can hold displays up to 55-pounds. The stand comes with an additional adjustable audio/video tray that can hold 22 pounds. The stand has four rubber caster wheels that allow you to roll it without scratching your floor. You can also lock the wheels to keep the stand stable.

Made with sturdy steel the unit can withstand high traffic environments and comes with a built-in wire management solution in the metal column. This allows easy management and concealment of wires and cables in the back of the stand.

Mobile TV Cart with Wheels for 23-55 Inch LCD LED 4K Flat Curved Screen TVs – Height Adjustable Shelf Trolley Floor Stand Holds up to 55lbs

Buy on Amazon

 

Kanto MTM65PL Adjustable Mobile TV Stand

Best Value: Kanto’s adjustable stand works with TV sizes ranging from 37 to 65-inch and it can support a total weight of 80 pounds. Users can adjust the position of the television from 44.1 to 60.2-inches in height. The telescopic center columns offer 20 inches of height adjustment and include integrated cable management for a tidy setup.

The stand weighs 47.3lbs and comes in at 33.3 x 28.2 x 79.9 inches. The middle shelf is also height adjustable to store devices weighing up to 10 pounds. The stand has four swiveling wheels that make it easy to move it around the floor. Two of the wheels have locking castors that hold the stand in place.

Kanto MTM65PL Height Adjustable Mobile TV Stand with Adjustable Shelf for 37-inch to 65-inch TVs

Buy on Amazon

 

ONKRON TS27-71TV Stand

ONKRON TV stand has a heavy-duty aluminum alloy construction that can support a maximum of 100 pounds. The stand comes with two middle shelves for your accessories with a load capacity of up to 10 pounds each.

The four swivel caster wheels give you easy mobility and they also come with a locking mechanism to keep the stand securely in place. The telescopic columns lower or raise your TV screen without any tools and heights can be adjusted from 37.4 to 62.9-inches off the floor in 2-inch increments.

Weighing just 37.2 pounds it comes in at 40.94 x 20.87 x 7.09 inches. The stand fits most 40 to 75-inch LCD TVs both flat and curved screens. This unit comes with all the hardware you need, including three sets of most bolts for mounting your screen.

ONKRON Universal Mobile TV Stand with Shelves TV Cart on Wheels for 40” – 75 Inch Flat Panel Curved LCD LED OLED Screens up to 100 lbs

Buy on Amazon

 

Husky TV Mount Stand

Heavy-duty steel construction gives this stand a maximum load capacity of 132 pounds. And you can move it around using the swivel caster wheels as well as brakes. The poles are 60 inches high and can accommodate most flat-screen LED and LCD TVs from 32 to 70 inches. It offers a maximum TV height of 58 inches and you can tilt it for optimum viewing angle to reduce glare.

The lower 19” X 12” metal shelf can hold up to 25 pounds for a media player, notebook, or other equipment. It can also have its height elevated up to 27 inches. What is even more impressive is the manufacturer offers a 25-year warranty.

Husky Mount Mobile TV Stand with Wheels Heavy Duty Universal Rolling TV Cart Fits Most 32” – 70” LED LCD TVs with Shelf and Mount Max Load 132 LBS

Buy on Amazon

 

5Rcom Cart Rolling TV Stand

The 5Rcom rolling TV stand supports plasma and LCD Flat screens, curved TVs, monitors, and displays from 32 inches to 70 inches in size. And it can be tilted up and down by 15 degrees for optimal viewing experience.

The cart provides a combined weight capacity of 88 pounds for the top and bottom. It offers 5 levels of height adjustments from 51’’ to 67’’. The lower media component tray shelf is height adjustable from 9″ to 29″ and can accommodate other computing and audio-visual equipment. It weighs 28.1 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

5Rcom Mobile TV Cart Large Rolling TV Stand with Wheels Height Adjustable Flat Screen/Curved TVs Monitors Portable TV Floor Stand with Laptop Shelf Display

Buy on Amazon

 

YAHEETECH 32 to 65 Inch Mobile TV Cart

YAHEETECH’s TV stand has a sturdy metal frame that secures up to 110-pound TVs for sizes ranging from 32 to 65 inches. The stand weighs 28.5 pounds and has brackets that allow users to tilt the TV sets in a range of 13° of viewing angle. You can adjust the height using the telescopic pole to lower or raise the TV without tools between 43.3 to 63 inches.

 

The middle storage shelf comes in at 17.9 x 11.6 inches for storing everything from a laptop to audio-visual equipment. The stand has four wheels that allow you to move around the floor coupled with a locking mechanism to keep the stand in a fixed position. You can use the two hollow columns to hide cables and wires inside for discreet cable management.

YAHEETECH 32 to 65 Inch Mobile TV Cart Universal Flat Screen Rolling TV Stand Trolley Console Stand with Mount for LED LCD Plasma Flat Panels on Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

What to look for in a Rolling TV Stand 

• Compatibility: When you are thinking about investing in a TV stand make sure you consider the type of TV you will be using. Find out if the brackets of the TV mount are adjustable and fit your TV. Also, check to make sure it can carry the weight of the TV as well.
• Height adjustable: Most TV stands offer the ability to adjust viewing heights. This helps to provide an appropriate viewing height whether you are watching alone or with a group of people.
• Internal Cable Management Mechanism: An internal cable management mechanism can help you put the wires and cables out of the way. By avoiding cables from getting tangled underfoot inside the structure of the mount, you can avoid accidents and prevent cables from getting damaged.
• Tilt options: A tilt feature will help viewers from having to strain to watch the display. And it can also prevent glare if there is too much lighting in the room.
• Additional shelves: With an additional one or two shelves you can place other items such as laptops, sound systems and speakers. They help store complementary equipment by allowing easy and convenient options. Also, make sure to check if the shelves can be adjusted for extra convenience.
• Casters: The wheels of the rolling TV stand should be sturdy as well as easy to move in many floor surfaces. And the locking mechanism should be able to keep the entire unit securely in place once.

Benefits of a Rolling TV Stand

Rolling TV stands help free up space in your office and help you cut costs by sharing displays across departments. Not only do you have a TV display wherever you want, but they also come with additional surfaces and storage compartments for computing and multimedia devices. They are ideal for your in-office presentations as well as when you are traveling for trade shows and exhibitions.

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Images: Amazon

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Antivirus protection or malware protection is essential for any business with a digital presence. As hackers get more sophisticated, protecting your endpoints with the best available solution in the market is a must and a worthwhile investment.

Because without this protection, the entirety of your digital assets can be compromised. From stealing your sensitive data and that of your customers to paralyzing your operations, nothing is off the table when it comes to hackers. For this reason, you have to deploy the best security tools to protect your investment.

The most effective way you can thwart these attempts is to use the best antivirus/malware protection, have a strong security protocol, strong governance on these protocols, and staying ever vigilant. The antivirus solutions on this list will help you make a more informed decision about which solution is best suited for your business.

 

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Best Antivirus Protection for Your Business

 

Bitdefender GravityZone Advanced Business Security

Top Pick: Bitdefender consistently ranks as the top security solution. GravityZone delivers next-gen endpoint protection for businesses with comprehensive security for all types of infrastructures including physical and virtual desktops as well as servers.

Using machine learning, behavioral analysis, advanced anti-exploit, continuous monitoring of running processes and risk assessment capabilities it guards against all threats and attack vectors. The endpoint protection includes risk analytics and hardening, prevention, detection and response, and reporting and integration. And you get all this protection and more under one console for everything.

Bitdefender GravityZone Advanced Business Security

Buy on Amazon

 

Kaspersky Small Office Security

Runner Up: Kaspersky is known for its ease of use, and it is no different for the business version. While you are running your business, it will provide advance ransomware protection, file encryption and backup, and secure your personal smartphones and tablets. It also has built-in vulnerability scanning to ensure the business apps you use are safe from attacks.

When you access shopping or banking websites, the Kaspersky Safe Money technology checks to ensure the website is secure and the site is genuine before opening it in a special, protected mode.

Kaspersky Small Office Security 8 Standard Windows/Mac/Android/Windows Server

Buy on Amazon

 

Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Services

Best Value: Trend Micro is a market leader in hybrid cloud security, network defense, small business security, and endpoint security. Established in 1988 it is one of the oldest companies in the security segment.

The company provides the broadest range of threat protection with a cloud-based enterprise-grade solution for your business. This all-in-one cloud platform provides endpoint, web security, and email protection in one bundle with automatic updates, zero maintenance, and 24×7 support. The threat protection for your employees extends to any device, anytime, and anywhere with techniques to eliminate security gaps in any activity and on any endpoint.

Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Services

Buy on Amazon

 

McAfee Small Business Security

The multi-device protection from McAfee extends to your PCs, smartphones, and tablets. The company leverages the threat intelligence of 125 million customers to deliver enterprise grade protection for your business.

McAfee will protect your business from malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing, spam, and even unwanted programs. And you can remotely manage all your devices from a central dashboard no matter where your employees are. And if you need to add more employees as your business grows, the company has flexible licensing to simplify the process.

McAfee Small Business Security 5 Device

Buy on Amazon

 

AVG Internet Security Business Edition

The AVG business edition solution is loaded with tools to protect your devices and your employees. In addition to removing malware and viruses, it has some key features that are noteworthy. This includes file server security to keep them safe and private and a file shredder which deletes files securely to help prevent unintended recovery.

Another important function is CyberCapture. This is a feature that sends an unrecognized file to AVG’s Threat Labs to be checked in real-time. There is also a link scanner, identity protection, firewall, email protection, online shield, and more.

AVG Internet Security Business Edition Antivirus protection for PCs, emails, servers & network

Buy on Amazon

 

Malwarebytes Premium 4.0

Malwarebytes is one of the leading solutions for malware protection. You can use it in tandem with other security solutions to fortify your business even more. The company is known for its fast real-time protection, detection, and removal of viruses, spyware, and malware infections.

Another great feature of Malwarebytes is its ability to block online scams, infected sites, phishing scams, and malicious links. It also identifies sites that are suspect before it opens it and it does all this while using less of your computing resources. According to the company, it now uses 50% less CPU resources when it is scanning.

Malwarebytes Premium 4.0 Latest Version, 12 Months, 10 Devices

Buy on Amazon

 

BullGuard Small Office Security

BullGuard’s technology uses multiple scan engines and combines them for real-time and on-demand scanning of your devices. The company also monitors your online activity and warns you if you are about to click a link that is suspect. And the intrusion detection system protects all your endpoint devices against network attacks.

The management features allow you to block websites your staff might visit as well as locate, lock and wipe lost or stolen mobile devices.

BullGuard Small Office Security

Buy on Amazon

 

The Antivirus Features You Need for Your Business

• Help and support: Putting help and support first may be a bit backward, but because most people are not experts on the subject solid customer support goes a long way to give you and your staff the help you need when you are out of your depth. There are many issues that will arise if your business is compromised. A company that provides a great help and support system will help you recover quickly and keep your business running.
• Real-time virus detection and removal: You must have real-time detection so you can get an alert the second a virus appears. In addition to real-time detection, you also need antivirus software to remove the threat.
• Spam and malware detection: Sending spam and malware through emails and messaging services are one of the best gateways for hackers to gain access to your network. Therefore, spam and malware detection is key when you choose your next security software.
• Automated scans and updates: In addition to performing scans automatically, your security solution also needs to update its malware definitions and protocols. Without these updates, hackers can take advantage of this vulnerability and breach your system.
• External device scan: As soon as you attach a USB drive or any other device the solution you choose must scan them. This will identify the threat and delete or quarantine it before it infects your system.
• User friendly: Not everyone in your company is going to be an expert on cybersecurity. Look for solutions experts and novices alike can use without compromising your network.

 

Other Issues to Lookout For

Does it Affect Performance?

Because antivirus programs are resource-intensive, they can affect the performance of your computers. Some security tools can noticeably slow down your computers, so make sure to find out just how much of it they use. However, this is usually not the case with quality antivirus products.

Speed

Just how long does it take to scan your system. This of course will depend on the size and number of drives you have on your system. But don’t compromise performance for speed. After all, you can have your system scanned when no one is in the office and it won’t affect your productivity.

Compatibility

There are more connected devices than ever in an office. This includes everything from your copiers and printers to smartphones, tablets, laptops, security systems, and even thermostats and other appliances. Beyond the connectivity, there are different versions of each device and software. Always look for antivirus and security solutions that can protect all the versions of all your devices.

Free Antivirus Software

If you want to try a free version, keep in mind there are pros and cons. The obvious pro is it is free. But you must realize it is free for a reason. You are not going to get the full suite of protection the company offers for free. Granted it is better to use the free version than nothing at all, but in the long run, you are going to be much better off getting the paid version.

Being Aware of the Digital Threat Landscape

The one thing you need to be aware of if you have a digital presence is you are always (24/7/365) under the threat of an attack. With this in mind, you must protect your business at all costs, because a breach can be much more costly.

The reputation of your brand and the trust your customers have in you is dependent on ensuring their information is always safe.

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Images: Amazon

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You still have a few days to register for what may be the most important webinar you’ll attend in 2021.

If things have gone sideways trying to run your small business through this COVID emergency, you’ll want to be there for “The Sh*t’s Hit the Fan – NOW WHAT? 99 Recession Proof Tips for Small Business” where you’ll learn specific steps to take to navigate this “new economy” and get your company through the pandemic.

Join author Rhonda Abrams and Small Business Trends publisher Anita Campbell this Thursday and come out of it with tips to not only survive this economy, but also thrive in it. Register for the webinar following the link below.

Register Now

And if you can’t make it, check out some of the other small business events coming up later this year in our weekly events roundup.

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Featured Events, Contests and Awards

Do You Know the Tax Advantages of LLCs, S-Corps and Corporations?
January 20, 2021, Online

There are many advantages to incorporating a business and forming an LLC or electing S-Corp status. One of those benefits is tax savings. But which entity provides the best savings? In this FREE webinar, Nellie Akalp of CorpNet.com will explain the different tax benefits of each. Register today!

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Women in Cloud Summit 2021
January 28, 2021, Online

The Women in Cloud Summit is a three-day, life-changing event for women tech entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders, policymakers, and allies from around the globe. Women are key drivers of economic growth, and the Summit strives to change the industry narrative by creating economic access for women in the cloud economy. Summit attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, connect and communicate with industry leaders and experts, and network with other community members and entrepreneurs. Join us virtually from January 28-30, 2021.

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WEBINAR: What Business Structure is Right for You?
April 28, 2021, Online

Picking a business structure is usually the first big legal decision for a new business owner and one of the most confusing. However confusing, it is an essential step to protecting your personal assets from any liabilities of the company. In this webinar, Nellie Akalp CEO of CorpNet.com, will share insight on business entities to help guide you to the best decision for your new venture.

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WEBINAR: Best State to Incorporate
July 28, 2021, Online

Some say Delaware, others say Nevada while someone else may say your home state. What is the best state to register a business in? What if your business is expanding into new territory? At what point should you Foreign Qualify? Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com, will go in-depth to answer these questions and more in this webinar.

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WEBINAR: Steps to Start Your Business
October 20, 2021, Online

Starting a business can be an exhilarating time, where everything seems full of potential and purpose. But navigating the logistics of launching a business can be daunting. In this webinar Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com, will outline the steps necessary to legally start a business and get up and running on the right foot.

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More Events

• Online Event: Website SEO + Paid Media review for Business Owners
  January 12, 2021, Online
• Free Thought Leadership Webinar!
  January 15, 2021, Online
• Decoding Future HR 2021
  January 19, 2021, Online
• Healthy Minds Innovations Virtual January Masterclass
  January 19, 2021, Online
• IoT Forum on Cybersecurity
  January 21, 2021, Online
• Talent Acquisition Week | VIRTUAL
  January 25, 2021, Online
• Claire Wasserman & Her Father, Steve Wasserman: ‘Ladies Get Paid’
  January 25, 2021, Online
• Rail Cybersecurity Summit USA
  February 9, 2021, Online
• 5th Advancing Project Controls Summit 2021
  February 22, 2021, Online
• Employee Wellness Summit
  February 24, 2021, Online
• Social Media Strategies Summit | Virtual Conference
  February 25, 2021, Online
• Digital Marketing World Forum – North America Online 2021
  March 24, 2021, Online
• Power BI in 2021
  April 1, 2021, Online
• HR Benefits Conference, April 2021
  April 7, 2021, Las Vegas, NV
• TECHSPO New York 2021 Technology Expo (Internet ~ Mobile ~ AdTech ~ MarTech ~ SaaS)
  April 15, 2021, Online
• DigiMarCon Mid-Atlantic 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
  April 26, 2021, Philadelphia, PA
• DigiMarCon At Home 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference
  April 28, 2021, Online
• Sitecore CMS in 2021
  May 1, 2021, Online
• DevOps Engineer in 2021
  May 1, 2021, Online
• DigiMarCon New England 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
  May 6, 2021, Boston, MA

More Contests

This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends.

You can see a full list of events, contest and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar.

Image: Depositphotos

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A paper towel dispenser encourages your customers, guests, and employees to adopt hygienic habits, control waste and keep the environment clean. Dispensers are also good for your budget because they are designed to give out just the right amount of paper towels needed to dry hands or clean a spill.

By making paper towels easily accessible you help provide a clean and safe environment for all. There are many different types of paper towel dispensers ranging from simple surface mount dispensers to more complex automatic units. The key is finding a suitable paper towel dispenser to do the job for you. Below are seven of our top picks.

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Best Commercial Paper Towel Dispenser

 

SofPull Centerpull Paper Tower Dispenser

Top Pick: Georgia-Pacific’s manual wall mounted paper towel dispenser accommodates up to up to 560 large center-pull towels. The large capacity means less time refilling the dispenser. Weighing just 2.7 pounds and coming in at 12.13 x 11.31 x 11 inches it dispenses towels one-at-a-time helping to reduce waste and cross-contamination.

The center-pull dispensing mechanism is ideal for high traffic restrooms. It can be mounted or hung sideways, upside down, and right side up to accommodate different spaces.

SofPull Large High-Capacity Centerpull Paper Towel Dispenser by GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific), Translucent Smoke

Buy on Amazon

 

Oasis Creations Touchless Paper Towel dispenser

Runner Up: This paper towel dispenser offers a touchless solution to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. A lock design also protects the towels inside from pilferage while reducing waste. The dispenser comes with the necessary hardware for installation along with two keys.

Oasis Creations Touchless Paper Towel dispenser

Buy on Amazon

 

Mind Reader Multi-Fold Paper Towel Dispenser

Best Value: This wall paper towel dispenser can accommodate both c-fold and m-fold paper towels. Made of ABS plastic it comes with a clear window on the front so users can conveniently monitor the fill level and gauge when a refill is needed.

The unit’s locking mechanism helps prevent tampering, vandalism as well as dust from getting inside the towel dispenser. The compact design (3.75 x 10.5 x 14 inches and weighing 1.3 pounds) allows you to mount it on walls either by using screws or by simply using a 3M tape.

Mind Reader Multi-Fold Paper Towel Dispenser, Paper Towel Holder

Buy on Amazon

 

Pacific Blue Automated Touchless Paper Towel Dispense

Pacific Blue’s automated paper towel dispenser accommodates a whopping 1,150 feet of towel. You can choose between 14- or 11-inches towel lengths per each dispense. Made from plastic, it is motion activated and touch-free which runs on 4 D batteries.

It works with both 3-roll and 6-roll refill cases. It is equipped with a small window on the dispenser, so you can easily monitor the level of paper towels inside. The unit is 16.56 x 13.44 x 10 inches and weighs in at 7.5 pounds. Made by Georgia Pacific Pro, it is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Pacific Blue Ultra 8” High-Capacity Automated Touchless Paper Towel Dispenser by GP PRO

Buy on Amazon

 

Tork 1 Xpress Countertop Multifold Hand Towel Dispenser

Sometimes a wall-mounted dispenser is not an option. In that case, the Tork 1 Xpress hand towel dispenser will do the job. Made from stainless steel, it uses a spring-loaded mechanism to dispense one paper towel at a time from the top.

At 14.9 x 7 x 10.9 inches and 5 pounds, it is compact and sturdy enough to stay in place using the anti-slip pads in the bottom.

Tork 1 Xpress Countertop Multifold Hand Towel Dispenser, Stainless Steel

Buy on Amazon

 

Kimberly-Clark Sanitouch Hard Roll Towel Dispenser

Kimberly-Clark’s towel dispenser offers hands-free pull dispensing for improved hygiene using touchless technology. The unit is made with microban technology that provides built-in anti-microbial protection against the most common stain and odor-causing bacteria.

This dispenser automatically advances and cuts 12 inches of the towel when activated by pulling the exposed towel. It can use 6-roll and 12-roll Scott Essential hard roll towels. Coming in at 10.38 x 13.06 x 16.94 inches it weighs 7.5 pounds and doesn’t need batteries to run.

Kimberly-Clark Professional Sanitouch Hard Roll Towel Dispenser

Buy on Amazon

 

San Jamar Element Lever Roll Towel Dispenser

Storing an 800-foot 8-inch roll towel, the San Jamar dispenser is a high capacity unit that doesn’t require frequent refills. And best of all it has a universal roll capacity, meaning you can use any core including coreless, solid, and center-pull towels. It uses an ergonomic lever to dispense the towel.

At 11 x 11 x 10 inches and 2.65 pounds, the company says it has a 33% smaller footprint than standard paper towel dispensers.

San Jamar Element Lever Roll Towel Dispenser, Classic, Transparent Black Pearl

Buy on Amazon

 

What to Look for in Your Next Commercial Paper Towel Dispenser

• Price: A paper dispenser can range in price from just $10 to units costing more than $1,000. When you look for a paper dispenser, it is important to consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term cost. Be wary of manufacturers that require you to use only their refills. This might expose you to additional costs.
• Material: Most paper dispensers are made from durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic. Look out for dispensers that are easy to maintain and clean with the rigors of everyday use.
• Paper refills: When you are considering the right type of paper dispenser, it is also best to think about what type of paper towel it will be dispensing. Each dispenser has its benefits and certain paper towels are better suited to fit each dispenser. Paper towel options include standard rolls, center-pull rolls, perforated rolls, C-folds, M-fold, and folded paper towels. Make sure to also check what kind of towel refill is ideal for your dispenser.
• Auto cut: Auto cut paper towels have pre-measured sheets of paper towel ready for the user to tear and take out. This helps to prevent waste and it makes it easier for the user to get a paper towel.
• Dispenser Sizes: Larger dispensers hold more paper. This makes them ideal to keep up with high demand locations. And the large size also reduces the number of times you have to refill the dispenser. Of course, here the space you have available for the dispenser will be a deciding factor.

 

Types of Dispensers

Automatic vs. Manual: Handle operated towel dispensers require the users to pull a lever to dispense paper towels. And they may pull the lever until they have received the amount of paper towels they need. These types of dispensers may be best for use in low traffic commercial washrooms.

Unlike a manual device, automatic dispensers have a motion sensor that automatically gives out paper towels whenever it detects motion in range. This can really help to encourage a sanitary environment in the kitchen or bathroom because you don’t have to physically touch anything. Automatic dispensers add an additional tier of safety, but there is also mechanical failure.

Wall-mounted vs. Countertops: Depending on the available space, you have a choice in terms of paper towel dispensers. However, wall-mounted have an edge as they help you save precious counter space and provide convenient access to paper towels right by the sink.

If you don’t have a space to mount a dispenser on a wall, a countertop unit is always an option. But they don’t offer the same practicality of a wall mount unit.

Center-pull dispensers: Center-pull dispensers are a cost-effective and sanitary option. Their large roll accommodates high-traffic environments, while the pull-down dispensing method ensures that each paper towel remains clean and unused until it is dispensed by each person. And unlike an automatic dispenser, you never have to worry about it breaking down.

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The ADP National Employment Report has some distressing numbers across the board. For small business, it was a loss of 13,000 jobs. And overall, nationally 123,000 jobs were lost for the month of December.

And while the pandemic is in great part responsible for these numbers, this is the first decline since April 2020. This is what Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute, said in the press release.

Ahu goes on to say, “As the impact of the pandemic on the labor market intensifies, December posted the first decline since April 2020.” Adding, “The job losses were primarily concentrated in retail and leisure and hospitality.”

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December 2020 ADP Small Business Report

Small business employment greatly contributes to the overall job numbers in the U.S., so declines in this segment are worrying. But not all the small business sectors were down. While the goods-producing sector was down by 19,000, the service-providing sector was up by 6,000 jobs.

When it comes to business size very small businesses with 1-19 employees were hit the hardest with -16,000 jobs. On the other hand, those with 20-49 employees faired better by adding 3,000 jobs.

Franchises Also Down

While franchises only lost 5,300 jobs in December, some of the segments did well. Auto parts and dealers were the biggest winners with 9,100 jobs, with real estate at 300, and food retailers at 100 jobs.

On the downside, restaurants lost 6,700 jobs, which is not surprising considering many of the closures and restrictions across the country. Likewise, accommodations was also down with 4,500 lost jobs and business services also came in with 1,300 fewer jobs.

National Employment Report

With a loss of 123,000 jobs in nonfarm private sector employment, the national numbers were grim in December. The one bright spot overall is midsized companies with 50-499 employees, which gained 37,000 jobs.

However, small and large businesses were responsible for losing 160,000 jobs for the month. Sectors responsible for job gains are financial activities (2,000 jobs), construction (3,000 jobs), education and health (8,000 jobs), and professional and business (12,000 jobs).

Again, the hardest hit segment is leisure and hospitality with 58,000 job losses and trade, transportation, and utilities losing another 50,000 jobs.

 

Images: ADP

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A smart security camera provides one of the most affordable and effective solutions for protecting your property/assets. Whether it is your home, office, store, or any other location security cameras are a proven solution. By installing these cameras, you provide employees and customers with peace of mind knowing that someone is looking out for their wellbeing.

Another benefit of a security camera is it is a visual deterrent to anyone thinking of engaging in criminal behavior. They also help to monitor activities in an organization by helping collect evidence for decision making regarding infractions within the workplace.

No matter what kind of business you run, there is a smart security camera for your office that will serve your needs. Below are some of our top picks, and their standout features.

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Best Smart Security Cameras

 

 Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera

Top Pick: The Arlo security camera produces footage in 2K video and HDR at 2560 pixels with infrared night vision and 160⁰ field of view. A two-way audio feature lets you control the device using Alexa and Google Assistant while also getting mobile notifications on activities. This is a wire-free and weather-resistant security camera weighing just 3.44 pounds.

Additional features include color night vision, the ability to zoom in on objects, a nighttime spotlight to ward off intruders, smart alerts on your smartphone, and 30 days of cloud storage. This battery-powered unit (6-month battery life) comes with a solar panel, dual charging station, and indoor and outdoor cables. The wire-free setup with a magnetic mount makes it easy to install and adjust the camera. You can get a single camera or as many as six as part of this system.

Arlo Pro 3 – Wire-Free Security 2 Camera System | 2K with HDR, Indoor/Outdoor, Color Night Vision, Spotlight, 160° View, 2-Way Audio, Siren | Works with Alexa

Buy on Amazon

 

Firstrend Wireless Security Camera System

Runner Up: As a real P2P plug and play surveillance system, Firstrend ships the camera and NVR (network video recorder) already paired. This means all you have to do is connect the cameras and NVR, power it up and you are set.

The Firstrend wireless solution is compatible with Android and iOS mobile platforms. After you download the free app you can remote view and playback recordings. The 960P HD bullet cameras have night vision (up to 65 feet) and they are IP66 rated so you can install them indoors or outdoors.

You can add up to 8 cameras and 4TB of HDD storage for the NVR.

Wireless Security Camera System, Firstrend 8CH 1080P Wireless NVR System with 4pcs 1.3MP IP Security Camera with 65ft Night Vision and Easy Remote View,P2P CCTV Camera System(No Hard Drive)

Buy on Amazon

 

Night Owl 5MP Extreme HD 8 Ch 1 TB HDD

Best Value: Night Owl is a recognized brand in the security technology industry manufacturing security DVRs, NVR’s, and cameras. And this allows the company to deliver great value to its customers. One of the best features of Night Owl is it does not charge monthly fees to view or control your cameras over the internet or smartphone. And it also offers 24/7/365 technical support along with instructional videos and support articles online.

When it comes to the cameras, they have dual sensor technology with real-time motion alerts and enhanced night vision. This is a wired system, so you get 24/7 uninterrupted recording with no internet required. However, you can view, access, and playback your security recording from anywhere on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Night Owl 5MP Extreme HD 8 Ch 1 TB HDD and 4 x 5MP Cameras C-841-PIR5MPN

Buy on Amazon

 

Blink Wireless HD Security Cameras

The new Blink Outdoor and Indoor system is created by Amazon. With three outdoor and three indoor smart security cameras, it can cover the office of most small businesses.

In addition to the number of cameras, the system is easy to setup and use. It doesn’t require any wiring or professional installation. And because it works with Alexa, you can use your voice to monitor the cameras with Alexa-enabled devices. Using the Blink app you can see, hear, and speak to anyone in front of the cameras with live view in real-time and two-way radio features. And the cameras are powered with two AA lithium batteries (included) that last for two years.

Blink Outdoor and Indoor – wireless, HD security cameras with two-year battery life and motion detection – 6 camera kit

Buy on Amazon

 

Google Nest Cam Indoor

The Google Nest Cam security camera offers a 24/7 live 1920 x 1080 HD video feed. The camera provides a 130⁰ wide angel vantage point with 8X zoom. Additional features include night vision, built-in speaker and microphone, and you can control it with an app on your phone from anywhere.

The installation process is as easy as following the instructions on the Nest app and connecting your cameras. This waterproof camera is powered by plugging into an electric outlet and it can detect both motion and sound alerts. If it detects anything, it will send you alerts to your phone or email.

There is a free trial of Nest Aware for 30 days. This is a service that lets you experience 10-day video history, intelligent alerts, and Activity Zones.

Google Nest Cam Indoor 3 Pack – Wired Indoor Camera for Home Security – Control with Your Phone and Get Mobile Alerts – Surveillance Camera with 24/7 Live Video and Night Vision

Buy on Amazon

 

Ring Indoor Cam, Compact Plug-In HD Security Camera

The Ring brand and system is popular because it is affordable, easy to install and more importantly it does what it says. This offer includes three indoor compact plug-in HD security cameras with two-way talk. You can see, hear, and speak on your smartphone or tablet as well as some Echo devices because it is Alexa enabled.

With the live view, you can check your office anytime through the Ring app. And if you want to record, the Ring Protect Plan allows you to review up to 60 days of recordings. The installation process is as easy as plugging your camera and following the steps in the app to connect to WiFi. And with that, you are now ready to monitor your office.

Ring Indoor Cam, Compact Plug-In HD security camera with two-way talk, White, Works with Alexa – 3-Pack

Buy on Amazon

 

D-Link Indoor WiFi Security Camera

Sometimes a single camera is all you need for your office. The D-Link security camera is a WiFi, 1080P HD solution with two-way audio along with motion detection and night vision. And it also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. So, it ticks all the boxes for what a security camera is supposed to do.

It also provides 24/7 smart alerts with automatic push notifications when it detects sound or motion. And if you want to record there is an option with the mydlink app either with a free and paid cloud recording or a MicroSD.

D-Link Indoor WiFi Security Camera, HD 1080p, Two-Way Audio, Motion Detection & Night Vision, Works with Alexa & Google Assistant

Buy on Amazon

 

Key Features to Look for in a Smart Security Camera for Your Office

 

• Video quality: The purpose of a security camera is to get the best available image quality. Choppy and pixelated video that don’t provide high-quality images with great details will not cut it. Look for cameras with at least 720 pixels resolution.
• Viewing angle: Your security camera should offer a wide angel vantage point so it can cover as much ground as possible. You will however need to balance this out. A camera with a narrower field of view will capture less while offering greater detail. While a camera with a wider viewing angle will make the camera appear further away and allow you to see more without having to rotate the camera. Security cameras that you can position or rotate remotely can resolve some of these issues. And If a zoom feature is also available, you can concentrate on a particular spot to investigate in detail.
• Motion sensors: Motion-sensing capabilities make the camera active only when it senses something moving. Instead of recording 24/7, which can quickly fill up both local and cloud storage, with motion sensing, you can pause recording until something moves within the frame. Depending on the system, you can also receive alerts on your phone or computer when it detects something.
• Two-way audio: Speakers on a security camera help you to communicate with intruders or visitors when you are not on location. You can also use the feature to notify perpetrators that you have called the police and they better leave.
• Night vision: Criminal activity typically takes place when the office is mostly abandoned or at night. There is a good selection of security cameras with infra-red LEDs for nighttime recording. These infrared cameras are built with motion detection technology and the infrared lights are only activated if the device senses movement.
• Subscription: Make sure the system you purchase doesn’t require a subscription service unless you want one. Some systems have a low purchase price but will demand a costly subscription plan. Find out the features the device comes with out of the box and what you have to pay for before you buy.

 

Environment

It is important to note that not all camera systems are the same. You will need to determine where you want to use your security camera, is it for indoor, outdoor, or mixed environment use. Outdoor cameras come with additional features that protect the camera from the elements this includes sunlight, moisture, dust, cold, and other weather-related factors.

 

Storage

One of the key features of a smart security camera is storing the footage it records. You have several options when it comes to storage. Systems can store the footage on pre-installed hard drives for local storage, a Micro SD card, or cloud storage. Local storage and a Micro SD card give you more control because you physically own the recordings. If protecting the privacy of the people you record is an issue, this is the best option.

On the other hand, cloud storage eliminates the need to have a physical drive. And it allows you to access the recording anytime and anywhere. The one drawback with this option is, you don’t have 100% control/ownership. If the server where the footage is stored gets hacked, it can land in the wrong hands. Even though this is unlikely, it is a possibility.

 

Video Technology

Thankfully, security camera technology has come a long way from the early days where you only had grainy videos. Today you have multiple options in terms of security cameras offering high video quality, functionality, and value.

From standard definition to HD and all the way to 4K, your camera won’t miss a thing. And when it comes to accessibility, you can sync your system with your smartphone and monitor what is going from the other side of the world. And as for value, you can create your own surveillance system without a security company. But even the monitoring options are now more affordable than ever.

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