Business Insights

The U.S. Interstate Highway System was created 60 years ago. Today, many experts agree that the nation’s highways are in deplorable condition and in dire need of repairs. The U.S. has not undertaken any major infrastructure projects since the days of the Eisenhower administration.[i]

In today’s world, it seems that cyberattacks are just a part of everyday life. Often we hear about various data breaches affecting financial institutions, social media accounts and even consumer products that connect to Wi-Fi. However cyberattacks aren’t something new, they have been happening for a long time. The very first cyberattack happened in 1988 by a Cornell University student named Robert Tappan Morris; Morris was curious to know how large the internet was so he created a program that moved from computer to computer sending back information on each. The program, known as a “worm” affected about ten percent of all the computers connected to the internet [i] and caused millions of dollars in damages. Although Morris’ intentions weren’t malicious, his actions did create a major problem that was expensive to fix.

The financial and professional services sector is one of the top industries in the United States. In 2017 the industry had a “GDP value added of $1.159 trillion which is equivalent to 8% of the total GDP.”[i] The industry encompasses multiple sectors which include: finance, insurance, law and accounting.

The Lone Star state is probably best known for petroleum, natural gas and farming, but the telecommunications industry has enjoyed rapid growth within the state of Texas in recent years. Telecommunications is an industry that is expected to continue to grow due to high demand for products and services that support the development wireless internet and high speed fiber-optic networks. Texas has become a hot spot for companies operating in these sectors, especially in the city of Dallas. Dallas is “known as a center for telecommunications manufacturing employment in the United States,”[i]  and counts more than 600 telecom-related companies operating in the area.[ii]

Did you know that Oklahoma is the sixth largest oil-producing state in the US? In fact, some of the nation’s largest gas and oil fields are located within the “Sooner state” and more than 8 percent of the United States’ proven natural gas reserves are in Oklahoma.[i]

Known as the “Sunshine State”, Florida is a preferred destination for those who are looking for fun in the sun. Not everyone knows, however, that Florida has become a leading state in the field of medical device and equipment manufacturing and distribution. Florida has the second-highest number of FDA-registered medical device manufacturers in the US and over 1,000 biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companies currently operate in the state. More than$1 billion is invested in life sciences research and development every year by Florida universities and nearly 19,000 residents work in the medical device manufacturing industry.[i]

Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the United States and represents an important segment of the nation’s economy. In some states, agriculture is a major contributor to the local economy as well, and agriculture businesses tend to be major employers in those states. This is especially true in the state of Indiana.

Healthcare in the United States is a trillion dollar industry and represents a major segment of the nation’s economy. Healthcare is imperative to every citizen’s well being and there is much to consider when it comes to guaranteeing everyone has access to all types of medical treatment and medications. Through research and technological advancements, the healthcare industry has come a long way in how patients are treated and the services and facilities they have access to. One city that has been a leader in pushing the science and study of healthcare forward is Boston, Massachusetts. Home to some of the nation’s top hospitals and universities, Boston is ranked as one of the best cities in the world for medical treatment and research.

Arizona has become one of the top spots for emerging and existing tech companies to build their headquarters, thanks to the state’s pro-business approach to big tech. As technology keeps advancing the state has realized the positive impact it can have on both the state’s economy and improving how agencies and departments around the state operate. 

The cannabis industry has been a controversial topic for many years, with debate raging as to whether it should be legalized for both medical use and recreational use.