Assignment 5 A - Identifying Local Opportunities
1) "Florida Restaurant Owner Raising Funds to Help Homeless Nave Vet" - Ocala Star Banner
https://www.ocala.com/news/20200127/florida-restaurant-owner-raising-funds-to-help-homeless-navy-vet
Description: This story focuses on a Navy Veteran that has fallen on hard times due to some medical issues that left her unable to keep up with her day-to-day financial obligations. The owner of a local restaurant decided to raise funds to help to get her back on her feet and back to living a normal life. The Navy vet has been living in her car while trying to improve her quality of life.
The Problem: Many veterans have issues assimilating back into society with underlying health problems. As Americans we should strive to give them better opportunities and care after serving this great nation.
Who has the problem: In this situation the Navy vet who was sleeping in her car has the problem, and the restaurant owner represents the source of a possible solution.
2) "Outbreak Casts Pall Over China New Year as Deaths Surpass 40" - Ocala Star Banner
https://www.ocala.com/news/20200124/outbreak-casts-pall-over-china-new-year-as-deaths-surpass-40
Description: This story covers the a devastating new virus that is sweeping across China during their new year festivities. Health officials in the region are urging people not to use public transportation unless absolutely necessary as they continue to investigate the virus and how it is spreading.
The Problem: A new unknown virus outbreak is spreading through China and death tolls are rising. Health officials are trying to find the cause and origin of the virus.
Who has the problem: The Chinese population at large is in danger of this becoming an epidemic. It is unclear if this can be contained hygienically, or if it is being spread mainly by animals.
3) "Two Men Arrested for allegedly stealing mowers, trailer from Rural King" - Ocala Star Banner
https://www.ocala.com/news/20200126/2-men-arrested-for-allegedly-stealing-mowers-trailer-from-rural-king
Description: At a Rural King store in Ocala, FL, two men were arrested in connection to the theft of riding lawn mowers and a trailer. Tools to pull off the heist were found in their possession.
The Problem: Rural King locations are susceptible to this type of crime. Most of their mowers and trailers are left outside, unattended for the most part. More security is most likely needed to contain these types of incidents.
Who has the problem: Rural King stores have the problem of trying to limit thefts from their locations. These stores have a great business model, but freely advertise their goods and are in need of stricter security standards.
4) "West End Fades Away" - Gainesville Sun
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200125/west-end-fades-away
Description: West End Golf Course in Gainesville has closed after fifty years. The course that many locals have come to know and love was forced to close down. The costs of managing a golf course are extremely high, and this particular course along with many others in recent years was forced to close down.
The Problem: Course managers were faced with the difficult decision to close the course when the funding was no longer available to keep it in playable condition. Golf courses require regular attendance to maintain their stellar play-ability, and West End could not keep up with the course long enough to bring it back to playable shape.
Who has the problem: This is a problem for the owners of West End and the loyal fan base of the course that will now need to find employment elsewhere and travel to different locations to golf.
5) Lucky's Market Among Florida Stores to Close Feb. 12" - Gainesville Sun
https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200121/luckyrsquos-market-among-florida-stores-to-close-feb-12
Description: This article focuses on the closing of a local grocery store that is closing in Feb. due to unsatisfactory sales. Local businesses have the challenge of competing with big chain stores on price and customer base.
The Problem: Lucky's is located in an area where there is much competition in the grocery industry from larger stores. Despite having a loyal customer base, the revenue being generated by these customers was not enough to keep the store afloat.
Who has the problem: This problem exists for the owners/ management and employees of Lucky's, along with the loyal customers that relied on Lucky's for specialty items. Customers will now be forced to order these items online or try and find another store that carries them. The owner's of Lucky's will need to try and find a way to replace the lost revenue that was accrued.
Hi Darren!
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about a lot of articles featuring articles in the Gainesville community. I relate most personally to the closure of Lucky's Market, as I think this will affect a huge portion of the Gainesville community. So many employees are losing their jobs, and many Gainesville residents that shop for healthy and more specialized products at a cheaper price will leave a giant void for Lucky's competitors to fill.
Hi Darren,
ReplyDeleteI thought you chose some interesting articles to review here. I liked interpretation and your evaluations. The article about the homeless Navy veteran and Kangaroo House Subs was touching. In addition to a sense of altruism, I also believe that the Kangaroo House owner’s decision showed great business sense. Many people will read about this and want to come to his restaurant to help out. Then, they will want to keep coming back because, hopefully, the food is good and they feel great about supporting a business that helps out the homeless. I also thought that the Rural King theft article presented some interesting opportunities for a security firm to develop a concept to sell to such stores regarding loss prevention. Great job! Thanks for your post.
All the best,
Brett
Hey Darren. These are really interesting articles. They seem really extensive but I definitely got the whole point of the articles from your summaries. I also enjoyed that I am included in the people who have a problem through the Lucky's article. Additionally, the layout of this post makes it really easy to read. Good job.
ReplyDelete