UBCNews - Business

Welcome to Filter Facts. Today, we are talking about the small component inside your furnace that has a huge impact on your home: the air filter. Most people do not give their HVAC system a second thought, as long as the heat or air conditioning is working. But paying attention to filter maintenance and, critically, filter size, can save you significant money and protect your expensive equipment. The filter's main job is twofold. First, it cleans the air you breathe by catching contaminants like dust, pollen, and mold spores. Second, it protects the furnace itself. When you use a...

Your door installer just wrapped up the job, shook your hand, and drove away. Three months later, that beautiful new entry door whistles in the winter wind. Six months down the line, your custom closet shelves bow under the weight of folded sweaters. You trusted the work was done right, but something clearly went wrong—and now you're stuck with it.

The truth about door and closet installation is that most problems don't show up during the final walkthrough. They reveal themselves slowly, after the contractor has collected payment and moved on to the next job. By th...

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that might sound a little unusual—how Black Friday, of all things, can actually become an opportunity for faith in action. You know, the day after Thanksgiving has become synonymous with consumer frenzy, but what if we could flip that narrative? Ink Marks the Spot LLC dba ChristShare City: Faribault Address: 2040 Hiersche Road Website: https://www.christshare.com

You've been doing your Kegels religiously for months now, squeezing and holding at every red light, during every commercial break, convinced that any day now those embarrassing bladder leaks will finally stop. But here's what nobody tells you: you're probably doing them wrong, and even if you're doing them perfectly, they might not be enough to actually fix the problem. Let me explain what's really happening. When you do a Kegel, you're trying to voluntarily contract muscles you can't even see or feel properly. Most women end up squeezing their stomach, clenching their thighs, or tensing their buttocks instead...

So, imagine you're sitting in a packed auditorium, families leaning forward in their seats, cameras ready. And then, one by one, graduates cross the stage to receive a small pin. It might seem like just a piece of metal, but for nursing and respiratory care students, that pin represents years of hard work, countless clinical hours, and a huge transition. Today, we're talking about pinning ceremonies and what they mean for new healthcare professionals. Newman University City: Wichita Address: 3100 McCormick Website: https://newmanu.edu/

Hey everyone, welcome back! Today we're tackling a topic that's really close to home for a lot of pet owners - how do you actually board a dog when they have behavioral issues? You know, the anxious pups, the ones who don't play well with others, or dogs dealing with separation anxiety. Belle Aire Kennels City: Downers Grove Address: 4205 Belle Aire Ln Website: https://belleairekennels.net

Welcome back everyone! Today we're looking into something that's really caught my attention – Gen Z and this surprising resurgence in Christian faith. And you know what's fascinating? Young adult literature is actually reflecting this shift in really interesting ways. I'm excited to examine this with you today. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're discussing something that I think many of us can relate to - that desire to deepen our faith through reading. You know, there's something powerful about holding a book that can truly transform how we see our relationship with God. I'm here with someone who's passionate about Christian literature and its impact on spiritual growth. So, let's start with the big question - why do Christian books have such a profound effect on strengthening our faith? Ink Marks the Spot LLC dba ChristShare City: Faribault Address: 2040 Hiersche Road Website: https://www.christshare.com

Have you ever walked out into your yard after a heavy rain and found standing water pooling near your foundation? Or maybe you've noticed your lawn turning into a swampy mess? Today, we're tackling hardscape drainage solutions that actually work to prevent property water damage. And trust me, this is one of those topics that can save you thousands in repair costs down the line. Sage Landscape Contractors and Tree Experts City: Plainfield Address: 16 Driftway Ln Website: https://www.sagelandscaping.com/

Hey everyone, welcome back! So, imagine this: Lake Tahoe in winter. Snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, and... wait, you don't ski? Well, guess what - you're not alone, and you're definitely not out of luck. Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa City: South Lake Tahoe Address: 930 Balbijou Road Website: https://tahoelakeshorelodge.com/

Living near the ocean means dealing with conditions most homeowners never worry about: salt spray drifts inland on every breeze, while humidity sits heavy in the air year-round; storm systems barrel through with alarming regularity, and your windows take the brunt of it.

Wood frames rot, vinyl warps and cracks, and steel corrodes faster than you'd think. The wrong material turns window replacement into a recurring expense, and in coastal zones, that's something you can't afford to ignore.

So, should you consider switching to aluminum windows?

5 Reasons Aluminum Works in Salt Air It...

So, you know what's funny? We spend so much time thinking about what's inside our homes, but the very first thing anyone sees is actually the steps and porch. And whether you're rocking a sleek modern vibe or a classic traditional look, that front entrance is doing some serious heavy lifting for your curb appeal. Concrete Trends and Innovations City: El Lago Address: 400 Lakeshore Drive Website: https://concrete-setx.com

The Federal Reserve’s benchmark rate remains above 5% as of September, its highest level in over two decades. At the same time, new provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act are taking effect, while the SEC has stepped up enforcement of fiduciary rules for investment advice. For retirees, those shifts make the choice of a financial advisor in 2025 a more consequential decision than in years past.

So what should Chicagoland pre-retirees and retirees look for when evaluating advisors? Recent policy changes and market volatility point to a few key factors.

First, look for advisors who understand the Fe...

When it comes to money, peace of mind is often just as important as the numbers themselves. Having someone to guide you through investment choices, retirement planning or long-term financial goals can ease stress and provide clarity. But finding that person isn’t only about expertise—it’s also about whether you can genuinely rely on them.

The financial world can be complex, and not every advisor will be the right fit for every client. Personal values, communication style and the ability to explain strategies clearly all play into whether an advisor feels trustworthy. As investors become more d...

Picture this. You're a small business owner spending four grand a month on Google Ads. Traffic looks fantastic. Leads are coming in. Then one month, cash gets tight. You pause the campaign for a few weeks to catch your breath. And just like that, your phone stops ringing. Your leads drop to almost nothing. All that money you spent? It bought you absolutely zero long-term value. This is the trap most local businesses find themselves in. They're renting attention instead of building something that lasts. And in a market as competitive , those rental costs keep climbing higher. But there's...

Global Village Publishing is extremely proud to announce that North Forge will be the lead sponsor of the next exciting

Canadian initiative: INNOVATION Manitoba.

Over the past several years, Global Village has proudly documented the stories of Canada’s most dynamic innovation

ecosystems in the critically acclaimed volumes — INNOVATE Toronto, INNOVATE Ottawa, INNOVATE Montreal,

INNOVATION Quebec, INNOVATE Vancouver, INNOVATE Alberta, and, most recently, INNOVATE Atlantic Canada.

These books have been made possible by the generous support of distinguished Lead Sponsors, including Air Canada,

MaRS Discovery District, the Univ...

So, have you ever wondered what it actually takes to be an outstanding college teacher? Like, what separates good from truly excellent? Newman University City: Wichita Address: 3100 McCormick Website: https://newmanu.edu/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling a topic that affects millions of women but often feels shrouded in mystery and, honestly, a bit of dread. We're talking about menopause and specifically, how natural, whole-person approaches can transform this transition without relying on hormone replacement therapy. I'm joined by a guest who's spent years helping women move through this phase naturally. So, let's jump right in. When women hear 'menopause,' they often think hot flashes, mood swings, sleepless nights. What's really going on in the body during this time? Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen...

When a Mug Becomes More Than Just a Mug. You've probably seen them everywhere—coffee mugs with sarcastic quotes, retirement jokes, or relationship humor. They're sitting on desks in offices, getting used at home during morning routines, and popping up in photos on social media. What makes these simple ceramic items so appealing that people actively seek them out as gifts?

The answer has less to do with coffee and more to do with connection. When you give someone a funny mug, you're not just handing them a vessel for beverages—you're acknowledging something about who they are...

So, have you ever started typing something into Google and noticed how it tries to finish your sentence? That autocomplete feature isn't just convenient, it's actually prime real estate for orthodontists trying to get noticed online. MaxDRIVE City: Georgetown Address: 8691 Cooks Mill Road Website: https://www.maxdrivemarketing.com/

So, have you noticed how everyone's talking about hyaluronic acid sets lately? Like, it's 2025 and suddenly single serums just aren't cutting it anymore. Profiler Digital City: Califon Address: 12 Pace Farm Road Website: https://profilerdigital.com/

Between all major league sports, San Francisco is home to over 130 home game match-ups each year—a microeconomy which generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the local community.

For the millions of fans and many high-profile individuals who attend these home games, San Francisco becomes a battleground. Most professional league games regularly exceed 20,000 attendees—no small crowd. Naturally, these people have to get to the stadium one way or another, which is where the trouble begins.

We must now explore one of San Francisco’s most notorious problems: crippling traffic.

Each year...

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's on every founder's and investor's mind right now: AI startup valuations. Are we in a bubble, or is this the new normal? I'm joined by someone who's been watching this market closely. Thanks for being here. Spotlight on Startups City: Laguna Niguel Address: 110 Chandon Website: https://spotlightonstartups.com

So, here's a question that probably crosses a lot of minds: Can you actually recover from addiction while still keeping your day job? Like, is that even possible? Addiction Resource Center LLC. City: Yuba City Address: 1002 Live Oak Blvd. Website: https://sayarc.com

If you're reading this, there's a good chance your facility either uses bag-in/bag-out (BIBO) filters already, or you'll need them pretty soon. These specialized containment systems are showing up everywhere from hospitals to manufacturing plants, and for good reason—they're incredibly effective at protecting people from hazardous materials while maintaining the cleanest possible work environment.

But here's the thing most people don't realize: BIBO systems aren't your typical air filters that you can just swap out during a coffee break. Spokane-based Pure Filtration Products explains that these units create a completely sealed environment during filter changes, pr...

When Standard Filter Changes Become Dangerous. You probably don't think much about changing air filters in your home. Pop out the old one, slide in the new one, done. But what if that filter you're removing is covered in infectious disease particles, radioactive dust, or toxic chemical residues? Suddenly, that simple maintenance task becomes a serious health hazard for anyone nearby.

That's exactly the challenge facing hospitals, research laboratories, and certain manufacturing facilities every single day. When your air filtration system is protecting people from hazardous materials, changing those filters without exposing maintenance workers or the surrounding...

If you manage a laboratory, you've probably had that moment where someone asks why you need such expensive air filters. After all, filters are just filters, right? Well, not exactly. The difference between HEPA and carbon filtration isn't just technical jargon—it's the difference between protecting your work and watching months of research get contaminated. Let's start with HEPA filters, because most people have at least heard of them. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and these filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency. That's smaller than most bacteria, way smaller than mold spores, and definitely sm...

You've probably changed an HVAC filter at home without giving it much thought. But what happens when that filter contains radioactive particles, pharmaceutical compounds, or toxic industrial chemicals? Suddenly, swapping out filters becomes a high-stakes procedure that requires specialized equipment and training. That's the world of bag-in/bag-out filtration systems.

Bag-in/bag-out air filtration systems are designed specifically for environments where contaminated filters pose serious health risks. The technology creates a sealed containment system that prevents hazardous particles from escaping into the air when filters need replacement. It's essentially a protective barrier between dangerous materials and the...

You've probably heard the term "volatile organic compounds" thrown around, but what does it actually mean? VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and become gases in the air you breathe. They come from surprisingly common sources—paint, cleaning products, air fresheners, furniture, carpets, and even cosmetics. The reality is that your indoor air likely contains a large amount of VOCs.

According to air filtration specialists, most people don't realize that indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air. Your home or office is essentially a concentrated environment where these chemical vapors build up...

Here's why Lab Air Filtration Is More Complex Than You Think. If you work in a biotechnology lab, pharmaceutical facility, or healthcare environment, you've probably noticed those specialized air filtration units that seem much more complicated than regular air filters. These are likely bag-in/bag-out (BIBO) systems, and they're becoming essential equipment in facilities where contamination control is critical.

BIBO systems represent a significant advancement in lab air filtration technology, designed specifically for environments where filter changes could expose workers to hazardous particles. Spokane-based Pure Filtration Products explains that these systems allow technicians to remove contaminated filters...

What Makes BIBO Filters Different. Unlike standard filters that you might simply pull out and toss, BIBO systems use a sealed bag-out process that contains all contaminants during the entire changeout procedure.

The technology has become more widespread as facilities face stricter air quality regulations and heightened safety requirements. BIBO filtration systems are now standard in cleanrooms, biocontainment labs, and any environment where workers might encounter toxic dust, pharmaceutical compounds, or infectious particles. Spokane-based Pure Filtration Products notes that adoption has accelerated significantly as companies prioritize worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Why BIBO Replacement Gets...

Walk into any hospital, and you're entering an environment where air quality can literally be a matter of life and death. Unlike your home or office, hospitals deal with airborne pathogens, surgical smoke, chemical vapors, and potentially infectious particles every single day. Standard air filters just don't cut it when you're trying to protect immunocompromised patients or contain dangerous biological materials.

That's where specialized hospital air purification systems come into play, particularly in isolation rooms, operating theaters, and research labs. These environments require filtration that can trap microscopic threats while maintaining strict safety protocols. When those filters...

Remember when a decent website and maybe a Facebook page were enough to attract families looking for home care? Those days are pretty much over. People now consume information in so many different ways that relying on just one or two channels means you're basically invisible to huge chunks of your potential client base.

Your ideal clients might be scrolling Instagram while their neighbor prefers listening to podcasts during their commute. Some people still love reading detailed blog posts, while others won't engage with anything unless it's a quick video. This is where multichannel content marketing becomes...

It's 11 PM on a Tuesday. A homeowner in Middlesex County just discovered a leak in their basement. They're standing in two inches of water, holding their phone, and they say out loud: "Hey Google, find emergency plumber near me." Your business has a website. You rank pretty well on Google. But guess what? You didn't get that call. Your competitor did. Why? Because they optimized for voice search and you didn't. This is happening thousands of times a day across New Jersey. Homeowners aren't typing anymore. They're talking to their phones. They're asking Alexa for recommendations. They're getting answers...

The countdown to the family holiday party is on. Unfortunately, you're also counting down the number of occasions your worn dining chair cushions are going to last. Aunt Betty had enough snide comments last year. Unless you can arrange for her to be a part of their inevitable collapse, it's probably time to take action.

But prices to replace the set climb every time you check - not exactly compatible with your Christmas budget. You're running out of time - and options. But have you considered reupholstery?

Reupholstery is a trend that many are embracing...

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're getting into something that's really transforming how marketers think about audience growth - AI-powered viral lead campaigns. And I've got to say, the potential here is pretty exciting for anyone starting from zero. MunchEye City: London Address: London Office 15 Harwood Road, , London, England United Kingdom Website: https://muncheye.com/

Most people saving for retirement rely on a traditional IRA because it is straightforward: you invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, let the account grow tax-deferred, and hope the market cooperates over the long haul.

A gold IRA, on the other hand, lets you hold physical precious metals inside a self-directed account. Instead of relying entirely on paper assets, you own something tangible that has historically held value through wars, recessions, inflation spikes, and currency fluctuations.

Both types of IRAs come with distinct strengths. Traditional IRAs can grow quickly in strong markets, while gold...

Warren Buffett has never been shy about his distaste for gold. The Oracle of Omaha has called it an unproductive asset that "won't do anything between now and then except look at you." His reasoning is straightforward: gold does not generate earnings, pay dividends, or produce anything of value. It just sits there, accumulating storage fees.

For decades, Buffett has built his fortune by investing in businesses that create something, companies that innovate, hire people, and generate profits year after year. In his view, the metal does not produce anything but requires insurance and storage costs. That...

Running a small business means wearing too many hats. You’re managing sales, marketing, operations, and customer service all at once. The average entrepreneur spends 16 hours weekly on repetitive tasks, which equals two full workdays not spent growing your business. Business automation isn’t a luxury for big companies anymore, it’s a survival tool for small businesses drowning in daily operations.

The challenge isn’t finding automation tools, it’s figuring out what actually needs automating. Most small businesses jump into solutions without understanding their problems. Strategic business optimization means identifying your actual time and money leaks firs...

Whether you're moving down the street or upstate, there’s one universal truth: relocation is never restful. In an age where wellness is king and our well-being is at the front and center of our lives (or should be), nobody would recommend moving home as a means of reducing your stress.

But is moving the same for everyone? Not at all. For seniors, relocation is an even more overwhelming process, if that were possible. Nashville experts explain what makes moving a marathon for the elderly among us.

Physical Limitations. Knees bent, back straight! Easy for yo...