Small Business Optimism Reaches High Point In 3rd Quarter
The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index increased one point quarter-over-quarter to 69.7 in the third quarter of 2018, matching the highest level in survey history. Small business owners’ optimism regarding the national economy increased to 55% after decreasing to 47% in the second quarter. Despite increased optimism, the percentage of survey respondents reporting that they expected increased revenues next year decreased six points to 56%.
Molina Healthcare Completes Sale Of Subsidiary
Long Beach-based Molina Healthcare has sold its Medicaid information management systems subsidiary, Molina Medicaid Solutions, to Virginia-based DXC Technology Company. Molina announced the completion of the $231 million cash sale yesterday. “The proceeds will provide additional resources and flexibility to invest in and focus on the company’s core health plan business, and to continue executing on its margin recovery and sustainability plan,” the announcement stated.
Free Webinar On Federal Opportunity Zone Investment Benefits
A free webinar on the new Federal Opportunity Zone Program is being held by Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt (HCVT), Best Best & Krieger and Kosmont Companies on Thursday, October 4 at 11 a.m. According to HCVT Principal Blake Christian, the program affords business benefits such as an up to eight-year federal deferral on tax gains reinvested into any of the more than 8,700 “opportunity zone census tracts” throughout the United States. Permanent exemptions on the original deferred tax gain are available after retaining the opportunity zone investment for five years. To learn more about investing and developing in designated opportunity zones, sign up for the webinar by e-mailing Sabrina Pareja at spareja@kosmont.com.
LBCC Announces New Deans And Directors
Long Beach City College (LBCC) today announced the appointments of a new dean, associate dean and two directors. Lisa Orr has been named dean of social science, business and arts; Anthony Pagán is the new associate dean of the career and technical education department; Deborah Miller-Calvert is now the director of student health and student life; and Maria Ek Ewell is the director of disabled student services. Orr and Pagán were previously faculty members at LBCC, teaching U.S. history and networking and computer security, respectively. Miller-Calvert most recently served as director of housing and residence life at Chapman University. Ek Ewell’s past experience includes special education and school psychology at the Los Angeles Unified School District and counseling at other local community colleges.