Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots

Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
 
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
This week’s Wonders & Blunders covers encouraging news about small bank branch growth, a big change from the shrinking number of big bank branches we hear about, caused by mobile technology. Are small banks immune to the convenience of mobile, did big bank branches multiply too quickly, or is there another lesson to learn from this news?
 
Technology, specifically AI, is driving growth in Heartland cities such as Pittsburgh, transforming a fading factory town into a burgeoning high-tech center that pumps millions of dollars into the local economy.
 
Another looming change on the horizon is Warren Buffett’s inevitable departure from Berkshire Hathaway, which could cause a substantial shake-up in the financial industry. Here’s hoping we learn about the succession plan soon!
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
 
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Smaller Banks Branching Out
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonder: Thousands of Bank Branches are Closing, Just Not at These Banks – Allison Prang in The Wall Street Journal.
 
More than 9,000 U.S. bank branches closed in the past ten years, yet 1,200 small banks have actually expanded their number of branches. Small bank branch growth helps prove the bank’s commitment to helping local communities. Large banks such as Bank of America eliminated many branch locations as a consequence of customers using online tools for everyday transactions. Many of the newer small bank branches result from mergers or acquisitions, a growing trend causing the number of banks nationwide to drop from 14,500 in 1984 to less than 5,000 in 2017.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
AI Additions to the Rust Belt Revival
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonder: From rust belt to robot belt: Turning AI into jobs in the US heartland – David Rotman in MIT Technology Review.
 
Pittsburgh’s reinvention from a steelworks city into a high-tech economic center depends on AI advances from nearby universities such as Carnegie Mellon. Self-driving car development, a Caterpillar factory for automated heavy machinery, and other newcomers to “Robotics Row” have attracted billions of dollars from investors. With any economic transformation comes growing pains such as rising housing prices and different types of jobs offered by high-tech companies compared to the city’s manufacturing heyday, but economists say it is only a matter of time before big data and AI make all businesses more productive to further boost the economy.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
What Happens When Buffett Leaves Berkshire?
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonder or Blunder: Preparing Berkshire for a Future Without Buffett – Andrew Bary in Barron’s.
 
Warren Buffet has led Berkshire Hathaway for 53 years and continues to attract investors, keeping up with his CEO duties at 88 years old. But what will happen when he leaves? Should he publicly prepare his successor now to gain investor confidence? Barron’s outlines an 8-step plan for turning over the company’s $190 billion portfolio to the new CEO: hold an investor day, share the annual-letter writing, buy back Berkshire stock, consider paying a dividend, give more details on the investment portfolio, get more flexible with acquisitions, disclose more subsidiary financials and name Greg Abel as the probable successor.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
BISTalk Radio interviews Dr. Eugene Izhkevich, CEO and co-founder of Brain Corpabout turning today’s manually-operated machines into tomorrow’s autonomous solutions.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
USA TODAY speaks about small-cap stocks with JP Gravitt, CEO and chief market strategist at Market Realist, an independent market research firm.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
More than ever before, college students are struggling with student debt. According to Federal Reserve data, Americans owe more than $1.5 trillion in student debt and one in four Americans make payments on student loans. Per person, the inflation-adjusted price for the average undergraduate degree has increased 161 percent to $63,973 since 1987, according to Market Watch. Compounding this problem is the fact that wage increases are failing to match inflation, increasing pressure on already strained budgets.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: Brain Corp
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
Brain Corp wanted to be recognized as the company that builds artificial brains for robots and self-driving vehicles, not as a company that builds robots. Brain Corp asked KCD PR to quickly advance that message to key technology and business reporters prior to the company’s announcement of its partnership with a national retailer.
Wonders & Blunders: Buffett, Banks & Bots
 
 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.