New bank names are popping up around South Florida. As the strong replace the weak and the economy stabilizes, the changes should help ease the credit crunch. A series of bank takeovers, spurred by the recent financial upheaval, has brought several new banking giants to the state — already one of the most competitive landscapes […]
Tag: Media Coverage 2009
Future business leaders train for success at FIU.
Jose Betancourt went from being a shy high school student to winning the public speaking competition at the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Leadership Conference last summer. He credits his decision to join the organization as a high school sophomore with making that growth possible. In a show of gratitude, Betancourt, […]
Homeowners walking away from underwater mortgages.
Many South Florida homeowners who can afford to make their mortgage payments are choosing not to, forcing the lender to foreclose. It’s called strategic default. Andres Duque thought he got a real steal when he paid $125,000 for his Little Haiti condo. But four years later, similar units are selling for $35,000 and even less. […]
Commercial loans' health key to banking recovery here.
Full recovery of the banking industry in South Florida depends on the extent of losses from commercial real estate loans now coming due and on how much capital banks are able to come up with, experts say. While the fallout from bad residential mortgages seems to have crested, “the other shoe – commercial mortgages – […]
South Florida's tofu king gives back.
During the late 1970s, in the heart of one of Miami’s roughest neighborhoods, George and Einez Yap borrowed money from family and friends to launch LEASA Industries to grow and sell bean sprouts. When the Yaps started, they knew nothing about hydroponic farming, and their first year in business was brutal. Einez worked two jobs […]
Florida International University launches fully online graduate program: the Corporate MBA.
MIAMI (September 15, 2009) –– Florida International University’s College of Business Administration is launching a new fully online Corporate MBA that will allow companies to offer employees the opportunity to earn an advanced degree on a partial scholarship. Students whose companies partner with FIU will be eligible to receive a $20,000 scholarship toward the Corporate […]
Credit crunch hurts small, mid-size trade firms.
Even as economists see signs that the global recession may be easing, a lack of financing for South Florida exporters and importers is holding back growth in international trade. Big changes occurred in trade financing in the wake of last year’s economic and financial crisis — and importers, exporters, their customers and suppliers have all […]
Economic stimulus plans create role reversal.
Americans begin to save as Chinese start to spend FLORIDA: The United States and China have been playing a little economic role reversal as both countries adjust to the new realities created by the global recession. Americans – who have thrived for years on their insatiable consumerism – are now stashing away more of their […]
Task force wants 'green living' to catch on.
BOCA RATON – Laura Castanza saves leftover dishwater for her plants, feeds food scraps to her pets and recycles — adamantly. Castanza is trying to live “green,” making choices both large and small that have the least impact on natural resources. Now, Castanza and eight other Boca Raton residents want to take their commitment to […]
Cement giant chips away at debt.
Mexican cement maker Cemex went from operating one small plant to becoming a multinational success story. But huge growth came at a high price, and the company is now trying to refinance $15 billion of debt. Read: “Cement giant chips away at debt.“, an article from American Public Media’s Marketplace.