tcbusiness.com – Best Practices

Local letter carriers collect more than 68,000 pounds of food to Stamp Out Hunger

US Postal Service workers usually drop off items, but on Saturday, May 13, they picked up items — more than 68,000 pounds of non-perishable items — from mailboxes throughout Martin County.

Stamp Out Hunger is an annual tradition across the country. It was started in 1993 by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and has helped feed millions of American over three decades.

Each May, local letter carriers willingly pick up the bags of items that residents leave by their mailboxes and transport them back to their post office branch. From there, dozens of House of Hope volunteers helped unload the bags and put the items in bins. Additional volunteers pick up the bins in trucks and transport them back to House of Hope’s main office.

“We can’t say enough good things about our local letter carriers,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “In addition to their real jobs of delivering the mail, on Stamp Out Hunger Saturday, they also gather, lift, and transport cans and boxes of food to help their friends and neighbors in need. We’re grateful to them and to every resident who donated.

House of Hope continues to see more and more families and individuals who need food assistance. “Between the after-effects of the pandemic and the rise in the cost of basic items like food,” Ranieri said, “our services are more in demand than ever.

The food collected during the Stamp Out Hunger drive will be used at the House of Hope service centers in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and Indiantown and will be shared with House of Hope food bank partners.

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, and Thrift Shops in South Stuart, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Stuart and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being. House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hohmartin, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/houseofhopemc/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/hohmartin.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 1, 2023|

BofA report finds 64% of women want menopause-specific benefits

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Bank of America published Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace(PDF), a new report revealing half of peri- and post-menopausal women (51%) report menopause has negatively impacted their work life, yet only 14% believe their employers recognize the need for menopause-specific benefits. The under-recognized need for menopause-specific benefits comes as 20% of the workforce is in some phase of menopause transition ¹ and the number of post-menopausal women is expected to reach 1.1 billion by 2025 globally.

“Right now, there are millions of women suffering in silence – trying to simultaneously manage menopause symptoms, stigma and their careers,” said Lorna Sabbia, Head of Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions at Bank of America. “With this report, we are addressing the issue head-on by bringing awareness to the challenges and identifying actions for employers. Our goal is to help women of all life stages comfortably and confidently bring their best selves to work.”

The report, which surveyed 2,000 female workers and 500 benefit managers on menopause and its impacts in the workplace, uncovered there is room for employers to better support women in this life stage. The report was developed in partnership with the National Menopause Foundation, a foundation committed to providing women with the information and resources they need to thrive during their journey to and through menopause.

Disconnects Between Employers and Female Employees

While 76% of HR benefit managers say they discuss menopause with their employees, only 3% of peri- and post-employees say they have talked about menopause with HR, revealing a significant disconnect between the two groups. In addition, while 71% of employers have a positive perception of their company’s culture toward menopause, only 32% of women employees share that same perspective.

The number one reason employers say they do not offer menopause-specific benefits is that employees have not asked for them. Among employers who say they offer menopause-specific benefits, top benefits include access to menopause health professionals (40%), menopause policies such as time off or flexible work arrangements (38%), and hormone replacement therapy coverage by health insurance plans (38%). However, less than 1-in-3 women are aware of available benefits and only 1-in-10 use them.

When it comes to addressing the impact of menopause on the workplace, employers see the responsibility equally split between employees (49%) and employers (51%). However, female employees see the responsibility to be more on themselves (70% vs. 30%).

Menopause-Specific Benefits Create Better Workplaces

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of women want menopause-specific benefits. In fact, when benefits are offered, 58% of women report they have had a positive impact on their work, mostly by allowing them to bring their best selves to work (40%). Female employees are also likely to feel more comfortable talking about menopause in the workplace when they have access to menopause-specific benefits.

Additional support from employers can impact female employees’ overall perception of the workplace. Employees feel more inclined to recommend their employer as a great place to work when menopause-specific benefits are available (83% vs. 69%), revealing an opportunity for employers.

“Menopause is a normal life stage in women’s lives, yet there is still a need and opportunity for workplaces to enhance their menopause policies and benefits,” said Claire Gill, founder of National Menopause Foundation. “We hope this research will inspire employers to create cultures that reduce stigma and foster better communication.”

Impact of Menopause

Top symptoms peri- and post-menopausal employees report experiencing include impacts to their sleep (45%), mental health/mood (30%), physical health (20%), relationships with family/partner (20%), ability to focus on work (17%), daily activities (15%) and even career progression (9%).

Despite millions of employees experiencing menopause each year, stigmas around the topic persist. The majority of women (60%) consider menopause to be stigmatized, with 58% of peri- and post-menopausal women reporting they don’t feel comfortable discussing their menopausal symptoms at work. Most women (80%) consider the topic to be too personal to discuss, but other concerns include:

32% fear being perceived as old.
28% are embarrassed to talk about their body.
23% do not want peers to treat them differently.
18% fear not being respected by male peers.

More findings, including actionable steps for employers, are available in the Bank of America Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace (PDF) report.

Break Through the Stigma: Menopause in the Workplace Methodology

These are the findings of two polls conducted by Ipsos between February 21 and March 8, 2023. The first was conducted among a sample of 500 human resource benefit decision makers from companies that have at least 1,000 employees. No post-hoc weights were applied to the data and findings reflect the opinion of these respondents. The second was conducted among 2,000 women ages 40-65 that are employed full-time at a company with 1,000 or more employees and have had a menstrual cycle. Both surveys were conducted online in English in the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Results among human resource benefit decision makers have a credibility interval of plus or minus 5.4 percentage points for all respondents. Results among employed women have a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points for all respondents. Survey content was developed by Ipsos in consultation with the Bank of America team. Bank of America, Merrill, their affiliates, and advisors are not affiliated with Ipsos.

National Menopause Foundation

The National Menopause Foundation (NMF) was founded in 2019 by women and for women to create an informed community where women can learn, exchange information, find support and be inspired as they approach and journey through menopause.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Jun. 1, 2023|

FCF/FFC advocates for and delivers tax relief for small business owners

First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) won big for small businesses in Florida during this legislative session. Working hand-in-hand with members of the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, FCF/FFC secured passage of language addressing the double taxation of SBA 504 loans.

“This is a huge win for both small business owners and our lending partners,” said Todd Kocourek, FCF/FFC President and CEO. “By signing this bill, the state has provided flexibility in structuring loans, reduced lender risk, and removed the double taxation many small business owners incurred.”

FCF/FFC has 40 years of experience working with private-sector lenders to provide small business owners in Florida with long-term, fixed-interest below-market financing through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. These loans are used by businesses to buy or build commercial property and purchase heavy-duty machinery and equipment.

The passage of this year’s tax package eliminates the requirement for additional documentary and intangible taxes when issuing a note to transfer interim loans to an SBA loan.

The unfair language of the original statute was evident to legislators who saw no reason to impose additional taxation on 504 loans to small business owners simply because the named lender on the interim loan was different than the one on the first mortgage. Governor DeSantis signed the legislation into law on May 25, 2023, and it goes into effect July 1, 2023.

FCF/FFC thanks the legislature and the Governor for passing such an important piece of tax relief for small business owners and borrowers.

About First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital

With 40 years of experience, FCF/FFC is one of the nation’s top-ranked CDCs promoting economic development and job creation in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. FCF/FFC is a non-profit-certified development company promoting economic development and job creation.

Under the SBA 504 Loan Program, FCF/FFC works with private-sector lenders to provide eligible small business owners in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia with below-market, fixed-interest rate long-term financing to buy or build commercial property and/or purchase fixed heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Florida First Capital also lends under the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund as well as the Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs.

Get in Touch: Email us at [email protected] or call us toll-free at 800.504.LOAN.

Jun. 1, 2023|

Bank of America Breakthrough Lab™ seeks founders of early-stage startups

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Bank of America is pleased to officially launch its impact accelerator program named Bank of America Breakthrough Lab with the call for applications for the September 2023 cohort. The six-month program provides tailored mentorship, digital expertise, networking with industry experts and access to potential investors to Black, Hispanic-Latino, Native American and other entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities so that they can scale-up their technology-related businesses.

Founders of early-stage startups from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply to the program that promotes financial inclusion and financial technology development with the goal of increasing the number and growth of small businesses. The deadline for applications is June 8, 2023 for a September 2023 start date.

“The bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting economic opportunity for people and communities we serve is at the core of Bank of America Breakthrough Lab,” said Rina Arline, Breakthrough Lab Program Director in Global Transaction Services at Bank of America. “We’re excited to play a role in giving emerging entrepreneurs from a range of backgrounds access to the bank’s vast resources and industry networks.”

Bank of America plans to host a new cohort each year. Program details and instructions for how to apply appear below.

Breakthrough Lab Success

In 2021, the bank launched a pilot program with five startups from the New York area. Following the initial success, in 2022 the bank expanded the pilot with 17 companies from the U.S., Mexico, United Kingdom and France.

Bank of America’s Efforts to Advance Economic Opportunity

Bank of America remains committed to supporting business owners and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities grow their businesses, which generates economic opportunities that helps create jobs and build wealth. Bank of America also works with an established network of community partners that provides capital or serves as depository institutions, and offers businesses with access to other funds, investors and vendors by creating connectivity within the venture capital sphere. In 2021, the bank launched the Access to Capital Directory for Entrepreneurs - Access to Capital Directory to help connect women-owned businesses to resources on navigating the capital landscape and identifying potential sources of funding. This directory has now expanded to encompass Black and Hispanic Latino entrepreneurs.

To date, Bank of America has committed $421 million to more than 130 minority and women-led funds. Those funds will in turn invest in an estimated 2,000-plus minority- and women-led companies over five years.

“Our investment in minority and women-led funds has a catalytic effect in supporting diverse communities,” said Tram Nguyen, Global Head of Strategic & Sustainable Investments at Bank of America. “Each time we support a minority-led fund, they in turn support diverse entrepreneurs, which ultimately helps us to achieve our goal of advancing economic opportunity. Each cohort of Breakthrough Lab founders plays a critical role in helping us to drive progress.”

Program Application Details

Timeline: The six-month part-time program runs September 2023 to March 2024.
Who can apply: Pre-seed stage companies with ideas related to FinTech or tech-enabled ideas promoting inclusion such as HealthTech, WealthTech, EdTech, and housing. While the aspirational goal of the program is to increase access for underrepresented groups, all eligible entrepreneurs regardless of background are encouraged to apply.
Online application

Highlights:

The program is offered at no cost¹to the BTL participants and there is no expectation or requirement to exchange equity with the bank.
Each cohort is assigned mentors at the managing director or executive level from Bank of America.
94 hours of live instruction spanning a diverse range of business management topics.
Technology support.
A branding package covering website and logo design.
Guidance on how to partner or sell to large enterprises.
Exposure to investors and providers of capital, including a pitch day at the end of the program where each cohort will present their business case.

Bank of America

May. 18, 2023|

Career-boosting PR tips presented at Port St. Lucie Business Women meeting

Leigh Woisard and Port St. Lucie Business Women president Devon Dwyer

No matter how successful they are in their chosen professions, members of the Port St. Lucie Business Women were eager to hear Leigh Woisard present PR Tips For Boosting Your Career at their April meeting held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West.

Woisard says she has a passion for helping women who struggle with confidence and an aversion to self-promotion. “Don’t be like Marie Antoinette!” she says. “When Marie Antoinette, a queen of France known for her luxurious lifestyle, was told by court advisers that her subjects were starving, the response attributed to her was, ‘Let them eat cake,’ a declaration that resulted in a disdain for her.” But, says Woisard, it is now generally believed that the queen never actually said that. “What if Marie Antoinette had taken charge of her career image?”

Woisard emphasizes the importance of managing your career narrative. By taking control of your story, you let people know your value. As a result, there is no confusion about you. To accomplish this requires a degree of self-promotion, which women tend to shy away from. “Women often limit their success by letting their work speak for itself, but then will feel stuck and passed over when they don’t receive a promotion or project assignment,” says Woisard. “You are handicapping your career when you don’t think strategically.”

She asks, “What do you want to be known for? What is the one thing you do better or different from every other person doing a similar job?” Are you a strategy expert, a creative idea generator, a motivational leader, or a relationship builder? Maybe it’s your style and how you approach projects that are differentiating.

Once you identify your professional asset, build your career narrative around it. “Focus on repeatedly telling and selling your one thing,” advises Woisard, because consistency and repetition are key. “Every decision you make at work is an opportunity to showcase your one thing.”

By following her advice, you will help your co-workers and bosses have a clear impression of you. “You want others to think of you when a promotion or project arises. It's a game of association.”

There are numerous ways to promote your one thing, such as social media posts and sharing your expertise as part of a presentation at staff meetings. “Take every opportunity to associate yourself with your one thing so that when others think of you, they automatically think of your one thing quality.”

Generate buzz about yourself. “There is only one thing worse than being talked about . . . and that’s not being talked about,” she points out. Build authentic relationships through networking. Woisard suggests seeking sponsors who are people of influence who share a common interest in your one thing and will say good things about you and your talent. In turn, do something beneficial for these people, such as sharing research, articles or advice related to your one thing.

“Take control of your career narrative, engaging in purposeful self-promotion to build your visibility and tell the story you want to tell,” says Woisard. “Don’t be like Marie Antoinette!”

Woisard has a 30-year career in communications, consulting and public speaking. Most recently she served as senior vice president of corporate public affairs for Cox Communications, the largest privately held cable/broadband company in the United States, prior to moving to the Treasure Coast in December 2022. You can reach her at 404-822-7398.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Apr. 14, 2023|

Thrivent hosts “April Showers”

For many years, Helping People Succeed has coordinated a month-long “Baby Showers” during the month of April, seeking baby necessities for families in need. As a special treat, Thrivent will host a brunch on April 29 from 10 a.m.-noon at Helping People Succeed headquarters, 1601 NE Braille Place, Jensen Beach, for anyone wishing to donate a shower gift for a newborn. RSVP at 772-408-1771.

“April Showers” collection boxes are placed in businesses throughout Martin and Okeechobee counties to be filled with such infant-related things as developmental toys, baby clothing, rattles, books, diapers and wipes.

The contributed items will benefit children and families served through Helping People Succeed’s Healthy Families program, which offers support and services to families who may be experiencing stress in their lives that makes parenting more challenging.

These services are offered through home visits with a Family Support Specialist which may start before or shortly after the birth of a baby, and can continue until the child’s fifth birthday. The “April Showers” drive allows the community to provide these much-needed items to families who, in many cases, won’t have a traditional baby shower.

Martin County locations for “April Showers” boxes are:

All Creatures Animal Hospital
Beachcomber Hair Salon
Becker Insurance Company
Brightway Insurance, The Moody Agency
Kimberly Dettori, DDS, MA, PA
Harbor Wear of Stuart
Helping People Succeed
Kinane Corporation
Martin County Clerk of the Court
Realty ONE Group Engage, Jensen Beach
Realty ONE Group Engage, Stuart
Sandhill Cove Retirement Living
Thrivent in Jensen Beach
Tootsies
Twinkles Jewelry & Gifts

Okeechobee locations for “April Showers” boxes are:

Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce
Optical Gallery
PNC Bank
Rock Solid Christian Academy
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Lollie’s Hamper

A wish list and a list of these businesses along with addresses, can be found at www.hpsfl.org. April Showers will run through April 30^th. For information or to make a contribution, contact Glenna Parris at 772-320-0778 or [email protected].

Helping People Succeed is a local nonprofit organization that has been serving the Treasure Coast for more than 59 years. Through its diversified, effective program services Helping People Succeed serves, on average, 8,000 children and adults per year. Helping People Succeed transforms lives by realizing potential, creating hope and building futures through education, counseling, training and employment.

Apr. 6, 2023|

Bank of America to offer financing for residential electric vehicle chargers

New loan option enables consumers to finance electric vehicles and chargers together

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Bank of America announced today that it will offer consumers the option of financing their residential electric vehicle chargers alongside their auto loans. Based on growing client demand for streamlined solutions that make driving an electric car easier and more convenient, Bank of America now offers dealers and manufacturers the option of letting consumers finance these chargers.

Demand for the charging units, by which drivers charge their cars at home, is expected to grow in the U.S. to nearly 27.5 million by 2030, up from just 1.3 million in 2021.¹ At-home charging stations range in price from $200 to $2,000 in the U.S.

“We aim to help people ‘go electric’ by providing financing for this critical accessory, which allows clients to charge their vehicles in their own homes and at convenient times,” said Fabien Thierry, head of Consumer Vehicle Products for Bank of America.

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, “provided a significant investment in clean energy and transportation technologies, including a broad array of EV incentives, and is expected to accelerate consumer demand,” Thierry added. Electric vehicles (EV) on U.S. roads are expected reach 26.4 million by 2030, substantially higher than the 2.4 million at the end of 2021.²

Bank of America works with over 10,000 dealers and multiple EV manufacturers nationwide. Clients interested in financing the cost of their electric vehicle chargers should check with their dealer to see if this option is available.

Bank of America’s support for electric vehicles and sustainable finance

Bank of America has set tangible sustainable finance goals and has made measurable progress towards them. In 2021, the bank set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in financing activities, operations and supply chain before 2050. As part of the company’s commitment to deploy $1.5 trillion in sustainable finance by 2030, the Bank mobilized and deployed approximately $250 billion of capital aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs) in 2021.

This financing initiative is the latest in a series of actions the Bank has taken to facilitate the transition to electric cars:

In partnership with Electrify America, BofA plans to more than double the number of financial centers equipped with electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations by the end of 2023. (May 2022)
BofA provides eligible teammates $4,000 for a purchase or $2,000 for a lease of a qualified new all-electric passenger car or truck. (July 2022)
Created Lucid Financial Services with Lucid Group to provide a quick and easy digital financing to Lucid Air customers. (June 2022)
Executed an agreement with Polestar Automotive USA Inc., the electric performance car brand from Sweden, to support the establishment of Polestar Financial Services, which provides a variety of consumer finance and lease offerings for Polestar customers.
Celebrated World EV Day (September 9th) in 2021 and 2022 through EVolution, a public “virtual convention center” showcasing vehicles from various EV manufacturers, technology advancements and exclusive interviews with key industry leaders.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATM and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Feb. 9, 2023|

HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County Launches Mobile Healthcare Van

The HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County is taking free health care on the road.

A mobile van, called Health on Wheels, has been outfitted as a primary care office that can bring staff and equipment to vulnerable neighborhoods in St. Lucie County.

“We know that many of the uninsured St. Lucie residents who are eligible for free care face transportation hurdles. They may have difficulty in getting to our main office in Fort Pierce, and so may go without the services they need,” said HANDS Executive Director Lisa Hatch. “Our HANDS Clinic volunteers are now able to bring our quality care to these individuals right in their own neighborhoods.”

The mobile van is a partnership of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, the St. Lucie

Health Department, and the HANDS Clinic. Funding for the purchase of the van was made possible through CARE Act funds administered by St. Lucie County. It is staffed by three HANDS Clinic nurse practitioners.

To launch the mobile van, the HANDS Clinic is holding a ribbon cutting in partnership with the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. at In the Image of Christ on 7^th Street in Fort Pierce. The community is invited.

“This Lincoln Park neighborhood is the van’s first outreach location,” Hatch said, “so it seems the most appropriate site to celebrate its launch.” Health on Wheels will be at this location from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to expand the schedule as demand increases. Other neighborhoods will be added over time.

About The HANDS Clinic

The HANDS Clinic is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides free healthcare services to qualified uninsured St. Lucie County residents between the ages of 19 and 64. Staffed by volunteer physicians and other volunteer healthcare providers, the Clinic offers no-cost primary care and specialty care, the only free adult dental clinic in St. Lucie, vision care, lab tests, medication assistance, and health education. It also offers a full service Women’s Health program from well-woman care through pap smears, ultrasound, birth control, specialty gynecological care, and referrals for mammograms. It is located at 3855 S. US 1 in Fort Pierce. For more information, contact the HANDS Clinic at 772-462-5646, at www.handsofslc.org, or [email protected].

Feb. 2, 2023|

Bank of America data finds that 2022 was a solid year for consumer spending, but the new year brings new challenges

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Bank of America Institute released new analysis today which shows that, while 2022 was a solid year for consumer spending, the New Year brings with it cross-currents for U.S. consumers, including a potentially weaker job market and easing inflation pressures in 2023. Although January and February are typically lighter months, New Year resolutions to get healthy may provide some support for spending.

BofA aggregated credit and debit card data indicates 2022 was a strong year for consumer spending, with total card spending per household up 5.9% year-over-year (YoY).

There was a stark difference, however, between retail/goods spending and non-retail spending (which includes services such as travel and entertainment); average YoY spending growth for retail in 2022 was 3.7% compared to a much stronger 10% in services.

2023 starts with consumers still facing higher living costs, especially utilities, partially driven by a colder December in 2022 than the prior year. BofA internal data shows that the average utility payment per customer increased 13% YoY in December, even as natural gas prices have dropped by more than 50% since the peak price levels in August 2022. And while the labor market remains tight, there are signs of wage growth moderation. According to BofA internal data, consumer after-tax wages decelerated to 2.7% YoY (3-month moving average) in December, from the high of 8% in April 2022.

With these trends in mind, a new year often signals a fresh start and good intentions, illustrated by an uptick in web searches for “gym memberships” each January. BofA internal data shows that between 2010 and 2019, credit and debit card spending per household at fitness clubs surged in January of each year, after relatively low levels during the winter holiday months. However, as of December 2022, card spending per household at fitness clubs remained 35% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Part of this weakness could be due to the rise of in-home fitness, which gained popularity since the pandemic because of migration out of city centers and a preference for social distancing, especially among older generations.

Other highlights of the Consumer Checkpoint include:

Total credit and debit card spending per household was up 5.9% YoY for all of 2022, with the YoY rate of growth slowing to 2.2% in December.
Overall total credit and debit card spend, which makes up over 20% of total payments, was up5% YoY in December, as total payments growth across all channels (Automated Clearing House (ACH), Bill Pay, Credit and Debit Card, Wires, Person-to-Person, Cash and Check) increased 1.4% YoY.
In 2022, in-home fitness spending (based on both cards and ACH) accounted for 16% of total fitness spending on average, down from 24% in 2020 but higher than the 11% in 2019.

“After a solid year in 2022, we expect the consumer to feel the weight of 2023. However, for now, they are heading to the gym in OK financial shape” said David Tinsley, senior economist for Bank of America Institute. “While the year is just beginning, a reduction in cost-of-living pressures and some easing in the labor market are expected to play a big role in determining the evolution of consumer spending.”

About the Consumer Checkpoint

Consumer Checkpoint is a regular publication from Bank of America Institute. It aims to provide a holistic and real-time estimate of US consumers’ spending and their financial well-being, leveraging the depth and breadth of Bank of America proprietary data. Such data is not intended to be reflective or indicative of, and should not be relied upon as, the results of operations, financial conditions, or performance of Bank of America.

See the Consumer Checkpoint for methodology and definitions.

About Bank of America Institute

Bank of America Institute is dedicated to uncovering powerful insights that move business and society forward. Established in 2022, the Institute is a think tank that draws on data and analyses from across the bank and the world to provide timely and original perspectives on the economy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and global transformation. The Institute leverages the depth and breadth of the bank’s proprietary data, from 67 million consumer and small business clients, 54 million verified digital users, $3.8T in total payments in 2021 and $1.4T in consumer and wealth management deposits. From this robust data set, the Institute provides a unique perspective on the health of the economy. It also elevates thought leadership from throughout the bank that addresses long-term trends and shares these findings with the general public.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Jan. 13, 2023|

Dyer Difference Award Helps Children in Crisis

John Dyer and Jonathan Holmes present the December Dyer Difference Award to Debbie Butler of Guardians for New Futures.

A sad reality of life in 2022 is that there are children among us who have been victims of sexual and physical abuse by the very people they trust and love more than anyone in the world. Understandably, removing a child from a dangerous living situation is simply not enough. That’s where Guardians for New Futures and the recently opened Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) come in. The CAC serves children throughout the 19^th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties and provides a multidisciplinary team of professionals to coordinate all the necessary resources and services that child might need at the most difficult time. By combining all the services in one place and with one cohesive team of professionals, a child who has already been traumatized can choose to share the story just once in a setting that is designed to be comfortable and child-focused. Since opening the doors in July, CAC has already served nearly 200 sexually and physically abused children, and is on track to serve approximately 1,200 each year. The Dyer Difference Award will help aid in the creation of a Healing Garden on site.

Toys for Tots Coordinator Star Knudson accepts the Dyer Difference Award from General Manager Jonathan Hardie.

Even during the happiest season of the year, we all need a little magic to believe in, especially those among us who are most tender of age. In Indian River County, the spirit of Christmas lasts all year long, and there is no question at all about the existence of Santa and Christmas miracles. Last year, Toys for Tots of Indian River County distributed more than 52,000 toys and helped make Christmas a little brighter for 8,269 children. Since its inception in 1947, the Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots program has been providing holiday toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive them. Seventy-five years later, the need is larger than ever to help children throughout Indian River County, and volunteers have been working hard all year long to meet the needs and create a few Christmas miracles right in our own backyard.

The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.

Dec. 23, 2022|

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