Name Bubbles grows worldwide
The Albany Business Journal is running an interview this morning with Michelle Brandriss, founder of Name Bubbles, the printing company that makes labels for children’s gear as parents send them to camp, school or daycare. Sales tripled last year, overwhelming her production capacity, so she purchased a warehouse in Colorado and is expanding into other products, the story says.
Back-to-School takes a bite
Inflation has hit back-to-school spending an Associated Press story in the Post-Star says. This year, parents, especially at the lower end of the economic spectrum are shifting their buying choices to cheaper stores and lower cost items, the story says. Walmart reports lower clothing sales because of gas and food costs, while Best Buy is expecting lower electronic gadget sales. A year ago, people with stimulus money spent much more on higher-end items, the story says.
Amazon warehouse under the scope
A federal Department of Labor investigation is underway at Amazon’s 1-million-square-foot fulfillment center in the town of Schodack. The investigation is looking at possible safety violations such as improper injury records and overstocked shelves that present falling hazards, the Times Union says. Employees filed a complaint with OSHA.
Saranac Lofts project seeks tax help
Developers of the the planned Saranac Lofts project, a 70-unit, mixed-income apartment complex, is seeking a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with the town of Harrietstown. The complex will be aimed at artists, and Town Supervisor Jordanna Mallach wants to hear how the group defines an artist and if it is possible to reduce the number of artist-reserved apartments, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise is reporting.
Task force tackles specialty infant formula shortage
A new Capital Region task force is helping low-income families find specialty infant formula. Months into the nationwide formula shortage, some families do not have the time or the resources to check multiple stores for the particular formula their babies need, the Times Union says. Healthcare providers CDPHP and MVP, Food Pantries for the Capital District and the nonprofits Mom Starts Here, CEO Food Pantry and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, have formed the task force to find and distribute the hardest-to-find formulas, the story says.