Assignment 5A - Identifying Local Opportunities
1. Article Title: Update from the Alachua County Labor Coalition
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00099
Description of the Story: This article is an update on the Alachua County Labor Coalition’s plan to implement what they call a “landlord licensing program”. This program is aimed at improving affordable housing for renters. The program centers on improving areas such as safety compliance, disclosures, and anti-discrimination ordinances.
Description of the problem: The problem presented in this article is a lack of safe, affordable housing in the Gainesville area.
Who has the problem?: Renters of properties in Gainesville.
Opportunity: There is an opportunity to establish an inexpensive and safe rental complex in Gainesville for renters who require affordable housing. With university expenses taking up the majority of students budgets, affordable housing would offer a solution to student’s and other renter's financial stress.
2. Article Title: WGOT seeks help to resume streaming worldwide
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00099
Description of the story: The WGOT radio station has not streamed globally for some time. Worldwide streaming is next on their agenda. To do that, however, the station requires funding in order to overcome problems associated with streaming globally such as the need for a stronger signal and an increase in annual rights fees. They are asking for readers and fans of the station for donations.
Description of the problem: The problem for the radio station is securing funding.
Who has the problem?: The employees of the WGOT radio station.
Opportunity: I believe there is an opportunity to build a business that aids local and small businesses secure funding for their endeavors. The business would help raise funds both online and in person.
3.Article Title: How Black parents can begin the suicide talk
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028321/01331
Description of the story: This article details the tragedy of suicide committed by younger individuals. Instructions and tips are provided by a doctor for the recognition of warning signs of suicide in children and how to address those signs.
Description of the problem: The problem in this article is the recognition of the warning signs for suicide in children by parents and the problem of addressing that issue.
Who has the problem?: Parents
Opportunity: I believe there is an opportunity to educate parents to recognize mental health issues in their children and how to address those issues. In-person and online courses can be provided to help educate parents.
4. Article Title: How scammers are getting some senior citizens to hand over their debit cards
Article Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0102%21January%2B02&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170B4798CD361C50
Description of the story: The article describes a new form of credit and debit card scam. Scammers are now calling elderly individuals posing as employees of their banks. The scammers tell their victims there is an issue with their account, and that a representative will drop by their homes to pick up the card. The scammers would take the cards while posed as bank employees and claim replacement cards would be on the way.
Description of the problem: Elderly individuals are being scammed out of their money.
Who has the problem?: All individuals who have a bank account.
Opportunity: I believe an opportunity exist to start a business that sends out regular newsletters alerting the public of the most recent scamming activities and tips to prevent falling for them.
5. Article Title: Half a million dollars worth of tequila disappeared during dinner, the truck driver said
Article Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0102%21January%2B02&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170B32E9651178B0
Description of the story: A truck driver returned to his vehicle at a truck stop parking lot to find the semi-trailer portion of his vehicle was stolen. Four men stole the semi-trailer filled with tequila. They were located shortly after and arrested.
Description of the problem: The security of semi-trailers is weak. Four men were easily able to remove the trailer from the truck and steal the contents within it.
Who has the problem?: Drivers of trucks with semi-trailers
Opportunity: I see an opportunity to increase the security of semi-trailers. A better locking mechanism can be developed in order to significantly increase the difficulty of removing the trailer from the truck. This in turn would reduce the risk of the theft of the trailer.
1. Article Title: Update from the Alachua County Labor Coalition
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00099
Description of the Story: This article is an update on the Alachua County Labor Coalition’s plan to implement what they call a “landlord licensing program”. This program is aimed at improving affordable housing for renters. The program centers on improving areas such as safety compliance, disclosures, and anti-discrimination ordinances.
Description of the problem: The problem presented in this article is a lack of safe, affordable housing in the Gainesville area.
Who has the problem?: Renters of properties in Gainesville.
Opportunity: There is an opportunity to establish an inexpensive and safe rental complex in Gainesville for renters who require affordable housing. With university expenses taking up the majority of students budgets, affordable housing would offer a solution to student’s and other renter's financial stress.
2. Article Title: WGOT seeks help to resume streaming worldwide
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00099
Description of the story: The WGOT radio station has not streamed globally for some time. Worldwide streaming is next on their agenda. To do that, however, the station requires funding in order to overcome problems associated with streaming globally such as the need for a stronger signal and an increase in annual rights fees. They are asking for readers and fans of the station for donations.
Description of the problem: The problem for the radio station is securing funding.
Who has the problem?: The employees of the WGOT radio station.
Opportunity: I believe there is an opportunity to build a business that aids local and small businesses secure funding for their endeavors. The business would help raise funds both online and in person.
3.Article Title: How Black parents can begin the suicide talk
Article Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028321/01331
Description of the story: This article details the tragedy of suicide committed by younger individuals. Instructions and tips are provided by a doctor for the recognition of warning signs of suicide in children and how to address those signs.
Description of the problem: The problem in this article is the recognition of the warning signs for suicide in children by parents and the problem of addressing that issue.
Who has the problem?: Parents
Opportunity: I believe there is an opportunity to educate parents to recognize mental health issues in their children and how to address those issues. In-person and online courses can be provided to help educate parents.
4. Article Title: How scammers are getting some senior citizens to hand over their debit cards
Article Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0102%21January%2B02&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170B4798CD361C50
Description of the story: The article describes a new form of credit and debit card scam. Scammers are now calling elderly individuals posing as employees of their banks. The scammers tell their victims there is an issue with their account, and that a representative will drop by their homes to pick up the card. The scammers would take the cards while posed as bank employees and claim replacement cards would be on the way.
Description of the problem: Elderly individuals are being scammed out of their money.
Who has the problem?: All individuals who have a bank account.
Opportunity: I believe an opportunity exist to start a business that sends out regular newsletters alerting the public of the most recent scamming activities and tips to prevent falling for them.
5. Article Title: Half a million dollars worth of tequila disappeared during dinner, the truck driver said
Article Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0102%21January%2B02&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170B32E9651178B0
Description of the story: A truck driver returned to his vehicle at a truck stop parking lot to find the semi-trailer portion of his vehicle was stolen. Four men stole the semi-trailer filled with tequila. They were located shortly after and arrested.
Description of the problem: The security of semi-trailers is weak. Four men were easily able to remove the trailer from the truck and steal the contents within it.
Who has the problem?: Drivers of trucks with semi-trailers
Opportunity: I see an opportunity to increase the security of semi-trailers. A better locking mechanism can be developed in order to significantly increase the difficulty of removing the trailer from the truck. This in turn would reduce the risk of the theft of the trailer.
Hi Alexander,
ReplyDeleteYour second local opportunity intrigued me the most. As technology advances it tends to knock down former trends if they cannot keep up. Sadly, streaming has become extremely popular and radio stations are not in anymore. More people are choosing to stream as you mentioned and they are also choosing their AUX over their local radio stations as well. Plus, people would rather pay for a membership to avoid adds on their Spotify account, so they probably do not want to hear the ads on the radio either especially since they cannot skip them. Do you think it is realistic for the radio station to receive funding or would it be better for them to jump on the trend too?
Great Post,
Katlin B.
Hi Alexander!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with your blog post this week. I enjoyed your third opportunity the most as it is one that people rarely like to talk about. Suicide is a very sensitive subject and it is one that has effected almost everyone at some point-- being able to write such a strong article like that one is a feat all in itself. A lot of parents don't want to believe that their child could be suffering and/or contemplating taking their own life; so they overlook the warning signs. It is so imperative that people, not just parents, are able to recognize these warning signs and are able to act in a manner that can save a life. Every single life on this world is precious and we all need to act in any way we can to protect one another.
Great job.