Small Business Optimism Falls Back Slightly in January

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The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dipped 2.3 points in January following four back-to-back monthly gains.

At 102.8, the index is still far above its prevailing level over the past three years, according to Wells Fargo economists Charlie Dougherty and Jackie Benson and economic analyst Ali Hajibeigi.

In an economics report, they also said:

* Economic perceptions remain bright. On net, 47 percent of small firms expected the economy to improve over the next six months, the highest since 2017 outside of December 2024. The share of owners that think now is a good time to expand remains similarly elevated.

* Yet, a 14-point rocket in the uncertainty index signals some caution, possibly reflecting the recent volatility of tariff announcements.

* The labor market appears to be finding its footing. Small business job openings moved sideways at 35 percent in January and have essentially remained unchanged since September. Meanwhile, the net share planning to hire over the next three months dipped slightly to 18 percent but remained above the average 14.5 percent reading in 2024.

* Although labor shortages are acute in the construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors, the net percentage of small businesses reporting difficulty finding qualified labor fell in January to its lowest reading since early 2021.

* As labor demand firmed, the percentage of firms raising compensation rose four points to 33 percent in January. That said, a concurrent four-point dip in the share planning-to-raise-compensation signals that inflation pressures stemming from the labor market remain well contained.

* Small business price plans are stuck in a sideways pattern. The prevalence of actual price changes fell two points in January, as did plans to raise selling prices. However, each of these measures remain elevated above their average readings from 2010 to 2019.

* Relative concern over inflation and labor quality each slid January; however they tied as the top problems facing small businesses. As inflation and labor concerns have subsided somewhat, concern over poor sales, government regulation, health insurance costs and large business competition have each edged higher over the past year.

* The net percentage of owners expecting greater sales dipped slightly in January following surges in November and December. However, sales expectations remained firmly positive at 20 percent despite persistently negative readings on actual sales (-14 percent in January).

* Credit availability further improved in January. A net negative 3 percent of small businesses reported easier access to loans, the best reading since June 2022. The outlook for credit conditions deteriorated somewhat alongside a slight uptick in the average interest rate paid on short term loans. That said, credit expectations are more constructive than at any point since mid-2022.

* The Federal Reserve’s pause in rate cuts did not likely have much influence on small business outlooks in January because it occurred at the tail end of the survey period. However, sentiment may be affected in the months ahead if the Fed remains on hold as we expect.

United to Restart Service to Tel Aviv, Israel on Boeing 787s

United announced plans to restart New York/Newark to Tel Aviv service on March 15, with a second daily flight planned to begin March 29.

Officials said the resumption follows a detailed assessment of operational considerations for the region and close work with the unions who represent the airline’s flight attendants and pilots.

The flights will be operated on Boeing 787-10s.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner, where the full cycle of Dreamliner production happens. Boeing teammates fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 to customers all over the world.

United has a longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv, and this return will make United the first U.S. airline to resume service this year.

2025 Bassmaster Team Championship Returning to Lake Hartwell

B.A.S.S. announced the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship will return to Lake Hartwell Dec. 3-6.

The winner of the four-day event featuring the best grass-roots anglers in the country will fill the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

The event’s return marks the first time the Team Championship has been held in Anderson, S.C., since 2022. Lake Hartwell was ranked No. 22 in the Southeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 100 Best Bass Lakes list and features a world-class facility in Green Pond Landing.

“We're very excited to have the Bassmaster Team Championship back to Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County,” said Visit Anderson Executive Director Neil Paul. “The leadership of our county continues to provide us with the resources to host championship events and the continued support to develop our facilities.”

Paul added, “We have a tremendous inventory of local and regional anglers that will have an opportunity to earn their way to the Bassmaster Classic. We look forward to welcoming B.A.S.S. and the many wonderful anglers, their families and industry representatives to our community for an experience that is second to none.”

The team portion of the event will be held Dec. 3-4, with the winning duo not only claiming a cash prize, but also leading the charge into the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off section of the event, which will take place Dec. 5-6.

The Top 3 teams through Day 2 — six anglers in all — will have their weights zeroed and then compete individually in the Fish-Off.

The competitor with the heaviest two-day total of the group will earn the final spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.

“We’re thrilled to return to Lake Hartwell for the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship,” said GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation and Kayak Series.

Compton added, “This iconic fishery has a rich history of producing exciting competition, and its deep, clear waters and vast shoreline make this the perfect stage for anglers to showcase all of their skills. The enthusiasm and support from the local community make Hartwell a special destination, and we can't wait to crown the next Team champions and award the final 2026 Bassmaster Classic berth in such a legendary setting.”

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha.

2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC.

For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

South Carolina Brewers Guild Announces Annual Beerfest

The South Carolina Brewer’s Guild (SCBG) has announced its annual beerfest, “Crafted in Carolina: A Celebration of South Carolina’s Brewers and Artisans,” will take place March 29, 2025, once again at Segra Park (1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201).

In its second year, Crafted in Carolina will feature 150 beers from around the state.

In addition to unlimited sampling opportunities, there will be live music by local bands Bad Stars and Ruckus, and a vendor market featuring a variety of South Carolina-made crafts and more.

New this year, festival attendees will be able to sample special collaboration beers representing each of South Carolina’s five beer regions.

Festival attendees will then be able to vote on their favorite collaboration, which will be announced at the end of the festival.

VIP ticket purchasers ($60) will have access to all areas of the festival from 1-5 p.m., while General Admission ($45) grants access from 2-5 p.m.

The market will run the entirety of the festival. There will also be festival merchandise for purchase and South Carolina Brewers Guild raffle opportunities.

For those looking to make a day of it in a family-friendly environment, there will also be a special Kids’ Zone, featuring face painting, glitter art, and games.

Market, Kids’ Zone and music only access is available at just $10.

“After a successful first year at Segra Park, we were eager to come back and improve in every aspect. This year, we are excited to feature even more South Carolina Breweries as well as our regional collaborations, which highlight the talent and diversity of beer in South Carolina,” South Carolina Brewers Guild President Steve Tolson said.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/crafted-3-29-2025.

The South Carolina Brewers Guild is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that works on behalf of South Carolina’s breweries and brewpubs.

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