Mark Ferguson

The Federal Reserve Board is expected to announce its first rate cut in four years, but the size of the reduction remains uncertain. Experts anticipate either a 25 or 50-basis-point decrease as the economy continues to slow down. Economists like Benjamin Keen from the University of Oklahoma are leaning toward a 25-basis-point cut, while some former Fed officials argue for a more aggressive reduction. Story by: Jeff Elkins #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #Economy #MonetaryPolicy #RateCut #CPI #EconomicOutlook

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TEXAS. We all know the State of Texas is huge. Most don’t know about the TEX-A-PLEX. Do you? It will blow your mind!!!! 🐄🐄🐄 The triangular region framed in by the cities of Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio is experiencing a wave of growth of historic proportions more than anywhere in the world. ⚡️ In 2020, the population of the Texas Triangle reached nearly 21 million. 💥 the Texas Triangle contains five of the 20 largest cities in the U.S., and was home to more than 70% of all Texans: City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, City of Austin, City of Houston and City of San Antonio 🛫The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is bigger than all of Mannahattan. 🏞️The The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest land owner in the United States. 🌮San Antonio is bigger than New York City and Detroit combined. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👩‍👩‍👧‍👦Houston has a bigger population than Colorado and 34 other states. 🏢Four of the top ten metro statistical areas are in Texas. 🔥 The Texas economy is on fire. The state added 660,000 new jobs last year – more jobs than any other, and twice the number of new jobs compared to its historical average. With Dallas by far leading the growth. 📆 50,000 jobs a month, I mean, that’s almost 2,000 jobs a day every day of the week for an entire year. ❌No state income tax ✅The Tex-a-plex is home to over 50 Fortune 500 companies. And has more Fortune 1000 companies than any other state. 💰 At 2.4 TRILLION, Texas is ranked as the 9th largest economy among nations of the world by GDP, ahead of Canada, South Korea, Russia, and Australia. 🚢Texas is the largest exporter of goods in the United States 💵Dallas is home to the fourth most BILLIONAIRES in the world. 💡Houston has more than 5,000 energy related firms and is the energy capital of the world. 🩻The Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world located in Houston. 🎁25% of ALL retail space in the United States is in Texas. 🎼🎹Austin is the live music capital of the world. South By Southwest Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ACL Live) 🤽‍♀️⛹️‍♀️🏌🏻The are 12 professional sports teams in the Tex-A-Plex. 📘📗📕 You can further your education in the great state of Texas at any one of the 159 universities and colleges in order to prepare yourself for a successful and prosperous career. Including 6 medical schools. Texas A&M University has an enrollment of 74,829 the largest student body in the United States -reposted because I didn’t know all of this and found it interesting!

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Let’s analyze this for just a moment. I’m not just talking about property tax here. On the same ballot as the proposition 13, Texans voted to spend billions of dollars on water infrastructure. Where’s that money coming from? There’s a private company that is looking to process water out of the Gulf of Mexico with pipelines across the state. One of the byproducts in the water is gold. The consumer will pay for the water, while our tax dollars buy the gold. After all, we did approve a proposition granting the governor the right to purchase gold and silver. Fact is, raising taxes of any kind has been deemed political suicide. Not really sure why! Voters are quick to spend government money, but they fail to realize that the government doesn’t actually have any money without taxation. Trump have the biggest tax cut to the low income and middle class by doubling the standard deduction. The career politicians told people not to go back to work unless they were getting at least $15 per hour. What did that do? That put more people above the standard deduction to where they would have to pay taxes. It also created a whirlwind of inflation which gave the government more money in sales tax revenue. I will leave it at that for now, but if anyone wants to discuss this even further, feel free to give me a call.

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📘 Make your first meeting with a VC more effective: 1. Tell a concise story 2. Be flexible, listen, and trust your team 3. Remember: your goal is to EITHER - Get a second meeting, OR - Form clarity on why they are passing: is it a "Not Now" or "Not Ever"? Fundraising can be tough, but perseverance is key. 🔑 Learn more by reading our Meeting One Guide

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𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣 Occidental Petroleum Corp. (Oxy) is proposing the largest direct air capture facility in the U.S., aiming to remove 722,000 metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere annually and store it 4,400 feet underground near Odessa, Texas. The project has sparked a split among residents and officials. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, including local elected leaders and business executives, highlight the potential for cleaner air and economic benefits, such as the creation of approximately 120 jobs. Odessa City Council member Steven Thompson expressed confidence in the project, citing Oxy's contributions to the community. 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, including Environmental activists and some residents, raise concerns about potential seismic activity and groundwater contamination. Gene Collins, a lifelong Odessa resident, voiced worries about increased earthquakes and risks to the Ogallala aquifer. Some community members also called for greater transparency and extended review periods from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is reviewing Oxy's application for three Class VI injection permits. The public comment period is ending soon, and a decision is expected in about 90 days. While the EPA states that the risk of seismic activity is minimal and that Oxy has met all safety requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act, experts caution that carbon capture technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution to climate change.   𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞: Would be the most significant direct air capture facility in the U.S. 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: Expected to create around 120 jobs in the region. 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬: Potential risks of earthquakes and water contamination. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Awaiting EPA approval; public comments close soon. 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧: Carbon capture is a solution but not a standalone answer to climate change. https://lnkd.in/gPC9YKMD

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MF Deals - [email protected] 2819 Berry St. Houston, TX l $1,199,000 l 2/1 (12 units) l 9,226 Sq Ft l 1947 The property has undergone recent renovations, including updates to electrical panels and wiring, parking lot resurfacing and striping, exterior painting, tree trimming, and the installation of a trash enclosure. Located 2 miles from downtown Houston, the property benefits from its proximity to major employers, which may attract consistent rental demand. Situated in an opportunity zone, it offers potential tax benefits for investors. 3605 Meriburr Ln. Houston, TX l $169,000 l 4/2.5 l 2,371 Sq Ft l 1950  Roof: Needs new HVAC: Needs new Foundation: Needs leveling Electric: Needs repair Plumbing: Needs repair Siding: Needs patchwork and paint Kitchen l Bath: Needs new Walls l Ceiling: Needs patchwork and paint Flooring: Needs new Unit 1: 3/1 l 1,447 Sq Ft Unit 2: 1/1.5 l 924 Sq Ft 207 Carl St. Houston, TX l $299,900 l 5/3 l 1,574 Sq Ft l 1925  AC: 4 years old. Roof: 6 years old Water Heater: 6 years old N 3rd St, Kingsville, TX l $210,000 l 7/4 l 3,411 Sq Ft l 1950  One unit is currently rented through section 8 and others remain vacant. Wyatt Ct Fort Worth, TX l $215,000 l 4/1 (2 units) l 2,172 Sq Ft l 1947 Used to be setup as a Duplex both spaces have separate entrances 4/1 on each side.  2 full kitchens and 3 living rooms, nestled in a cul-de-sac and within 20 min of TCU, Ft worth zoo and two major hospitals. 531 SW 36th St San Antonio TX l $395,000 l 11/6 (6-plex) l 3,637 Sq Ft l 1950 OFF-MARKET Multi-Family 6-Plex in San Antonio. FULLY OCCUPIED with 11 total beds and 6 bath. Conveniently located between two schools and across the street from Cuellar Park. 1023 Sycamore Street. La Marque, TXl $199,000 l 2/1 (two units) l 1,386 Sq Ft l 1965 Two 2/1 houses recently rehabbed. Total room count is between the two houses. Each unit has its own spacious yard and ample parking. Appliances and ac units come with home (new ac units). Rents currently at $1150 per unit, both are currently rented out for total income of $2300 monthly Need to schedule ahead for showings due to occupancy 12033 18th St. Santa Fe, TX l $650,000 l 2/1 (8 units) l 7,200 Sq Ft l 1975 6 out of the 8 units currently occupied (1 new move in this week) Insurance: ~$8k Taxes: ~$6800 Rent: $810 low end (older tenants), $1000 high end (tenants in last 12 months) Washer and Dryer Units (2 each) on site Roof in good standing AC Units replaced 2 years ago Individual electric meters 1611 Common St. Houston, TX l $449,000 l 4 unit (2 duplexes) l 2,738 Sq Ft l 1976 4 Units (2 Duplexes) In The Hardy Yards Area & Less than a Mile from University of Houston Downtown! NO FLOOD ZONE Fully Occupied at Market Rents One Large (1 bed & 1 bath unit) which could be turned into a 2x1 One Studio Onsite Laundry Water Meter Gas Meter Three Electricity Meters Onsite coin operated Washer & Dryer Parking for up to 6 vehicles Gated Property Stove/microwave, refrigerator included in each unit

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The relocation of Chevron's headquarters from California to Texas has human implications though an appropriate move in corporate world ,nevertheless it is going to impact 1000s of lives,who worked or has served this 150 years old giant.As an executive search firm focused on strategic alliances we work with human Capital Globally. Afflatus LLC understands the human impact and many top C suite executives who take relocation or change the line. We're committed to helping individuals and organizations navigate such human factor transitions and its impact.While companies have the right to operate in environments that best suit their business models, it's equally important to acknowledge the ripple effects on communities and employees. #Chevron #California #Texas #businessrelocation #economicimpact #employeewellbeing #executivesearch #talentmanagement

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💡 Did you know? Dips in M&A activity often occur during and right after recessions, while they surge in times of economic growth. In 2023, the value of global M&A deals hit an impressive $2.5 trillion! #AxiomAcquisition #BusinessBrokerage #TexasBusinesses #StrategicExits #AxiomAdvantage https://lnkd.in/g7TD7d9d

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Due to population and economic growth, #energy demands in Texas are increasing. Our state’s abundant natural resources and fossil fuels, combined with carbon capture and storage technology, can provide Texans with affordable and reliable power. bit.ly/4cFQdY9 #txenergy #txlege

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From the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS), discover how going solar in Texas can be a game-changer for your bottom line. 💡 #SolarEnergy #TaxBenefits #SustainableBusiness #sanantonio #dallas #austin #houston #solar #energy #solarenergytexas #business #sustainability #texas

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Acquisition Opportunity: North Texas Trade Mortuary Service and Crematorium 20412 New on the market! Feel free to forward to any other interested parties.   2023 Sales: $915,218 2023 Cash Flow to Owner: Loss   Price: $600,000 This well-established trade mortuary service, with on-site crematory, provides third-party services to Funeral Homes primarily in North Texas plus nationally. Services include removals/transport, embalming, refrigeration and cremation. No services are provided to the general public. In 2023, the business performed ~1680 cremations and is on track for ~2,000 this year. The business averages 100-120 calls per month on the mortuary side and also contracts with a couple of national shipping companies. In 2023, the business had ~316 Embalming and ~189 Cremation customers with the top 10 customers accounting for approximately ~65% of sales. Top 10 embalming clients account for ~86% of sales and top 10 cremation clients account for ~81% of sales. Recently, a major customer has been suspended, due to non-payment of invoices. However, the business recently added a new national account that is expected to drive 20% of 2024 sales. There is a lot of room for growth with proper advertising, networking and adding another vehicle to take on larger volumes. The crematorium has space to add a 3rd retort in current building plus the plumbing is roughed-in for a 4th embalming station. Additionally, there is space on the real estate property to add an accessory building. The Company's well-trained and long-tenure General Manager holds all necessary licenses and runs all day-to-day operations. Owner primarily handles the financial aspect of the business such as payroll, invoicing, processing payments. Many of these tasks could be replaced with a bookkeeper or clerical staff. (Current owner has chosen to do these tasks.) While the owner has excellent industry knowledge, they readily admit that they lack business and finance training, or the marketing prowess to profitably grow the business. NOTE: SELLER REQUIRES THAT PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS HAVE DEATH CARE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AND CURRENT LICENSING (OR ABILITY TO BE LICENSED). Many growth opportunities with strong, central Dallas-Fort Worth location, skilled staff, good reputation and state of the art facility. The business operates primarily as a word of mouth “niche business”. The owner estimates that the business is only running at ~30% capacity. Capacity can be significantly increased by adding retorts, improving cremation schedule efficiency and hiring staff for additional shifts. See additional info at https://bit.ly/ang20412   If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, please reply and we will email NDA. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO THE APPROPRIATE DECISION-MAKER WITHIN YOUR FIRM.   Thanks, I hope to hear from you! NOTE: THE SALE OF A BUSINESS IS CONFIDENTIAL AND DISCREET; PLEASE DO NOT VISIT THE BUSINESS OR SPEAK WITH ANY EMPLOYEES OR OWNERS. 

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As life changes your goals may change. Beneficiary designations are powerful and should reflect your values. It is best to review these annually with your financial planner to ensure your assets are distributed as you wish and to reduce time, money, and stress. We discuss five things to consider when reviewing your beneficiary designations on our blog. Follow the link below to explore our latest insights! https://lnkd.in/ggYCTAiJ #beneficiaries #estateplanning #retirementplanning #financialplanner #revocablebeneficiary #irrevocablebeneficiary #will #trust #executor

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Time for an R&D credit check✅ Many Texas organizations are surprised to learn that existing business activities may qualify for the federal Research & Development (R&D) credit! Ensuring all eligible expenses are claimed is the 🔑 to receiving the maximum possible credit, but claiming ineligible expenses may get you in some trouble. See what you need to avoid unwanted IRS 👀 in this blog: https://hubs.ly/Q02FMk-70

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The firm Final Investment Decision dates provided by Mitsubishi in the past for its proposed methyl methacrylate plant in Geismar, #Louisiana have now given way to its recent answer that “sooner or later,” the company will decide whether to go forward with the project. “Sooner or later” is not the answer one expects from a large international corporation with a major track record. Taxpayer dollars are being tied up, since the government has promised Mitsubishi tax breaks for the project, and credit rating agencies have warned that investor dollars would be better used elsewhere. If this project is not viable, as it looks to be, the company should let Louisianans know they need to find a better path into the future for their communities. More in the latest insights from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA): https://lnkd.in/eir2cbXB #petrochemicals #energytransition

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Uprite helps you save money while optimizing your IT spend for maximum ROI. Don’t settle for less – get the most out of your technology investment. See why hundreds of Texas businesses have already made the switch to Uprite and are thriving. Contact us now for a free quote and see how we can transform your IT spend. #ITOptimization #ITSpend #MaximizeROI #TechInvestment #BusinessTechnology #ManagedITServices #ITSupport #TexasBusiness #DigitalTransformation #ITConsulting #TechSolutions #CostEfficiency #ITBudgeting #TechForGrowth #UpriteServices #BusinessSuccess #TechnologyROI #ITInfrastructure #Uprite

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