NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – More technology professionals in the U.S. enjoyed merit raises over the last year, driving average salaries up in 2013. Average U.S. tech salaries increased nearly three percent to $87,811 in 2013, up from $85,619 the previous year, according to the 2014-2013 Salary Survey from Dice, the leading career site for technology and engineering professionals. Technology [...]

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – Data through November 2013, released today by S&P Dow Jones Indices for its S&P/Case-Shiller1 Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, showed that the 10-City and 20-City Composites increased 13.8% and 13.7% year-over-year. Dallasposted its highest annual return of 9.9% since its inception in 2000. Chicago also stood out with an annual rate [...]

FRESNO – The number of arriving and departing passengers that used Fresno Yosemite International Airport in 2013 was the highest ever at 1,401,582. This exceeded the previous record of 1,318,493 set in 2007 by 6.3%. This unprecedented growth is a result of the addition of new destinations, the introduction of larger aircraft, and a sustained [...]

FRESNO - Amidst the vast warehouse of Fowler Packing’s busy production line of Halos branded mandarins, City of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin flanked by members of the Fresno Food Expo Advisory Committee, Union Bank, export advisors and San Joaquin Valley-based food producers announced open registration for the 2014 Fresno Food Expo presented by Union Bank, which [...]

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — As economic growth strengthens, PwC US anticipates continued momentum in travel activity to boost revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) in 2014. An updated lodging forecast released today by PwC US shows the lodging cycle in a favorable stage, with above average occupancy levels and demand growth that continues to outpace hotel openings. [...]

TULARE – The 47th annual World Ag Expo will be held Feb. 11-13, 2014 in Tulare, Calif. The largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, World Ag Expo touts 1,500 exhibitors who display cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds. An estimated average of 100,000 individuals from 70 countries [...]

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) climbed in December.  The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending[i]. “Economic fundamentals that influence consumer spending moved in a positive direction in the latest Index,” said Daniel Bachman, Deloitte’s senior U.S. economist.  “Median home prices increased, while initial unemployment [...]

FRESNO – Applications are now being accepted for a new financial assistance program, the California Middle Class Scholarship, that will be available in the fall for undergraduate students who have family incomes up to $150,000 to attend a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC). A campaign to inform students and their families about [...]

CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – While the job market is showing signs of improvement, one segment of the workforce is feeling the sting of a slower-than-expected recovery more so than others: the long-term unemployed.  Thirty percent of workers who were previously employed full time and who have been out of work for 12 months or longer said [...]

YOSEMITE – The latest edition of the award-winning Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide has been released, featuring a cover photographs by noted Yosemite photographer Nancy Robbins. This year the fifty-page booklet celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant on June 30, 2014 and encourages participation in the multitude of festivities planned around the occasion. The guide also serves [...]

TULARE – Tulare County officials say the number of building permits for both single family homes and commercial buildings increased sharply in 2013. County records show 3,363 building permits were issued in 2013 – up sharply from the 3,023 issued in 2012. “The value of county building permits issued in 2013 increased by $40 million [...]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – Though the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery, Americans’ belief in the American Dream remains deeply shaken. Of the older Millennials surveyed, ages 25-32, half feel the American Dream is disappearing completely. Forty-five percent of older Baby Boomers, ages 54-64, also share this belief, an increase of 15 percent over [...]

OAKHURST – From January through June the travel industry gathers its brightest stars and most seasoned adventurers to present the latest in leisure and business travel options to consumer and professionals alike at a series of trade shows. Once again in 2014, tourism bureaus in the four Yosemite Gateway communities team up to bring their unique [...]

BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – A recent John Hancock survey found that investors are relatively confident of their preparation and expectations for retirement, but are divided on the outlook for their children.  Six in 10 surveyed say they expect their quality of living in retirement to be better than their own parents, and close to a third [...]

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – The 2014 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals the largest ever gap (14 points) between trust in government and business. Driven by the decimation of trust in government and not an increase in business trust, the gap was 20 points or greater in nearly half of the 27 countries surveyed, including the U.S. [...]

HANFORD – Julie Andrews of Hanford is looking forward to a healthier year in 2014, thanks to a new free health care shuttle in town. Two vans started rolling on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for patients of Adventist Health / Community Care clinics in Hanford and Home Garden. The vans provide free rides to and from [...]

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – Earthquakes, fires and other emergencies strike suddenly. Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is reminding customers about the importance of being prepared for California’s next major emergency. “Customer safety is a top priority for SoCalGas and we want to provide information to help our customers be ready for an emergency,” said Jimmie Cho, SoCalGas vice [...]