Slip-and-fall injuries are a serious concern for all businesses, and the lodging industry is no exception. In fact, think about all the areas in a hotel, motel or bed-and-breakfast that have an increased potential for falls: Lobby floors and uncarpeted walkways, buffet and dining areas, kitchens, around swimming pools and saunas, locker rooms, restrooms. It’s a pretty lengthy list.

To prevent slip-and-fall accidents, more and more businesses, including hotels, are turning to a product called Sure Step, offered locally by Western New York-based Nonslip Safety Solution, to keep guests and employees on their feet. The result: Fewer potential lawsuits and/or missed work days.

Most private employers have already replaced traditional pensions, which promise lifetime income payments in retirement, with defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. But 15% of private-sector workers and 75% of state and local government workers still participate in traditional pensions.1 Altogether, 35% of workers say they (and/or their spouse) have pension benefits with a current or former employer.2

Many pension plan participants have the option to take their money in a lump sum when they retire. And since 2012, an increasing number of large corporate pensions have been implementing "lump-sum windows" during which vested former employees have a limited amount of time (typically 30 to 90 days) to accept or decline buyout offers.3 (Lump-sum offers to retirees already receiving pension benefits are no longer allowed.)

The Western New York Land Conservancy and residents of Grand Island hope to create a new 140-acre forested nature preserve along the Niagara River. That dream came closer to reality this month when funding was committed by the Niagara River Greenway Ecological Standing Committee and the Gallogly Family Foundation totaling more than $700,000. This funding will be just enough for the Land Conservancy to purchase the property and open it to the public. The Land Conservancy is hoping to raise at least another $600,000 to create an even better walking trail system, restore wildlife habitat and help maintain the preserve in the long run.