
Treasury Yields Vary
U.S. Treasury yields varied throughout the week as markets reacted to the latest economic data on the services sector and anticipated the latest nonfarm payrolls released on Friday. Yields rose at the end of the week as the latest jobs data showed the unemployment rate fell in January.
On Wednesday, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released its Services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for January indicating growth in the service industry. The PMI measures the change in economic activity in the services sector and is used as an indicator of U.S. economic activity. The PMI for January was 52.8%, down from a PMI of 54.0% in December and below economists’ estimates of 54.3%.
“January was the second month in a row with all four subindexes that directly factor into the services PMI — business activity, new orders, employment and supplier deliveries — in expansion territory,” said chair of the ISM services business survey committee, Steve Miller. “Poor weather conditions were highlighted by many respondents as impacting business levels and production. Like last month, many panelists also mentioned preparations or concerns related to potential U.S. government tariff actions; however, there was little mention of current business impacts as a result.”
The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield opened the week of February 3 at 4.54% and traded as low as 4.40% on Wednesday. The 30-year Treasury bond opened the week at 4.79% and traded as low as 4.62% on Thursday.
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial claims for unemployment increased by 11,000 to 219,000 for the week ending February 1. Continuing unemployment claims rose by 36,000 to 1.89 million. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly jobs report for January which indicated the unemployment rate fell to 4% in January, from 4.1% in December. The report also noted an increase of 143,000 jobs in January, below economists’ forecasts of 169,000.
“Today’s jobs report has likely taken a March rate cut off the table,” said chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, Seema Shah. “Aside from a slightly disappointing headline payrolls number, the broader picture is still one of labor market resilience and sustained wage pressures.”
The 10-year Treasury note yield finished the week of 2/3 at 4.50% while the 30-year Treasury note yield finished the week at 4.69%.
Mortgage Rates Decrease Again
Freddie Mac released its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey on Thursday, February 6. The survey revealed a third consecutive week of declining mortgage rates.
This week, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.89%, down from last week’s average of 6.95%. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.64%.
The 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.05% this week, down from last week’s average of 6.12%. During the same week last year, the 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 5.90%.
"The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased this week, now averaging 6.89%,” said Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist, Sam Khater. "Mortgage rates have been stable over the last month and incoming data suggest the economy remains on firm footing. Even though rates are higher compared to last year, the last two weeks of purchase applications are modestly above what we saw a year ago, indicating some latent demand in the market.”
Based on published national averages, the savings rate was 0.41% as of 1/21. The one-year CD averaged 1.82%.
Editor’s Note: The publicly available financial information is offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends. This article is not an endorsement of any company, product or service.

Improving employee morale can start with various techniques to help staff feel more appreciated. The following are some ways employers can do just that.
It's not always easy for business owners to find the right ways to show employees how much they're appreciated. According to the O.C. Tanner Network, an employee recognition platform, 40 percent of employees say the recognition they receive at work feels like an empty gesture. This is compounded by the burnout that Deloitte says affects 77 percent of respondents. Employers may be missing the mark when it comes to developing techniques to help employees feel valued and satisfied.
Improving employee morale can start with various techniques to help staff feel more appreciated. The following are some ways employers can do just that.
· Send along a work perk. Employers can share a particular work benefit they have received with an employee. This may include a first-class upgrade for a flight or tickets to a hot sports game. Hard-to-get reservations at a trendy restaurant also can be passed on to a hard-working employee.
· Create a work trophy. Trophies often indicate victory in sports and other events, so employers can follow suit in the workplace. Create a trophy that is a recognized symbol of staff appreciation that is given to those who have accomplished something good.
· Let employees choose their gifts. Put together a catalog of appreciation gifts and let employees choose their own rather than thinking you know what is best.
· Go public with appreciation. Let customers know how they are valued by taking to social media or signage in the office that shares tales of exceptional employees. Speak about what staff did and how much they are appreciated.
· Stay current with salary increases. One of the easiest ways to show employees they're appreciated is through periodic reviews and pay increases. These increases can go beyond just the cost of living increases many companies provide.
· Go out for lunch. Take employees out individually or in small groups for lunch or dinner. Use this opportunity to get to know them better and engage in conversation regarding what they believe will benefit the company. Employees may feel more valued if their ideas are heard.
· Celebrate various milestones. As a company, you can celebrate milestones that are not necessarily work-related, such as when an employee has reached a certain wedding anniversary or if they have welcomed a child.
Showing employee appreciation through creative means can help staff feel valued.

Locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home.
Ideas about shopping are never set in stone, and the pandemic illustrated just how quickly consumer trends and opinions can change. Many individuals are now reevaluating how they spend their hard-earned money, particularly since inflation has affected just how far a dollar can be stretched. When consumers think about which stores to patronize, locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home.
More money kept in the community
Shopping locally means that more money will stay in the community. According to recent research from Civic Economics, local eateries return nearly 79 percent of revenue to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants. Overall, for every $100 spent at a local business, around $73 remains in the community, verus roughly $43 when shopping at a non-locally owned business.
Get a personal touch
Local business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling. As a result, shopping locally tends to be a personalized experience. Furthermore, a local business owner may be more amenable to ordering products for specific clientele. Such personalized service is typically not accessible when shopping big box stores or other shops where owners are off-site.
Lines are short
Waiting in long lines for checkout or to pick up merchandise ordered online can drain consumers' energy and contribute to stress. Local businesses tend to have short lines and small crowds, which can lead to a more pleasant shopping experience.
Generates tax revenue
Local businesses generate more tax revenue per sales dollar, according to Rubicon, a digital marketplace for waste and recycling businesses. Taxes paid by local small businesses go to support schools, parks, roads, and other programs that benefit the community as well.
Support nonprofits
Local businesses often support good work in the community, such as nonprofit groups. These can include schools and sports teams, among other groups. According to Dr. Sue Lynn Sasser, professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, studies indicate nonprofits "receive 250 percent more support from small businesses than larger ones."
Support other local businesses
Local business support other local businesses by buying and selling among each other. A local, independently owned restaurant may source its ingredients from local farms, which means visitors to such eateries are supporting multiple local businesses each time they dine out.
Small businesses are a boon to the economy, particularly local economies. These enterprises help their communities in a multitude of ways.
Derby Dinner Playhouse announces
that longtime company member and Producing Artistic Director, Lee Buckholz,
will retire effective March 1, 2025, following an accomplished 35-year
career at the Playhouse. Veteran Derby Dinner actor and current Director of
Children’s Theatre and Audience Development, Tina Jo Wallace, will step into
the role of Derby Dinner’s new Producing Artistic Director upon his
departure.
Buckholz has been a fixture at Derby Dinner Playhouse since 1989, when he
began as an actor with the company, performing in dozens of productions. He
went on to become Resident Scenic Designer and Associate Producer, before
being chosen by Bekki Jo Schneider as her successor. Buckholz assumed the
role of Producing Artistic Director in 2018, following the passing of
Schneider.
During his tenure with the company, Buckholz directed 92 productions,
created countless scenic designs, and hired dozens of artists and
technicians. His many accomplishments include helping the company navigate
and persevere through COVID-19. The company now serves over 200,000 audience
members each season.
“Lee’s contributions to Derby have been immeasurable. His artistic vision
has inspired and delighted audience members across the country. He has been
a supportive partner throughout the many years that we have worked together.
He has continued to bring exciting and challenging productions to our
audiences and our production staff, and we have all grown with his
leadership. I am thankful to have worked alongside him, and wish him a
wonderful well-earned retirement,” said Cindy Knopp, General Manager and
co-owner of Derby Dinner Playhouse.
Buckholz shared, “Through the years, it has truly been a pleasure and a
privilege to work alongside so many talented actors, musicians,
choreographers and designers. From concept to curtain, we’ve experienced
great success and sometimes difficult challenge, but have consistently
created magic and memories for audiences of all ages. A product that I will
always be proud of. A foundation for continued success. I’m especially
grateful for guidance from my mentor, Kathy Mulay and unconditional support
from my partner, Michael Tierney, and am looking forward to a new chapter,
walking along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.”
Buckholz’s final production will be the musical URINETOWN, beginning
performances on the Playhouse stage February 19, 2025.
Knopp has selected Tina Jo Wallace as the fourth Producing Artistic
Director in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s 50-year history. Wallace has been a
company member for 22 years, performing in numerous productions on the main
stage, children’s theatre, and as a Footnote. Since 2013, she has also
served as Director of Children’s Theatre and Audience Development. In this
capacity, she has directed and created musicals, created and managed
education programs for thousands of students, and expanded the theatre’s
social media presence.
Wallace’s former position will be restructured and expanded, welcoming
staff members Sally Scott as Director of Children’s Theatre, Christina
Booker as Musical Director of the Children’s Theatre, and Tonilyn Hussey as
Director of Education. Long-time Company Manager and Director of Marketing,
Annie Myers, will assume the title of Associate Producer.
“I’m deeply honored by this privilege of serving as Derby Dinner
Playhouse’s next Producing Artistic Director,” said Wallace. “I’m beyond
grateful to the staff, board, creative team, and all those who’ve come
before, building this incredible organization. Derby Dinner has been my
artistic home for the past two decades, and I couldn’t be more excited for
the opportunity to lead us into this next chapter.”
ABOUT DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE
Derby Dinner Playhouse is a theatrical entertainment leader in both Indiana
and neighboring state Kentucky, noted for their professional productions of
Broadway musicals and lighthearted comedies. Each dinner theatre production
comes alive with the magic of lights, costumes, a live orchestra, and a
stage full of professional performers. Derby Dinner operates with over 100
employees, working in the restaurant and theatre portions of the business.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), in collaboration with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), announced today they are hosting an Indiana Pavilion at the 2025 Sweets and Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. Snack and confectionery companies are invited to exhibit in this pavilion alongside fellow Indiana companies from May 13 – 15, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center. The Indiana Pavilion is a 2,400-square foot space on the Sweets and Snacks Expo trade show floor designated for Indiana exhibitors. The goal is to promote Indiana companies and provide a competitive advantage by offering enhanced amenities. ISDA hosted the first Indiana Pavilion in 2024 and through an MOU with IEDC is expanding in 2025. The 2025 Indiana Pavilion includes the following:
The Sweets and Snacks Expo is hosted by the National Confectioners Association to promote confectionery and snack manufacturers. With over 950 exhibitors and 16,000 attendees, it is the largest U.S. trade show devoted to candy and snacks. Visit the exhibitor prospectus to learn more about the benefits of exhibiting. Suppliers to confectionery and snack manufacturers for products such as ingredients, flavors, packaging, machinery, business services, etc. are encouraged to register for the Supplier Showcase on May 12 – 13, 2025, rather than the Indiana Pavilion. “The IEDC is excited to continue and expand our partnership with ISDA to support Indiana's small businesses at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks expo,” said David Watkins, Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. “The Indiana Pavilion will highlight the amazing work Hoosier entrepreneurs are doing in the industry and showcase Indiana as a leader in agricultural innovation.” Snack and confectionery companies interested in exhibiting in the Indiana Pavilion at the 2025 Sweets and Snacks Expo should contact ISDA International Trade Director, Drew Sherman ( |
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Pictured above is the 2024 Sweets and Snacks Expo Indiana Pavilion. |
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