Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a future-facing issue for California employers. Many businesses already use some form of automated tool to sort résumés, rank applicants, target recruiting, score assessments, flag productivity concerns, or assist with promotion and compensation decisions. What is different now is that California’s employment regulations addressing automated-decision systems are in effect, which makes this a present compliance issue rather than a speculative one. These regulations went into effect on October 1, 2025 . The key point for employers is simple: using AI does not insulate an employment decision from scrutiny under California law. The regulations are designed to clarify how existing anti-discrimination rules apply when an employer uses artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other automated-decision systems in employment decisions. The regulations also define the issue broadly. They are not limited to a futuristic chatbot or a fully autonomous h

As wineries operate with leaner teams, many employees are taking on broader roles. Recognizing that change does not require ignoring the financial pressure employers are facing. The wine industry is asking many businesses to do more with less. Sales remain under pressure, operating costs have climbed, and wineries are making difficult decisions about staffing, production, facilities, and spending. Silicon Valley Bank’s 2026 State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report found that roughly half of wineries characterized 2025 negatively, although about one-third reported a positive year—an important reminder that conditions are difficult, but not identical, across the industry. Recent winery closures, consolidations, and layoffs have made those pressures especially visible. When positions are eliminated or left unfilled, the work attached to them does not always disappear. It is often redistributed among the people who remain. A marketing employee may inherit wine club communications and event

Food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers and distributors fill a vital role in our world by developing, producing, and distributing the consumable products we need to live on. Opportunities abound in this industry, where food trends are constantly shifting, innovation is both revered and duplicated, and new products are always welcome. The F&B space is also fraught with complexities and challenges. Not only is this a highly regulated industry, but organizations also have to keep a close eye on thinning margins, high input costs and economic factors like shifts in consumer spending habits. External factors like inflation, high interest rates, and labor shortages are also impacting F&B companies’ operations and bottom lines. Amid these complexities, the last thing an F&B manufacturer wants to deal with are business systems that throttle growth, yet this is exactly what’s happening on many plant floors and in distribution centers around the globe. Companies know they have to

5 Ways Your Winery Can Strengthen Customer Connections (and Sales) This Holiday Season 5 Ways Your Winery Can Strengthen Customer Connections (and Sales) This Holiday Season The holidays aren’t just busy, they’re your best chance to turn quick questions into lasting loyalty. Today’s shoppers are scrolling on phones, not standing at the tasting bar. The wineries winning December bring tasting-room warmth online with guest-first DTC moves. 1 Real-time webchat Turn Browsers into Buyers with Real-Time Webchat Bring hospitality to your website: help gift-givers pick the right bottle, answer shipping questions, and keep carts from drifting. RedChirp integrates with vinSUITE, so conversations save to the customer profile for thoughtful follow-ups and personalized offers. Prompt ideas for staff: Who is the gift for? What’s the budget? Red, white, or sparkling? Favorite foods? Learn more: RedChirp • vinSUITE eCommerce 2 Segmentation Reconnect with the Customers Who

Summer winery marketing strategies are essential for staying competitive during travel season and warmer weather. As customer habits shift and traditional foot traffic slows, wineries must find new ways to stand out. The good news? With the right mix of creativity, personalization, and tech-driven tools, summer can be one of your most profitable seasons yet. Here are five innovative, customer-centric strategies to help your winery sell more and build deeper relationships this summer. 1. Rethink Summer Shipping: Flexibility Is the New Fast Wine and heat don’t mix. But neither do frustrated customers nor surprise shipping delays. In 2025, the most successful wineries are leaning into flexibility, clear communication, and smarter logistics to keep orders flowing and customers happy. 🔄 Give Customers Control Let your customers decide when and how they receive their wine. Integrate tools that allow post-purchase adjustments, like scheduling a fall delivery or choosing a local picku

Wine clubs have long been the heartbeat of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) revenue for wineries. With dependable quarterly allotments, they’ve offered a level of predictability that few other channels provide. But as wine club expectations evolve and consumer lifestyles shift, managing them with outdated systems isn't just inefficient—it's unsustainable. The reality? Many wine club managers are still losing sleep (literally) over club processing. They're spending hours—sometimes days—navigating clunky systems that should have made their jobs easier. Instead of focusing on member engagement, personalization, and loyalty building, they’re stuck in a loop of manual tasks, system errors, and reactive troubleshooting. It doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s talk about why modern tech should support your wine club manager’s time—not steal it—and how Corksy is leading that change. The Burden of Traditional Club Processing We&rsquo

The countdown to the biggest shopping weekend is on! Elevate your winery's presence this Black Friday & Cyber Monday with our checklist: 💲 Discounts: Define your discounts for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Are you using the same promotions or offering different deals each day? 🖼 Creative Assets: Finalize your marketing materials. Eye-catching visuals and subject lines are key to grabbing attention, especially on this retail holiday.  🌐 Website Prep: Ensure your website is a seamless shopping experience. Highlight Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals prominently with banners, popups, and dedicated landing pages. Optimize for mobile users and streamline the checkout process. 🌟 VIP Early Access: Reward your most loyal customers and wine club members with exclusive early access. Build excitement and make them feel appreciated! 📬 Email Scheduling: Plan your email campaigns strategically. Send email reminders leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Include

Blossoming in North America’s scenic landscape, winery businesses face a unique challenge: how to effectively market themselves without breaking the bank. Here are three marketing tips that can help you breathe some life into your wine brand, while on a budget:  Tip #1: Strategic Social Media Focus your efforts on a relevant social media platform and be consistent. Interact meaningfully with your audience, responding to comments and messages promptly. Amplify your reach with strategic use of hashtags, and utilize free scheduling tools to maintain a steady online presence.  Tip #2: Collaboration for Elevation  Forge collaborations with local eateries, influencers, and complementary businesses. Cross-promote each other's offerings, exposing your wine brand to new audiences. A collaborative Grape Stomping event hosted by Taste of Abby and Tourism Abbotsford at Singletree Winery Tip #3: Showcase User Reviews  Transform happy customers into your

Our July spotlight focuses on David, Propane Supervisor, for the industrial gas business in the East Zone. David joined MATHESON in 2014 as an Industrial Truck Driver in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  In this role he transported cylinders to our customers throughout the Ohio region.   David’s hard work, dedication and customer-oriented focus have helped him work his way up through MATHESON, and in 2020 he was promoted to his current role as Propane Supervisor.    Do your best and your best will do. DAVIDIn David’s department teamwork is key, “We have a lot of employees at the Martins Ferry location that have been with MATHESON for a long time.  We work well together and are always there for each other to help out.  Driving propane can be very demanding especially in the winter months when residents need the fuel to heat their homes.  We take our job very seriously and we work hard to make sure we are supporting our customers.” David&rs