Craig Hufford

GA Power just brought online our 4th new #nuclear reactor (aka clean energy) so I like to run the air conditioner with our windows open ♻️👈🤡 Fact✅: Nuclear energy is sometimes referred to as a #cleanenergy technology as it produces nearly zero carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas #emissions. Fact✅: Unlike many renewable energy sources, power from nuclear energy can be generated 24 hours a day and isn’t dependent on the weather, like #windenergy and solar power tend to be. The power of the atom has been at the heart of electricity generation for more than half a century. Nuclear power stations use a miniscule amount of fuel to generate the same amount of #electricity that a coal or gas power station would. For example, 1 kg of uranium contains the same amount of energy as 2.7 million kg of coal, so nuclear fueld is considered to be a reliable source of energy for decades to come. Nuke vs Solar... Nuclear has a capacity factor of close to 100% because it typically produces as much generation as possible during every hour of the year. #Solarpower, on the other hand, can only produce electricity when the sun is out. This means that over the course of the year, #solar power plants will produce their maximum amount of generation in just 17-20% total hours, on average.☀️👈🤡 The US is the world's largest producer of #nuclearpower, generating more than 30% of the world’s total nuclear capacity. There are 93 operational reactors across 55 nuclear power plants in the country, offering a combined generational capacity of 95.4GW -- making up 20% of the electricity mix. As the UK and US aim for #netzero by 2050, the mix of electricity generation will change. Nuclear energy is likely to play a role globally in helping nuclear-capable nations achieve these goals. In the #UK, the construction of Hinkley Point C in Somerset has marked the current government’s intention to have nuclear as a pillar of its energy mix. Sizewell C – a sister plant to the active B station – is currently under consultation, with a proposed generation of 3.2GW. As of 2021 in the US, there are plans to ‘uprate’ existing reactors to increase their generation capacity, while two new reactors at Plant Vogtle in #Georgia, came online in 2023 and both #3 and #4 are fully operational in 2014. The future may also see the introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These are smaller version of nuclear power plants, similar to those that power nuclear submarines and ships. While SMRs’ power output is substantially less than a full-scale nuclear power station (they generate as little as a 1/5 of current-generation reactors), they can be more easily manufactured and transported to where they’re needed, before being dismantled and returned at the end of their operating life. SMRs also have safety benefits as they’re inherently simpler than large reactors and rely, primarily, on passive systems to shut down instead of human intervention. Nuclear for the win ⚛️👈🏆

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Freeing Your Talent: The FTC's Game-Changing Move on Noncompetes If you've been following the business buzz, you've heard about the FTC's big move on noncompete agreements. Yep, those contracts that can feel like invisible shackles for your top talent. States like California and Washington, D.C., have been booting noncompetes, and others, like Colorado and Virginia, are scaling back. But the FTC's decision ramps things up, potentially making it easier for your employees to break free. Sounds like a win for workers, right? But hold on—there's a legal showdown brewing. Some big names aren't thrilled and are gearing up for court. Before you panic about your trade secrets, know this: while the FTC's ruling might complicate things, there are exceptions, especially for top dogs in the C-suite. If your employee makes over $152k and has policy-making authority, there's an exception on existing agreements (but not for new agreement). But for the rest of your crew, those noncompetes might not pack the same punch. And here's the twist: not every industry plays by the same rules. Banks and certain nonprofits get a pass, while others have to toe the line. Lawsuits are already flying, with bigwigs squaring off against the FTC. Buckle up—it's gonna be a bumpy ride. So, what's the bottom line? It's time to reassess those noncompetes. Are they still worth it in this new world? Only time will tell, but change is coming fast, and you don't want to be left behind. 🛎 Like to stay up-to-date on recruiting? Sign up for our newsletter on elraysearch.com

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The closer we get to the end of 2024 (and potentially the publication of the #CMMC Final Rule), the more insipid the #cybersecurity fearmongering snake oil salesmen get. Some friendly reminders to my small business peers, from one small business machine shop owner to another... 📦 There is NO such thing as CMMC in a Box. ...and if you believe this, I have a bridge to sell you when you're done there. Come on. You're better than this. 🤖 Stop blindly feeding your specific business information into #artificialintelligence tools that claim to do the work for you, hoping to have some magic gap assessment done through the interwebs or an analysis done on your highest vulnerabilities. ...where do you think your data is going? ⏰ Cybersecurity is not a "set it and forget it" thing - stop trying to find the quick fix. ...those *not* in the weeds fail to recognize that while they want to sell a quick fix, nothing is "quick" in #smallbusiness world. Who will carry the torch when the gap analysis is done and you have a spreadsheet of data that you barely understand? If you've made the decision to see this stuff through and continue working for the U.S. Government (first of all - they sure are lucky to have you), commit to it in a way that will keep you in business, for Pete's sake. ⭐ Learn from your peers! You are likely part of industry groups - local Chambers of Commerce, National Defense ISAC, National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA), NTMA, Women in Manufacturing, you name it. Tap into your network with other people who get "it." I'd bet your peers would be happy to tell you who to use - and who not to use - based on their experiences. If you're not already a member of Cooey Center of Excellence, join us at https://cooey.life (oh, come on, you knew the referral was coming). ⭐ Know just enough to be dangerous? Want to learn more, enough to hold your own? Consider taking a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) training from someone like Jeff Baldwin, D.Sc. and Space Coast Cyber. It's easy to get overwhelmed in this space, but if you consider yourself competent in this stuff, but want to cement your understanding, why not dive in and become your own expert? ⭐ Want to get professional third parties involved and aren't sure where to start? PLEASE don't reply to the losers cold-calling you and spamming your inbox with scare tactics and empty promises. Tap into the resources that are out there that were built by people who know this stuff (and contributed to by people like you and I) - CMMC Center of Awesomeness, download the #DIB #MSP Shopping Guide (https://lnkd.in/gDgw6QCZ), and visit Amira Armond's page with a TON of great resources (https://lnkd.in/d3mBBc4g). I'm limited in space, otherwise I'd list a plethora of other resources and tag more peers, so I'll leave this to y'all - For you non-newbies, what were some of the best resources that helped you early on?

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🔍 Do You Know the Secret Behind Getting Your Résumé Read? In today's competitive job market, having a polished résumé is essential—but what makes it stand out from the stack? Here are multiple tips to refine your résumé and grab that recruiter's attention! 🎯 Customization is Key: Tailor your résumé for each application. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the job description. 📊 Showcase Achievements: Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact. Numbers speak louder than words! 🛠️ Skill Balance: Merge soft skills with hard skills. Show you're a well-rounded candidate. 🔄 Reverse Chronological Order: Start with your most recent job. It helps recruiters see your current capabilities. 🤖 AI to the Rescue: Leverage AI tools for grammar checks, keyword optimization, and even to match your résumé to the job description. 📖 Clear & Concise: Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Make it readable for everyone. 💼 Format Matters: Use clean, professional layouts. Stick to standard fonts and avoid excessive colors. 🔗 Online Presence: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it's up-to-date! 💡 Pro Tip: Use active verbs to convey your experience. "Led", "Developed", and "Managed" are more powerful than "Was responsible for." Challenge Alert! 🚀 Review and update your résumé today. Use these tips to enhance it, and share your success stories. Can you make your résumé the one that lands on top of the pile? #ResumeTips #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #ResumeChallenge

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4 ways Project Kuiper can help bridge the digital divide in South America

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How to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile for immediate Growth! Are you ready to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level? Whether you’re job hunting, networking, or building your brand, a standout LinkedIn profile is your ticket to success. Here are three AI-powered tips to make your profile shine: 1. Optimize Your Headline and About Section with AI Tools Your headline and about section are the first things people see. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to craft a compelling headline that highlights your unique value proposition. For your about section, structure it with a hook, a brief story, your value proposition, and a clear call-to-action (CTA). This will keep readers engaged and eager to learn more about you. 2. Leverage AI for Skill Endorsements and Recommendations AI can help identify the most relevant skills in your industry and guide you on how to showcase them effectively. Use platforms like LinkedIn’s Skill Assessments to validate your expertise. Additionally, tools like Crystal Knows can assist in crafting personalized recommendation requests that align with your professional relationships. 3. Enhance Your Content with AI-Powered Insights Consistent and relevant content is key to building a strong LinkedIn presence. AI tools like BuzzSumo can help identify trending topics in your field, ensuring your posts are timely and impactful. Additionally, use Grammarly to polish your posts and maintain a professional tone. 🔍 Research Insight: Did you know that LinkedIn profiles with a professional photo receive 14 times more profile views? And profiles with at least five skills listed are 31 times more likely to be messaged by recruiters? Take advantage of these insights and boost your profile’s visibility and engagement. For personalized LinkedIn help, feel free to DM me. Let’s make your LinkedIn profile work for you! #LinkedInTips #ProfileOptimization #AIforSuccess #CareerGrowth #Networking #PersonalBranding

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Having trouble understanding why your top candidate slipped through your fingers? We've got your back! 🚀 At Elray Search , we've leveraged our combined 89 years of experience in the search industry to design a free scorecard specifically for aero and defense hiring managers. This quick assessment will help you pinpoint the reasons why your #1 candidate got away, and provide customized results to improve your hiring strategy. It takes just 2 minutes to complete, but the insights could be game-changing for your talent acquisition efforts. 💡 Give it a try and let us know your thoughts! We're excited to hear your feedback and help you secure top talent in the competitive aero and defense sectors. Click the link below to access the free scorecard: https://lnkd.in/eSdvJV35 #AeroDefense #TalentAcquisition #HiringTips #CandidateExperience

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If you really think inflation is ~3% then please unfollow me because we don't exist in same dimension and I have not interacted with otherworldly entities since playing Oujia Board at my friend Tim's birthday sleepover in 1983 👻 I don’t know why politicians and media gaslight people about stuff like this. People trust their grocery bill far more than some guy they don’t know on TV. I literally took an item off the grocery bill yesterday because when it rang up I was shocked at the price. Idea: It would be 10x smarter to say “I’ve noticed this huge problem, you must have noticed it too. Here's our plan to fix it" But noooo... CBS NEWS: "Two-thirds of voters think the economy was better under President Trump!" CONGRESSMAN HAKEEM JEFFRIES: "That's just not the case." Uhm, yes. Yes it is, in fact, the case! The Gov says current inflation rate is 3.4% However... this is the rate prices are increasing, except prices are 22% higher than 4 years ago. 3.4% in 2020 was a $8.71 increase in prices. 3.4% in 2024 is a $10.65 increase in prices. The same number is 22% worse today. Fact✅: 8.9% of credit card balances and 7.9% of auto loan balances transitioned into delinquency in Q12024, per the NYFed. Fact✅: About 121,000 consumers had a bankruptcy notation added to their credit reports in 2024Q1, more than in the previous quarter. Fact✅: What is the percent increase on housing? A 30 year mortgage on an entry level house. The monthly payment has basically doubled, about 100% !! Fact✅: CPI is close to being fake propaganda. Look up the official government inflation calculation for 1982. Food & energy now striped out to hide 📈 (Fyi, you can thank President Ford for this report today. He's the one who filled the SPR) Fact✅: In the last month, the price of canned coffee 13-20oz in the USA has risen by 27 percent. This price increase is now being excluded from the official inflation calculation. Anecdotally, I would say on average all food items we personally purchase at home are up a solid 20% (minimum). Also our car insurance, despite no claims, has steadily gone up each year over the last 4 years and is now close to DOUBLE. Similarly our business liability and property insurance has risen each year. Also now DOUBLE what it was 4 years ago. Most cutting tools, drill, inserts etc are 20%-50% more expensive. Where does it end? Advice: Expect it to continue or even get worse. The only thing you can do is SELL MORE. Simple example... -- Assume a #smallbusiness currently has annual costs of $1,000,000. -- Let's assume an average annual inflation rate of 4% over the next 4 years. (4% 👈🤡🤣😂) -- let's also assume typical small biz current net profit margin is 10%. I'll spare you the math but give these assumptions, you would need to increase sales by approx 17% over next 4 years just to maintain the same profit margin. Better get selling y'all! #sales #manufacturing #supplychain

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First piece off a #swisslathe was .0001" off nominal (+/- .0005" tolerance) but I don't make adjustment quite yet - here's why #statistics 🤓✅ Fyi this is after taking single finish pass at .125" depth of cut too! Another 3 machined parts outer diameter measure exactly same too (across 3 different but identical model Mitutoyo micromers).... but... I will run 26 more pieces for 30 total before making offset changes. Why 30? Why not make offset adjustment for turning tool right now after machining 4 parts? Reason: Central Limit Theorem (CLT)! This is a statistical principle that teaches us that the distribution of the samples will tend to be normally distributed as the sample size increases. If I only look at one sample (like the 0.24990" part pictured).... I don't really know whether that sample is representative of the true average.... or just a random outlier. Why is that? Because of Process Variation! In any machining process, there is *always* natural variation due to factors such as tool wear, thermal expansion, or slight inconsistencies in material, etc... By measuring 30 samples, I can better understand this variation and determine whether the process is centered correctly or if adjustments are needed. The first measurement that I did which was 0.24990" .... is within tolerance so it's a "good" part (yay), but it's still only ONE data point. The variation between additional parts could cause future parts to drift higher or lower. If I go ahead and adjust the machine immediately after looking at just the first part... I could actually over-correct for what might be a normal, acceptable variation in the process. Result --> Over-adjusting for a small deviation (especially within tolerance) could lead to increased variation, making the process less stable. So... by gathering a larger sample size (30 measurements) I can apply statistical methods --> such as calculating the mean, standard deviation, and control limits... and then make an informed decision about whether an adjustment is really necessary. Ok, but still... why 30??? First thing is "The Law of Large Numbers" teaches me that as the sample size increases... the sample mean gets closer to the true population mean. The reason 30 is used as the minimum sample size for many statistical analyses.... comes from math (ack!) and principles of statistical distribution. CLT's math begins to hold fairly well around a sample size of 30... which is why it's considered a good rule of thumb. And also from a practical perspective, 30 strikes a balance between statistical reliability and the effort required to collect and process data. Beyond 30, the rate of improvement in statistical accuracy diminishes, gathering more samples yields diminishing returns in precision unless extremely high accuracy is needed. #machineshop #precisionmachining #aerospace #cnc #quality #stem

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How has Covid affected the Licensed Engineering market? Through the conversations I have been having, it is very clear that there has been a big shift since Covid, and it appears to be much more of an ‘engineers market’.   A lot of Licensed Engineers chose to retire during this time period and there doesn’t appear to be as many young people starting out in this career, which has created a skills shortage/ gap. This means that Licensed Engineers are in higher demand so are able to ask for higher rates, their type training to be paid for and better working hours etc.  I am curious to know your thoughts below on how Covid affected this market, and if any of you see this changing?  #LicensedEngineer #SkillsShortage #Covid19 

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How we use the video wall to sell corporate jets.

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Boeing to plead guilty to fraud in US probe of fatal 737 MAX crashes (Reuters) Boeing (BA.N) has agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay a fine of $243.6 million A guilty plea potentially threatens the company's ability to secure lucrative government contracts with the likes of the U.S. Defense Department and NASA, although it could seek waivers. Boeing became exposed to criminal prosecution after the Justice Department in May found the company violated a 2021 settlement involving the fatal crashes. As part of the deal, the planemaker agreed to spend at least $455 million over the next three years to boost safety and compliance programs. Boeing's board will have to meet with relatives of those killed in the MAX crashes, the filing said. The deal also imposes an independent monitor, who will have to publicly file annual progress reports, to oversee the firm's compliance. Boeing will be on probation during the monitor's three-year term. Lawyers for some of the victims' families said they planned to press Judge Reed O'Connor, who has been overseeing the case, to reject the deal. In a separate document filed to the court, they cited O'Connor's statement in a February 2023 ruling: "Boeing's crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history." The fraud centered around knowingly false representations Boeing made to the FAA about new software that saved money by requiring less intensive training for pilots. The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) software feature was designed to automatically push the airplane’s nose down in certain conditions. It was tied to the two crashes that led to the FAA grounding the MAX fleet for 20 months, an action that cost Boeing $20 billion and was lifted by the government in November 2020. A panel blew off a new Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet during a Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines flight, just two days before the 2021 deferred agreement that had shielded the company from prosecution over the previous fatal crashes expired. Boeing faces a separate ongoing criminal probe into the Alaska Airlines incident. The company paid the fine previously as part of 2021's $2.5 billion settlement. The $243.6 million fine represented the amount Boeing saved by not implementing full-flight simulator training for MAX pilots.

Don’t let “LinkedIn Envy” get the best of you. It’s easy to feel frustrated when it seems like everyone around you is succeeding. But remember: “’A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.’ -Zen Shin” 🌻 1) LinkedIn Envy is a common trap. Social media snapshots often showcase the highs, not the lows. Keep in mind that success is not a straight line, and everyone has their own journey. 🎒 2) Focus on your growth, not others' achievements. Reflect on your progress and set goals to improve yourself daily. Embrace each day as a chance to learn and evolve, not to compete with others. 📚 Take control of your path. Research the skills you need, seek relevant opportunities, and network effectively. Instead of harboring resentment, learn from others' experiences to enhance your own journey. Remember, your mindset shapes your outcomes. Celebrate others genuinely; their success is not your failure. Stay focused on your growth, and success will follow. 😁 #PersonalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #RecruiterThoughts

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🚀 The results are in! Scaling in aerospace and defense brings growing pains, with our recent poll showing that attracting and retaining skilled talent is the top challenge. As we navigate this landscape, fostering innovation and collaboration is crucial to overcoming these hurdles. #Aerospace #Defense #TalentManagement #ScalingChallenges

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"I didn't have time" 👈 Reminder: even if you're jammed up as a small biz owner, use the Miami Vice method to still make time for what's important😎 🤯HANDLING PRESSURE Sonny Crockett: "How much time we got" Rico Tubbs: "25 minutes" <loads shotgun> When the clock is ticking, Crockett and Tubbs always maintain their cool. As a small business owner, maintaining composure under pressure is vital. Stress can cloud judgment and waste valuable time. Practice mindfulness, take regular breaks, and approach problems with a calm, clear mind. Are you exercising? Research shows that the mental health and physical benefits of exercise (just 20 minutes, 3 days a week!) can dramatically help mood get better and lessen anxiety. A cool head ensures you make better decisions faster. 📆MAKE A *DAILY* PLAN Just like Crockett and Tubbs plan their moves meticulously, effective time management starts with a solid plan. Start your day with a clear outline of tasks. Prioritize high-impact activities and set realistic timelines. Use tools like calendars, task lists, and apps to keep everything in check. Build buffer time into your schedule to handle surprises without disrupting your entire day. Remember, knowing what lies ahead is half the battle. 💥 EXPECT SH*T TO GO WRONG Tubbs’s shotgun loading symbolizes readiness y'all. 🔫💪 In business, unexpected challenges are inevitable. Too many business owners build their budget and plans based on what goes right. How many of you have already pre-planned and analyze what happens if SHTF though? What if you lose your biggest customer? What if customers late pay your invoices in 75 days instead of 30? What happens if one of your 4 machines goes down for a week due to unplanned maintenance? Being prepared for the unexpected ensures you can tackle issues swiftly and efficiently 💪DONT WASTE THE POWER OF A TEAM In Miami Vice, Crockett and Tubbs don’t work alone—they are team. Delegation and sharing is crucial. Identify tasks that can be handed off to others, freeing up your time for high-priority decisions and personal commitments. Trusting your team not only empowers them but also helps you focus on what truly matters. Amidst the chaos, still make time to share moments of camaraderie and humor too. Enjoy the journey. Celebrate **small wins**, not just end of year big ones. And try to maintain a sense of humor. A positive outlook can make the busiest days more enjoyable and productive. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS Carving out family time should be non-negotiable. Advice: Schedule it as you would a critical business meeting. Be present and fully engaged during family activities. Enriching your personal life also recharges you for professional challenges. By channeling your inner Crockett and Tubbs, you can navigate the pressures of business while making time for what truly matters—family and personal well-being. #ceo #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #startup

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NRECA is concerned about a FERC "rule" for electrical transmission planning that fails to support electrical system reliability: "In particular, the NRECA filing criticizes the rule for undoing FERC’s long-standing commitment to regional flexibility, which allowed transmission providers to set project selection and cost-allocation regimes based on the needs of their states, local utilities and consumers. The new rule instead sets up nationwide prescriptive requirements for selecting and paying for new transmission and even limits the ability of providers to reconsider whether a project is still needed. The comments also note that the rule is skewed toward facilitating the transmission needs of specific types of generation, like renewables, meaning the needs of many co-ops and their consumers will be secondary."

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What Could You Do with an Extra 4 Hours a Week? Imagine reclaiming four hours of your workweek by letting AI handle your inbox. That’s exactly what I did. I’ve built an AI agent that integrates with Gmail, analyzing incoming emails and drafting personalized responses based on the content. Now, instead of spending hours manually drafting replies, I simply review the draft and hit send! Here’s how it works: The AI analyzes the email: Each incoming message is quickly reviewed by the AI agent. Drafted response: Based on the context of the email, it creates a response aligned with my tone and style. Simple review: I can review, edit, or approve the draft and send it off in seconds. This one automation saves me 4 hours every week. Imagine what you could accomplish with that extra time! 🤯 Over a year, that’s 208 hours saved. That’s the equivalent of 5 entire workweeks just from automating your email responses. Want to learn how you can automate your inbox? Let’s connect, and I’ll show you how this works. #AIAutomation #ProductivityHacks #SaveTime #EmailAutomation #Gmail #AI

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This door weighed more than the entire car you drive now🚗⚖️ Avg car in 70's had nearly 500lbs worth of ashtrays alone 🚬🤓 But that could be changing... Are new cars getting heavier? After a fuel-economy-inspired diet in the mid-2000s, new cars are packing on pounds again. The Environmental Protection Agency has been collecting data on the weight of new vehicles since 1975 and they say the average new car in 2020's weighs 4,287 lbs -- up from 4,060 lbs in the mid-70s! But the change isn’t as simple as a steady increase in both the size and weight of new cars. For the last 45 years, new vehicle weights have trended up and down along with seismic changes in the economy and automotive technology. When the EPA first started collecting data, sedans and wagons were trending lighter, while trucks and SUVs were getting heavier. But the high gas prices of the late 1970s and the country’s first fuel economy regulations put pressure on automakers to shave weight from vehicles across their lineups in pursuit of better fuel economy. The weight of the average new vehicle decreased by 21% between 1975 and 1981 to 3,202 lbs. These days, the relationship between the weight of the average new vehicle and external pressures in America (like gas prices and fuel economy rules) is more complicated. More buyers are choosing SUVs and trucks rather than the sedans and wagons that dominated the roads in the 20th century, so a larger proportion of today’s new-vehicle fleet is made up of big, heavy vehicles than it was in the past. The advent of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has changed the picture too. The batteries and electric motors allow hybrids and EVs to achieve fuel efficiency that automakers could hardly have dreamed of in the 1970s, but they make the cars that carry them disproportionately heavy. EV start-up Rivian's R1T full-size pick-up weighs 6,950 lbs, more than 1,000 lbs more than the heaviest F-150. EVs now account for not quite 4% of the U.S. new car market, but that rate is growing fast. Some predictions say EVs and plug-in hybrids could make up over 25% of the market by 2030. So even though gas prices are high and fuel economy rules are tightening, odds are that the weight of the average new vehicle is going to keep rising. #automotive #engineering #manufacturing #design #ev #tesla

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67% of meetings are considered to be a complete waste of time. The top 1% lead meetings effectively to ensure productivity and engagement. These 8 steps have transformed how I approach meetings, and I highly recommend incorporating them into your routine.

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