Land Grants: Modern Awards with a Rich History

A farm, Bethel, Vt. (LOC)

Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr

Land has been a valuable commodity since America’s early days. Today, land grants are major boons to businesses, organizations, and individuals.  Governments may award a land grant to a business that will improve a piece of neglected property, or as recompense for military services. Land grants are highly valued in the 21st century, while historically, their significance is both ancient and far reaching.

 

Rewarding the Militia

 

Following their military service, Roman soldiers were frequently gifted denarii and/or land as a reward for their services to the Empire. This gift of land as a prize for military service appeared in America following the Revolutionary War, when parcels of land were awarded to the veterans. The Military Act of 1812 was a Congressional act that stipulated gifts of land across the country were to be awarded to volunteer soldiers of the War of 1812; Illinois alone set aside 3.5 million acres of tillable land for this purpose.

 

 

Land for the Future

 

In the 16th century, land grants were provided by Britain, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands for the purpose of establishing overseas settlements; recipients were then legally required to improve their land by planting crops and erecting a house. This provision led to the establishment of America’s original 13 colonies. Through the 19th century, the growth of railroad was made possible through land grants; the astounding transcontinental railroad would drastically change America’s future forever.

 

Since their inception, land grants have supported the growth of the Nation. Today they support business who provide economic growth and employment, organizations who seek to preserve and educate, and individuals who hold tight to the American dream.

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Getting a Land Grant

Keaton Keaton Revolutionary Land Grant 

Image via Wikipedia

The process of obtaining a land grant is not as simple or as quick as people may think. First of all people need to understand what a land grant is and what land grants are typically used for before they apply for a grant.

A land grant is a gift of land or the land’s privileges from the government or other authority. The gift of the land was usually given as a reward for services to an individuals. In the past, land grants were typically given to people in return for their military service. Now, land grants are usually awarded to people and companies that want to use and develop unused land. Most of the uses for unused land is to grow crops, build a school, or is used for a program in the community.

If you have found a piece of land that you are interested in then you need to go about getting the approval to use the space. You will have to estimate the costs of what you want to use the land for. If you are going to build a building for the community then you will have to estimate how much it will cost. It is important to be exact as the government can be very strict.

You will also need to write an effective and purposeful proposal. The proposal will be very important because it will tell the government exactly what you want to do with the land. You want to include exactly what you wish to accomplish and why you think that you deserve to get the grant.

 

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Learning About Education Finance

Education finance is an important aspect of student life while in college. If not managed properly it can take a student nearly 20 years to repay the debt they incurred while in college. This is a very scary picture and becoming more and more common with people today. The problem is that the loans are out of sight and out of mind. Students tend to take more than what they need, and without realizing it, they have acquired a mountain of debt.

Making Student Loans Work for You

There are some strategies in keeping student loan debt manageable. The first is to only take what you need. More often than not the loan amount that is available to the student is more than the actual educational fees. When students take the extra money, they can spend it how they see fit, but that loan is now on their credit and will have to be repaid. If in a pinch, consider payday loans rather than a higher student loan. This will give you the same amount of spending cash that you need without the years of repayment and interest charges.

Begin to pay them as soon as you can. This will help to guarantee that they are paid off in a reasonable amount of time without any excessive interest costs. The interest on a student loan is tax deductible, so there is a perk there, but really, it is important to have them paid and cleaned off for more peace of mind.

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The Challenge Of Selling A House in a Down Market

With the current decline in the economy, it will be a challenge for the government of the United Kingdom to be able to stabilize the situation and for the meantime, numerous companies are expected to close down in the following months to come. And this comes along with the expectation of people losing employment as well, and at least forty-thousand properties that are likely to be repossessed. These also translate to the possibility of the job losses to be integrated into the private sector. This means that it is not favorable for those who live in this part of the city to be borrowing money for mortgage since it can be financially devastating in the long run. This will also possibly lead lending institutions to provide financial assistances and options for a lower price. National homebuyers. are cash buyers who thrive in an environment like this.

As of now, the Bank of England, and the government itself are exerting much effort in re-establishing the economy and one of their action plans would be to make some major cut backs. Furthermore, first-time property buyers are not advised to be borrowing money anytime soon for mortgages since they may find themselves unable to fulfill their financial obligations which can just lead to tragic repossessions.

Another thing to consider is the interest rates that are not subject to any increase anytime soon until at least the next year comes but this is also not certain. With people likely to obtain a mortgage with a ten percent additional deposit, any loan provided of more than at least eighty percent will likely be uneconomical. Judging from the overall situation of the economy, it is not advantageous to buy a property in the United Kingdom as of the moment. Though prices may have decreased to entice prospective buyers and to sell house fast, the slight change is not enough to convince people into handing over their money for ownership of their supposed dream property. In fact, anyone who wants to own a home should have at least twenty percent of the deposit otherwise it’s a fair shot. For the meantime, economists and professionals alike are foreseeing another possible correction anytime soon and this can be a sign that it is not yet a good sign for anyone to purchase a home.

To sum it all up, looking at the nationwide indices may not always be helpful but then again, conducting your own research and observation on how prices fluctuate can spell the difference between selling a house at the right time and leaving it to stagnate in the United Kingdom housing market.

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Two Groups Suing the EPA Over Continued Pesticide Use

Two environmental groups are suing the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ignoring the blow that pesticides have on hundreds of species; most of them endangered or at least threatened, including the California Condor. The two groups suing are the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), and they‘re backed by peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Jeff Miller, conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, remarked that the lawsuit is meant to force the EPA to obey the laws and make sure that dangerous chemicals are not used in habitats where endangered or threatened species live. He said that for years the EPA has looked the other away while the effects of pesticides take place in some of the country’s rarest species. It’s being called the most comprehensive legal action ever taken under the umbrella of the Endangered Species Act.
PANNA Chimes in for Environmental Law Suit Against the EPA

Heather Pilatic, co-director of Pesticide Action Network North America, calls it an opportunity for agriculture. She says that enforcing the law and realistically looking at the costs of pesticide use actually fortify the case for more maintainable practices, like crop rotation and beneficial insect release.
The species named for protection in the law suit, are:
  • Florida Panther
  • California Condor
  • Piping Plover
  • Black-footed Ferret
  • Arroyo Toad
  • Indiana Bat
  • Bony-Tail Chub
  • Alabama Sturgeon
  • And 206 other species across America
The two environmentalist groups say (in documents from the USFW and the EPA and in peer-reviewed scientific studies) the species in question are indeed harmed by the pesticides that the two environmentalist groups are taking issue with. The longer the EPA turns a blind eye to the use of certain pesticides, the longer the danger for the wildlife and the resulting backlash that comes with wiping out species in any area.
Filed Under: Environment, General Tagged With: ,

Tom’s Shoes Gives Back

Sami shoe.

Image via Wikipedia

The idea of a company that gives back to the community is growing! This gentler marketing strategy is gaining in both market share and popularity as the consumer base becomes more interested in the ethical aspect of business. Many companies donate money or encourage their employees to volunteer, but Toms Shoes goes a step further and gives a pair of shoes to a needy person for every pair purchased. This brand is on a mission to make sure that no one in the world goes barefoot unless they want to!

The Birth of Tom’s Shoes

Curiously, Toms Shoes wasn’t founded by anyone named Tom, but by Blake Mycoskie, an Amazing Race participant. He was captivated by a shoe he saw in Argentina and by the fact that so many of the children there didn’t own shoes. To start a new business, he updated this Argentinian classic and made it his mission to donate one pair of shoes for every pair sold. With every purchase, consumers receive a comfortable, fashionable shoe from a company that truly gives back.

Tom’s Inspires Others to Give Back, Too

Toms Shoes is influencing both companies and individuals to give to this worthy cause. Recently, a group of students at Ottawa University were inspired to start their own shoe donation program. They ordered Tom’s Shoes free video that showed just how many children around the world have never had a pair of shoes. The video was all they needed to make the decision to start a successful shoe drive. The goal was 150 pairs and $100, but the overshot their target to collect 159 pairs of shoes and $266! With this kind of motivation, you can bet that this group of students will continue their philanthropy well into their future.

Tom’s Shoes has found success through helping others. Would you be more likely to buy a pair of Toms because of their charitable program?

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World Money; Food Prices Rise and Japan’s Zinc Smelter Takes 2 Month Break

Food prices are causing riots in Africa, and it indirectly proves profitable for the US farm economy. Food prices world-wide rose 25% in 2010, the UN reports, and they were at record highs in December. The less fortunate paid about 20% more in 2009. The Department of Agriculture estimates that retail food in the US rose 1.5% in 2010 and is only expected to gain as much as 2% this year.
The USDA forecast that countries all over are limiting their sales or releasing large amounts in an effort to slow inflation, or food prices could go as high as 16% this year to a whopping $126.5 billion. Americans haven’t been impacted that much yet, but grocers all over the nation are gearing up for the higher prices to come.
Jason Britt, president of CSC (Central States Commodities Inc.), thinks Americans are spoiled, and he is right. We spend relatively little of our income on food in comparison to some other countries. Britt said it wouldn’t surprise him to see larger bite taken out of our revenues for it. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for it if we can.
Japan’s Largest Zinc Smelter Takes Two Months Off
Japan’s largest producer of zinc, Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., will likely back off production in the next financial year, planning to close down its largest zinc smelter for maintenance of up to two months. From March 15 to May 15 the Hachinohe smelter will close. Nobuyuki Nakamoto, manager of the zinc business said the plant’s productivity will drop by 10,000 metric tons to 90,000 metric tons in the fiscal year beginning April 1st.
Zinc prices soared by 50 % since June 2010 when it looked like the global economy was going to rally a bit.  Asian mining companies were firm on limits even though demand from China is growing. The demand for metal will stay strong and help to lead an export-led economic recovery.
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BLM Decides Which Lands Have Wilderness Characteristics

A new Department of Interior Secretarial order 3310 allows the BLM to choose exactly what wilderness distinctive land is, and what is wilderness inventory to establish “Wild Lands” without the express permission of Congress.
No US Forest Service-managed lands will be eligible for the status when considering land for Wild lands.  However, the BLM will invite all locals and the county commissioners to get involved in the planning process. The order only relates to public lands managed by the BLM, as the agency has no all-inclusive national guidance for keeping inventory and manage lands with wilderness distinctions.
Steve Smith, BLM Nevada State Office Wilderness Coordinator says the guidance will spread uniformity across the BLM and supply a process for examining characteristics in project level decisions and land-use planning.
USFS Lands are Not Included in the Plan

He added that the USFS managed lands are not included because they are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, and the Secretary’s Order only applies to those lands that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior.
It’s going to be the BLM’s job to take note of existing wilderness inventory data and to record lands that have been acquired, but haven’t already been recorded as inventory. It’s the Secretary’s hope that this system will help identify which lands are to be classified as Wild Lands.
Smith offered that the process will determine a range of options in protective and non-protective areas of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) and the BLM will designate which lands qualify as Wild Lands in land-use planning.
He added that the Wild Lands will be chosen and maintained under defensive procedures that will be identified in the land-use plans as well as the determination being made with all the appropriate necessities of law and other source management deliberations.
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Less Fossil Fuel Use Could Have Adverse Impact on Environment

Gas taxes have risen to record highs during the recession. Most states’ gas taxes take care of road maintenance and the environmental impact, but what happens when tax revenue is less than the cost of keeping roads drivable? In Virginia raising gas taxes from 17.5% is going to give the recession-laden population a sour taste, especially since it‘s become a yearly ritual.
Virginia governor Bob McDonnell has a monthly radio call-in show on WRVA where he agreed that from 1986 on, the amount of the tax had never been adjusted for inflation, resulting in a possible shortage of revenue for current needs in the roads and the environment. And there are already cars that use less energy and burn cleaner, non-fossil fuels, effectively reducing the use of gasoline.
Raising Gas Taxes to Keep the State in Shape

McDonnell said it’s a real concern that will have to be looked at over the next year. The governor has his own interests in a $4 billion plan for transportation using previously issued state bonds and federally-backed bonds.
Virginia is not the only state in this situation. Take a look at what the other states’ gasoline and diesel tax is, and the ones with an asterisk also have sales tax added on top:
State         gasoline, diesel tax
  • Alabama* 18%,19%
  • Alaska 8%,8%
  • Arizona* 18%,19%
  • Arkansas* 21.5%,22.5%
  • California* 18%,185
  • Colorado* 22%,20.5%
  • Connecticut*25%,45.1%
  • Delaware 23%,22%
  • Dist. of Col*23.5%,205
  • Florida 16%,16%
  • Georgia* 7.5%,7.5%
  • Hawaii* 17%,17%
  • Idaho* 25%,25%
  • Illinois* 19%, 21.5%
  • Indiana* 18%,16%
  • Iowa* 21%,22.5%
  • Kansas* 24%,26%
  • Kentucky* 24.1%,21.1%
  • Louisiana 20%,20%
  • Maine 29.5%,30.7%
  • Maryland* 23.5%,24.25%
  • Massachusetts*21%,21%
  • Michigan* 19%,15%
  • Minnesota* 27.1%,27.1%
  • Mississippi 18.4%,18.4%
  • Missouri 17%,17%
  • Montana 27.75%,27.75%
  • Nebraska* 26.8%,26.8%
  • Nevada 24%,27%
  • New Hampshire 18%,18%
  • New Jersey 10.5%,13.5%
  • New Mexico*18.875%,22.875%
  • New York* 24.35%,22.55%
  • North Carolina 30.55%,30.55%
  • North Dakota* 22%,22%
  • Ohio* 28%,28%
  • Oklahoma* 17%,14%
  • Oregon 24%,24%
  • Pennsylvania* 31.2%,38.1%
  • Rhode Island* 33%,33%
  • South Carolina* 16%,16%
  • South Dakota* 22%,22%
  • Tennessee*   20%,17%
  • Texas*           0%,20%
  • Utah* 24.5%,24.5%
  • Vermont 20%,29%
  • Virginia 17.5%,17.5%
  • Washington* 37.5%,37.5%
  • West Virginia 32.%,32.2%
  • Wisconsin* 30.9%,30.9%
  • Wyoming* 14%,14%
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Relying Online Learning to Help Start a Business

Let’s say you’re interesting in starting a business. You’re already well into your professional life, but something’s been missing for quite some time. You’re thinking it’s the empty hole that exists from the American Dream you have a right to have in having your very own business! There’s just one problem:

You don’t know where to start.

Starting your own business can be a challenging feat, especially if you don’t have the experience necessary to run an operation. There are numerous factors to take into consideration: hiring, training, licenses, buildings, advertising, payroll, taxes, logistics, loss prevention. It’s not all as easy as it seems. Not to mention the inevitable truth that you might actually have to firesome employees who might not fit the bill.

This is the bottom line: allof these concepts with starting a business need specific qualified training to get down right. Who would’ve thought you’d need education on how to fire someone? The truth is you do. What essentially happens to most individuals looking to start a brand-new business later on in life end up going back to school for accounting and other training. A business degree usually gets them on the right track. As many of you might know, actually going back to college and getting the books and walking to the lecture halls can be daunting.

Enter: the convenient and important online college classes. Not only are they convenient, they’re quick. It’s a fast track to learning and success that will get you started right away on learning how to start a business. It’s a worthwhile trip to the internet for research on some online courses if you’re interested.

Either way you look at it, if you’re planning on starting a business, recognize the responsibility and learn what you need to do. Because you’re the one in control; so make sure you act like it.

Filed Under: Business Finance, General Tagged With: , ,
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