Farming disparities foster change in Valley's approach
Recent years have made the differences in the agricultural economy more substantial. However, farmers in the Shenandoah Valley found new ways to cope.
James Faris
I’m a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset, a dedication to details and experience as a reporter, copy editor and section editor.
Valley farmers get creative as agriculture industry evolves
Agriculture is the backbone of the Shenandoah Valley and its economy, but it’s easy for JMU students to forget about the work of local farmers entirely. Here’s a detailed look at the agriculture industry in the U.S. and the divide between large and small farms.
Subsidies carried large U.S. farms through crippling trade war
The U.S.-China trade war, initiated by former President Donald Trump, promised farmers long-term benefits through better trade terms but had dire short-term costs. Trump enjoyed consistently strong support from farmers in office after putting rural America front and center during his campaign, but many economists believe his trade war with China backfired.
Editor’s Note: Madison Business Review readers — thank you
One year ago, the Madison Business Review — a student-led, business-focused publication published through The Breeze — launched with a mission to inform, empower and serve the JMU and Harrisonburg communities. On behalf of our team, thank you for your readership and continued support.
JMU Dining hikes meal plan prices as sales fall $18 million
How much are meal punches at JMU really worth, do students feel they’re getting fair value with meal plans and do they know if they aren’t?
The Madison Business Review sought to answer those questions after JMU Dining Services set out to raise meal plan prices for the second straight year after the pandemic caused on-campus meal sales to slide 36% year-over-year in the 2019-20 academic year.
Target’s stock has upside as e-commerce moves hit bull’s-eye
Target’s longtime slogan may prove to be prophetic for investors, given the retail giant’s recent stock price dip despite a bevy of catalysts that lifted it to a record 2020 amid the pandemic.
Tech stocks melt as inflation threatens to deflate stocks
Months of warnings that historically expensive stocks were due for an inflation-induced wake-up call appeared to materialize as February came to a close, though a series of sharp, persistent rebound rallies may send bears back to their caves.
Retail sales, not wholesale, are Golden bakery’s new bread and butter
What a long, strange COVID-19 trip it’s been for a Golden bakery that is now selling the majority of its baked goods — batards, ciabattas, sticky buns and more — direct to gluten-craving customers instead of wholesaling to local restaurants.
Explaining GameStop's wild run, how individual investors move the market
Madison Business Review editor James Faris returns to Breeze TV to explain how GameStop's stock surge happened.
Greed, fear, euphoria fuel speculation. Is panic next?
GameStop’s 400% rise in five days to $325 came after it opened the year at $17.25 and gained 277% in three weeks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s behind the out-of-control speculation as well as a look at the emotions — greed, fear, euphoria and panic — fueling the Wall Street bloodbath.
Tech giants face bipartisan attacks for opposite reasons
Democrats and Republicans have found common ground on one issue, though for starkly different reasons: Big Tech may be too big and powerful. Despite bipartisan criticism, is it time to buy the dips in shares of Facebook and Twitter, or will these social media companies keep trending downward? Here’s a look at how each company will fare going forward.
Analysis: Semiconductor industry ready for 2021 rebound
Slowdowns in global trade and business investment crippled chipmakers in 2020 as the pandemic spread, but the industry has proved resilient. This comprehensive research report introduces the semiconductor industry and breaks down its structure, firm conduct, performance and trends to watch going forward.
A horrible 2020 was great for stocks. Will 2021 disappoint?
2020 was a year for the record books in more ways than one. While millions of individuals and tens of thousands of businesses suffered during the pandemic, stocks largely soared. As the world hopes to heal in 2021, could the tables turn and leave investors ironically longing for a return to 2020?
Editor’s Note: Madison Business Review ready to grow in 2021
The last nine months have been a wild ride, to say the least.
The Madison Business Review — a student-led, business-focused publication serving the JMU and Harrisonburg communities through The Breeze — launched April 1 with the world in chaos.
Top 20 of 2020: Madison Business Review’s most-read stories
Before the year comes to a close, here are the Madison Business Review’s most-read stories of 2020.
Denver online car-selling startup partners with Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book
As used-car shoppers go digital during the pandemic, a Denver-based startup is partnering with Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book to meet the demand surge.
The gift that keeps giving? How to trade Bitcoin's breakout
The world’s most famous cryptocurrency has soared in value in recent weeks and months. Is Bitcoin a fad and worth less than coal, or is it digital gold? Read what’s behind the resurgence and decide.
Altria Theater using COVID-19 downtime for new round of renovations
Closed due to the pandemic, the Altria Theater is taking advantage of its time out of the spotlight.
With no reopening in sight, the 94-year-old theater at 6 North Laurel St. is getting a new coat of paint and upgrades to its HVAC system.
Fearing finals? Employers want creativity, not higher grades
Finals week is here, and anxiety is in the air. JMU students are feeling the pressure as a semester’s worth of work comes to an end, but much of it is self-induced and unnecessary.
Employers and psychologists are pushing back on conventional wisdom that grades are an accurate reflection of aptitude and mastery of subject material, calling into question the merit of pulling all-nighters, cramming information up until moments before the test and even cheating.
COVID-19 delays JMU construction, but ambitious expansion ahead
Already $12.6 million short in its educational and general budget, JMU postponed several construction projects during the pandemic. In the meantime, officials are hoping enrollment holds steady so the school can continue to service debts from a slew of projects completed in recent years.
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