J. Arthur & Co Acquires ImageWorks LLC

We are excited to announce the acquisition of Hartford based ImageWorks LLC. ImageWorks was founded in the early 2000’s and has a stellar reputation as one of Connecticut’s top marketing agencies, being repeatedly named Best Web Designer by Hartford Business Journal and 2019 Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. 

The acquisition will strengthen J. Arthur & Co’s presence in the northeast, with primary access to the Connecticut, Boston, New York metro markets. It will also allow us to serve more businesses and bring significant value to an established client base at our new Hartford, CT office. 

We are thrilled to be working with our talented new team members and customers, who represent businesses across over 100 industries throughout the United States. 

Huge thanks for ThinkSynergy, Ucran & Company, Jim Simmons & Associates for their professionalism and partnership in making this endeavor a success. 

As for our team at J. Arthur & Co, you continue to be the core of what we do in fulfilling results driven client work. Your value to our company and mission cannot be understated! More details to follow. 

 

 

How AI Automation Can Kill the Customer Experience

“Humans need and want more time to interact with each other. I think AI coming about and replacing routine jobs is pushing us to do what we should be doing anyway: the creation of more humanistic service jobs. ” – Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures

 

Are you tired of dealing with chatbots that seem to have the intelligence of a houseplant? Are you frustrated with automated phone systems that never seem to understand what you’re saying? Do you roll your eyes every time you receive a canned LinkedIn sales message? You’re not alone. Though automation can make our lives easier in many ways, eliminating the human touch is not always the right move for your business. We’re exploring the worst automated applications that kill the customer experience, and how companies can strike a balance between efficiency and personal interaction.

As technology continues to advance and our lives become more fast-paced, automation has become a popular option for customer service. To give you an idea of how popular AI has become in in the customer service world, here are a few statistics:

 

While automation can be a useful tool, it can also have negative consequences on the customer experience. Companies must be careful to balance the benefits of automation with the importance of personal interaction and excellent customer service. The rise of AI actually provides the perfect opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competitors by providing human interaction.

Chat Bots

Chatbots have become increasingly popular on many websites due to their ability to quickly provide customers with the answers they need. While chatbots can be an effective tool for customer support, poorly designed chatbots can actually lead to more frustration for customers. For example, if a chatbot is not programmed to understand certain questions, it may provide irrelevant information or fail to provide a helpful response. This can waste a customer’s time and leave them feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with the service they received. It is important to carefully design and test chatbots to ensure that they are providing the best possible experience for customers.

Automated Answering Machines

Automated answer machines are one of the most commonly used forms of automation in customer service. The use of these machines has grown significantly over the years, and while they can save time and money for companies, they often lead to frustration for customers. One of the biggest drawbacks of automated answer machines is that they lack the ability to handle complex issues that require a more personalized approach. This can lead to a negative customer experience and can cause customers to feel like they are not valued.

Some companies have found that a hybrid approach combining automated systems with human representatives can be the most effective way to provide customer service. This approach allows customers to quickly resolve simple issues through automation, while also providing the option to speak with a human representative for more complex issues.

How Automation can kill the customer experience 2

 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a popular platform for sales professionals to connect with potential customers. However, automated LinkedIn sales messages can be a frustrating experience for users. These messages often lack personalization and can come across as spammy or insincere. This can ultimately lead to a negative impression of the sales professional and their company. When reaching out on social media, human interaction is often the best practice.

The Human Touch

While automation can provide efficiency and cost savings, it cannot replace the importance of personal interaction in customer service. Customers value speaking with a human representative who can provide empathy, understanding, and a personalized solution to their issue. Companies that prioritize the human touch in their customer service can create positive experiences that lead to customer loyalty and advocacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to recognize that poor automation can have a detrimental effect on the customer experience. When automated systems fail to meet customer needs, it can result in frustration and dissatisfaction. Because of this, companies must be mindful of the balance between the advantages of automation and the significance of personal interaction and high-quality customer service. This means prioritizing the human touch and ensuring that customers feel valued and heard. Companies can invest in employee training to provide excellent customer service, building long-lasting relationships with their customers. They can also use customer feedback to improve automation systems.

Challenge your business to explore new technologies and platforms that enhance the customer experience without sacrificing the personal touch. For example, implementing chatbots that are programmed to handle routine inquiries frees up employees to focus on more complex customer needs. This approach allows companies to streamline their operations while still providing personalized service to customers.

Ultimately, companies that prioritize the human touch and strive for excellent customer service will be rewarded with loyal customers who become advocates for their brand. By investing in their customers and valuing their feedback, companies can create positive experiences that drive growth and success.

 

Physiq Apparel Partners with MMA Star Arnold “Almighty” Allen

Meet Arnold “Almighty” Allen

 

Arnold Allen, a professional mixed martial artist hailing from Ipswich, England, boasts an impressive background in both kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From a young age, Allen was passionate about martial arts and devoted himself to its practice. Through hard work and dedication, Allen has established himself as one of the most skilled fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

With a record of 19-1-0 in the UFC, Allen is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. His moniker, “Almighty,” is a fitting tribute to the incredible skill and drive he brings to every match.

In an exciting new development, Allen has recently teamed up with top sportswear brand Physiq Apparel. J. Arthur & Co., the company behind Physiq Apparel, is thrilled to have Allen on board as one of their sponsored athletes. The values at the core of Physiq Apparel, such as dedication, hard work, and a love of sports, are perfectly aligned with Arnold’s own values.

Fans of Allen can stay up-to-date on his progress and access exclusive content through Physiq Apparel’s social media channels. As Allen continues to pursue his promising UFC career, this partnership promises to be a truly exciting collaboration with much to offer.

Mark your calendars for Arnold Allen’s big fight against Max Holloway on April 15th, which will be broadcast live on ESPN. The event is sure to be a thrilling one, and fans of Arnold Allen are eagerly anticipating his next big move in the ring.

Arnold Allen

 

Web Design Trends for 2023

“To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit: it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse. To design is to transform prose into poetry.” – Paul Rand

 

As technology continues to evolve, so does the world of web design. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of augmented reality, the trends of 2023 are sure to be exciting and innovative. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest web design trends that are expected to take the industry by storm in the coming years. Get ready to be inspired and amazed as we take a look at the future of web design!

Web Design Trends for 2023

Increased Web Accessibility

One of the most important web design trends for 2023 is increased web accessibility. This trend focuses on making websites more accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making sure that websites are optimized for screen readers, providing alternative text for images, and using high-contrast colors. The benefits of increased accessibility are that it makes websites more inclusive and user-friendly.

Minimalism

Another popular web design trend for 2023 is minimalism. This trend focuses on creating websites that are simple and uncluttered. This includes using fewer elements on the page, using white space to create a sense of openness, and using fewer colors. The benefits of minimalism are that it makes websites easier to navigate and more aesthetically pleasing.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is another trend that is gaining traction in the web design world. This trend focuses on creating immersive experiences for users. This includes using 3D elements, virtual reality, and interactive elements. The benefits of augmented reality are that it makes websites more engaging and interactive.

Dark Mode

Dark mode is a web design trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This trend focuses on using dark colors and shades to create a more immersive experience for users. Benefits of dark mode include improved user experience, increased engagement, and better search engine rankings.

The Y2K Aesthetic

The Y2K aesthetic is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This trend focuses on creating websites that have a retro, futuristic feel. This includes using bold colors, geometric shapes, and glitchy effects. The benefits of this trend are that it makes websites look unique and eye-catching. We even see the Y2K aesthetic making a comeback in the world of music and on TikTok trends.

Loading Screen Animations

Loading animations are another trend that is becoming more popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to indicate that a page is loading. This includes using GIFs, videos, and other animations. The benefits of loading animations are that they make websites more engaging and entertaining.

Web Design Trends for 2023 1

 

Lightweight, Efficient Websites

Lightweight, efficient websites are becoming increasingly important in web design. This trend focuses on creating websites that are fast and easy to use. This includes using smaller images, compressing files, and optimizing code. The benefits of lightweight, efficient websites are that they make websites faster and more user-friendly.

Kinetic Typography

Kinetic typography is a trend that is becoming more popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to convey a message. This includes using text, images, and videos to create animations. The benefits of kinetic typography are that it makes websites more engaging and entertaining.

Cinemagraphs

Cinemagraphs are another trend that is gaining traction in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to convey a message. This includes using text, images, and videos to create animations. The benefits of cinema graphs are that they make websites more engaging and entertaining.

Color Gradients

Color gradients are a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating color schemes that are used to create a sense of depth and movement. This includes using two or more colors to create a gradient effect. The benefits of color gradients are that they make websites more visually appealing and eye-catching.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many web design trends for 2023. These trends focus on making websites more accessible, efficient, and visually appealing. By incorporating these trends into your web design, you can create a website that is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

AI Controversies You Should Be Concerned About

“Where we see AI as having limitations are in the obvious areas: emotions, feelings, subjective thinking. Humans are unique in their ability to feel in a very complex way and translate those feelings into emotional connections. Limitations in artificial intelligence will also stem from the degree of precision with which technologists are able to replicate human ‘intelligence’ and decision-making” – Or Shani, CEO, Albert

 

AI controversy is a burning issue in today’s world. As AI technology advances and its applications become more widespread, so too do the ethical dilemmas that come with it. AI has the power to make decisions that could have a huge impact on society, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues that could arise. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the AI controversies that marketers should steer clear of, as well as how to avoid them. Let’s dive in and get the conversation started!

AI Controversies and Concerns

Predicting People

The first AI controversy to avoid is making predictions about people. AI algorithms can be used to make predictions about people based on their data, such as their age, gender, and lifestyle. This can be a very dangerous practice, as it could lead to discrimination and other unethical decisions. If you’ve ever seen the movie Minority Report, you know that predictions can go too far. There’s a difference between targeted marketing and intrusive manipulation. Where we draw that line as a society will be an ongoing challenge for years to come.

Privacy Infringement

Another AI controversy to be aware of is collecting and using sensitive data. Protecting sensitive, personal information has been a hot topic long before the emergence of AI. But as AI is becoming more incorporated into all of our tools, the need for privacy is higher than ever before. AI algorithms can be used to collect and analyze data from people’s social media accounts, emails, and other sources. This can lead to privacy concerns, as well as potential misuse of the data.

AI Controversies You Should Be Concerned About

Implicit Bias

Marketers should be aware of making unethical decisions using AI. AI algorithms can be used to make decisions that are not necessarily ethical, such as manipulating data or making decisions based on biased data. It is important to ensure that any decisions made using AI are ethical and in compliance with any applicable laws or regulations.

Deepfakes

Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media in which a person in a video or image is replaced with someone else’s likeness. The real danger and ethical concerns of deepfakes lies in how they can be used to manipulate and misrepresent political leaders’ speeches. This can be incredibly damaging to people’s trust in the media, which is already at an all-time low. This mistrust is dangerous for societies, as mass media is still the primary way that governments communicate with the public in times of emergency, such as during a pandemic.

Avoiding AI Controversies

As a marketer, you should do your best to use AI in a safe way.. Marketers should be aware of the potential ethical issues that could arise from using AI algorithms and act accordingly. One of the best ways to avoid AI controversies with structured, accessible transparency. Anytime research takes place, whether it’s from a for-profit or non-profit company, needs to be publicly shared.

AI developers should also be able to explain how their algorithms work, in detail. This helps predict any potential unethical issues before they happen. Any team working with AI algorithms must be extremely knowledgeable and their goals must be clear. It is also important to have a team with experience in both AI and ethical decision-making to ensure that any decisions made with AI are positive.

Conclusion

The future of AI is bright and exciting, but we must be careful with how we implement this technology into society. Implicit bias, deepfakes, and privacy infringement are just a few of the obstacles that are only exacerbated by artificial intelligence. These problems weren’t created by AI, but it will certainly have to address them. The best way to avoid AI controversies is to be aware of potential ethical issues, use a knowledgeable team, and make sure your goals are clear. By following these steps, marketers can ensure that their AI algorithms are being used ethically and safely.

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the World of eCommerce

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an integral part of the eCommerce landscape. In 2022, the global AI market size was valued at $136.6 billion. That market is projected to reach over half a trillion by 2024, and $1.8 trillion by 2030! AI is a type of computer programming that enables machines to learn and develop from experience without being explicitly programmed. The combination of AI and eCommerce is transforming the way businesses interact with customers and how they manage their operations. In this blog, we’ll cover how AI enhances eCommerce and discuss some of the challenges that come along with implementing it.

 

Automation and Customer Service

The impact of AI on e-commerce is far-reaching. Automation is one of the most important areas of impact. AI-powered automation can increase the speed and accuracy of customer service, product recommendation, pricing and scheduling, and other business operations. AI can also be used to create more personalized customer experiences. By analyzing customer data, AI can provide tailored product recommendations and personalized marketing messages to increase sales and customer loyalty. Predictive analytics is another application of AI in e-commerce that can be used to forecast customer demand and optimize product inventory. AI is already being widely used in e-commerce for a variety of applications. Automated customer service, such as chatbots, is one of the most common uses of AI in e-commerce. Chatbots can provide quick and accurate customer service while reducing the need for human customer service agents.

 

Personalized Marketing

AI can also be used to make product recommendations based on customer data. Many big companies have already implemented AI-based personalized marketing. Amazon saw a 29% sales increase when they started using AI to recommend products to its customer base. Netflix created its own model to predict what shows and movies users might enjoy. Those recommendations won 75% of the time! By analyzing customer data, AI-based product recommendations can be more tailored and precise than manual product recommendations. AI can also be used to optimize pricing and scheduling. AI-based pricing algorithms can adjust prices in real-time to optimize revenues, while AI-based scheduling algorithms can help businesses maximize their resources.

 

 

How AI is Changing the world of Ecommerce

 

 

Voice and Visual Search

Uttering “Ok Google”, “Alexa”, and “Hey Siri” have become second nature for many of us. Users are beginning to prefer voice search over typing queries in, because who has time for that? In fact, according to Tech Jury:

eCommerce sites are revolutionizing the shopping experience with the use of visual search. Powered by AI, this incredible technology enables shoppers to upload an image of an item they are looking for and receive results of similar products from the company’s catalog. Neiman Marcus is a great example of an eCommerce site that is having tremendous success with visual search. Their visual search application feature, Snap. Find. Shop., allows customers to perform an image-based search and make an immediate purchase. By allowing app users to take photos of objects in the real world, they are then presented with a wide selection of similar items in the Neiman Marcus catalog – making the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable than ever! Neiman Marcus isn’t alone. ASOS, Nordstrom, and Alibaba have all built visual search functionality into their applications. More business will soon follow.

 

Challenges

The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in eCommerce poses a number of challenges that must be overcome in order to fully leverage its potential. First, AI systems require a considerable amount of data to learn from and make decisions. This means that eCommerce businesses must invest in collecting and organizing large amounts of data from customers, products, and other sources. Additionally, AI systems must be trained to accurately recognize patterns and learn from them in order to tailor experiences for customers and make informed decisions. This requires substantial effort from engineers and data scientists and is often difficult to get right.

Second, AI systems must be constantly maintained and updated in order to remain effective. As customers’ behaviors and preferences evolve, AI systems must be able to adapt to changing trends and customer needs. This requires significant ongoing investments in the maintenance and upkeep of the AI system.

Third, AI systems must be carefully monitored to ensure they are working properly and making decisions that are in line with the goals of the business. This means that businesses must invest in monitoring and auditing systems that can track the AI system’s performance and detect any issues.

Finally, AI systems are often expensive to implement and can require a substantial amount of capital investment. This can be a major obstacle for small businesses and those without the necessary capital to invest in the technology.

In conclusion, AI is quickly becoming a core component of the e-commerce landscape. AI-based automation, personalization, and predictive analytics can help businesses increase efficiency, improve customer experiences, and enhance targeted marketing. However, businesses must be aware of the potential challenges associated with AI, such as cost, security, and data privacy. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see AI playing an even bigger role in the eCommerce industry in the future.

Comparing Chat GPT and Google Bard

“Chat GPT and Bard both offer unique advantages in terms of data sources. Bard utilizes the internet to continually draw the latest information, while ChatGPT is limited to data sources that end in 2021, meaning its data is more up-to-date but may not contain the most recent information.”

 

Chat GPT and Google Bard are two powerful Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools that are used to generate text. Chat GPT is a contextual chatbot that uses deep learning to understand and respond to user queries, while Google Bard is a text generation tool that uses machine learning and the power of Google Search to create coherent, human-like text. Chat GPT focuses on understanding the context of conversations and providing natural, human-like responses, while Google Bard focuses on generating text from scratch. Chat GPT is more suited for conversational applications such as customer service bots, while Google Bard is more suitable for applications such as story generation and summarization. Both tools are powerful, but they are best suited for different tasks.

Chat GPT Pros and Cons

Fun Fact: Google created the Transformer model that powers ChatGPT in 2017 with their research project and paper, which has since taken the world by storm. This Transformer model is distinct from their newer, patented Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) technology, which Google has used to great effect. The Transformer model is based on the revolutionary Generative Pre-trained Transformer-3 (GPT-3) language model, which has been trained on enormous datasets.

Chatbots powered by GPT technology have the key advantage of being able to generate text quickly and accurately. Furthermore, they are capable of understanding customer inquiries accurately and providing detailed responses almost instantaneously. This makes them a great choice for customer service departments since it helps reduce response times and provide more accurate answers than traditional call centers.

Unlike other natural language processing tools, Chat GPT is open-source and available for anyone to use. This means you don’t have to pay a subscription fee or sign any contracts (for now) – you can just download the software and start using it right away.

Chat GPT is an immensely powerful tool, but it also has some disadvantages that should be considered when deciding whether or not to use it for your projects:

 

Chat GPT vs. Google Bard Which One Should You Use

 

 

Microsoft Joins the Party

The introduction of Bing’s new AI chat is an exciting development in the world of search engines. AI chatbots are designed to provide users with more personalized search results and improved customer service experience. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with this technology.

One of the key advantages of using Bing’s new AI chat is its ability to provide more accurate and relevant search results. The AI chatbot is able to analyze a user’s query and provide search results that are tailored to their specific needs. This means that users will find the information they are looking for more quickly. Additionally, AI chatbots are able to provide customer service assistance more efficiently than human customer service representatives. This can help reduce customer wait times and improve the overall customer experience.

Microsoft’s decision to up the ante on a $1 billion investment that it previously made in OpenAI in 2019 intensified the pressure on Google to demonstrate that it will be able to keep pace in a field of technology that many analysts believe will be as transformational as personal computers, the internet and smartphones have been in various stages over the past 40 years. Google responded to the pressure by developing Google Bard.

Google Bard

Unlike Chat GPT which has been fed extremely large sets of data (about 570 GB) to create its knowledge base, Google Bard crawls the internet via Google search for its responses. This lightweight model which utilizes the LaMDA infrastructure can access information on the internet to provide human-like texts. Consequently, Google Bard has a more current knowledge base.

Bard has the advantage in terms of reach, access to information, and the types of media it offers.
ChatGPT is often over-capacity, sometimes plagiarizes its answers, and confidently flubs math problems. That is to say, it is flawed. But it is still capable of producing thoughtful, accurate answers to a wide variety of topics. Microsoft plans to integrate the product with its search engine Bing. In terms of market share, Bing accounts for less than one in 10 online searches while Google captures more than 80 percent of the search market. While ChatGPT has more than 100 million users, Google dwarfs that with one billion daily active users. Google’s AI tool has access to real-time information while ChatGPT relies on training on data that ends in 2021. Microsoft has said it plans to use GPT-4 for its Bing integration, which may bring the two products closer together in terms of data quality. For now, Google Bard is only available to a small population Google calls “trusted testers”.

In conclusion, Chat GPT and Google Bard are two powerful Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools that have their pros and cons. Chat GPT is an open-source model that is used to quickly create chatbots and conversational agents, while Google Bard is a text generation tool that utilizes the power of Google Search to create coherent, human-like text. Microsoft has responded to the pressure of Google by creating their own AI chatbot for their Bing search engine. All of these tools have the potential to revolutionize the way we search for information and interact with technology, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to develop in the future. For now, Chat GPT is the winner. But Google Bard has more long-term potential with its ability to tap into the vast repository of information that is Google’s search engine. Follow our insights and check out our recent blog, Chat GPT For Coding: Strengths and Weaknesses for more information.

Chat GPT for Coding: Strengths and Weaknesses

“ChatGPT is incredibly limited but good enough at some things to create a misleading impression of greatness. it’s a mistake to be relying on it for anything important right now. it’s a preview of progress; we have lots of work to do on robustness and truthfulness.” – Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI

 

Chat GPT (General Purpose Tooling), ChatGPT is based on a powerful language model called GPT-3, which enables it to understand natural language and code. Its ability to generate text and complete text-based tasks has made it immensely popular. While its use case for writing blogs and articles is well-documented, Chat GPT has also become an increasingly popular tool for coding. This tooling is designed to automate coding tasks and make coding easier and more efficient. While Chat GPT certainly has its advantages, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered when deciding whether or not to use it for coding. In this blog, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using Chat GPT for coding tasks.

The Strengths of using Chat GPT for Coding

Chat GPT is a tool that uses natural language processing (NLP) to allow developers to quickly and easily write code without having to manually type it out. Here are some of the benefits:

 

Chat GPT for Coding JA

 

 

The Weaknesses of using Chat GPT for Coding

Despite its advantages, there are some drawbacks to using Chat GPT for coding. One of the main drawbacks is the limitations it has. While Chat GPT can automate certain coding tasks, it cannot do everything. It is not able to create complex programs or accurately detect errors in code. Additionally, the accuracy of Chat GPT is not always perfect, as it may produce code that is inefficient or contains errors. Finally, there are some security concerns with using Chat GPT, as it can potentially open up vulnerabilities in code that could be exploited by hackers.

Chat GPT Research

Of course, when it comes to fixing code errors and website issues, automatic program repair (APR) is not new. But how does Chat GPT stack up?

“We find that ChatGPT’s bug fixing performance is competitive to the common deep learning approaches CoCoNut and Codex and notably better than the results reported for the standard program repair approaches,” researchers write in a new arXiv paper, at Cornell University.

The researchers examined ChatGPT’s performance in bug-fixing by testing it on QuixBugs 40 Python-only problems. After manually checking the accuracy of the suggested solutions, the results showed that ChatGPT was on par with other APR methods, solving 19 of the 40 issues. Moreover, the success rate of ChatGPT with follow-up interactions was 77.5%. Nevertheless, the implications for developers in terms of effort and productivity are unclear. Stack Overflow recently prohibited ChatGPT-generated answers because of their low quality, but the Wharton professor suggested that it can be a great assistant to MBA students, helping them to develop critical thinking.

 

In conclusion, Chat GPT can be an incredibly useful tool for coding, but it is important to consider its strengths and weaknesses before deciding to use it. On the plus side, it can save time and money by automating coding tasks, and it is easy to use. On the downside, it has limitations, can be inaccurate, and can create security concerns. If you decide to use Chat GPT for coding, it is important to keep these strengths and weaknesses in mind. Additionally, it is recommended to use it for simple tasks and not for creating complex programs. With this in mind, Chat GPT can be a great tool for speeding up the coding process and making it more efficient.

J. Arthur & Co. Joins the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

It is with great pleasure that J. Arthur & Co. announces its membership in the United States Chamber of Commerce.

The US Chamber of Commerce is a powerful advocate for American businesses and a major influence on business policy and the national economy. At J. Arthur & Co., we are honored to join this prestigious organization and to have the opportunity to contribute to the business community.

Our membership in the US Chamber of Commerce marks an exciting milestone in our company’s journey. We look forward to working with the chamber to build relationships with our clients and other businesses and to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing businesses today.

 

J. Arthur & Co. Joins the US Chamber of Commerce

 

Why Are We Joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?  

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the strongest, most active business advocacy group in the country.  Joining the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent idea for businesses of all sizes. As a member of the US Chamber of Commerce, J. Arthur & Co. will have access to a wide range of services and resources. We will be able to connect with other businesses in our region and nation, giving us a better understanding of the challenges facing our industry. We will also have access to educational and support services, including seminars, webinars, and other educational opportunities.

 

 – First, the Chamber of Commerce can provide businesses access to a powerful network of other business owners and executives. This network can be an invaluable resource for businesses, as it will allow them to make connections with other business leaders, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. 

 

 – Second, the Chamber of Commerce provides access to a wide range of advocacy services and resources. This includes the ability to influence legislation that affects the business environment, as well as the ability to weigh in on debates over public policy. The Chamber of Commerce also lobbies on behalf of businesses and ensures that their voices are heard by lawmakers. 

 

 – Third, the Chamber of Commerce can also provide businesses with access to educational and training resources. This includes workshops designed to help business owners and executives stay up-to-date on the latest business news and information

 

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from J. Arthur & Co.

Your Guide to Web Accessibility in 2023

“Web accessibility is not only for people with disabilities but for all of us who are thankful that there are no barriers in using our abilities.” – Remberto Esposa JR.

 

The importance of web accessibility has been on the rise in recent years, as the internet has become an increasingly important part of our lives. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most important one is that the internet is now essential for many aspects of modern life, including education, employment, and social participation. This means that people with disabilities who cannot access the internet are at a significant disadvantage. Web accessibility is, therefore, important for two reasons: 1) To ensure that people with disabilities can access the internet and 2) To ensure that the internet can be accessed by everyone, regardless of their disability. Let’s start with the basics…

 

What is Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities to access the internet. Each type of disability presents its own challenges, but there are also many ways to overcome these challenges. With the right support and accommodations, people with disabilities can lead full and successful lives. Here are a few of the most common disability types:

Visual Impairments

Visual impairments can make it difficult to see and process information. This can make everyday tasks like reading and writing more difficult. Approximately 285 million people around the world have some form of visual impairment, including 39 million who are blind and 246 million with low vision. Allow users to adjust font size manually. Provide sufficient contrast using colors and textures. Provide alt text or descriptions for non-text content.

Hearing Impairments

For deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, your site needs to be easy to navigate. Provide multiple contact options. Make sure to add captions or subtitles to all video content. Review any automated captions for accuracy.

Cognitive Impairments

Cognitive disability ranges from dyslexia to autism. People with cognitive impairments are limited in the way and manner they receive information from the web. Use well-structured web content that helps facilitate orientation. Include multiple ways of navigating the website i.e. hierarchical list or search bar.

Your Guide to web accessibility in 2023 1

 

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

There are multiple international and national laws and standards that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities:

There are also a number of voluntary guidelines and standards, such as:

These laws provide guidelines for how web accessibility is measured. Let’s break down those guidelines even further…

 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

When making your website more inclusive, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a great place to begin. These protocols are designed specifically to make online content more usable for people with disabilities, and are informed by four principles:

  1. Perceivable – Beginning with the most basic guideline, this is the user’s ability to process the information on your website. Ask yourself, is there any content on the website that a deaf, low vision or colorblind user would not be able to perceive?
  2. Operable – People with disabilities need to be able to operate websites and applications using a variety of different tools. Some users with disabilities are unable to operate a mouse. Can every function of your website be performed with AND without a keyboard?
  3. Understandable – Just because a user can perceive and operate a website, does not mean they can understand it. Make sure your content is easy to understand. The connection between action and result should be obvious.
  4. Robust – Make sure your website is accessible on all platforms. That includes mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.

 

How to Ensure Accessibility On Your Website

There are a number of steps that you can take to ensure that your website is accessible to people with disabilities.

 

Testing for Accessibility

Here are 5 tools you can use to test the accessibility of your website:

  1. The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative’s Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE)
  2. The W3C’s Web Accessibility Checker
  3. The Firefox Accessibility Extension
  4. The Google Chrome Accessibility Developer Tools
  5. The Safari Accessibility Inspector

For more tips on website testing, check out our recent blog on the topic.

The importance of web accessibility cannot be understated. It is essential for people with disabilities to access the internet, and for everyone to be able to access the internet regardless of their disability. Need help crafting an accessible website? The experts at J. Arthur & Co. have you covered!