Homeland Security Headquarters Over Budget

The construction of a massive new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security, billed as critical for national security and the revitalization of Southeast Washington, is running more than $1.5 billion over budget, is 11 years behind schedule and may never be completed, according to planning documents and federal officials.

Now what? This is the question the mind of many reporters today. It has been announced that “The entire complex was to be finished as early as this year, at a cost of less than $3 billion, according to the initial plan. Instead, with the exception of a Coast Guard building that opened last year, the grounds remain entirely undeveloped, with the occasional deer grazing amid the vacant Gothic Revival-style structures. The budget has ballooned to $4.5 billion, with completion pushed back to 2026. Even now, as Obama administration officials make the best of their limited funding, they have started design work for a second building that congressional aides and others familiar with the project say may never open.” – At least this is the report the Washington Post put in the paper today.

There isn’t much we can do about the spending at this point. It is like building a house one cannot afford and then being stuck with a half built house that can’t be sold in the middle of everything. We do need the space for the department and then again- we don’t. Heck, we have been functioning without it all this time, right? This brings up the question of “was it ever needed in the first place?” And then the onslaught of even more anger of budgets and projects, etc.

I wanted to talk, briefly, about this issue today because it is important. While no one has an immediate answer, we should address the elephant in the room.

Twyla N. Garrett

Looking to Spend Money? Try Investing in the Food Industry.

Ok, I know it sounds crazy. In the past, investing in the food industry sounded crazy. Banks, investors, family members- they all would discourage it. The rate use to be for every 10 restaurants started only 1 would still be standing a year later. That 1 restaurant standing also had a 60% chance of closing before making it to its second anniversary. Well, things have changed and the food industry is booming!

If you're looking to invest in a business then I would suggest you highly consider thinking about a bar or restaurant. You should, as always, check with your legal and business adviser before taking any action- but considering this industry is worth the extensive look.

In 2012, "Venture capitalists poured $350 million into food tech companies last year, an increase of 7.6 percent over 2011, according to research firm CB Insights. Not only that, but the number of deals increased by 37 percent, including robust activity in international markets," according to Steve Tobak of Inc.com. People are demanding more types of healthy, on-the-go foods. As a society we are working longer hours, traditional groceries are starting to cost the same as eating out every night, and there are more and more food allergies and food-lifestyle choices to cater to. Gourmet restaurants and healthy to-go joints are blooming and succeeding more than ever.

Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and dozens of other markets specializing in natural and organic foods, there are thousands of farmer's markets popping up in cities big and small across the nation. People are demanding better food and yet they have less and less time to dine-in. This is an advantage for anyone who is seeking to open a restaurant. To-go orders are easy, they require less staff and less start-up money. So, when someone asks me where I think their next investment should be, I say in the food industry! Five years ago I would have went through a long list of cons before listing the long-term, yet still rewarding pros. Now, not so much. And, I have been in the food industry as a business owner. I know how hard it is and how quickly money can be lost. I closed a restaurant. But, believe me when I say, things are changing. Do you due diligence and seek out viable options for restaurant investments.

Until next time,
Twyla Garrett