| Be Pro Be Proud program recruiting sponsor companies The mobile workforce development project is seeking 100 companies to pledge $15,000 or more by July 1. The Be Pro 100 will have logos displayed on a custom-made 18-wheeler featuring virtual reality simulations of skilled trades. Survey finds increased small-business optimism A May survey from National Federation of Independent Business Research Center found that small-business owners were more optimistic about future business conditions in May. The center's optimism index climbed by 3.5 points from April’s 90.9 reading. | 