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May 23, 2013
Wall Street falters in volatile session on Fed worries
May 23, 2013
Hunt for immigration votes on in Senate
May 23, 2013
Senate Panel Splits Over Labor-Board Picks
May 20, 2013
Business groups cheer on House immigration reform effort
May 20, 2013
New Federal Fracking Rules Rile Environmentalists, Oil and Gas Industry
May 20, 2013
S&P Warns Congress of Risks of Political Brinkmanship on Debt
May 20, 2013
Employers Eye Bare-Bones Health Plans Under New Law
May 17, 2013
House group reaches immigration deal
May 17, 2013
New Jobless Claims Rise, and Housing Starts Fall
May 17, 2013
GOP may roll out debt ceiling plan before August
May 14, 2013
Gang of 8 looks to defend guest worker plan
May 14, 2013
SEC nears decision on requiring businesses to disclose donations
May 14, 2013
Pelosi: ObamaCare 'largely responsible' for bringing down deficit
May 13, 2013
In Immigration Bill Talks, House Group Raises Voice
May 13, 2013
Economic Forecast: Expect a Late-Year Upswing
May 13, 2013
IRS targeted groups that criticized the government, IG report says
May 10, 2013
WH official: Obama won't negotiate on debt limit
May 10, 2013
Immigration bill passes first early test in U.S. Senate
May 10, 2013
Economy in the spotlight
May 9, 2013
Senate Committee Takes Up Immigration Bill
May 9, 2013
Lawmakers seek public support for tax overhaul
May 9, 2013
An 'unfair fight' for job-seeking veterans
May 8, 2013
Appeals court strikes down union poster rule
May 8, 2013
Immigrant Overhaul Faces Its First Test
May 8, 2013
Dodd-Frank Derivatives Bills Move Through Committee
May 3, 2013
Marco Rubio: The Immigration Reform Opportunity
May 3, 2013
Five Takeaways From the Jobs Report
May 3, 2013
Activists Want to Silence Business
May 2, 2013
10 Best States for Starting a Business
May 2, 2013
Reid: More funding needed to prevent ObamaCare from becoming 'train wreck'
May 2, 2013
Obama to Pitch Immigration Overhaul in Mexico
May 1, 2013
Ryan Takes a Key Role on Immigration
May 1, 2013
Small business owners agree ObamaCare is a train wreck
May 1, 2013
Poll: 40 percent don't know ObamaCare is still law
April 26, 2013
House Panel Set to Offer Several Immigration Bills
April 26, 2013
Obama must help small business owners with burden of health care law
April 26, 2013
Higher revenue, lower spending might mean debt limit breather
April 24, 2013
Sources: Obama plans W.H.-GOP budget group
April 24, 2013
Senators Pledge Action on Immigration Reform
April 24, 2013
Can Lame Ducks Baucus, Camp Achieve a Tax Overhaul?
April 22, 2013
What Small Businesses Want
April 22, 2013
Schumer: Senate immigration bill would make country safer
April 22, 2013
Economic Woes Abroad Bode Ill for the U.S.
April 19, 2013
U.S. Chamber Spearheads Effort to Pass Immigration Bill
April 19, 2013
Keystone XL opponents brace for protests in Neb.
April 19, 2013
Simpson-Bowles Prod Congress Again to Anti-Deficit Fervor
April 18, 2013
Max Baucus worried about health law 'train wreck'
April 18, 2013
Appropriators Must Bridge Budget Gap
April 18, 2013
Unemployment claims rise 4,000 to 352,000
April 18, 2013
As Senate's immigration 'Gang' releases text, House group speaks up
April 17, 2013
Economy hits 'spring swoon'
April 17, 2013
Senate immigration bill runs to 844 pages
April 17, 2013
GOP starts end run on Keystone to force decision by Obama
April 15, 2013
Small businesses need tax reform
April 15, 2013
Mitch McConnell in no mood for bipartisanship
April 12, 2013
Americans can't spend beyond their means; neither should the government
April 12, 2013
Immigration Bill Expected to Focus on Work Skills
April 12, 2013
Obama Trims Details on Health Law as Exchange Cost Rises
April 11, 2013
5 Fiscal Secrets Buried In Obama's Budget
April 11, 2013
Trade reform will create new route to sustainable transatlantic growth
April 11, 2013
Dodd-Frank 'Written in Anger,' Needs Fixing: Chamber CEO
April 10, 2013
Senate's Gang of Eight to announce immigration deal
April 10, 2013
President Obama's budget revives revenue fight
April 10, 2013
U.S. Chamber's Donohue Comments on Dodd-Frank
April 9, 2013
Health Care Is Now the Top Concern for Small Businesses
April 9, 2013
Sen. Max Baucus moves to reshape tax code
April 9, 2013
Immigration deal in farm sector's hands
April 8, 2013
Obamacare edges economic uncertainty as top concern for small businesses
April 8, 2013
Obama's budget revives talk of entitlement changes
April 8, 2013
Immigration Bill 'On Track' for End of Week, Schumer Says
April 5, 2013
Survey: Small businesses most concerned about healthcare law
April 5, 2013
Jobs report: Hiring slows severely in March
April 5, 2013
Common Ground on Medicare Emerges
April 4, 2013
Job Market Remains a Wild Card in Recovery Picture
April 4, 2013
A shockingly sensible immigration plan
April 4, 2013
Small business owners criticize Obamacare roll out
April 3, 2013
Chamber offers tax reform wish list
April 3, 2013
Club for Growth and FreedomWorks to Sit Out Immigration Fight
April 3, 2013
Americans back Keystone pipeline in new poll
April 2, 2013
A Last Act in the Obama Budget Wars?
April 2, 2013
White House hails signs of progress on immigration
April 2, 2013
Manufacturing Cools in U.S. as Government Cuts Loom
April 1, 2013
Business-Labor Deal Marks Major Step To Immigration Bill
April 1, 2013
Two Years, More Than 100,000 Heroes Hired
April 1, 2013
Momentum growing to revamp Washington's 'broken' budget process
March 29, 2013
Healthcare bracketology: US Chamber unveils 'Regulatory Madness'
March 29, 2013
White House Weighing Entitlement Limits
March 29, 2013
Boeing CEO says 787 is 'very close' to flying
March 28, 2013
Immigration in Spotlight as Senators Tour Arizona
March 28, 2013
White House's 2014 budget to be tardiest of Obama's presidency
March 28, 2013
Over 100,000 Veterans and Military Spouses Hired Nationwide
March 27, 2013
Study: Health Law Will Raise Claims 32 Percent
March 27, 2013
McCain, 3 other senators to tour US-Mexico border ahead of immigration reform debate
March 27, 2013
The Keystone Converts
March 26, 2013
Murray, Ryan face new mission impossible on the budget
March 26, 2013
Support growing for Keystone XL
March 26, 2013
Obama urges Congress to 'finish the job' on immigration overhaul
March 25, 2013
Congress Set to Alter Focus After Passing Two Budgets
March 25, 2013
Opponents mark Obamacare's 3rd anniversary with lobbying surge
March 25, 2013
Armed With Excuses, Lawmakers Head Home to Sequester Complaints
March 21, 2013
Immigration Plan Slipping Because No Proposal, Leahy Says
March 21, 2013
House On Track To Pass Budget Plan With Deep Cuts
March 21, 2013
Health-care law uncertainty grips Old Town Alexandria cafe - and other small businesses
March 20, 2013
Finance Bill, Nearing Senate Passage, Would Protect Some Favored Programs
March 20, 2013
US Chamber wants flexibility on Obama health law's employer mandate
March 20, 2013
U.S. Appeals Court Hears NLRB Recess Appointment Case
March 19, 2013
Rubio: 'No tax in the world will cure debt'
March 19, 2013
Congress Works On Budgets For Both 2013 and Future
March 19, 2013
Confirmation fight looms for Labor Secretary nominee Thomas Perez
March 18, 2013
House and Senate groups working on immigration
March 18, 2013
The NLRB Fight Heats Up
March 18, 2013
Tax Credits or Spending? Labels, but in Congress, Fighting Words
March 14, 2013
U.S. Chamber Sets Immigration Push
March 14, 2013
House Watching for 'Poison Pills' as Senate Turns to Continuing Resolution
March 14, 2013
White House endorses Senate Dem budget
March 13, 2013
Labor board to appeal recess case to Supreme Court
March 13, 2013
McConnell predicts debt-limit showdown
March 13, 2013
Rep. Ryan unveils GOP's $4.6T plan to cut the deficit
March 13, 2013
Tom Donohue: What's Next for Businesses and Health Care?
March 12, 2013
U.S. Refiners Turn to Rail to Tap Canadian Oil
March 12, 2013
McClatchy-Marist poll shows Obama tumbling in voters' eyes
March 12, 2013
Paul Ryan: The GOP Plan to Balance the Budget by 2023
March 11, 2013
Companies Challenge Labor Rulings
March 11, 2013
Senators agree on path to legal status for illegal immigrants
March 11, 2013
Opening Budget Bids Set Parties' Battle Lines
March 8, 2013
Boehner Warns Senate Against Loading Up CR
March 8, 2013
Turning on the charm, Obama tries to end gridlock
March 8, 2013
Feds' $205B deficit in February dwarfs $85B in sequester cuts
March 7, 2013
Efforts To Avoid Government Shutdown Move to Senate
March 7, 2013
Senators look to early April for immigration bill
March 7, 2013
Flaws can be fixed by free-market changes
March 5, 2013
States cook up own takes on Obamacare
March 5, 2013
Skilled immigrants an asset to the US
March 5, 2013
Obama dials up senators in search of 'common sense' caucus
March 4, 2013
Keystone XL effect on environment seen as minimal, U.S. says
March 4, 2013
House continuing resolution to restore $7B to military operations
March 4, 2013
Obama to Unveil Picks for EPA, Energy Department
February 28, 2013
U.S. Chamber opposed to Senate Democrats' sequester replacement bill
February 28, 2013
Chamber study claims to debunk EPA figures on job-creating regulations
February 28, 2013
White House Counts on G.O.P. to Bend as Cuts' Effects Are Felt
February 28, 2013
As New York weighs fracking, rivals race ahead
February 27, 2013
Obama Rejects Plan For More Say In Spending Cuts
February 27, 2013
US Chamber report to allege EPA downplays rules' impact
February 27, 2013
Republican Senators Encouraged by Meeting With Obama
February 27, 2013
NBC/WSJ poll: Public wary about sequester cuts, but Obama in stronger political position than GOP
February 26, 2013
Sens.McCain and Graham to meet with Obama for talks on immigration
February 26, 2013
G.O.P. Drafts Plan to Give Obama Discretion on Cuts
February 26, 2013
Why Unions Want a Higher Minimum Wage
February 25, 2013
Woodward pushes back: W.H. confusing, distorting facts on sequester
February 25, 2013
Finance to vote on Lew nomination on Tuesday
February 25, 2013
Congress Lumbers Toward Sequestration
February 22, 2013
Sudden Spending Cuts Likely to Bleed Slowly
February 22, 2013
Labor, business leaders declare progress in immigration talks
February 22, 2013
Consumers in U.S. Hold Negative Economic Outlook as Fuel Climbs
February 21, 2013
Health-Plan Details Unveiled
February 21, 2013
More than half of Congress has never debated immigration reform
February 21, 2013
Pentagon Notifies Congress Of Likely Furloughs
February 20, 2013
Obama decries 'meat cleaver' sequestration
February 20, 2013
White House Tries To Keep Immigration On Track
February 20, 2013
TransCanada: Pipeline Would Not Affect Climate
February 19, 2013
Let Markets Decide Legal Migration Rights
February 19, 2013
Chamber of Commerce Issues Warning to CFPB
February 15, 2013
Democrats' Plan Keeps Divide on U.S. Taxes as Cuts Near
February 15, 2013
Reps. To Unveil HIT Bill
February 15, 2013
The U.S. needs to tame the cyber-dragon
February 14, 2013
Calmly, Pick for Treasury Offers Replies to Senators
February 14, 2013
Lawmakers Say Sequester Replacement Plan Slipping to Late March
February 14, 2013
U.S. support for Keystone pipeline stretches well beyond industry insiders
February 13, 2013
Obama to Open Trade Talks With E.U.
February 13, 2013
Obama SOTU Address: President Says GOP Should Back His Plans
February 13, 2013
Reid: Sequester action week of Feb. 25
February 13, 2013
Recess Appointments Dominate Senate GOP Lunch
February 13, 2013
Obama renominates contentious labor board picks
In a provocative move, President Obama Wednesday re-nominated two controversial Democratic candidates to the National Labor Relations Board just weeks after a federal court invalided their recess appointments to the posts.
February 12, 2013
President Obama's State of the Union: Aggressive
February 12, 2013
Yellen Signals Fed Would Maintain Easing After Halting QE
February 12, 2013
SENATE DEMOCRATS CRAFT BILL TO AVERT BUDGET CUTS
February 11, 2013
State of the Union could be 'call to action' on jobs, energy and immigration
February 11, 2013
In Medicaid, a New Health-Care Fight
February 11, 2013
Parties Solidify Positions in Sequester Stalemate
February 8, 2013
Business and Labor Unite to Try to Alter Immigration Laws
February 8, 2013
On the money: The economic picture
February 8, 2013
Obama rallies Democrats, scorns GOP fiscal plans
February 7, 2013
White House Weighs Emission Rules
February 7, 2013
Boehner Opposes Delay in Spending Cuts Without Changes
February 7, 2013
Veterans hiring initiative announced
February 6, 2013
Business leaders, unions negotiating guest-worker program
February 6, 2013
Business groups oppose tax hikes to cover scheduled spending cuts
February 6, 2013
Sierra Club chief 'confident' that Kerry, Obama will scuttle pipeline
February 5, 2013
Obama Fiscal 2014 Budget Said to Be Delayed Until March
February 5, 2013
New EPA leader sure to draw fire as environmental fights intensify
February 5, 2013
The NLRB's uncertain state
February 4, 2013
GOP governors propose new spending with surpluses
February 4, 2013
Reid Says New Revenue Vital in a Budget Deal
February 4, 2013
Obama's climate team appears primed for action
February 1, 2013
US economy adds 157,000 jobs in January, but unemployment rate ticks up to 7.9 percent
February 1, 2013
Senate approves debt-ceiling bill in 64-34 vote
February 1, 2013
Chamber Urges Businesses to Appeal Labor Rulings
February 1, 2013
Senators Look at Past Failures for Lessons on Immigration Overhaul
January 31, 2013
Obama administration takes steps to implement individual mandate
January 31, 2013
Reid, McConnell Set Vote on Short-Term Debt Bill; GOP Lines Up Amendments
January 31, 2013
HOUSE MEMBERS NEGOTIATE A PROPOSAL ON IMMIGRATION
January 30, 2013
US economy shrinks 0.1 pct., first time in 3.5 years; deep cut in defense spending key factor
January 30, 2013
US plans more skilled migrant visas
January 30, 2013
Keystone XL decision may loom large for red state Democrats in 2014 midterms
January 30, 2013
Deep spending cuts are likely, lawmakers say, with no deal on sequester in sight
January 25, 2013
The Real Obama Climate Deal
January 25, 2013
Paycheck Politics Could Be Here to Stay
January 25, 2013
In Senate, New Push on Taxes
January 24, 2013
Rubio champions trade schools, online courses, 'non-traditional' learning
January 24, 2013
House votes to extend debt ceiling; Senate expected to follow
January 24, 2013
Share of the Work Force in a Union Falls to a 97-Year Low, 11.3%
January 23, 2013
House gears up to vote on temporary debt ceiling hike
January 23, 2013
Immigration: The road to recognition
January 23, 2013
Obama's next climate steps apt to be temperate
January 23, 2013
Nebraska governor approves Keystone pipeline
January 22, 2013
More Republicans start calling for immigration changes
January 22, 2013
House Republicans unveil measure to suspend debt ceiling until May 19
January 22, 2013
Speech Gives Climate Goals Center Stage
January 20, 2013
Sen. Rubio rallying conservatives behind comprehensive immigration reform
January 18, 2013
Immigration advocates promise to put 'muscle' behind reform push
January 18, 2013
Americans' Economic Outlook Fell in January to Three-Month Low
January 18, 2013
House GOP Leaders Consider Four-Year Debt Limit Deal
January 17, 2013
As manufacturing bounces back from recession, unions are left behind
January 17, 2013
A Health Scare for Small Businesses
January 17, 2013
Fed's Beige Book reports 'modest or moderate' growth across US
January 16, 2013
Road, Power Gaps May Cost U.S. GDP $3.1 Trillion, Group Says
January 16, 2013
Republicans Split on Debt-Ceiling Approach
January 16, 2013
Wal-Mart pledges to hire every veteran who wants a job
January 16, 2013
House Dems push again for creation of government-run health insurance option
Dozens of House Democrats on Tuesday reintroduced legislation that would amend the 2010 healthcare law to create a government-run health insurance option, or a so-called "public option."
January 15, 2013
White House tells Paul Ryan it won't meet budget deadline
January 15, 2013
Small businesses take bleak view of economy, government
January 15, 2013
House GOP Leaders Consider Four-Year Debt Limit Deal
January 14, 2013
Survey: Most small businesses say economy still off track
January 14, 2013
Pentagon shifts tactics on sequestration
January 11, 2013
US Chamber chief: 'Exploding debt' is threat to economy
January 11, 2013
More energy development would significantly help US, Donohue says
January 11, 2013
'Cliff' Deal Seen Hitting Growth
January 11, 2013
Consumer Comfort Falls as U.S. Payroll Tax Takes Hold
January 8, 2013
With U.S. fiscal problems unresolved, treasured AAA rating may fall off cliff
January 8, 2013
To Expand Commerce And Grow The Economy, Trade Freely With Europe
January 8, 2013
Defense Budget Cuts of $45 Billion Seen by Pentagon
January 7, 2013
Unemployment steady at 7.8 percent in December
January 7, 2013
White House, GOP Draw Red Lines In Debt Debate
January 7, 2013
Low gas prices of 2012 on verge of evaporating
January 4, 2013
After Fiscal Cliff Deal, 'Uncertainty' Still Bedevils Business
January 4, 2013
Obama Fights Republicans on Debt as Investors Seek Growth
January 4, 2013
Jobless Claims in U.S. Rose More Than Forecast in Holidays
January 3, 2013
Business leaders say 'cliff' deal won't ease economic uncertainty
January 3, 2013
Gas Drilling Is Called Safe in New York
January 3, 2013
Business, anti-deficit groups say 'fiscal cliff' deal falls short
January 3, 2013
Inside the Ring: No fix for defense cuts
January 2, 2013
Cliff avoided: Congress staves off tax hikes
January 2, 2013
Even With Fiscal Agreement, Investors Facing Imminent Obstacles
January 2, 2013
Exit of EPA boss a protest
December 31, 2012
Most will face a rare tax increase with or without 'fiscal cliff' resolution
December 31, 2012
Cliff's Edge Draws Close
December 31, 2012
Gas prices hit record high in 2012
December 31, 2012
Markets remain flat as cliff looms
December 31, 2012
Unthinkable Cuts Almost a Reality
December 21, 2012
Shale expected to bring jobs
December 21, 2012
Poll: Brown Would Be In Strong Position For Special Election
December 21, 2012
Administration says furloughs are possible, but not immediately
December 21, 2012
House GOP pulls Plan B; Boehner says 'cliff' up to Reid, Obama
December 20, 2012
Study: Shale gas may create 58K jobs
December 20, 2012
It's Time To Upgrade The Entire World's Infrastructure
December 20, 2012
IRS chief warns of massive delay on tax returns
December 20, 2012
Cliff standoff: Boehner works to wrangle votes for Plan B; Obama threatens veto
December 19, 2012
Boehner moves to 'Plan B'
December 19, 2012
U.S. Shrinks Trade Deficit as Oil Falls
December 19, 2012
2 million will lose jobless benefit if Congress fails to act
December 19, 2012
NLRB finally achieves solidarity
December 18, 2012
Pipeline will boost economy
December 18, 2012
Obama, Boehner move closer to 'cliff' deal
December 18, 2012
How Big Deficits Became the Norm
December 18, 2012
EPA emails under internal probe
December 17, 2012
Another debt-ceiling fight troubles the business community
December 17, 2012
Over 'fiscal cliff,' fiscal pain to accelerate
December 17, 2012
Porked-up Sandy relief bill storms into Senate
December 17, 2012
Coal Can Be a Fuel of the Future
December 14, 2012
2013: Not another do-nothing year
December 14, 2012
Democrats losing their 'balance' on entitlement reform
December 14, 2012
Sources: No movement in President Obama, John Boehner cliff talks
December 14, 2012
Rice Ends Bid Amid Criticism
December 13, 2012
Leading U.S. business group opposed to new money fund rules
December 13, 2012
Fed ties stimulus to jobs, inflation in unprecedented steps to bolster economy
December 13, 2012
House GOP Frustrated on Sidelines of Cliff Negotiations
December 12, 2012
Obama and Republicans Trade Offers to Avert Fiscal Crisis
December 12, 2012
Unions Dealt Blow in UAW's Home State
December 12, 2012
BRICs score lowest on intellectual property protection - index
December 12, 2012
Trade Gap Grows As Exports Slide
December 11, 2012
US, EU considering world's biggest free trade pact
December 11, 2012
Stock Market Is a Wild Card in Fiscal Cliff Talks
December 11, 2012
President Obama ties right-to-work to fiscal cliff in Michigan
December 10, 2012
Time Running Out on 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal
December 10, 2012
Fracking surveys find support in unexpected places
December 10, 2012
Unions vow political payback for right-to-work law
December 10, 2012
Consumer Spending Wobbles
December 7, 2012
Some See Hope as Talks Resume Over 'Fiscal Cliff'
December 7, 2012
White House, business groups commend Congress for passage of Russia trade bill
December 7, 2012
Right-to-work bills pass in Lansing
December 6, 2012
Democrats Divided Over Payroll Tax Cut Extension
December 6, 2012
Cliff Drama Turns Page to Debt Ceiling
December 6, 2012
Senate to vote on Russia trade and rights bill
December 6, 2012
IRS finalizes new tax for medical devices in healthcare law
December 5, 2012
Jeb Bush Jr. and conservatives lead push for immigration overhaul
December 5, 2012
Republicans Balk at Short-Term Stimulus in Obama Plan
December 5, 2012
Are Small-Business Owners Going to Spoil the Mood?
December 4, 2012
Trade could thaw Obama, business relationship
December 4, 2012
GOP issues a new 'fiscal cliff' offer to Obama
December 4, 2012
Addressing The Labor Shortage In STEM Fields
December 4, 2012
Update on fracking action at statehouse
December 3, 2012
Parties Dig In on Cliff Positions
December 3, 2012
Administration's Cliff Offer Presents a Challenge for Centrist Democrats
December 3, 2012
New US Chamber report advocates more aggressive use of EOR
December 3, 2012
Inhofe: Some Dems won't 'fall on the sword of Obama' to defend EPA rules
November 30, 2012
Timothy Geithner: End debt ceiling for good?
November 30, 2012
Obama fighting Microsoft-backed visa reform
November 30, 2012
Chamber speaker: Fracking, off-shore drilling could help U.S. economy
November 29, 2012
Fiscal Cliff Talks to Get Real on Thursday
November 29, 2012
Chamber to Insert Energy Development into Fiscal Cliff Debate
November 29, 2012
After election, pressure grows on Obama in Asia-Pacific trade talks
November 29, 2012
OVERNIGHT ENERGY: US Chamber makes energy push in fiscal talks
November 28, 2012
Mr. Obama's time to lead on entitlements
November 28, 2012
Lobbyists Stress Need for a 'Clean' Immigration Bill in Next Congress
November 28, 2012
Online Sales Rose 30% on 'Cyber Monday'
November 28, 2012
Federal budget standoff is nerve-racking for state's long-term jobless
November 27, 2012
Chamber of Commerce head meets with WH officials
November 27, 2012
GOP immigration bill keeps the well-educated
November 27, 2012
Court Backs Obama on Health Law
November 26, 2012
Trying to Turn Obama Voters Into Tax Allies
November 26, 2012
Examiner Editorial: A re-elected Obama rewards his Big Labor friends
November 26, 2012
Small Business Saturday seeks to jump out of Black Friday's shadow
November 21, 2012
Bernanke Says Fiscal Cliff Fix May Bring 'Very Good' Year
November 21, 2012
Administration unveils health care regulations
November 21, 2012
Insurers Go Beyond Paying Claims for Sandy Victims
November 20, 2012
Fracking gains public support
November 20, 2012
'Fiscal cliff' threatens the national defense
November 19, 2012
Five 'ObamaCare' battles to watch
November 19, 2012
House Passes Russia Trade Bill With Eye on Rights Abuses
November 16, 2012
Jobless Claims Rise Following Storm
November 16, 2012
Chamber to promote Small Business Saturday in partnership with American Express
November 16, 2012
'Fiscal cliff' fears may extend stocks' decline
November 16, 2012
OVERNIGHT MONEY: Russia trade bill stands at the ready
November 15, 2012
Cybersecurity Bill Fails To Advance in Senate, Again
November 15, 2012
Agencies warn politicians: Credit ratings on the line
November 15, 2012
Industry lobbyists call for lighter oil, gas regulations
November 14, 2012
U.S. Chamber Warns Lawmakers to Avoid Fiscal Cliff
November 14, 2012
Cybersecurity Bill's Outlook Still Bleak
November 14, 2012
AMT could keep 60 million taxpayers from filing returns till March, delaying refunds
November 14, 2012
Small businesses go alternative for loans
November 13, 2012
Labor Roundup: Election's Over, Here Comes the Fiscal Cliff
November 13, 2012
Will Congress Punt on the Fiscal Cliff?
November 13, 2012
Labor: Tax the rich, don't touch safety nets
November 13, 2012
U.S. Redraws World Oil Map
November 9, 2012
U.S. Chamber To Employ Efforts To Stop Fiscal Cliff Failure
November 9, 2012
Re-Election Greenlights Host of EPA Rules, Solidifies Regulation of Greenhouse Gases
November 9, 2012
US Chamber seeks Small Business of the Year nominees
November 8, 2012
Fiscal cliff looming, Boehner calls for bipartisan agreement
November 8, 2012
Big Labor's Losses
November 8, 2012
Wall Street Caught Between Barack and a Hard Place
November 7, 2012
Harsher energy regulations coming in Obama's second term
November 7, 2012
Fiscal cliff now market's big worry
November 7, 2012
Flake defeats Carmona in Senate race
November 7, 2012
Heller fends off Berkley in bitter Senate race
November 7, 2012
Fischer wins Senate battle
November 5, 2012
Unions Recruit New Allies for Obama in Battleground States
November 5, 2012
US set for final campaigning day
November 5, 2012
Sandy's threat to small business -- and how you can help
November 5, 2012
Allen, Kaine spend final Sunday courting voters
November 5, 2012
Chamber Backs Smith in Pa. Senate Race
November 2, 2012
For Business, Vote Holds High Stakes
November 2, 2012
Superstorm Sandy donations pick up
November 2, 2012
US Chamber to air anti-Democrat Casey ads in Pa.
November 2, 2012
Chamber of Commerce backs Buchanan
October 31, 2012
Small-Business Owners Look to Return to Work After Sandy
October 31, 2012
Why Raising Taxes on the Oil & Gas Industry is a Bad Idea
October 31, 2012
Chamber Focuses Heavily On Last Week Of Tight Senate Races
October 26, 2012
CEOs Back Debt Concepts Broad Enough to Please Both Sides
October 26, 2012
Layoffs rise as firms retrench due to earnings
October 26, 2012
Poll Has Chamber-backed Flake Up Six In AZ Senate Race
October 26, 2012
Energy on voters' minds as elections approach
October 25, 2012
As key Senate races get tighter, Republicans' hopes rise
October 25, 2012
US Chamber Hosts First Health Care Summit
October 25, 2012
US Economy Will Strengthen Over Next Year If Fiscal Cliff Avoided
October 25, 2012
Giuliani Praises Tort Reform at Chamber of Commerce Conference
October 25, 2012
US Senate race in Maine gets ugly
October 24, 2012
Why is Uncertainty So Unbelievable to Paul Krugman?
October 24, 2012
Virginia Senate race comes down to the wire
October 24, 2012
Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani Speaks on Election 2012
October 24, 2012
Shale natural gas is huge, says U.S. Chamber of Commerce study
October 24, 2012
New poll puts Berg up 5 on Heitkamp in Senate race
October 23, 2012
Cybersecurity Bill Cannot Add Regulation, Threats To U.S. Businesses
October 23, 2012
Housing picture: 65 percent of markets worse off than before the bust
October 23, 2012
Outside groups spending heavily in Tierney Tisei race
October 23, 2012
Poll: Presidential Race is Neck and Neck In Ohio
October 23, 2012
The final presidential debate, by the numbers
October 22, 2012
U.S. Senate contest between Tammy, Tommy has high stakes
October 22, 2012
Chamber of Commerce seeks to mobilize pro-business vote
October 22, 2012
Poll: Romney holds narrow lead in Florida
October 22, 2012
Brown, Mandel focus on attacking each other
October 22, 2012
Four concrete ways the fiscal cliff is hurting business today
October 22, 2012
U.S. Senate contest between Tammy, Tommy has high stakes
October 22, 2012
Brown, Mandel focus on attacking each other
October 17, 2012
Election will determine fiscal cliff solution, say lawmakers
October 17, 2012
Aggressive Obama and Romney exchange blows in second debate
October 17, 2012
Analysis: With gloves off on TV, did rivals connect?
October 17, 2012
Thompson gets Chamber of Commerce endorsement in U.S. Senate race
October 17, 2012
BIPAC, Chamber Go to Twitter for Debate
October 16, 2012
Swing States poll: Women push Romney into lead
October 16, 2012
Vets program in works: Manufacturers offer training, hiring in 10 cities
October 16, 2012
Will US economy rebound in 2013? Forecasters say not much.
October 16, 2012
U.S. Chamber endorses Bob Latta
October 16, 2012
Montana Senate race is coming down to the wire
October 15, 2012
Striking it rich in North Dakota
October 15, 2012
PACs attack: NY seeing a flood of outside money
October 15, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Richard Hudson
October 15, 2012
Chamber ad attacks independent Maine Senate candidate Angus King
October 15, 2012
Democrat's appeal keeps Senate race tight in N.D.
October 11, 2012
Oil Industry Sues to Block Rule on Payments Abroad
October 11, 2012
Biden expected to be aggressor in VP debate
October 11, 2012
Putting Fiscal Policies Under the Microscope
October 11, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses McMahon
October 11, 2012
Montana's Tester says he's not Obama's 'twin' in tight Senate race
October 11, 2012
Chamber's Tax Study Cited By Brown Campaign
October 10, 2012
Jobless rate looks nice - until you look under hood
October 10, 2012
'Fiscal cliff' fight already a drag on U.S. economy
October 10, 2012
US Senate candidates debate attack ads, outside money, taxes in debate in Maine
October 10, 2012
Poll: Scott Brown leads by 3 points
October 9, 2012
Across the electoral map, a mixed picture for candidates down the ballot
October 9, 2012
Unions make a stand for fixed rights in Michigan
October 9, 2012
Small Business Surveys Confirm Need for New Course
October 9, 2012
For the first time in decades, California House races are hot
October 9, 2012
Chamber bets that control of the rests in Democratic-friendly states - Calif., NY Ill.
October 9, 2012
Chamber survey: McMahon leads Murphy
October 5, 2012
Give us a brake
October 5, 2012
Congressional Budget Office warns of Social Security insolvency by 2033
October 5, 2012
Chamber of Commerce Ad Blitz in 9 House Districts
October 5, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Costa
October 4, 2012
Shale gas a game changer for U.S. energy economy
October 4, 2012
Small businesses becoming more pessimistic, U.S. Chamber says
October 4, 2012
Why Dodd-Frank Rules Keep Losing in Court
October 4, 2012
Chamber Expands Ads Into New York, Utah And Georgia
October 3, 2012
Economy to dominate crucial first debate for Obama, Romney
October 3, 2012
Schools Advocates Rally Around 'Parent Power' Movie
October 3, 2012
Gang of 8 plots secret retreat
October 2, 2012
Change the tax conversation
October 2, 2012
The manufacturing recovery that wasn't
October 2, 2012
Strong Republican a Senate long shot in Hawaii
October 1, 2012
Chamber launches get-out-the-vote effort to boost GOP congressional candidates
October 1, 2012
'Dark money' flowing back to issue ads
October 1, 2012
Energy powers employment
October 1, 2012
The Buzz: U.S. Chamber bashes California Democrats in TV ad blitz
September 28, 2012
US Treasury's Geithner urges action on money market funds
September 28, 2012
Job fair gives vets hope
September 28, 2012
Chamber Drops $3.3 Million for California Repubs
September 28, 2012
U.S. Chamber backs Mike McIntyre's re-election bid
September 27, 2012
K Street Follows Lawmakers Outside the Beltway
September 27, 2012
Senate Republicans join suit against NLRB recess appointments
September 27, 2012
Wisconsin's Judicial Recall
September 26, 2012
We need a simpler, flatter and fairer tax code
September 26, 2012
Dodd-Frank's 'Orderly Liquidation' Is Out of Order
September 26, 2012
Romney vs. Obama: Reigniting the Regulation Question
September 26, 2012
Angus King edits newspaper profile before putting it on campaign website
September 26, 2012
DAVIS ANNOUNCES 6-POINT JOB PLAN; ENDORSED BY CHAMBERS
September 25, 2012
Employers Need Incentives to Offer Retirement Plans
September 25, 2012
Skills lacking for college
September 24, 2012
Obama's Keystone XL pipeline veto a wake-up call to Canada, says former ambassador to U.S.
September 24, 2012
House rejects bill to boost foreign STEM students in US, for now
September 24, 2012
Obama's Cyber Attack
September 24, 2012
Montana Senate candidates face barrage of attack ads
September 24, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Gary DeLong for Congress
September 21, 2012
US Chamber, others ask appeals court to uphold ruling against EPA in veto of W.Va. mine permit
September 21, 2012
Biden woos workers with tax attacks
September 21, 2012
Doheny receives two endorsements
September 21, 2012
Onslaught of new ads in Senate race
September 21, 2012
Republican Summers closes in on Angus King in Maine Senate race
September 20, 2012
Ohio Compresser Maker Hunts for Workers Amid Skills Gap
September 20, 2012
USTR Kirk eyes vote on Russia trade bill after election
September 20, 2012
Tech companies push for high-skilled immigration bill
September 20, 2012
US Chamber launches new ad slamming King on spending
September 20, 2012
Ohio Senate Race Close as $18 Million in Ads Flood In
September 20, 2012
Is the 2012 election tilting toward Democrats?
September 19, 2012
Does uncertainty cost the economy jobs? Fed researchers call it a big problem
September 19, 2012
Congress Nearing End of Session Where Partisan Input Impeded Output
September 19, 2012
The U.S. Needs More i-Side Economics
September 19, 2012
Hawaii: Republican leads Democrat for Senate in new poll
September 18, 2012
US Chamber of Commerce launches ads targeting Maine independent, Democrats in Montana, Ohio
September 18, 2012
Business making an anti-regulation pitch to voters
September 18, 2012
Fed Says Joblessness Would Be 7% With Less Consumer Doubt
September 17, 2012
House Repubs to Hold Immigration Bill Vote Next Week
September 17, 2012
Inaction on Fiscal Cliff Could Lead to Inflation
September 17, 2012
Federal Job Priority for Veterans Headed for Final Vote in Senate
September 17, 2012
NRSC On The Air Against Angus King
September 14, 2012
Training veterans for today's economy
September 14, 2012
Low interest rates may get few borrowers off sidelines
September 14, 2012
House passes stopgap bill at Democrats' spending level
September 14, 2012
Engstrom Statements on Warrens' Business Record Used in Ad
September 13, 2012
Business groups call for immediate action on coming fiscal cliff
September 13, 2012
Poll: U.S. satisfaction triples in year
September 13, 2012
Economists Skeptical on More Fed Easing
September 12, 2012
Pennsylvania's State Tort-Liability Ranking
September 12, 2012
Boehner fears nation may fall off 'fiscal cliff'
September 12, 2012
Russian trade bill lacks full support
September 11, 2012
Good For Business? Why Corporate Lawyers Give Bad Marks to Chicago and LA
September 11, 2012
U.S. Chamber economist: 5 ways Washington is stifling growth
September 11, 2012
Under Obama, 11,327 Pages of Federal Regulations Added
September 11, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Deb Fischer
September 10, 2012
Dennis Rehberg accepts endorsement of U.S. Chamber of Commerce
September 10, 2012
Chamber of Commerce on Jobs report: "Clearly the economic policies that have been implemented in Washington are failing"
September 10, 2012
California ranked 4th worst in business legal climate
September 7, 2012
No new disclosure in sight for money groups before election
September 7, 2012
Two Republicans question change of small business definition in context of tax debate
September 7, 2012
The Path To Job Creation Runs Through Regulatory Reform
September 7, 2012
Economy adds 96K jobs, unemployment rate falls to 8.1 percent
September 6, 2012
New transportation bill cuts red tape
September 6, 2012
New Keystone route proposed, but green groups unswayed
September 6, 2012
Desperately Seeking Middle-Class Taxes
September 5, 2012
Moody's says low interest rates, weak growth to challenge US banks over the next 18 months
September 5, 2012
Craft serious approach to 'fiscal cliff'
September 5, 2012
Manufacturing Activity Declined in August
September 4, 2012
Ohio's Gas-Fracking Boom Seen Aiding Obama In Swing State
September 4, 2012
Union stalking
September 4, 2012
CFPB's unchecked power
August 31, 2012
Feds can help workers by aiding business to invest in energy and infrastructure
August 31, 2012
Georgia's budget can't take Obamacare
August 31, 2012
Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair for Military Spouses at Marine Base Quantico
August 30, 2012
Sharp Elbows Among Street Lawmen
August 30, 2012
Romney gets bump from first full day at Republican convention
August 30, 2012
Business wins $250K in national contest
August 29, 2012
The California Comeback
August 29, 2012
Chamber Asks Congress to Revive Crackdown on Online Piracy
August 29, 2012
Republicans attack Angus King's fiscal record
August 28, 2012
Industry Seeks Tax Fix
August 28, 2012
SEC Abandons US Money Market Fund Reform
August 27, 2012
Inaction on Russia Trade Could Harm U.S. Exports
August 27, 2012
Industry claims victory in US battle
August 27, 2012
M.D. HARMON: Senate race may be fun after all, as King falls, Summers rises
August 27, 2012
Wyoming ranks high in business survey
August 24, 2012
Lancaster Chamber gets update on national union situation
August 24, 2012
Analyst: Will housing fall off 'fiscal cliff?'
August 24, 2012
Chamber Launches Program to Boost California Jobs and Growth
August 23, 2012
US Cold War trade rule stays as Russia joins WTO
August 23, 2012
MAP-21 Program To Bring $6B To NY Transportation
August 22, 2012
LivingSocial, Chase Bank award $3M in grants to boost small business
August 22, 2012
Utilities win ruling against EPA interstate emissions rule
August 22, 2012
National Chamber group endorses Wilson for Senate
August 22, 2012
Rules Reduce U.S. Manufacturing by $500 Billion, Industry Says
August 21, 2012
U.S. Business Groups Oppose 'Congo' Rule
August 21, 2012
Mayors oppose new money market fund restrictions
August 21, 2012
Looming 'fiscal cliff' is hurting US economy now, economists warn
August 21, 2012
Message to the GOP: Maine is not lost!
August 21, 2012
Rules Reduce U.S. Manufacturing by $500 Billion, Industry Says
August 20, 2012
Choosing a senator, Claiming the credit
August 20, 2012
Business groups headed to conventions to push lawmakers on Russia trade bill
August 20, 2012
Epic Stock Rally Finding Few Fans
August 17, 2012
Coal-powered Republican candidates go to war with EPA in battleground states
August 17, 2012
The Dodd-Frank Threat to U.S. Energy
August 16, 2012
Medal of Honor recipient now fights to hire vets
August 16, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Sen. Scott Brown, calls Elizabeth Warren a 'threat to free enterprise'
August 16, 2012
Tech companies make progress on 'blood phones' and 'conflict minerals'
August 16, 2012
Economic recovery rockiest since Depression
August 14, 2012
Superfund Cleanup Stirs Troubled Waters
August 14, 2012
US Chamber hosts events to support GOP's Summers
August 14, 2012
Job-seeking veterans get help developing 'personal brand'
August 13, 2012
States Exempt Labor Unions from Stalking, Trespassing Laws
August 13, 2012
Lieberman not giving up on cyber security bill
August 13, 2012
Budget impasse darkens outlook
August 10, 2012
Fiscal cliff threatens small businesses
August 10, 2012
House Republicans ask for details on healthcare implementation spending
August 10, 2012
U.S. Banks' Dodd-Frank Costs May Widen to $34 Billion, S&P Says
August 9, 2012
Obama Considering Executive-Branch Action On Cybersecurity
August 9, 2012
State Dept. warns sequester cuts will devastate diplomatic, security missions
August 9, 2012
How should America deal with Russia?
August 8, 2012
Looming Tax Hikes Will Cripple Economic Output
August 8, 2012
CBO: Deficit at $975B, on pace to top $1T mark for fiscal 2012
August 8, 2012
Labor Board Appeals Ruling Against Vote On Union Ballot
August 7, 2012
GOP's Summers goes on attack against King
August 7, 2012
U.S. business group challenges EPA mercury rule
August 7, 2012
Brunner leads, Akin has momentum heading into Missouri Senate Republican primary Tuesday
August 6, 2012
The Unlikely Allies Who Blocked Obama's Cyber Security Bill
August 6, 2012
Russia Bills Fall Victim to America's Broken Political Process
August 6, 2012
Fearing an Impasse in Congress, Industry Cuts Spending
August 3, 2012
Jobless rate rises to 8.3 percent, hiring picks up but still falling short
August 3, 2012
Democrat idea to let Bush tax cuts expire is "madness": Holtz-Eakin
August 3, 2012
Senate Fails to Approve Cybersecurity Legislation
August 2, 2012
Republican-led House rejects Democratic tax plan
August 2, 2012
U.S. Manufacturing Unexpectedly Shrinks for Second Month
August 2, 2012
Democrats: Doomsday; Republicans: Your fault
August 1, 2012
Tax increase hurts family farms, ranches and small businesses
August 1, 2012
THE RACE: Economic train wreck may lie ahead
August 1, 2012
Senate Still Divided on Cyber Bill
July 31, 2012
Regulation Hampers Growth Companies
July 31, 2012
Chamber's Engstrom Comments on King Ad Campaign
July 31, 2012
Americans rank tax hikes on wealthy as lowest priority, place job creation on top
July 30, 2012
Durbin: Deficit deal unlikely before election
July 30, 2012
Goodyear providing 1,000 veterans with jobs during the next three years
July 30, 2012
Coal industry sheds jobs, leaving Eastern Kentucky economy in tatters
July 27, 2012
Senate tackles bill to fight cyberthreats
July 27, 2012
White House slower to regulate as election approaches
July 27, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hits the Airwaves in Five States
July 26, 2012
New Chart Shows Feds Strangling U.S. Business in Red Tape
July 26, 2012
U.S. Chamber Unleashes Five-State Ad Blitz
July 26, 2012
Business groups keep up pressure to pass Russia trade bill
July 25, 2012
Tom Donohue: America's Looming Fiscal Cliff
July 25, 2012
KISS & Motley Crue Rock Out for Veterans
July 25, 2012
Senate GOP plans new energy push to approve Keystone XL, expand drilling
July 24, 2012
Showdown over Bush tax cuts Wednesday
July 24, 2012
Will Drought Cause the Next Blackout?
July 23, 2012
Make-or-break time for cybersecurity bill
July 23, 2012
Another year, another stopgap bill instead of real budget
July 23, 2012
Firms Pass Up Tax Breaks, Citing Hassles, Complexity
July 20, 2012
SEC May Toughen Proposal on Minerals Tied to Violence
July 20, 2012
Editorial: Backward on Business
July 19, 2012
Senate Finance unanimously approves bill to normalize trade with Russia
July 19, 2012
Small Businesses Hesitant to Hire, Say the Economy Is Off Track
July 19, 2012
House Subcommittee To Focus On Dodd-Frank's Impact On Main Street
July 18, 2012
Bernanke: Recession likely if Congress doesnt act
July 18, 2012
OVERNIGHT MONEY: Senate Finance moving to open up Russia trade
July 18, 2012
Chamber of Commerce Launches Ad Blitz in Key Senate Races
July 17, 2012
Republicans block bill on transparency
July 17, 2012
McConnell, Boehner hit Dems for threatening to go over the 'fiscal cliff'
July 17, 2012
Chamber goes on the air in four Senate races
July 16, 2012
The Tax Cliff Is a Growth Killer
July 16, 2012
Cybersecurity compromise still uncertain
July 13, 2012
U.S. House vote on Russia trade bill in doubt
July 13, 2012
House sets pre-August recess vote on Bush tax rate extension
July 13, 2012
Fed's Williams Sees 8% Unemployment Into 2013
July 12, 2012
House votes to repeal Obamacare
July 12, 2012
Domestic energy supplies boost U.S. economy
July 12, 2012
Fed officials warn of looming crisis for economy, discuss steps to boost growth
July 11, 2012
Republican senators eye loophole fix to avert mandatory Pentagon cuts
July 11, 2012
Obama tax hike would affect 1.2 million small businesses
July 11, 2012
Job fair at Navy base aims to help those leaving military service
July 10, 2012
Fiscal zombie apocalypse in Washington? Obama and Congress on taxes
July 10, 2012
Nurturing the real job creators
July 10, 2012
Political Spending by Unions Far Exceeds Direct Donations
July 9, 2012
Obama to call for one-year extension of some Bush-era tax rates
July 9, 2012
Highway bill pleases business groups, but funding issue will return in 2014
July 9, 2012
Industry expects to see compromise Senate cybersecurity framework soon
July 6, 2012
GOP plots health care repeal vote
July 6, 2012
Latest ADP Jobs Report Confirms Slowing Economy
July 3, 2012
Congress's dirty secret: behind scenes, it's working to fix problems
July 3, 2012
The Magnitsky Bill could backfire, US would lose business as a result
July 2, 2012
Businesses Still Have Plenty of Questions About Health Care Law
July 2, 2012
Congress passes highway funds, extends lower student loan rate
July 2, 2012
Doherty gets Chamber endorsement
June 29, 2012
House, Senate conference committee strikes deal on new transportation bill
June 29, 2012
What Is Mission: Small Business Anyway?
June 29, 2012
Health care laws opponents point to cost
June 28, 2012
Lawmakers reach compromise on roads, student loans
June 28, 2012
U.S. Chamber stands against calls for stricter review of coal exports
June 28, 2012
Expect swift opinions in Supreme Court health care ruling
June 27, 2012
EPA's broad authority to regulate emissions upheld by US appeals court
June 27, 2012
Expanded Oil Drilling Helps U.S.Wean Itself From Mideast
June 27, 2012
Huddle First Look: Fiscal Cliff Countdown
June 26, 2012
Harry Reid: Get cracking or work this weekend
June 26, 2012
Congress Said to Delay Automatic Budget Cuts Until March
June 26, 2012
Long-term care industry, others deserve relief from excess litigation
June 25, 2012
U.S.-Russia trade relations at turning point
June 25, 2012
Playing 'chicken' with transportation bill is bad policy
June 25, 2012
The disastrous impact of sequestration
June 22, 2012
Pentagon Gets Attention, but Planned Spending Cuts Range Far and Wide
June 22, 2012
Harry Reid: 'We're Making Progress' on Highway Bill
June 22, 2012
Chief Justice Offers Hint at New Timing for Health Care Ruling
June 21, 2012
Supreme Court experts predict justices will strike down healthcare mandate
June 21, 2012
U.S. could feel effects of amendment meant to hurt Russia
June 21, 2012
Labor targets the Midwest
June 20, 2012
Obama threatens veto of GOP energy bill
June 20, 2012
U.S. Chamber Rates States on Postsecondary Public Education
June 20, 2012
April job openings show biggest drop in nearly 4 years
June 19, 2012
GOP sees roadblock to Keystone pipeline
June 19, 2012
U.S. Chamber warns Washington not to overreact to JPMorgan loss
June 19, 2012
Administration considers options for pared-down health care law
June 18, 2012
Go West: N.D., Utah, Texas top list of business leaders
June 18, 2012
Bipartisan group of lawmakers condemns Russia's arms sales to Syria
June 18, 2012
The folly of Obamacare
June 15, 2012
EPA to Seek Tougher Rules on Soot Opposed by Industry
June 15, 2012
US IP: the five-trillion dollar industry
June 14, 2012
Governors state their case for growth
June 14, 2012
Retail Sales in U.S. Declined for a Second Month in May
June 14, 2012
Graham's Planned Amendments Would Strike at NLRB Union Rulings
June 13, 2012
Business groups ask senators to overturn NLRB's 'micro-union' decision
June 13, 2012
Economy on a steady course despite job scare
June 13, 2012
Chamber of Commerce Lists States Seen Growing, Creating Jobs
June 12, 2012
Laffer and Moore: Obama's Real Spending Record
June 12, 2012
NLRB Asks Court To Reconsider Ruling On 2011 Board Vote
June 12, 2012
Minding Our Business: Confidence is Up, Hiring's Not
June 11, 2012
Trade puts US-Russian relations at turning point
June 11, 2012
Wall St to lobby against 'fiscal cliff'
June 11, 2012
Senators quietly laying groundwork for looming defense sequestration fight
June 8, 2012
Stock rally evaporates after Bernanke testimony
June 8, 2012
House approves GOP bill repealing medical tax
June 8, 2012
What happens after health law ruling?
June 7, 2012
GOP ignoring veto threat on medical tax repeal
June 7, 2012
LORIS: High fuel prices hit small business hard
June 7, 2012
How SCOTUS could help Congress save billions
June 6, 2012
Editorial: Wisconsin recall result vs. November
June 6, 2012
U.S. Chamber Urges Action to Avert 2013 Fiscal Cliff
June 6, 2012
CBO: Federal debt to exceed 70 percent of economic output
June 5, 2012
As Obama pushes Paycheck Fairness Act, businesses worry about 'unlimited' lawsuit liability
June 5, 2012
U.S. Multinationals Lobby to Alter Tax Rules They Sought
June 5, 2012
Region 1 EPA Administrator: Obama coal rules 'painful every step of the way' [VIDEO]
June 4, 2012
EPA's Jackson Skips Congress Hearing on Arch Coal's Mine Permit
June 4, 2012
Cybersecurity next national security challenge
June 4, 2012
Highway bill talks sluggish on Capitol Hill
May 30, 2012
Senate Democrats Outspent 3 to 1 on Ads by Super-Pacs
May 30, 2012
Equal pay bill puts Romney on the line on women
May 30, 2012
Consumer Confidence in U.S. Fell in May to Four-Month Low
May 29, 2012
Our View: Accept the challenge to hire our military heroes
May 29, 2012
Gridlock, on roads and in highway bill talks, marks Memorial Day weekend
May 25, 2012
Veteran job expo in Cincinnati on May 31
May 25, 2012
Retailers call for freight policy in highway bill
May 25, 2012
Motorists' summer outlook: Relief at gas pump
May 24, 2012
Conference speakers say EPA at war with coal industry
May 24, 2012
Proponents of Tougher Intellectual Property Law Try to Shift Debate
May 24, 2012
Gene Simmons surprises vet with dream job: KISS roadie!
May 21, 2012
Judges halt NLRB regulations
May 21, 2012
USA's creaking infrastructure holds back economy
May 18, 2012
U.S. Chamber seeks regulatory certainty, resource access
May 18, 2012
John Boehner Reaffirms Primacy of Spending Cuts
May 18, 2012
Study: Safety Inspections Don't Hurt Profits
May 17, 2012
NLRB's Ambush Rule Overturned For the Moment
May 17, 2012
Obama's policies hurt new grads
May 17, 2012
U.S. Chamber to endorse Josh Mandel for Senate
May 16, 2012
Bill to reauthorize Export-Import Bank goes to president after Senate vote
May 16, 2012
U.S. in 'race to the bottom' on transportation
May 16, 2012
Labor board suspends rule on union elections
May 15, 2012
NLRB Rule Speeding Union Elections Thrown Out by Judge
May 15, 2012
Taxmageddon sparks rising anxiety
May 15, 2012
Reid agrees to GOP demands to move Ex-Im bank reauthorization forward
May 14, 2012
Long-term funding needs to hit the road, Jack
May 14, 2012
Recession added debt, drained families' savings
May 11, 2012
Labor board slashes time between petition, election
May 11, 2012
CEOs Press Congress on Debt
May 10, 2012
Obama Warms to Energy Industry by Supporting Natural Gas
May 10, 2012
House set to pass deficit-chopping bill
May 10, 2012
Chamber of Commerce ad blitz to target 4 Senate, 17 House races
May 9, 2012
APNewsBreak: Chamber to run congressional ads
May 9, 2012
Boehner: House will act before election to extend all tax rates
May 9, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce president: Free trade, job growth needed
May 9, 2012
Pirates of Silicon Valley: High Tech on the High Seas
The startup world has been clamoring for ways to make it easier for immigrant entrepreneurs to come to the U.S., but so far, Congress has failed to do its part. But now some entrepreneurs are taking matters into their own hands. Nearly 140 start-up companies are bying to get onboard Blueseed, the world’s first floating incubator. Set to launch next year, Blueseed is a visa-free start...
May 8, 2012
Chase and LivingSocial Launch 'Mission: Small Business' Grant Program
May 8, 2012
America’s Best Laboratories for Entrepreneurship: Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, & Utah
Thinking about starting a small business? If so, one of your first decisions should be choosing the right location. While federal policies have a deep impact on small businesses everywhere, state and local policies also play a huge role in determining the opportunity for small business success. Survey data released today shows that Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah earn an A+ for their friendli...
May 8, 2012
UPDATE 2-US House to vote Wednesday on Ex-Im Bank deal
May 8, 2012
Hiring Our Heros -- Job Fair for Veterans
May 8, 2012
The Best Apps for iPads and Tablets
Business owners discuss the apps they feel are most useful for their business. Caroline Green, IvanExpert Keynote “Keynote is like PowerPoint for Macs, and uses presentation software. You can make a PowerPoint presentation on your computer, put it on your iPad, and use the iPad to actually give the presentation. We’ve used the app and connected it to a projector, which was really cool.” ...
May 8, 2012
The Best Apps for iPads and Tablets
Business owners discuss the apps they feel are most useful for their business. Caroline Green, IvanExpert Keynote “Keynote is like PowerPoint for Macs, and uses presentation software. You can make a PowerPoint presentation on your computer, put it on your iPad, and use the iPad to actually give the presentation. We’ve used the app and connected it to a projector, which was really cool.” ...
May 7, 2012
Export-Import Bank deal reached
May 7, 2012
Budget Control Act not living up to its name
May 7, 2012
Health care costs worry workers nearing retirement
May 7, 2012
Why I Tossed Your Business Card
You’re at an event or having a client first meeting and like a gunslinger you quickly reach into your pocket and BAM—you whip out your business card. No matter if it was asked for or you offered, most people take the card and smile while putting in their pocket after pretending to actually look at it. Once back at the office, they might enter your information into their contact database or...
May 7, 2012
Why I Tossed Your Business Card
You’re at an event or having a client first meeting and like a gunslinger you quickly reach into your pocket and BAM—you whip out your business card. No matter if it was asked for or you offered, most people take the card and smile while putting in their pocket after pretending to actually look at it. Once back at the office, they might enter your information into their contact database or...
May 7, 2012
Nothing from Reich but Class Warfare
Former Labor Department Secretary Robert Reich uses last weekend's elections in France as a springboard for what he wants to see Washington do to improve the economy. He may say “socialism isn’t the answer” (that’s a relief) but what he calls for isn't American free enterprise. Reich lays out what he sees are the problems with the economy. First, he complains that productivity gains ov...
May 4, 2012
Businesses add only 115,000 jobs in April; unemployment 8.1%
May 4, 2012
TransCanada expected to reapply for Keystone pipeline permit as soon as Friday
May 4, 2012
US health care spending highest, Japan lowest: study
May 4, 2012
Employers in U.S. Added Fewer Jobs Than Forecast in April
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Shobhana Chandra American employers added fewer workers than forecast in April and the jobless rate unexpectedly fell as people left the labor force, adding to concern the economic expansion is cooling. Payrolls climbed 115,000, the smallest gain in six months, after a revised 154,000 gain in March that was larger than initially estimated, Labor Department figures sho...
May 4, 2012
Is Your Company Zero Risk?
Perfect circumstances are rare, and the exception. You can count on human error, call offs, customers being late, technology breakdowns, service interruptions, out of stock items, and undependable vendors. Is your company prepared? Are your frontline employees trained and ready? If these things are normal daily occurrences, then tell me why most employees act like a deer in headlights when the...
May 4, 2012
CEO Goes Goth to Improve Her Business
When FASTSIGNS International CEO Catherine Monson was approached by the producers of CBS’s “Undercover Boss,” she knew exactly how she wanted to be disguised. “I wanted to be a Goth rocker chick,” Monson told the Dallas Business Journal. Carrollton, Texas-based FASTSIGNS is one of this year’s U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Winners and will be among the 75 companies honored at the DREAM ...
May 4, 2012
Is Your Company Zero Risk?
Perfect circumstances are rare, and the exception. You can count on human error, call offs, customers being late, technology breakdowns, service interruptions, out of stock items, and undependable vendors. Is your company prepared? Are your frontline employees trained and ready? If these things are normal daily occurrences, then tell me why most employees act like a deer in headlights when the...
May 4, 2012
Unemployment Rate at 8.1%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released April 2012's jobs numbers: Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 115,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment increased in professional and business services, retail trade, and health care, but declined in transportation and warehousing. As the U.S. Chamber’s...
May 3, 2012
Federal transportation bill enters legislative homestretch
May 3, 2012
Treasury: Tax receipts not changing deadline on $16.4T debt limit
May 3, 2012
Rep. Scott meets constituents at the gas pump
May 3, 2012
Meet the Finalists for the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 3, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Heritage Homes
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 3, 2012
Meet the Finalists for the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 3, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Heritage Homes
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 3, 2012
Strategies of Engagement
We’re bombarded with so many marketing messages that most of them blur by us, having made no impact—and having provided no return for the marketers who invested in those messages. Direct mail is circular filed, unread. The rise of the DVR means most 30-second TV spots go unseen. As a marketer, you can’t change the reality of advertising overload, but you can still connect with your audie...
May 3, 2012
Startups Need a Leg Up
Startups, long viewed as a driver for innovation and job growth, are now accounting for a much smaller share of U.S. businesses than they used to. A new report from the Kauffman Foundation, using data from the Census Bureau’s Business Dynamics Statistics, shows that the startup rate in 2010 fell to an all-time low of 7.87% from 8.10% in 2009. Sure, it’s easy to argue that’s because of th...
May 3, 2012
Strategies of Engagement
We’re bombarded with so many marketing messages that most of them blur by us, having made no impact—and having provided no return for the marketers who invested in those messages. Direct mail is circular filed, unread. The rise of the DVR means most 30-second TV spots go unseen. As a marketer, you can’t change the reality of advertising overload, but you can still connect with your audie...
May 3, 2012
Yes, Policy Uncertainty Does Matter
While covering yesterday’s speech by Amway Chairman Steve Van Andel at the U.S. Chamber, Suzy Khimm at Wonkblog dismisses policy uncertainty as simply a term businesses use to negotiate with policymakers, or “bludgeon the Beltway,” in her words. This is strange coming from Khimm since she’s written about uncertainty: here, here, here, and here. Researchers have found that uncertainty i...
May 2, 2012
White House moves to align US, foreign regulations
May 2, 2012
Blahous and Capretta: Exposing the Medicare Double Count
May 2, 2012
Isakson Fights Administration's Efforts to Tip Scales in Favor of Labor Unions
May 2, 2012
Flex Your Workforce
Maybe one of your employees has already approached you about adjusting his or her hours and working flexibly, or you’ve considered hiring someone part-time to get a project off the ground. If you are unsure how these types of arrangements can work in your business, two experts provide tips for incorporating flexible employees into your plans. Benefits for Your Business Why would you consider...
May 2, 2012
In Tough Times, Optimism is Key, Says Amway CEO
While it may seem like the country is headed in the wrong direction or not recovering fast enough, the nation's proud legacy of free enterprise and entrepreneurship should engender optimism, says Steve Van Andel, chairman of Amway. “This country has faced far worse realities than what we’re experiencing these days. But we can’t stand on the sidelines,” Van Andel told an audience during...
May 2, 2012
Flex Your Workforce
Maybe one of your employees has already approached you about adjusting his or her hours and working flexibly, or you’ve considered hiring someone part-time to get a project off the ground. If you are unsure how these types of arrangements can work in your business, two experts provide tips for incorporating flexible employees into your plans. Benefits for Your Business Why would you consider...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Virginia Eye Consultants
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: CETRA Language Solutions
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: BoConcept New York
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Ski Butlers
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Lakeland Feed and Supply
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Renfro Foods, Inc.
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Virginia Eye Consultants
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: CETRA Language Solutions
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: BoConcept New York
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Ski Butlers
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of s...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Lakeland Feed and Supply
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 2, 2012
DREAM BIG Small Business Award Finalist: Renfro Foods, Inc.
Seven regional finalists are competing to be named the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®. The winner, to be announced on May 22 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C., will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Chamber. The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staf...
May 1, 2012
Report: Online Counterfeit Sales To Overtake Street Vendors
May 1, 2012
Manufacturing Cools Even as U.S. Consumers Still Spend
May 1, 2012
Small Businesses Stay Positive, But Hiring Dips
Maybe it's the warm springtime weather, but optimism among small business owners remains positive, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services. The April SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 65% for the second month in a row, even though there was a drop in hiring and average paycheck size. Part o...
May 1, 2012
Google+ or Minus?
Like so many of us who are working on our profiles and accounts such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook—plus blogging—another social media service to keep up with just seemed less than appealing. I’ve been following well-known experts to learn about their insights, tips, and beliefs about Google+, and there is controversy. Some experts remain excited while others have a rather ho-hum tak...
May 1, 2012
Cash Mobs Come to the Rescue
It's the kind of mob any business would be happy to host. In an effort to support struggling small businesses, cash mobs commit to spending at least $20 in a store, responding to a call sent out over social media. The Today show reports on a recent cash mob event at a Los Angeles store. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy In just six months, more than ...
May 1, 2012
Google+ or Minus?
Like so many of us who are working on our profiles and accounts such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook—plus blogging—another social media service to keep up with just seemed less than appealing. I’ve been following well-known experts to learn about their insights, tips, and beliefs about Google+, and there is controversy. Some experts remain excited while others have a rather ho-hum tak...
May 1, 2012
Google+ or Minus?
Like so many of us who are working on our profiles and accounts such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook—plus blogging—another social media service to keep up with just seemed less than appealing. I’ve been following well-known experts to learn about their insights, tips, and beliefs about Google+, and there is controversy. Some experts remain excited while others have a rather ho-hum tak...
April 30, 2012
After legislative failure, NLRB critics look to courts to end union election rule
April 30, 2012
When Energy Isn't Popular -- Anywhere
April 30, 2012
Threat from mounting public job losses tested Obama's economic strategy
April 30, 2012
DAVID CHAVERN LAUNCHES U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTO WORLD OF SOCIAL MEDIA
April 30, 2012
Grow by Knowing How Not to Grow
About 15 years ago, someone once told me, “A strategy isn’t just what you decide to do, it’s what you decide not to do.” And a couple of years ago, serial entrepreneur Steve Messer added something to the effect of “As an entrepreneur, you need to balance unlimited opportunity with finite resources.” I don’t know about you, but the entrepreneur in me really wants to do 100 things ...
April 30, 2012
Grow by Knowing How Not to Grow
About 15 years ago, someone once told me, “A strategy isn’t just what you decide to do, it’s what you decide not to do.” And a couple of years ago, serial entrepreneur Steve Messer added something to the effect of “As an entrepreneur, you need to balance unlimited opportunity with finite resources.” I don’t know about you, but the entrepreneur in me really wants to do 100 things ...
April 27, 2012
Conservative Republicans Urge Leadership To Renew Ex-Im Bank's Authority
April 27, 2012
5 tax breaks that business groups want extended
April 27, 2012
US Economy Grows at Tepid 2.2% Pace; Misses Estimates
April 27, 2012
Small Businesses Benefit from Spring Thaw
Ah, spring. A time of birds chirping, flowers blooming anew, and a 5% increase in retail foot traffic compared to last year, according to this very spring-like infographic on Intuit’s blog. Using statistics from Planalytics, Bloomberg, Career Builder and Gallup, Intuit finds that the unseasonably warm March this year has this spring already shaping up to be a good one for several industries,...
April 27, 2012
U.S. Economy Grows at 2.2% Annual Rate, Less Than Forecast
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Shobhana Chandra The U.S. economy expanded less than forecast in the first quarter as a smaller contribution from inventories overshadowed the biggest gain in consumer spending in more than a year. Gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services produced in the U.S., rose at a 2.2 percent annual rate after a 3 percent pace, Commerce Department figures show...
April 27, 2012
VIDEO: YEA Founder Explains Program, Role of Chamber
In the video above, Gayle Jagel, founder of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), discusses the program and the importance of local chambers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with YEA for the 2011-2012 school year by sponsoring the program in 13 communities through grants to local chambers. YEA, started in 2004 with support from the Kauffman Foundation, aims to give young entrepreneurs ...
April 27, 2012
How to Turn Around a Failing Company
Stressed? Worried about this year’s numbers? Apprehensive over changing technologies? Concerned with competitors determined to undercut your pricing? Business owners and executives that answer yes to any of these questions are… completely in the norm, and certainly not alone. Rare is the business that succeeds without hitting any potholes, or without experiencing some serious rough patch...
April 27, 2012
How to Turn Around a Failing Company
Stressed? Worried about this year’s numbers? Apprehensive over changing technologies? Concerned with competitors determined to undercut your pricing? Business owners and executives that answer yes to any of these questions are… completely in the norm, and certainly not alone. Rare is the business that succeeds without hitting any potholes, or without experiencing some serious rough patch...
April 27, 2012
House Defies Obama Veto Threat in Passing Cyber Measure
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Eric Engleman The U.S. House of Representatives raised the stakes in a debate with the White House over how best to improve the nation’s cybersecurity, passing a bill President Barack Obama called too weak and threatened to veto. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act passed the House by 248 to 168 yesterday. The measure, introduced by Representativ...
April 26, 2012
Claims for unemployment benefits are stuck near 3-month high
April 26, 2012
Equal Opportunity Panel Updates Hiring Policy
April 26, 2012
The right economic investment for America
April 26, 2012
OP-ED: Intel-Sharing Bill is a Big Step Forward
The U.S. Chamber's Bruce Josten has an op-ed in the Hill highlighting the business need for "limited and practical changes" to cybersecurity policy. He writes: Businesses are intensely focused on guarding their operations from interruption and exploitation, preventing the loss of capital and proprietary information, and protecting public safety. They devote vast resources to successfully m...
April 26, 2012
Tick, Tock: Another 40 Tax Provisions Nearing Expiration
Tick, tock…tick tock. The expiration date on another round of tax extenders is quickly approaching. Come December, 40 tax extenders will lapse unless Congress acts. This comes after some 60 tax extenders expired in December 2011. Today, the House Ways and Means Committee, Congress’ tax-writing panel, held hearings on tax extenders. Let’s hope that today’s discussion is not just more of...
April 25, 2012
Senate rejects effort to overturn union rules
April 25, 2012
Wind credit stalls despite bipartisan support
April 25, 2012
US trade officials call for swift completion of Asia-Pacific trade deal
April 25, 2012
Becoming a Sales Coach
A lot has been written about sales training and its importance to the success of a business. And rightfully so. A well-trained sales force is not only essential for bringing in revenue—the lifeblood of your business—it can also provide your business with a competitive advantage. But what about sales coaching? Training vs. Coaching Coaching is arguably as important as training in getting yo...
April 25, 2012
Becoming a Sales Coach
A lot has been written about sales training and its importance to the success of a business. And rightfully so. A well-trained sales force is not only essential for bringing in revenue—the lifeblood of your business—it can also provide your business with a competitive advantage. But what about sales coaching? Training vs. Coaching Coaching is arguably as important as training in getting yo...
April 24, 2012
Senate to vote on GOP measure to overturn new rules speeding up union elections
April 24, 2012
Infrastructure projects need public support, transportation experts say
April 24, 2012
Taking to the Airwaves to Fight Limited Access to Capital
With more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment field, David Stern knows the ins and outs of the event industry. The technician and engineer toured with top national and international acts such as Meatloaf, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and the Scorpions, developing an expertise in the design and maintenance of electronic systems. In the 1990s, Stern worked as an audiovisual manager at high-...
April 24, 2012
3 Reasons to Use a Tablet for Business
“Everyone in our office has an iPad,” says Stephen Jackson, co-founder and general manager of RDZ Media Group, LLC, a New York City–based mobile social media agency. “You really have to consider what you’re going to do with the tablet,” says Jackson. “In the beginning, it was a toy. Now, we see it as a serious business device.” More and more, business owners are realizing that ...
April 24, 2012
Twitter, Twitter Everywhere, But Not a Tweet to Send?
Does this scenario sound familiar? You haven’t tweeted anything new in three days. You start typing something and immediately erase it. You worry you're on the brink of social media irrelevancy. You’re not alone. Twitter block afflicts countless users daily. Don’t despair—there is help. Sorav Jain offers 30 suggestions for stumped businesses in his recent column on SocialMediaToday.com...
April 24, 2012
3 Reasons to Use a Tablet for Business
“Everyone in our office has an iPad,” says Stephen Jackson, co-founder and general manager of RDZ Media Group, LLC, a New York City–based mobile social media agency. “You really have to consider what you’re going to do with the tablet,” says Jackson. “In the beginning, it was a toy. Now, we see it as a serious business device.” More and more, business owners are realizing that ...
April 24, 2012
3 Reasons to Use a Tablet for Business
“Everyone in our office has an iPad,” says Stephen Jackson, co-founder and general manager of RDZ Media Group, LLC, a New York City–based mobile social media agency. “You really have to consider what you’re going to do with the tablet,” says Jackson. “In the beginning, it was a toy. Now, we see it as a serious business device.” More and more, business owners are realizing that ...
April 24, 2012
Santa's Still Welcome, But the Christmas Attic is Diversifying
A lot of small business owners will tell you that they started their business because they found a niche market that wasn’t being fulfilled. But what if your niche revolves around only one day of the year? That was the case with the Christmas Attic, in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. A recent Washington Post story explains how the small business has slowly diversified its offerings. After 40 ...
April 24, 2012
VIDEO: JFK Speaks to the U.S. Chamber on its 50th Anniversary
Let's go back in time--about 50 years to be exact. The U.S. Chamber celebrated its golden anniversary, and President John F. Kennedy spoke about the importance of the free enterprise system and the U.S. Chamber in defending it: This administration, I assure you, shares your concern about the cost-profit squeeze on American business. We want prosperity, and in a free enterprise system there can...
April 23, 2012
Chamber boss: We're preparing for lame duck
April 23, 2012
Transportation policy needs push to get moving
April 23, 2012
GOP: Obama ignoring jobs, energy
April 23, 2012
U.S. Chamber Turned 100 Yesterday
April 23, 2012
Stand Up For American Enterprise
On April 22, the U.S. Chamber turned 100 years old, celebrating a century in support of free enterprise and pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy. Continuing its trend of becoming the leading trade association in digital communications, the Chamber introduced a Facebook Open Graph application -- the first-of-its-kind in the business advocacy space -- that enables fans to ...
April 23, 2012
Stand Up For American Enterprise
On April 22, the U.S. Chamber turned 100 years old, celebrating a century in support of free enterprise and pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy. Continuing its trend of becoming the leading trade association in digital communications, the Chamber introduced a Facebook Open Graph application -- the first-of-its-kind in the business advocacy space -- that enables fans to ...
April 23, 2012
100 Years Standing Up for American Business
In the early 20th century, a dynamic America was growing fast and carving out a place for itself as a major global economic power. Across the nation, thriving businesses gave our economic engine its thrust and helped propel America toward prosperity. But these businesses lacked a unified voice in Washington. To prevent an increasingly powerful federal government from obstructing enterprise, pu...
April 23, 2012
Stand Up For American Enterprise
On April 22, the U.S. Chamber turned 100 years old, celebrating a century in support of free enterprise and pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy. Continuing its trend of becoming the leading trade association in digital communications, the Chamber introduced a Facebook Open Graph application -- the first-of-its-kind in the business advocacy space -- that enables fans to ...
April 23, 2012
A Culture of Ownership
As you have experienced yourself, when doing business with a vendor or service provider, the experience you have as a customer who deals directly with the owner of the company is often much different than if you deal with an employee. I imagine the owner went out of his way to make you feel valued and appreciated and treated you as if you were his only customer. Imagine if every time your cust...
April 23, 2012
Making Friends With Social Advertising
Blink and you might miss them. They’re the sponsored advertisements on the right hand side of your Facebook page. Or the promoted tweets above your stream on Twitter. In the past, small business advertising has depended on newspapers, fliers, yellow pages and storefront signs. Today’s marketplace is much different. Internet and mobile marketing are well on their way to being the only real ...
April 23, 2012
A Culture of Ownership
As you have experienced yourself, when doing business with a vendor or service provider, the experience you have as a customer who deals directly with the owner of the company is often much different than if you deal with an employee. I imagine the owner went out of his way to make you feel valued and appreciated and treated you as if you were his only customer. Imagine if every time your cust...
April 23, 2012
Standing Still and Falling Behind
On April 1, 2012, the United States achieved a dubious distinction: the highest corporate tax rate among major industrialized Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. As Japan dropped its corporate tax rate to 36.8%, the United States took the top spot. Japan’s move follows on the heels of other major countries such as Canada, which lowered its corporate tax r...
April 20, 2012
Teen Blazed His Own 'Trail'
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.” – Theodore Roosevelt Being a teenager is tough, but being a teenager with braces is tougher. Braces can create social awkwardness and wreak havoc on eating habits, as Justin Avery Anderson found out. An avid granola fan, Anderson could not enjoy his favorite snack after he got braces ...
April 20, 2012
Share Your Business Story on Facebook
Facebook Pages recently moved to a format that will help businesses and organizations better express their identities. Here are some tips to optimize your Page and to feature content that helps you keep connecting and telling your story in an authentic and engaging way: Upload an Eye-Catching Cover Photo: The Cover Photo is the first thing people see when they visit your Page, so use it to...
April 20, 2012
Teen Blazed His Own 'Trail'
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.” – Theodore Roosevelt Being a teenager is tough, but being a teenager with braces is tougher. Braces can create social awkwardness and wreak havoc on eating habits, as Justin Avery Anderson found out. An avid granola fan, Anderson could not enjoy his favorite snack after he got braces ...
April 20, 2012
Share Your Business Story on Facebook
Facebook Pages recently moved to a format that will help businesses and organizations better express their identities. Here are some tips to optimize your Page and to feature content that helps you keep connecting and telling your story in an authentic and engaging way: Upload an Eye-Catching Cover Photo: The Cover Photo is the first thing people see when they visit your Page, so use it to...
April 20, 2012
Share Your Business Story on Facebook
Facebook Pages recently moved to a format that will help businesses and organizations better express their identities. Here are some tips to optimize your Page and to feature content that helps you keep connecting and telling your story in an authentic and engaging way: Upload an Eye-Catching Cover Photo: The Cover Photo is the first thing people see when they visit your Page, so use it to...
April 20, 2012
6 Ways to Stay Connected
The challenge today is to find new ways to stay accessible, collaborate, and communicate. I thought I would share with you some of the tools that we use to keep connected, so in no particular order, here are some of the Hive’s most effective and fun communication tools. 1. The Phone The phone is your friend, except when a salesperson is cold calling you. But really, the phone is sometimes fo...
April 19, 2012
House passes Keystone XL pipeline - again
April 19, 2012
Opponents spar over U.S. oil drilling
April 19, 2012
Hire Our Heroes
April 19, 2012
Interview with BET founder Bob Johnson
Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment, private equity, financial services, asset management, insurance services, automobile dealerships, sports and entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. Before forming The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainmen...
April 19, 2012
Interview with BET founder Bob Johnson
Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment, private equity, financial services, asset management, insurance services, automobile dealerships, sports and entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. Before forming The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainmen...
April 19, 2012
Fight Back Against High Gasoline Prices
The high price of gasoline is weighing heavily on small businesses these days. While small business owners may feel powerless at the pump, there are a number of things to do to reduce gasoline consumption. Plan, plan, plan. With the help of websites such as Google Maps, plan out your deliveries and group them by area, date, and time, when possible. In addition, change your hours of delivery so...
April 19, 2012
Democrats Joining G.O.P. on Pipeline
President Obama is finding himself increasingly boxed in on the Keystone pipeline fight as more Congressional Democrats are joining Republicans in backing the project, which has strong labor support and could generate significant numbers of jobs in economically hard-hit states.
April 19, 2012
Small-Business Tax Cut Bill Points Up Divide on Economy
The U.S. House passed a one-time tax break of as much as 20 percent for small businesses in a vote that mostly served to illustrate the differences between the parties election-year agendas.
April 19, 2012
Cordray sees slim chance his CFPB appointment could be overturned
The head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau acknowledged there is a slim chance his controversial recess appointment could be overturned, according to an email obtained by a government watchdog group.
April 18, 2012
White House threatens to veto GOP business tax cut
April 18, 2012
Pipeline prompts veto threat of highway bill
April 18, 2012
$4 gas reinforces trend toward lower U.S. fuel consumption
April 18, 2012
Sustainability a Successful Strategy in Three Communities
[NOTE: This was cross-posted from the Business Civic Leadership Center's blog.] Officials from three U.S. municipalities will return home today knowing that their communities’ improvement strategies have paid off. Chicago, Illinois; Santa Monica California; and Purcellville, Virginia beat out 132 other communities from 40 states to be named this year’s Siemens Sustainable Community Awards ...
April 18, 2012
Six Tips for Financial Fitness
As the days get warmer, our January resolutions often fall by the wayside. The goals that accompanied the New Year sounded great back then, but we quickly realized they were a lot tougher than we expected. A top resolution for many is to lose weight and get in shape. It is a great goal, but often unsuccessful. Getting in shape isn’t easy and takes time, especially if you want long-term resul...
April 18, 2012
The Instagram Economy
Success breeds success. At least that’s the hope of a number of start-ups that decorate pillows, t-shirts, magnets, ceramic tiles, and of course, iPhone covers, using your Instagram photos. The Huffington Post says the popularity of Instagram has created an ecosystem of small businesses capitalizing on the loyal 40 million users who have signed up for the mobile photo sharing site. That buil...
April 18, 2012
Six Tips for Financial Fitness
As the days get warmer, our January resolutions often fall by the wayside. The goals that accompanied the New Year sounded great back then, but we quickly realized they were a lot tougher than we expected. A top resolution for many is to lose weight and get in shape. It is a great goal, but often unsuccessful. Getting in shape isn’t easy and takes time, especially if you want long-term resul...
April 18, 2012
CISPA Will Improve U.S. Cybersecurity
Crossposted from U.S. News and World Report. The U.S. House of Representatives will have an opportunity next week to pass a critically important cybersecurity bill. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (H.R. 3523) is sponsored by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, a Republican from Michigan, and Ranking Member C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, a Democrat from Maryland. T...
April 17, 2012
Happy Tax Day--No, Really!
April 17, 2012
Business leaders lash out at both parties, tell Congress: Do your job
April 17, 2012
Chamber: Energy prices, Obama rules, stall small biz hiring
April 17, 2012
Tools for Digital Marketing
Movable Ink What's it about? Movable Ink brings email marketing into the 21st century by adding real-time content into your company emails, meaning that the content can change after you send it. This can be as simple as adding a live Twitter stream to your signature or as complex as real-time inventory counters, local maps, device targeting, and optimized creative content that automatically ch...
April 17, 2012
Mobile Apps for Entrepreneurs on the Go
Entrepreneurs today are frequently on the move, be it rushing to a meeting or traveling on a business trip. Fortunately, the mobile devices so many business owners rely on offer applications that can help record ideas and documents, facilitate logistics, and keep entrepreneurs plugged in to their business, even when out of the office. The Washington Post offers a list of apps that can be a big...
April 16, 2012
Employers Don't Have to Post Union Notices, Judge Rules
April 16, 2012
Industry groups applaud Obama's natural gas executive order
April 16, 2012
Obama: Buffett Rule not for equality
April 16, 2012
Survey Finds Small Business Outlook Improving, But Hiring Still Lags
While small business confidence is improving, it hasn’t yet translated into hiring, according to the results of the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly Q1Small Business Outlook Survey released today. Thirty percent of small business owners said they lost employees over the last year, and one half have kept the same number of staff. “We’d like to see that hiring number well up over the 50% range,...
April 16, 2012
Lessons for Business Owners from the Sunken Titanic
As the old adage goes, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and for some small business owners, Sunday's 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking holds many lessons for today. Entrepreneur offers five lessons for businesses on how to keep their company afloat and their employees safe in any situation. Watch the Waters – When the Titanic struck an iceberg, it took ...
April 16, 2012
Happy Tax Day—No, Really!
Tax Day is upon us—and you should enjoy it. Why? As painful as it may be to write this year’s check to Uncle Sam, it could be the smallest check you’ll write for years to come. That’s because all the tax relief provisions passed in 2001 and 2003 are set to expire December 31, 2012. Without a single vote by Congress or signature by the president, federal taxes could rise by $3.8 trilli...
April 16, 2012
Buffett Rule is Bad for Jobs and Economy
Today, the U.S. Senate will vote on the “Paying a Fair Share Act of 2012,” also known as the Buffett Rule. The U.S Chamber sent a key vote letter to Senators today opposing the bill: Raising taxes on higher earning taxpayers would hurt business owners on whom our economy depends to create jobs. According to 2009 IRS data, this tax would affect more than one third of business income. 75 per...
April 16, 2012
Does a Tax Filing Extension Increase Audit Risk?
Businesses have many concerns, and come tax season, avoiding an IRS audit is among the biggest. A tax lawyer contributor to Forbes.com addresses the question of whether filing a tax return extension can increase audit risk. His take: you'll get different answers all over the map. Filing for a six-month extension makes sense if you use the extra time to determine proper reporting, consult a tax...
April 16, 2012
Survey Finds Small Business Outlook Improving, But Hiring Still Lags
While small business confidence is improving, it hasn’t yet translated into hiring, according to the results of the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly Q1Small Business Outlook Survey released today. Thirty percent of small business owners said they lost employees over the last year, and one half have kept the same number of staff. “We’d like to see that hiring number well up over the 50% range,...
April 16, 2012
Happy Tax Day—No, Really!
Tax Day is upon us—and you should enjoy it. Why? As painful as it may be to write this year’s check to Uncle Sam, it could be the smallest check you’ll write for years to come. That’s because all the tax relief provisions passed in 2001 and 2003 are set to expire December 31, 2012. Without a single vote by Congress or signature by the president, federal taxes could rise by $3.8 trilli...
April 13, 2012
GOP not letting up on gas prices
April 13, 2012
It’s Not Business, It’s Personal
That’s right, it isn’t business as usual anymore, and it hasn’t been for a few years now. Rating sites and social media—the internet—has changed things forever. Yelp, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, Twitter and now Google+—this is the new frontier and these sites require attention and demand relationships with others. Yes, relationships. That means listening and chatting. If you are a B2B...
April 13, 2012
Economists Don't See Fed Action This Year
April 13, 2012
Free-lunch egalitarianism
April 13, 2012
It’s Not Business, It’s Personal
That’s right, it isn’t business as usual anymore, and it hasn’t been for a few years now. Rating sites and social media—the internet—has changed things forever. Yelp, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, Twitter and now Google+—this is the new frontier and these sites require attention and demand relationships with others. Yes, relationships. That means listening and chatting. If you are a B2B...
April 13, 2012
It’s Not Business, It’s Personal
That’s right, it isn’t business as usual anymore, and it hasn’t been for a few years now. Rating sites and social media—the internet—has changed things forever. Yelp, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, Twitter and now Google+—this is the new frontier and these sites require attention and demand relationships with others. Yes, relationships. That means listening and chatting. If you are a B2B...
April 13, 2012
Talking Trade and Energy in Colombia
President Obama is traveling to Colombia for this weekend’s Summit of the Americas. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue is already in Colombia at the first-ever CEO Summitt of the Americas and made the case for closer economic ties in the hemisphere: "We have to double-down on trade all across the Americas. There is no better or faster way to create jobs, grow economies or lift people...
April 13, 2012
If You Care About Jobs, Fix Our Broken Tax System Now!
There’s more to be afraid of than today being Friday the Thirteenth or that Tax Day hits us next week. Real fear should be aimed at a tax code that hurts job creation, stymies economic growth, and makes us less globally competitive … and is poised to get much worse. On Monday, as part of the U.S. Chamber’s Jobs and Growth Agenda, an ad will run in the Wall Street Journal listing what our...
April 12, 2012
Patents, Copyrights Boost Economy With Jobs, Report Finds
April 12, 2012
New law lets small businesses use crowdfunding
April 12, 2012
Jobless Claims Jump
April 12, 2012
Traits of Successful Family-Owned Businesses
The idyllic family-owned business is a dream for many entrepreneurs. But the reality is that getting a business to survive to the next generation is difficult. The Family Business Institute finds only 30% of family-owned businesses survive after the first generation. The New York Times reported on common traits shared by family-owned businesses that have enjoyed longevity. Ongoing Reinvention...
April 12, 2012
The Need for Tax Reform, Part 4: Reducing Complexity and Uncertainty
Is filing our taxes dangerous to our health? Some researchers found a statistically significant uptick in road fatalities on tax day. My gut tells me this is one of those moments when random chance gives us this result—the study says there’s a five percent chance this was a fluke. But this story has been mentioned in many news outlets because it fits perfectly into the narrative that our t...
April 12, 2012
Don't Stop Believing in Your Small Business Values
So your small business is growing? Good for you. That was part of the dream all along. But how do you maintain your small company's core values as it evolves into a larger company? How do you, as the famous Journey power ballad queries, "Hold on to that feeling?" Inc.com reports on a new book from Barry Moltz and Becky McCray called Small Town Rules, which argues that companies of all siz...
April 11, 2012
$494 billion tax increase to hit in 2013
April 11, 2012
Tom Donohue: The Incredible Overreaching EPA
April 11, 2012
Panel Proposes A New Tax To Pay For Public Health
April 11, 2012
Three Tools for Dealing with Debbie Downers
Every day I wake up reasonably happy, fairly contented in life, and ready to face the work at the office. Then I drive to work and tune in to the radio, which is blaring about an impending storm, the downfall of the stock market… and poof—I’m at work, where I am greeted by the phone ringing and an email stating that the deadline of the project has been moved – up! My child calls from s...
April 11, 2012
Entrepreneurship Grows Instagram into Billion-Dollar Company
It's a classic Silicon Valley Cinderella story. Young entrepreneur builds a social networking start-up. Media buzz and celebrity fans follow. Young entrepreneur sells start-up now known universally as Instagram to Facebook for $1 billion. That's a billion with a "B." In just 18 months, 28-year-old entrepreneur Kevin Systrom built what he calls a “social tool for social life on the go” an...
April 11, 2012
Three Tools for Dealing with Debbie Downers
Every day I wake up reasonably happy, fairly contented in life, and ready to face the work at the office. Then I drive to work and tune in to the radio, which is blaring about an impending storm, the downfall of the stock market… and poof—I’m at work, where I am greeted by the phone ringing and an email stating that the deadline of the project has been moved – up! My child calls from s...
April 11, 2012
The Need for Tax Reform, Part 3: Unlocking Foreign Earnings to Create American Jobs
As part of this series on the need for comprehensive tax reform, I want to get into a lesser-known part of the tax code: Moving from a worldwide system to a territorial system. Yes, that doesn’t sound sexy, but it's important because under the current tax code, job-creating capital is kept away from the United States. Many American companies do business globally through foreign divisions, an...
April 11, 2012
How to Maintain Profitability and Eliminate Shrinking Margins
Through good times and bad, the number one challenge business owners face is making more money. And the answer, historically, has been simply to sell more product and services. Now, thanks to competition, the internet, and changing technologies, even those selling more are making less as they are squeezed on margins, and consequently, profitability. Today’s buyers are much more savvy about p...
April 11, 2012
Small Businesses Compete for Awards, Recognition in Annual Contests
It's that time of year. It's time for small business owners to become "American Gladiators," duking it out for money, acknowledgement, the attention of potential investors, and --most importantly -- total bragging rights. It's small business awards season. There are several competitions happening at the national and state level, and with deadlines approaching in the next few months, CNN Mone...
April 11, 2012
How to Maintain Profitability and Eliminate Shrinking Margins
Through good times and bad, the number one challenge business owners face is making more money. And the answer, historically, has been simply to sell more product and services. Now, thanks to competition, the internet, and changing technologies, even those selling more are making less as they are squeezed on margins, and consequently, profitability. Today’s buyers are much more savvy about p...
April 10, 2012
Senate Budget Committee to Move Forward With Markup
April 10, 2012
Health-care law will add $340 billion to deficit, new study finds
April 10, 2012
Obama's Revenue Soup: A history lesson on capital gains taxes.
April 10, 2012
Most Overlooked Tax Deductions for Small Business
The countdown is on. With only one week to go before taxes are due, and American businesses – already burdened by the highest corporate tax rate in the world – are looking for ways to hold on to their hard-earned revenue. While deductions are important for reducing a business’ taxable income (and by consequence, taxes due), there remain some frequently overlooked deductions for small bus...
April 10, 2012
How to Implement a Great Idea
Consistency and Continuity The two most important words in the success of implementing systems are consistency and continuity. Nearly every company has more ideas than it knows what to do with. Here’s a scenario familiar in every company: Some executives attend a fantastic seminar, get dozens of great ideas, and return to work all fired up and eager to start executing all those ideas. A mont...
April 10, 2012
Most Overlooked Tax Deductions for Small Business
The countdown is on. With only one week to go before taxes are due, and American businesses – already burdened by the highest corporate tax rate in the world – are looking for ways to hold on to their hard-earned revenue. While deductions are important for reducing a business’ taxable income (and by consequence, taxes due), there remain some frequently overlooked deductions for small bus...
April 10, 2012
Buffett Rule is a Tax on Job Creation
Today, the President travels to Florida to officially sell the Buffett Rule. It isn't part of a comprehensive plan to reduce the deficit, it has nothing to do with helping the millions of unemployed Americans find a job, Deborah Solomon of the Bloomberg View editorial board writes that the rule is "a distraction that further mucks up an already complicated tax code," and the Christian Science ...
April 10, 2012
The Need For Comprehensive Tax Reform
Today, I have the opportunity to speak at the George W. Bush Presidential Center event titled “Tax Policies for 4% Growth.” As every taxpayer is reminded this time of year, the U.S. tax code is mind numbingly complex. Americans collectively spend 6.1 billion hours per year complying with a tax code that contains more than 3.4 million words. Every year, the code becomes more byzantine. From...
April 10, 2012
The Need for Tax Reform, Part 2: Competing in a Global Economy
Yesterday in the first part of my series on comprehensive tax reform, I covered lowering individual tax rates. Today, I'll cover the need for lowering America's corporate tax rate. April 1 wasn’t a joke. The United States still has the world’s highest corporate tax rate, and no one is laughing. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average glob...
April 10, 2012
If at First You Don't Succeed: Top Factors Impacting Small Business Growth
One of the benefits of a free market system is that it's based on competition, and wherever there are business winners there are inevitably losers as well. For small businesses, growth is not always the measure of success, but where business growth is a goal, there are multiple factors influencing whether a small company expands or stays static, shrinks, and ultimately fails. Jay Goltz, a smal...
April 9, 2012
Montana Energy Show demonstrated wind, oil development
April 9, 2012
U.S. Stock Futures Point to Post-Jobs-Data Losses
April 9, 2012
HAND: A road blocked in DC
April 9, 2012
Performance Evaluation Made Simple
Whether you ask the reviewer or the employee being reviewed, “Do you like the performance review process?” I guarantee that you will get the same response: “No.” We sent a man to the moon over 40 years ago, but we can’t seem to find an employee review process that people don’t hate. Well, for the past two years, we tried something new here at NY Report and I think we are on to some...
April 9, 2012
Tips for Small Business Crisis Management
Any business can run into problems, and in a crisis, timing and effective communications are critical. Whether it's a problem with a product or service, customer relations, or company finances, preparing for a crisis can give a company a leg up in protecting its brand and mitigating consequences. While small businesses in particular can face steep hurdles in recognizing and managing a crisis, ...
April 9, 2012
The Need for Tax Reform, Part 1: Raising Individual Tax Rates Will Squelch Growth
Tax Day is almost upon us. It’s that time of the year when Americans get a harsh reminder about what a mess our tax system is and the need for comprehensive reform. Leading up to next week’s filing deadline on April 17, I’ll be digging into what makes it so complicated, inefficient, and counterproductive to economic growth and job creation. Let’s start off with individual tax rates. Th...
April 9, 2012
Improving Website Keywords Helps Online Visibility
Search engine optimization (SEO) has become an art form, balancing the accurate portrayal of website content with the complicated and evolving algorithms of search engines. It is obvious that effective operations online rely on website visibility, but what is not so obvious are the right keywords to offer that visibility. Fortunately, Entrepreneur has some advice for website owners looking to ...
April 6, 2012
Obama signs JOBS Act to boost startup firms
April 6, 2012
Transportation bill faces more bumps ahead
April 6, 2012
Iraq Veteran Delivers Pizza During Two-Year Job Search
April 6, 2012
Unemployment Rate at 8.2%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released March's 2012's jobs numbers: Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 120,000 in March, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.2 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment rose in manufacturing, food services and drinking places, and health care, but was down in retail trade. Facebook Twitter Facebo...
April 6, 2012
Employers Added 120,000 Jobs in March, Fewest in Five Months
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Timothy R. Homan Employers in the U.S. added fewer jobs than forecast in March, underscoring Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke’s concern that recent gains may not be sustained without a pickup in growth. The 120,000 increase in payrolls, the fewest in five months, followed a revised 240,000 gain in February that was bigger than first estimated, Labor De...
April 6, 2012
Women are Driving the American Economy
Today the White House released a report, Keeping America’s Women Moving Forward, which affirms the vital role that women play in the U.S. economy. Women now make up nearly 50% of the American workforce. They are also increasingly the breadwinners in their families. They are majority of students in our colleges and graduate schools. They also own 30% of small businesses. The report focuses...
April 6, 2012
What Your Company Can Learn from Peeps
Countless children in seersucker will be buzzing from a sugar high, as perennial favorite Peeps makes its way into Easter baskets everywhere on Sunday. The marshmallow confections are produced by Just Born, the Bethlehem, PA candy manufacturer that is also responsible for two other candy-coated favorites--Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales. The family-owned company has been in business for more t...
April 6, 2012
Ten Questions to Ask (and Answer) Before Launching Your New Business
It is important to learn as much as you can about your marketplace to ensure a successful launch of a new product or service. Think about the marketplace first and then consider the type of product or service you would like to offer. It’s all about meeting customer needs, not picking a product or service you think is cool or innovative. Some people make the mistake of picking a product or...
April 6, 2012
Work Perks Helping Small Businesses Retain Talent
Small businesses today are challenged to do more with less, and to retain talented employees, they are increasingly using “work perks” to differentiate their company from competitors. Some small firms provide benefits like free lunch or flexible hours to make their company more attractive, even if salaries are constrained by the economy or cannot compete with competitors' offerings, report...
April 6, 2012
A road blocked in DC
April 5, 2012
Using the workplace to keep people well
April 5, 2012
S&P Credit Risk from Highway Funding Delays
April 5, 2012
Let's unleash the talent of women in business
April 5, 2012
Jobless Claims in U.S. Fell to Lowest Level in Four Years
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Lorraine Woellert Claims for U.S. unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in four years, adding to recent reports showing signs of health in the economy. Jobless claims fell 6,000 to 357,000 in the week ended March 31, the fewest since April 2008, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 43 economists in a Blo...
April 5, 2012
Victory!
Today, the President signed into law the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, a bipartisan bill that will encourage startups and support our nation’s small businesses. The Chamber worked with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle in order to win passage, so it was particularly rewarding to be able to accompany two members of the Chamber’s board of directors to the White H...
April 5, 2012
In Business, Yesterday’s Medium is Today’s Small
The definition of what constitutes a small business has been expanding recently. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and legislators have changed the criteria for what they consider small. Wall Street Journal reports on the trend, quoting former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Joseph Grundfest, who asserted “yesterday's medium is today's small.” The changes are co...
April 5, 2012
In Business, Yesterday’s Medium is Today’s Small
The definition of what constitutes a small business has been expanding recently. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and legislators have changed the criteria for what they consider small. Wall Street Journal reports on the trend, quoting former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Joseph Grundfest, who asserted “yesterday's medium is today's small.” The changes are co...
April 5, 2012
Getting Small Business Credit Access “Just Right”
You might not know it from looking at him, but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has a lot in common with Goldilocks when it comes to efforts to manage small business credit, according to this opinion piece in BusinessWeek. Scott Shane, professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western Reserve University writes: Small business credit can be too hot, with lenders providing too much f...
April 4, 2012
U.S. Corporate Rate Becomes Highest in the World; U.S. Chamber Calls for Tax Reform
April 4, 2012
Facebook, U.S. Chamber of Commerce holding Small Business Boost in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph
April 4, 2012
Fed officials worried job gains could fade
April 4, 2012
Guns N' Revenue: Bassist Duff McKagan Hits the Right Note
Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan had an unusual problem. At 30 years old, laid up from a pancreatic rupture and bored, he took a look at the band’s financial statements and discovered he was a millionaire with no idea how to manage his fortune. One thing he was sure of is that he didn’t want to do “knuckleheaded things,” like blowing it all on expensive cars, as he told Businesswee...
April 4, 2012
Texas Grows Women Basketball Champions and Executives
Texas may be known for having strong women, particularly on the basketball court (go Lady Bears!), but when it comes to executive positions at mid-cap companies, it hasn’t exactly been a slam dunk for women. On average across the country, barely 6% of executive positions at mid-cap companies are held by women, according to a recent study from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Bus...
April 4, 2012
How to Alleviate Next Year’s Tax Time Anxiety
It’s that time of year when everyone and their mother is professing last minute tips about taxes, and the sheer volume of this messaging directed toward business owners is particularly overwhelming. You’re reading about IRS loopholes and special extensions and whether or not you qualify. You’re being told to file as early as possible. (Didn’t another article tell you to wait until the ...
April 4, 2012
How to Alleviate Next Year’s Tax Time Anxiety
It’s that time of year when everyone and their mother is professing last minute tips about taxes, and the sheer volume of this messaging directed toward business owners is particularly overwhelming. You’re reading about IRS loopholes and special extensions and whether or not you qualify. You’re being told to file as early as possible. (Didn’t another article tell you to wait until the ...
April 4, 2012
How to Alleviate Next Year’s Tax Time Anxiety
It’s that time of year when everyone and their mother is professing last minute tips about taxes, and the sheer volume of this messaging directed toward business owners is particularly overwhelming. You’re reading about IRS loopholes and special extensions and whether or not you qualify. You’re being told to file as early as possible. (Didn’t another article tell you to wait until the ...
April 4, 2012
A Michigan "Small Business Boost"
The U.S. Chamber, along with the National Federation for Independent Businesses, the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber Of Commerce, and the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce held a Facebook Small Business Boost event in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) keynoted. Small business owners who attended got tips from Facebook specialists on how to better connect with customers and received a $50 cr...
April 4, 2012
How to Get Started With Online Video Marketing
Done right, video converts. From lead generation, to pipeline development to differentiating yourself during the sales process, online video marketing can provide your business with a strategic marketing edge. And taking advantage of video in your lead generation and sales efforts doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s never been easier. A marketing video converts at a higher rate tha...
April 4, 2012
How to Get Started With Online Video Marketing
Done right, video converts. From lead generation, to pipeline development to differentiating yourself during the sales process, online video marketing can provide your business with a strategic marketing edge. And taking advantage of video in your lead generation and sales efforts doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s never been easier. A marketing video converts at a higher rate tha...
April 4, 2012
U.S. Businesses Increasing Investments in Equipment, Growth
Throughout the economic recovery, U.S. businesses have been hesitant to invest their savings in growth and hiring. While the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to encourage businesses to spend rather than save, regulatory uncertainty, high taxes, weak demand, and other factors have compelled businesses to play it safe. Businessweek reported on a new survey from the National Federation of I...
April 4, 2012
How to Get Started With Online Video Marketing
Done right, video converts. From lead generation, to pipeline development to differentiating yourself during the sales process, online video marketing can provide your business with a strategic marketing edge. And taking advantage of video in your lead generation and sales efforts doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s never been easier. A marketing video converts at a higher rate tha...
April 3, 2012
Faster reviews for drilling planned
April 3, 2012
Obama, Ryan to go another round in battle over federal budget
April 3, 2012
Manufacturing in U.S. Grew at Faster Pace in March: Economy
April 3, 2012
Social Media's Growing Effectiveness in Encouraging Sales
Businesses are increasingly using social media to promote their goods, services, and brands online. While email is perhaps the most common method for sending messages to consumers, connecting with customers via social media is proving to be more effective at getting online users to purchase goods and services. The Huffington Post reports that a new survey from digital marketing firm ExactTarge...
April 3, 2012
Unleashing the Talent and Energy of Women in the Economy
Women make up half of the workforce, but they are underrepresented in the top executive ranks of our nation’s businesses. While more and more women are filling top jobs, there remains a gender gap. Though a record number of women now head Fortune 500 companies, they still represent only 3% of CEOs at our nation’s largest businesses. The numbers don’t get much better when you look at mid-...
April 3, 2012
History Lesson: How Does Economic Recovery Compare?
America’s latest recession is widely regarded as the worst since the Great Depression, but going beyond that, the current economic recovery is historically far less robust. America has never really recovered from the recession, contends Edward Lazear, former chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, in the Wall Street Journal. "The economy has not even returned to its long-te...
April 2, 2012
US displacing Japan as No 1 for highest corp taxes
April 2, 2012
Transportation advocates see little hope for pre-election long-term highway bill
April 2, 2012
Managing Small Business Growth – Companies Offer Insight
Growth is a primary goal for small businesses, but it is not without its challenges. As a company grows, business leaders must strategically and carefully manage their firm’s expansion. To better understand what it takes to manage a growing business, Advertising Age offers insights from three maturing companies focused on steady growth. Pursue Measured Growth Shift Communications, a Boston-b...
April 2, 2012
Having the Highest Corporate Tax Rate Is Not Funny
Yesterday in an annual rite of spring, April Fools jokes sprouted up across the internet: Google Racing Google Maps going eight-bit Sony’s new quarter-sized computer WestJet’s new Kargo Kids program Skype for String But one event wasn’t a joke. Yesterday, the United States corporate tax rate became the highest in the world. We’re Number 1, but that's not a good thing. As Executive Vice...
April 2, 2012
Obama Hosts Calderon, Harper to Boost North American Economy
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Roger Runningen The top leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico hold a trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit at the White House today to thrash out conflicts in energy and regulations to boost economic competitiveness and increase jobs. President Barack Obama hosts Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada and President Felipe Calderon of Mexico for talks on ...
March 30, 2012
US House Approves Highway-Funding Extension
March 30, 2012
U.S. Chamber Applauds House Passage of the "Protecting Access to Healthcare Act"
March 30, 2012
GOP blocks Obama's bid to end oil subsidies
March 30, 2012
3 Steps to Finding Clients Abroad
During one of my first trips abroad, my partner and I were sitting in the lobby of a Moscow hotel, people-watching and wondering how to go about finding customers for our newly established, fledgling communications distribution business. Hearing the familiar English dialogue, one of the patrons approached us and we struck up a conversation. He turned out to be a mid-level executive working for...
March 30, 2012
3 Ways to Congratulate Yourself
It’s 3am and I spring out of bed and head for my computer. I have tried not to do this. I have attempted to trick myself into thinking if I don’t get out of bed that I will remember the idea that danced across my dreams without writing it down. That never worked. I always forget it unless I email it to myself or my staff at the office. They must think I am literally out of my mind with the...
March 30, 2012
Using Facebook’s Timeline to Engage Customers
Social media offers big advantages for businesses looking to engage customers online and boost sales. Facebook recently implemented a new Timeline interface, which gives users more control over their posted content, better presents photos and videos, and makes a Facebook page more akin to a website than social media profile. For businesses, these changes can help boost customer engagement, rep...
March 30, 2012
3 Steps to Finding Clients Abroad
During one of my first trips abroad, my partner and I were sitting in the lobby of a Moscow hotel, people-watching and wondering how to go about finding customers for our newly established, fledgling communications distribution business. Hearing the familiar English dialogue, one of the patrons approached us and we struck up a conversation. He turned out to be a mid-level executive working for...
March 30, 2012
3 Ways to Congratulate Yourself
It’s 3am and I spring out of bed and head for my computer. I have tried not to do this. I have attempted to trick myself into thinking if I don’t get out of bed that I will remember the idea that danced across my dreams without writing it down. That never worked. I always forget it unless I email it to myself or my staff at the office. They must think I am literally out of my mind with the...
March 30, 2012
We're Number 1!
…Or dead last, depending on how you look at it. This Sunday, April 1, the U.S. corporate tax rate will become the highest in the world, as Japan implements its long-awaited tax rate reduction. As U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Bruce Josten said yesterday, “By simply standing still, we are falling behind.” This just makes the need for fundamental,...
March 29, 2012
Cordray to Chamber: I come in peace
March 29, 2012
GOP shifts to offense in highway bill fight
March 29, 2012
Rising Gas Prices Threaten Business Growth, Consumer Spending
The U.S. economy is showing signs of growth, but rising gas prices are taxing budgets and putting that hard-won growth in jeopardy. For small businesses, rising fuel costs make it difficult to plan for the future and make decisions on growth. For consumers, higher gasoline prices mean less expendable income for spending on products and services. In a piece that asks businesses to think about h...
March 29, 2012
U.S. Chamber Recognizes Lawmakers with Spirit of Enterprise Awards
It's no secret that Americans are generally displeased with Congress as a whole. Just 9% give Congress positive ratings for the overall job it is doing while 91% give it negative ratings, according to the results of a Harris Poll from earlier this month. But that's not to say that there aren't plenty of individual members of Congress who are working hard to reduce taxes and regulations, expand...
March 29, 2012
Employers Asking for Facebook Login Raises Privacy Concerns
Recent reports that some businesses and government agencies are asking job applicants to share their personal login information for Facebook is driving a heated debate on online privacy. Online marketing expert Kenneth Wisnefski wrote in the Washington Post that the debate could lead to litigation brought by job seekers and possibly to legislation protecting job applicants' privacy vis-à-vis ...
March 29, 2012
Rising Gas Prices Threaten Business Growth, Consumer Spending
The U.S. economy is showing signs of growth, but rising gas prices are taxing budgets and putting that hard-won growth in jeopardy. For small businesses, rising fuel costs make it difficult to plan for the future and make decisions on growth. For consumers, higher gasoline prices mean less expendable income for spending on products and services. In a piece that asks businesses to think about h...
March 29, 2012
GUEST COLUMN: New Indicator Measures Health of Franchise Businesses
The franchise industry includes more than 825,000 franchise establishments supporting nearly 18 million workers. Franchising, used by brands as diverse as Dunkin’ Donuts, Meineke Car Centers, The UPS Store, Marriott International, H&R Block, ReMax Realty, and FASTSIGNS offers entrepreneurs a chance to pursue their dream of small business ownership using a proven, structured and scalable ...
March 29, 2012
Employers Asking for Facebook Login Raises Privacy Concerns
Recent reports that some businesses and government agencies are asking job applicants to share their personal login information for Facebook is driving a heated debate on online privacy. Online marketing expert Kenneth Wisnefski wrote in the Washington Post that the debate could lead to litigation brought by job seekers and possibly to legislation protecting job applicants' privacy vis-à-vis ...
March 28, 2012
House approves JOBS Act, sends to Obama
March 28, 2012
Court watchers on both sides speculate about health-care mandate
March 28, 2012
EPA announces historic rule to limit climate pollution from new power plants
March 28, 2012
U.S. Chamber Opposes New EPA Rule Attacking American-Made Energy Sources
March 28, 2012
Tennessee & North Carolina Get a “Small Business Boost”
In partnership with the The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NFIB, and Facebook are on the road again educating small businesses on how to best use social media to engage with customers and expand to new audiences. The joint effort is helping small businesses acquire and retain customers, build a community around their business, and reach new customers from among Facebook’s 800 million users. Ha...
March 28, 2012
Local Small Businesses Get Boost from Cash Mobs
The first International Cash Mob day was held recently, with online activists using social media to drive consumers en masse to locally owned stores throughout the world. Reuters reports on the concept of cash mobs–flash mobs designed to create sudden, local spending–and how they are helping small businesses grow and compete in a difficult economy. "I grew up in a family with a small busin...
March 28, 2012
Frederick Chamber: Going Strong at 100
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce in Maryland may appear to resemble any one of thousands of county chambers around the country, but a proud history linked to an early 20th century president and a recent emphasis on advocacy make it anything but ordinary. When President William Howard Taft urged the formation of a national chamber, “I think the Frederick Chamber took the challenge,...
March 28, 2012
U.S. Chamber Founding Member Has Flavor
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Anyone who’s reached into the cupboard for a bottle of cinnamon or made a pot of chili is familiar with the iconic blue and red “Mc” label on a McCormick & Company product. In 1889, 25-year-old Willoughby M. McCormick started the company in a Baltimore room ...
March 28, 2012
Using Milestones for Marketing
Whether it’s commemorating your business’ 25th anniversary or celebrating your 250th customer, anniversaries, milestones, and awards and recognitions are prime opportunities to promote your business. These occasions can be used to retain existing customers and generate new ones, raise the profile of your business, and help shape your company’s future. Here are a few ideas for maximizing ...
March 28, 2012
One Tech Rule You Need to Know
There is one technology rule that even the most seasoned IT professional cannot prevent from happening: All Hard Drives Fail! So even if you’re not a computer whiz, you should be familiar with the term “backup.” Unfortunately, too many businesspeople aren’t familiar with or have forgotten its importance. But repeating the rule under your breath three times and saying it frequently to...
March 28, 2012
Readers Discuss Economy, Energy
THE ECONOMY Unfortunately, for those of us unemployed or underemployed, the economy remains quite bad right now. Some who have been lucky enough to find full-time employment have found it in a field of work far different from their intended life’s work, such as people with a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in business or any other field of study finding full-time work as delivery ...
March 28, 2012
Washington Is Poised to Suck More Out of Taxpayers
If you thought preparing your tax return for 2011 was a painful exercise, just wait. Individuals and small businesses are staring down the barrel of a bevy of tax increases, new taxes, and expiring deductions scheduled to take effect at the beginning of next year. The additional tax burden is potentially so great that some are calling it “Taxmaggedon.” Without action from Congress in 2012,...
March 28, 2012
One Tech Rule You Need to Know
There is one technology rule that even the most seasoned IT professional cannot prevent from happening: All Hard Drives Fail! So even if you’re not a computer whiz, you should be familiar with the term “backup.” Unfortunately, too many businesspeople aren’t familiar with or have forgotten its importance. But repeating the rule under your breath three times and saying it frequently to...
March 27, 2012
Highway bill: House GOP delays vote
March 27, 2012
Arguments begin on health reform law at Supreme Court
March 27, 2012
Dr. Biden, Mayor Bloomberg, Admiral Winnefeld, Join U.S. Chamber's Hiring Our Heroes Jobs Fair
March 27, 2012
5 Steps to Creating a Rewarding Workplace
When budgets are tight and raises are not a realistic possibility, how can you keep employees productive and committed to your company? Although a competitive employee benefits package that includes health care and other components, such as a 401(k) plan and disability and life insurance, will always be valuable to employees, there are many other types of initiatives that are also meaningful a...
March 27, 2012
Mobile Apps Make Business Travel Easier
Smart phones and other mobile devices offer computing power on the go, and increasingly there are mobile applications that can make business travel easier. Entrepreneur collected some useful mobile apps to help business travelers track and manage fights, find hotels, and more. Reservations en route: When plans change during travel, finding last-minute flights, hotels, or car rentals can be tri...
March 26, 2012
Health Law Heads to Court
March 26, 2012
NLRB plan to share workers' email, phone numbers under fire
March 26, 2012
NBC, U.S. Chamber team up for 'Hiring Our Heroes'
March 26, 2012
Will the Job Market Get Better?
Economists have been studying how this recovery differs from previous ones. Last Friday, Dave Altig at the Atlanta Fed posted a graph comparing the current economic recovery to the previous five. As you can see above, employment has been slower to return to pre-recession levels. Jonathan McCarthy and Simon Potter at The New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economic blog chart labor market indicator...
March 26, 2012
Rising Taxes Bring New Challenges for U.S. Small Business
Tax rates for businesses and individuals are set to spike at the end of this year, and without congressional action, the business community will need to adjust its spending, saving, and growth to account for higher payments to the federal government. Businessweek took a look at one such tax increase in gift taxes, which can impact small business succession plans. In 2013, the lifetime limits o...
March 23, 2012
Anniversary of health care law is nothing to celebrate
March 23, 2012
Unhappy public not sure who to blame for high gas
March 23, 2012
Worker Rights Get Promotional Drive
March 23, 2012
Health Law Slow to Win Favor
March 23, 2012
5 Steps to Dealing with Data Overload
It’s no secret that modern businesses are awash in data. IBM’s recent CMO study shows that over 70 percent of marketers say that the data explosion is what they feel the most unprepared for, and it’s no wonder: every day we create an additional 2.5 quintillion bytes of data—so much, that over 90 percent of the data in the world today has been created in just the last two years. Because...
March 23, 2012
Gas Prices Got You Crazed? Get a Grip!
The rising price of gas is an issue pertinent in all of our seminar topics. How does the rising price of gas fit into a work/life discussion? Very easily! In this economic climate, Americans are constantly stressed about finances. I regularly see people beginning to spin out of control. The biggest key to work/life balance is being prepared to handle whatever is thrown your way, and the rising...
March 23, 2012
5 Steps to Dealing with Data Overload
It’s no secret that modern businesses are awash in data. IBM’s recent CMO study shows that over 70 percent of marketers say that the data explosion is what they feel the most unprepared for, and it’s no wonder: every day we create an additional 2.5 quintillion bytes of data—so much, that over 90 percent of the data in the world today has been created in just the last two years. Because...
March 22, 2012
JOBS Act clears hurdle, faces others
March 22, 2012
House Republicans Proposing 20% Small-Business Tax Cut
March 22, 2012
Unemployment Rates for Veterans Rise
March 21, 2012
RPT-Under pressure from fuel prices, Obama starts energy blitz
March 21, 2012
Tom Donohue: The Truth Comes Out on Health-Care Reform Law
March 21, 2012
Agencies Told to Weigh Effects of Business Rules in U.S.
March 21, 2012
How to Build Your Small Business Website’s SEO
Websites and social media tools are increasingly critical for small business success, and being effective online means understanding and acting on search engine optimization (SEO). Optimizing online content to appear higher in the list of links returned in Internet-user search engine queries is challenging, but can result in more readers and, for small businesses, potential customers. Search E...
March 20, 2012
As Health Care Law's Trial Approaches, Two-Thirds Say Ditch Individual Mandate
March 20, 2012
Transportation advocates to 'rally for roads'
March 20, 2012
Move Over, OPEC -- Here We Come
March 19, 2012
House GOP's Ryan to unveil new budget
March 19, 2012
Transportation lobby sees road to short-term highway spending legislation
March 19, 2012
The Final Push for IPAB Repeal
March 16, 2012
Health care challenge: Matter of mandates
March 16, 2012
U.S.-Korea Free Trade Starts as Seoul Opponents Vow Repeal
March 16, 2012
Gas prices could top $4 before leveling
March 15, 2012
Big Businesses Wants All or Nothing Court Ruling on Health Law
March 15, 2012
Obama's Energy Plan: Oily Incompetence or Succeeding Fabulously?
March 15, 2012
Senate passes highway funding bill
March 15, 2012
Motivate Your Sales Team in a Challenging Economy
The economy may take one step forward and 12 steps back, but you still need your sales team to bring home the bacon. They’re slugging it out, day after day, listening to their prospects tell them the same excuses. The excuses and the lack of sales (as well as decreasing personal income) have the team down in the dumps. Motivated? Not so much. So what can you do to help boost your people’s ...
March 15, 2012
Protecting Your Network from a Terminated Employee
When’s the best time to start protecting your network from a terminated employee? Before you hire the employee. In the days of paper-based records and information, it was possible to simply escort former employees out of the office, assuring that they took only personal effects with them. Today, with electronic information and paperless offices, it’s much harder to determine if a terminate...
March 14, 2012
Obamacare Still Unpopular
March 14, 2012
Seminar to help businesses utilize social media site
March 14, 2012
Muddled Economic Picture Muddles the Political One, Too
March 13, 2012
Senate Ready to Pass Highway Programs Overhaul
March 13, 2012
Regulation Nation: New study finds Obama's regs cost $46 billion a year
March 13, 2012
Obama, Salazar Tout Energy Record as Gasoline Prices Continue to Rise
March 13, 2012
Understanding Why People Buy, and Why They Buy from You
Ah, the age old questions: Why do people buy? And why do they buy from me? If we could just figure that out, we might be able to sell more stuff. Well, it turns out it’s usually not as complex as you might think. People buy because they see the value in having whatever it is you have to offer. And they buy from you because they feel like they have a relationship with you, no matter how small...
March 12, 2012
JOBS Act would aid young companies by lightening regulations
March 12, 2012
Time running out on highways bill
March 12, 2012
Obama's Politicized Energy Policy
March 12, 2012
The New Digital Divide
It was a little more than 10 years ago that a national conversation started about “the digital divide,” the fact that not everyone had the same access to digital technology. The infrastructure simply wasn’t there. Regions of the country were woefully underserved, and socioeconomic status dictated how easily you could connect with the world online. With time, that gap has narrowed. Advanc...
March 9, 2012
Senate rejects Keystone in 56-42 vote
March 9, 2012
Small business advocates, lawmakers applaud House passage of JOBS Act
March 9, 2012
Senate leaders praise Speaker's decision
March 9, 2012
Going Mobile: QR Codes and Snap Tags
The buzz for 2012 is mobile. Everything is mobile; everything needs to be mobilized. First, go to your mobile phone and if you have the ability to access the Internet, check your website. If your phone doesn’t have this feature—first, put it on your list to upgrade your darned phone already—then borrow a friend or colleague’s phone to perform this test. How does your website look? How ...
March 8, 2012
Obama lobbying Dems over Keystone XL pipeline
March 8, 2012
CEOs Press Congress, Obama For Lower Taxes, 'Smarter' Regulation
March 8, 2012
House faces March 31 deadline on road, infrastructure bill
March 7, 2012
Dodd-Frank Rules Slow at SEC After Court Cost-Benefit Challenge
March 7, 2012
Broad coalition leans on Congress to pass transportation spending bill
March 7, 2012
Tom Donohue: Getting Involved and Staying Engaged in 2012
March 7, 2012
How to Use Microsites to Your Advantage
What’s a microsite? I just love Wikipedia, they have the best descriptions:“Microsite is an internet web design term referring to an individual web page or a small cluster (around 1 to 7) of pages which are meant to function as a discreet entity within an existing website or to complement an offline activity. The microsite’s main landing page most likely has its own domain name or sub do...
March 7, 2012
Cincinnati's Startup Bus on the Road to SXSW
The South by Southwest Interactive Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, is top of mind for entrepreneurs interested in cutting-edge tech innovation. What is not usually top of mind is Cincinnati, Ohio. Entrepreneur Chris Ostoich, founder and CEO of startup BlackBookHR, hopes that will change with the selection of Cincinnati as one of 10 cities chosen to hop on a StartupBus to South by Southwest t...
March 6, 2012
Senate highway bill set for key test vote
March 6, 2012
What's Really Inside Obama's Framework for Business Tax Reform
March 6, 2012
A Wide-Lens Approach is Key to Successful Innovation
Why were Apple’s iPod and Amazon’s Kindle so successful when companies like Sony had come before them with e-readers and MP3 players? According to Frederick E. Allen of Forbes, “It’s All in the Ecosystem.” The ecosystem is the totality of the marketplace. Not just buyers and sellers, but also those with indirect product involvement who cannot be overlooked. Ron Adler, professor of st...
March 5, 2012
Lawmakers secretly work on bipartisan deficit grand bargain
March 5, 2012
As transportation bills stall, potholes are ahead
March 5, 2012
Small Businesses Cautious As Borrowing Increases
March 2, 2012
U.S Chamber, Wisconsin Chapter Jump Into Wis. Senate Race
March 2, 2012
Timothy Geithner Reaches Out on Tax Reform
March 2, 2012
Fighting to hire veterans
March 1, 2012
Chambers discuss legislation for jobs, infrastructure, regulations
March 1, 2012
U.S. Chamber Launches Campaign to Promote its American Jobs and Growth Agenda
March 1, 2012
5 Minutes with…Mark Cuban
Among entrepreneurs, Mark Cuban’s success story is legend. Cuban started out as a tech entrepreneur by founding MicroSolutions (which he sold in 1990 for a reported $6 million) and Broadcast.com (which he sold to Yahoo! in 1999 for a reported $5.7 billion). Currently, he is owner of NBA team the Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and Magnolia Pictures. He founded HDNet, a cable network, an...
February 29, 2012
Editorial: It's past time to get moving
February 29, 2012
EPA Greenhouse Gas Rules Under Scrutiny in Two-Day Hearing
February 29, 2012
LAMBRO: Blockading Canadian oil
February 28, 2012
Swing states poll: Health care law hurts Obama in 2012
February 28, 2012
With Oil Prices Forecast to Reach $147 A Barrel, Experts Examine Energy Policy
February 28, 2012
Tax experts think deal could be done on corporate code overhaul this year
February 27, 2012
Transportation Lobbying Groups Follow Lawmakers Home
February 27, 2012
Reich: Obama Misses Opportunity on Tax Policy
February 27, 2012
When American Jobs and Opportunity are Political Collateral Everyone Loses
February 23, 2012
Carney: GOP cancelled Keystone, not Obama
February 23, 2012
Union sues to block Indiana's right-to-work law
February 23, 2012
Factbox: Reaction to Obama's corporate tax proposal
February 23, 2012
A Pipeline to Jobs and Development
John Meyer isn’t involved in the oil or gas industry. He doesn’t own a pipeline or construction business. But as the owner of Office Products Center in Winner, South Dakota, Meyer knows that his state needs jobs, and that the influx of workers and dollars generated by the Keystone XL pipeline expansion from Canada to the Gulf Coast would energize his state and region. That’s why the busi...
February 22, 2012
Obama Proposes Tax Revamp
February 22, 2012
ATM Coalition Launches Nationwide Effort to Urge Congressional Passage of Transportation Bills
February 22, 2012
The Cost of President Obama's Keystone XL Dithering: Politics gets in the way of the TransCanada project that would have brought jobs and energy
February 22, 2012
Interview: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Daniel Yergin Dissects America’s Energy Quest
If there is an oracle on energy, Daniel Yergin is it. Yergin is the co-founder and chairman of IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), a leading energy research and information firm. He serves on the U.S. Secretary of Energy's Advisory Board and chaired the U.S. Department of Energy’s Task Force on Strategic Energy Research and Development. Yergin is the author of the definitive his...
February 21, 2012
Highway bill stalled; Chamber campaigns outside beltway
February 21, 2012
Business tax breaks booted from payroll deal
February 21, 2012
IRS drops credit card paperwork requirement
February 17, 2012
Boehner: Vote on highway-energy bill may not come before recess
February 17, 2012
Hiring our Heroes TODAY: Sign up for veterans job fair
February 17, 2012
Republicans try rare tactic to block 2 Obama rules
February 17, 2012
Made in America With Love
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Inspiration hits entrepreneurs at different times—in the park during lunch, in the shower, or, in the case of Carolyn Rafaelian, in the car driving to Rhode Island after meeting with buyers in New York. Rafaelian started her jewelry line organically. The daughter of...
February 16, 2012
Congress under pressure to produce a transportation bill
February 16, 2012
Poll: Small-business owners fear economic situation
February 15, 2012
Democrats in tough races turn critical of Obama's 2013 budget
February 15, 2012
TRANSPORTATION: House to split up energy-for-infrastructure bill
February 14, 2012
GOP revives pipeline push in highway bill
February 14, 2012
Social Security reserves forecast to run dry in 2022
February 14, 2012
GE pledges to hire 5,000 veterans over five years
February 13, 2012
Obama's Budget Headed to Congress
February 13, 2012
Rep. Fitzpatrick Spotlighted in Chamber of Commerce Ad
February 13, 2012
Obama Rulemaker: $25B Outweighed by Benefits
February 13, 2012
Obama to Open Trade Talks With E.U.
February 10, 2012
U.S. Chamber of Commerce begins multi-million dollar ad campaign in congressional races
February 10, 2012
Budget Ducks Big Benefit Cuts
February 10, 2012
Groups hope to derail provision to strip mass transit financing
February 9, 2012
Chamber Starting Early Hill Ad Blitz
February 9, 2012
Senate Presidents' Day Recess May Be in Jeopardy
February 8, 2012
House panel approves Keystone pipeline bill
February 8, 2012
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Limit 1099-K 'Overreach'
February 8, 2012
'Hiring Our Heroes' event helps veterans find jobs
February 7, 2012
Unemployment drop still leaves low skill workers behind
February 7, 2012
President Obama's foolhardy energy policy
February 7, 2012
Budget Plan Has Familiar Ring
February 6, 2012
Union Elections Already on Fast Track -- No Need for 'Ambush'
February 6, 2012
Hiring Firm Uses Super Bowl to Announce Veterans Hiring Initiative
February 6, 2012
Speaker Boehner faces tough test on $260 billion transportation bill
February 3, 2012
Jobs Data Show Sustained Growth
February 3, 2012
Schock, Schilling introduce legislation in House
February 3, 2012
Tax Extenders Become Regular Fixtures of the Tax Code
February 2, 2012
4-hour job fair for military veterans and their families Thursday at the Superdome
February 1, 2012
Lawmakers debate temporary tax provisions, with eye on reform
February 1, 2012
Senator Seeks To Expedite Keystone XL Pipeline
January 31, 2012
Senate Hearing Will Examine Tax Extenders Fix
January 31, 2012
What Indiana's 'right to work' bill means for Obama, Big Labor and the U.S.
January 31, 2012
The Keystone Oil Pipeline: Rejected and Revived
January 30, 2012
Unions See Little Change in Membership
January 30, 2012
Ron Kirk: US to tackle hefty trade agenda
January 27, 2012
NLRB STOPS HIDING BIAS
January 27, 2012
Obama Plans to Propose Corporate Tax System Overhaul Next Month
January 26, 2012
Chamber of Commerce Twitter ads knock State of the Union
January 26, 2012
Labor board chief says he won't let recess controversy deter push for new rules
January 26, 2012
White House fleshes out manufacturing tax breaks
January 26, 2012
Drilling Roots Run Deep in Family Business
Stewart Brothers Drilling Company drills for everything from minerals to water wells across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. But it was uranium that brought another generation of Stewart Brothers—Hardy and Bob Stewart—to Milan, New Mexico (population 3,245). “My dad (Hardy) was a member of the greatest generation, and he had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says compa...
January 25, 2012
In State of the Union, Obama warns economic disparity threatens middle class
January 25, 2012
Panel set to tackle tax-cut extension
January 25, 2012
America’s War for Jobs: An Interview with Gallup CEO Jim Clifton
America’s next great global challenge is a fight for job creation. In his book The Coming Jobs War, Gallup CEO Jim Clifton says that jobs are a new international currency and that America’s future depends on creating many of the 1.8 billion good jobs needed worldwide. Clifton spoke with Free Enterprise.com about the themes in his book and what it will take for America to win the coming job...
January 25, 2012
Influencing Washington From 2,700 Miles Away
Small business owner Jim Wilcox is the mayor of a small town that’s had a big influence in Washington, D.C. The community of The Dalles, Oregon, is 2,700 miles and a world away from D.C. Set along the eastern part of the Columbia Gorge, 80 miles east of Portland, the scenic community of 14,400 is known for its primary crop—sweet cherries—and as a recreational haven with easy access to ra...
January 24, 2012
Obama Speech May Set Natural-Gas Production Goal
January 24, 2012
Small Business Hiring Stalls as Economic Worries Linger: Report
January 24, 2012
Wariness of NLRB Increases
January 23, 2012
What small-business owners want to hear in State of the Union speech
January 23, 2012
Obama ignores his own energy goals in rejecting Keystone XL
January 23, 2012
Economists see growth slowing, recession risk falling
January 20, 2012
Chertoff Urges Swift Action by Senate on Cybersecurity Measures
January 20, 2012
Family Matters Blog: New Spouse Employment Programs Unveiled at Career Fair
January 19, 2012
Websites' Blackout Has Impact on Capitol Hill
January 19, 2012
Poll: Small businesses want government out of the way
January 19, 2012
Interview: Former Treasury Secretary Snow Talks Eurozone Crisis, U.S. Debt
John Snow, former U.S. Treasury Secretary under President George W. Bush, remains an influential figure in the world of global finance as chairman of private investment firm Cerberus Capital Management LP. In a wide-ranging interview with FreeEnterprise.com, Snow candidly discussed the eurozone crisis, U.S debt and deficit, tax policy, and U.S. competitiveness. FreeEnterprise.com: In a recent ...
January 18, 2012
Chamber poll: Small biz blames D.C.
January 18, 2012
Experts disagree on reach of anti-piracy bills
January 17, 2012
U.S. Chamber offers 8 steps to greater employment
January 17, 2012
Chamber of Commerce president urges more US energy access, quicker permits
January 17, 2012
Veterans' new battle front: Job market
January 17, 2012
Veterans' new battle front: Job market
January 12, 2012
The American Jobs and Growth Agenda
January 12, 2012
Chamber's Donohue calls on White House, Congress to provide certainty for businesses
January 12, 2012
Honolulu Mayor Carlisle Declares January 18 'Hire Our Heroes Day'
January 11, 2012
2012 job market brightens, but unemployment won't fall fast
January 11, 2012
'Internet Censorship'? Would Websites Go Dark Battling Hollywood?
January 11, 2012
Obama praises 'vital' work of EPA
January 10, 2012
The US Chamber of Commerce on Obama's Labor Appointments
January 10, 2012
Issa calls hearing on Domain Name Service, search engine blocking for Jan. 18
January 10, 2012
Family Matters Blog: Career Fair to Focus on Military Spouses
January 9, 2012
U.S. debt is now equal to economy
January 9, 2012
Fight Against EPA Orders Heads to Supreme Court
January 6, 2012
Economy adds 200K new jobs, unemployment falls to 8.5 percent
January 6, 2012
Sweeping changes in store for unions and employers
January 6, 2012
Gasoline prices start the year at a high -- and rising
January 5, 2012
Obama defies lawmakers with recess appointments to labor board
January 5, 2012
Richard Cordray to be appointed to lead Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
January 5, 2012
Pipeline backers put Obama on clock
January 4, 2012
The Trojan Horse of cost benefit analysis
January 4, 2012
Surprise! 2011 Ended With Unexpected Economic Bang
December 22, 2011
NLRB finalizes controversial union election rule
December 22, 2011
Economy ends tough 2011 on a surprising upswing
December 21, 2011
Dozens of Power Plants Closing Due to New EPA Rules
December 21, 2011
Markup of anti-piracy bill postponed
December 21, 2011
Wanted: Guide to retool manufacturing
December 20, 2011
Energy battles set to rage into 2012
December 20, 2011
Senate moves to vote on anti-piracy bill next month
December 20, 2011
House GOP postpones payroll vote
December 19, 2011
Business group challenges NLRB over union poster rule
December 19, 2011
Republicans: Obama 'playing politics' with pipeline
December 19, 2011
Could 2012 be the most competitive Senate election in years?
December 16, 2011
Congressional leaders reach spending deal to avoid government shutdown
December 16, 2011
House passes bills imposing new rules on regulators
December 16, 2011
Canada oil pipeline into US gets extension support
December 14, 2011
Chamber chief urges government to avoid overregulation
December 14, 2011
Vote for the Most Ridiculous Lawsuit of the Month
December 13, 2011
Make no mistake, IP thefts steal U.S. jobs
December 13, 2011
Latest fight over 'Volcker rule' a matter of timing
December 12, 2011
Congress edges toward a compromise on spending
December 12, 2011
Lobbyists go to battle over Keystone pipeline
December 12, 2011
Boeing NLRB Complaint That Stoked Political Debate Is Withdrawn After Pact
December 8, 2011
GOP lawmakers seek more power over regulations
December 8, 2011
Congress Seeks Deal Amid Partisan Bickering on U.S. Payroll Tax
December 8, 2011
GOP uses Obama-Harper meeting to push Keystone oil sands pipeline
December 7, 2011
Congress should approve the REINS Act
December 7, 2011
Dodd-Frank Could Chill Hiring
December 7, 2011
TransCanada Keystone XL Pipeline Faces Political Peril: Ian Doig
December 6, 2011
Ryan to unveil budget reform proposals
December 6, 2011
Montana Chamber: Tester up 5
December 5, 2011
House passes Lamar Smith's bill aimed at reining in regulations
December 5, 2011
Helping businesses defend against cyber threats
December 5, 2011
Area business owners urged to take active role in politics
December 2, 2011
U.S. Chamber gives Sen. Brown gritty new look in political ad
December 2, 2011
Federal regulations on House agenda
December 1, 2011
Labor Union-Vote Plan Advances as U.S. House Passes NLRB Curbs
December 1, 2011
Sens. Lugar, McConnell hope for Dem backing on Keystone pipeline bill
November 29, 2011
Senate Dems plan to move $1 trillion omnibus in December
November 29, 2011
Rising cost of long-term care insurance angers seniors
November 29, 2011
U.S. Chamber Releases Survey Showing Public's Skepticism of New Consumer Agency's Structure, Powers, and Funding
November 28, 2011
National Labor Relations Board to vote on proposed changes in union rules
November 28, 2011
Montana Senate Race on Track to Be Among Cycle's Most Expensive
November 28, 2011
3% tax withholding on Medicare pay repealed
November 22, 2011
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO looks to energy for job growth
November 22, 2011
Obama Signs Law Granting Tax Credits for Hiring Jobless Vets
November 21, 2011
Labor Board May Speed Union Votes
November 21, 2011
Business wins repeal of 3% withholding requirement
November 18, 2011
Companies and Lobbyists on Both Sides of Web Piracy Bill
November 18, 2011
Business lobby wants a do-over on Volcker Rule
November 17, 2011
House Sends 3% Withholding Repeal to the President
November 17, 2011
Big bipartisan group of lawmakers pushes debt-panel to aim high
November 17, 2011
U.S. Chamber Launches Six State Effort to Educate Voters on Important Issues Affecting the Economy
November 16, 2011
Chamber of Commerce getting early start with attack ads
November 16, 2011
Insurance Mandate May Be Health Bill's Undoing
November 15, 2011
Deficit Panel Still Talking as Others Focus on Spending Bills
November 15, 2011
OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Keystone pipeline backers keep pressure on Obama
November 15, 2011
Supreme Test for Health Law
November 14, 2011
Senate Passes Repeal of 3% Withholding
November 14, 2011
Keystone XL pipeline decision delayed until after 2012 election
November 14, 2011
Deficit Panel Seeks to Defer Details on Raising Taxes
November 11, 2011
Obama delays Keystone decision until after 2012 reelection bid
November 11, 2011
Senate Passes Repeal of 3% Withholding Opposed by Businesses
November 11, 2011
Debt supercommittee leaders say talks continue, but so do divisions
November 10, 2011
First lady announces plans to hire vets, families
November 10, 2011
GOP accuses Democrats of breaking off debt talks in supercommittee
November 9, 2011
A slow, slow return to growth
November 9, 2011
Obama moves cautiously on new oil drilling
November 9, 2011
Reid Seeks to Add Penalties to Contractor Withholding Repeal
November 8, 2011
Expectations low in talks over U.S. deficit deal
November 8, 2011
Obama Administration Reviews Pipeline Proposal Amid Claims of Corruption in Vetting Process
November 8, 2011
Senate considers aid for jobless vets, contractors
November 7, 2011
Federal borrowing mounts while household debt shrinks
November 7, 2011
A Look Inside the Super Committee
November 7, 2011
Keystone pipeline decision could be delayed until after election
November 4, 2011
Supercommittee deal prospects dim
November 4, 2011
Unions Target New Ohio Law
November 4, 2011
Senate Dems looking to rework 3 percent repeal
November 3, 2011
100 House members push for $4 trillion deficit deal
November 3, 2011
Rickard: Fewer Lawsuits Equal More Jobs
November 3, 2011
House panel to vote on phantom EPA dust rule
November 2, 2011
Reid Plans to Rewrite Contractor Repeal to Punish Tax Cheats
November 2, 2011
Obama says he'll make the final decision on Keystone oil pipeline
November 1, 2011
Carney distances Obama from looming Keystone pipeline decision
November 1, 2011
Chamber Study: Tort costs go down, employment goes up
October 31, 2011
Chamber to deficit panel: Cut more
October 31, 2011
Small businesses push back against over-regulation
October 31, 2011
U.S. Chamber boss pushes feds to help business
October 28, 2011
House Vote to Repeal Contractor Rule Builds Pressure on Senate
October 28, 2011
EPA on cusp of Keystone pipeline comments
October 28, 2011
Taxes Remain Stumbling Block For Deficit Panel
October 27, 2011
House panel approves bill to roll back union election rule
October 27, 2011
House members unveil Stop Online Piracy Act
October 26, 2011
Obama Backs Repeal of 3% Federal Contractor Tax Withholding
October 26, 2011
Leaders intervene with debt panel
October 26, 2011
OVERNIGHT MONEY: BOEHNER TOUTS TORT REFORM
October 25, 2011
GOP takes second crack at labor board
October 25, 2011
Withholding tax comes back to bite businesses
October 25, 2011
Congress spars over tightening boiler-pollution rules
October 24, 2011
Tax Law Could Be Hurdle For High Court's Review Of Healthcare Mandate
October 24, 2011
Supercommittee Urged To Pursue Tax Reform
October 24, 2011
Dispute over lost revenues holds up effort to repeal 3 percent withholding rule
October 21, 2011
To create jobs, unwieldy regulations need to be tamed
October 21, 2011
Obama's Jobs Plan Is Blocked Again by Senate Republicans
October 21, 2011
For military vets, finding a job after serving no easy task
October 20, 2011
Appropriations bedlam continues
October 20, 2011
'Super committee' on deficit reduction is getting an earful
October 20, 2011
Democratic lawmakers pressure Obama administration on both sides of Keystone pipeline issue
October 19, 2011
Deficit Panel May Need Push, Lawmakers Say
October 19, 2011
Senate Republicans Press Contractor Rule Repeal, Thune Says
October 19, 2011
Obama Lawyers Urge Court to Limit Scope of Health-Care Case
October 18, 2011
GOP chair: DNC union jobs a 'slap' at NC
October 18, 2011
Forestry, Manufacturing, Petroleum Industries Get House to Pass Bill Delaying Regulations on Boilers
October 18, 2011
A New Spending Record
October 17, 2011
Finally, a GOP Growth Plan
October 17, 2011
Cantor confident of US deficit super committee deal
October 17, 2011
Obama allies' interests collide over Keystone pipeline
October 14, 2011
Lawmakers advise supercommittee to be cautious
October 14, 2011
Jobs proposals multiply but go nowhere
October 14, 2011
Obama Tax Rewrite Challenged by Missing Relationships
October 13, 2011
Congress OKs 3 trade deals
October 13, 2011
Business owners uncertain about economic policies
October 13, 2011
Obamacare Will Price Less Skilled Workers Out of Full-Time Jobs
October 12, 2011
Supercommittee deadline looms this week
October 12, 2011
For President Obama, it is business vs. base
October 12, 2011
South Korea, Colombia, Panama Trade Accords Head to Final Votes
October 11, 2011
Trade a litmus test for U.S. leadership
October 11, 2011
Obama Pushes Jobs Bill As Protection Against Another Recession
October 11, 2011
State Department: Clinton might not personally make pipeline decision
October 7, 2011
Hagan, McCain seek to boost businesses by cutting taxes
October 7, 2011
US added 103,000 jobs last month; unemployment stays at 9.1 pct
October 7, 2011
Keystone pipeline advocates, foes to battle at hearing
October 6, 2011
Labor board delays rule requiring union posters in the workplace
October 6, 2011
US House panel advances 3 free trade agreements
October 6, 2011
Service sector layoffs suggest weaker job market
October 5, 2011
Exclusive: Budget Talks Get Down to Taxes, Benefits
October 5, 2011
EPA to Ease Rule on Power Plants
October 5, 2011
Obama Submits Pending FTAs To Congress
October 4, 2011
Free Trade Standoff Is Resolved
October 4, 2011
Rep. Chris Van Hollen Pushing for Tax Reform
October 4, 2011
Obama to push his jobs plan outside Washington -- in swing districts
October 3, 2011
Disputed Trade Pacts Advance
October 3, 2011
Larger deal may elude deficit panel
October 3, 2011
Health care law looms over new Supreme Court term
September 30, 2011
Trade deals held up by Washington gridlock
September 30, 2011
On the Job Hunt: Hiring America's Heroes
September 30, 2011
Industry Groups Push Super Committee to Go Big
September 29, 2011
Obama appeals health care setback to high court
September 29, 2011
Report: EPA cut corners on climate finding
September 29, 2011
Shutdown averted, but deep differences linger
September 28, 2011
Benefits Tax Hits Businesses Twice
September 28, 2011
Spotlight back on healthcare law
September 28, 2011
EPA Boosts Water Policing as Farmers Say Worst Fears Realized
September 27, 2011
Facebook gives $10M in ads to small biz
September 27, 2011
Dems, Too, Have Raided Clean-Energy Programs
September 27, 2011
Deep Recession Sharply Altered U.S. Jobless Map
September 26, 2011
U.S. chamber head supports Keystone XL pipeline
September 26, 2011
Obama's push against regulations pleases no one
September 26, 2011
Senate rejects House spending bill, raising fears of shutdown
September 23, 2011
Lawmakers propose overhaul of regulatory rulemaking process
September 23, 2011
Senate OKs retraining program key to U.S. trade deals
September 23, 2011
Sen. Shelby looks to force regulators to consider costs of rules
September 22, 2011
White House Opposes House Bill to Delay EPA Rules
September 22, 2011
US Chamber of Commerce: It's Now or Never to Pass These Free Trade Agreements
September 22, 2011
Our view: Transportation funding drives economy
September 21, 2011
U.S. Chamber Says It Sues to Block NLRB Union Notice Rule
September 21, 2011
Supercommittee made progress in second closed-door meeting, co-chairs say
September 21, 2011
Chamber executive calls for diverse energy mix
September 20, 2011
Obama vs. Business: Fight Brewing Over Tax Hikes
September 20, 2011
Senate Set to Debate U.S. Worker Aid in Push to Advance Three Trade Deals
September 20, 2011
Worry About a New Wave of Layoffs
September 19, 2011
DRIESSEN: Welcome victory in long regulatory war
September 19, 2011
Chamber's Donohue: Obama's Jobs Focus Is Wrong
September 16, 2011
Unemployment benefit requests jumped to 428K
September 16, 2011
U.S. House Passes Limit Labor Board Powers After Boeing Case
September 16, 2011
Senate Extends Aviation, Highway Programs
September 15, 2011
Supercommittee to Get Push From Senators to Increase Savings
September 15, 2011
House Is Expected to Pass Bill Aiding New Boeing Plant
September 15, 2011
Pro/con: Does health-care act hurt the economic recovery?
September 14, 2011
Budget Deficit in U.S. Grew to $134.2 Billion in August on Calendar Effect
September 14, 2011
OVERNIGHT HEALTH: Census figures on uninsured spark firestorm
September 14, 2011
Bill to avert another FAA shutdown passes House
September 13, 2011
Survey: Americans Say Health Care Reform Isn't Working... Yet
September 13, 2011
House bill would block case against Boeing
September 12, 2011
Employers Say Jobs Plan Won't Lead to Hiring Spur
September 12, 2011
Pressure Builds on Deficit Panel to 'Go Big,' Beyond Its Mandate, in Cuts
September 12, 2011
White House Regulation Shift Is a Political Bet
September 9, 2011
Economists give Obama's jobs plan mixed reviews
September 9, 2011
Congressional debt reduction panel kicks off work
September 9, 2011
A Bipartisan Move to Tackle Benefits Programs
September 8, 2011
Democrats Eye Infrastructure Spending for Stimulus
September 8, 2011
Tax Cut Extension May Be Tough Sell
September 7, 2011
Obama's jobs speech will renew push for spending to boost economy
September 7, 2011
Corporate Tax Holiday: A Jobs Creator?
September 7, 2011
Backdrop to Hill energy agendas
September 6, 2011
Chamber presents its jobs plan to Obama
September 6, 2011
Are new rules on health care and banks killing jobs?
September 6, 2011
House Republicans paint target on NLRB's proposed union election rules
September 2, 2011
On Labor Day, a Grim Picture for Workers
September 2, 2011
Job Growth Grinds to a Halt in August
September 2, 2011
New-home Slump Keeping Door Shut on U.S. Recovery
September 1, 2011
Chamber Starts Job Push of Its Own
September 1, 2011
President Obama Urges Renewal of Transportation Bills
September 1, 2011
Indexes Are Up for the Day, Down for the Month
August 31, 2011
Obama's proposed regs would cost billions annually
August 31, 2011
Officials launch Partnership to Fuel America
August 31, 2011
ELLMERS: REFORM LAW MAY HAMPER SMALL INSURERS
August 30, 2011
Another Deficit Standoff This Year? Maybe Not
August 30, 2011
US Chamber tax counsel: The rest of the world is moving around us
August 29, 2011
CONGRESS: Republicans pan Obama administration's regulatory relief plan
August 29, 2011
A Short Primer on the National Debt
August 28, 2011
NLRB OKs new rule, faces new controversy
August 26, 2011
New rule requires private employers to display posters telling workers of right to form unions
August 26, 2011
Members of Congress avoid town hall brawls this recess
August 26, 2011
Businesses Encouraged by Vote to Repeal 3 Percent Withholding Rule
August 25, 2011
Chamber of Commerce, on Business and the Economy
August 25, 2011
Budget deficit slips to $1.28T; red ink continues
August 25, 2011
Obama and the Regulators
August 25, 2011
Regulation Business, Jobs Booming Under Obama
August 24, 2011
Businesses cool as administration moves to ease regs
August 24, 2011
AP survey: No recession but weakness will endure
August 24, 2011
The perils of the supercommittee
August 23, 2011
Curb Health Costs to Cut U.S. Budget Gap, NABE Survey Says
August 23, 2011
Obama: Congress Can Approve Trade Deals 'Right Now,' but Deals Still on His Desk
August 23, 2011
U.S. Chamber leaders urge Keystone XL construction
August 22, 2011
Revise tax code, Chamber tells deficit panel
August 22, 2011
Get Out Of The Way Of The Jobs
August 19, 2011
Global stocks continue sharp sell-off
August 19, 2011
Slow start for supercommittee
August 19, 2011
Deadlock in Ohio Over Union Rights
August 18, 2011
Amid Skepticism, Debt Panel Is Pressed for a Deal
August 18, 2011
Gas up $1 a gallon since last year, and policies aren't helping
August 18, 2011
President Obama rides bus into GOP deficit battle
August 17, 2011
Business to US deficit panel: tackle taxes, Medicare
August 17, 2011
Election Looms in Health-Law Review
August 16, 2011
Obama begins Midwest bus trip, hoping for economic jump-start
August 16, 2011
Camp Says Canada-Colombia Free Trade Puts U.S. at Disadvantage
August 15, 2011
Small banks fear new mortgage rules
August 15, 2011
Alabama Voices: Free trade helps Alabama economy
August 15, 2011
Wall St, US Manufacturers Reportedly Mulling Wave Of Layoffs
August 12, 2011
Feeble Numbers Stir Recession Fear
August 12, 2011
Trade deficit adds $2.3B as exports fall
August 12, 2011
Proposal Targets Firms Facing Union Organizing Drives
August 11, 2011
Obama, Bernanke huddle as Dow slides 519 points
August 11, 2011
U.S. debt: A four-letter word or a necessary evil?
August 11, 2011
Entrepreneurs Ask: Will the Downturn Ever End?
August 10, 2011
Labor Board Races to Make Rulings
August 10, 2011
Study: State Governments Play Key Role in Job Creation
August 10, 2011
Small-business owners pessimistic about economy
August 9, 2011
Obama seeks to reassure faith in US credit
August 9, 2011
Block on NLRB nominations could mean headaches for labor lawyers
August 9, 2011
Poll: 60% say economy getting worse
August 8, 2011
U.S. Senate Leaders End Impasse on Three Free-Trade Deals
August 8, 2011
Members Of Congress Return Home To Face Criticism On Debt Ceiling Debate
August 8, 2011
Chamber Of Commerce: Downgrade 'Powerful Incentive For Lawmakers To Do The Hard Work Necessary To Get Our Fiscal House In Order'
August 5, 2011
Small Firms Hunger For Sales, Not Credit
August 5, 2011
On Jobs, Grand Bargains for Politicians to Get America Back to Work
August 4, 2011
Appeals Court Ruling Likely to Delay Dodd-Frank Regs
August 4, 2011
Analysis: Down-to-wire debt deal tests corporate ties
August 4, 2011
Report: Obama Administration Added $9.5 Billion in Red Tape in July
August 3, 2011
Debt law signed, attention turns to jobs
August 3, 2011
Continuing stocks plunge worries investors
August 2, 2011
D-day for debt compromise
August 2, 2011
U.S. Economy: Manufacturing Almost Stalls as Orders Drop
August 2, 2011
Congress unlikely to tackle FAA funding bill before recess
August 1, 2011
'We have a deal'
August 1, 2011
Opposing the Health Law, Florida Refuses Millions
August 1, 2011
The Hill Poll: One in 3 voters say the US has passed its peak
July 29, 2011
Buyer's Remorse?
July 29, 2011
Business leaders air growing unhappiness with Obama
July 29, 2011
Obama administration's charm offensive fails to win over business groups
July 28, 2011
Boehner Fights Strife Within Republican Party on Veto-Threatened Debt Plan
July 28, 2011
Camp Outlines Plan to Move Trade Pacts
July 28, 2011
Inflatable rats and regulatory tsunamis: Just another day at the NLRB
July 28, 2011
Fans pen Facebook wall posts to lawmakers on debt ceiling
July 27, 2011
Korea-U.S. trade pact aims to create jobs
July 27, 2011
Dueling debt plans may face votes in Congress starting Wednesday
July 26, 2011
Balanced budget amendment gives GOP 'bargaining chip'
July 26, 2011
Report: 1 in 8 employer insurance plans getting the axe since Obamacare
July 25, 2011
Rival Debt Plans Being Assembled by Party Leaders
July 25, 2011
Firms fight proposal that would require union-related disclosures
July 20, 2011
House approves GOP debt reduction bill
July 20, 2011
House approves GOP debt reduction bill
July 20, 2011
Trade deals could slip into September
July 19, 2011
Dodd-Frank Under Fire a Year Later
July 19, 2011
NLRB turns up the heat
July 18, 2011
Proposal Revamps Union Elections
July 18, 2011
Economic uncertainy keeping small businesses from hiring
July 15, 2011
Republican Attacks Persist for Consumer Bureau
July 15, 2011
Daley says Korean deal could go to Hill soon
July 14, 2011
Column: 4 ways a debt default would hurt America
July 14, 2011
White House proposal would raise Medicare age
July 13, 2011
Cantor Plays Up List of Proposed Cuts to Medicare, Medicaid
July 13, 2011
Congress hears outcry from business lobby on debt ceiling and deficit
July 12, 2011
New Small Business Poll Says Uncertainty is Impeding Hiring
July 12, 2011
Chamber's Support For Debt Limit Increase Noted
July 11, 2011
Little Hiring Seen by Small Business
July 11, 2011
Crude Bucks Efforts by the IEA to Tame Prices
July 8, 2011
Democrats Oppose Talk of Cuts to Social Security
July 8, 2011
Head of Obama jobs council to join U.S. Chamber at Monday summit
July 7, 2011
Dueling Bills Seeks to Fund Road, Infrastructure Plans
July 6, 2011
Business at Hand: Presidents tax-the-rich plans hit hard close to home
July 6, 2011
House GOP expected to ax transportation funds
July 5, 2011
Employers skeptical of Obama vow of less red tape
July 5, 2011
Inside the Disappointing Comeback
June 30, 2011
Obama weighs in on Boeing dispute
June 30, 2011
Smaller Businesses Seeking Loans Still Come Up Empty
June 29, 2011
Republicans slam administration LIFO proposal
June 29, 2011
Republicans slam administration LIFO proposal
June 29, 2011
Debt-limit delay would jeopardize Social Security payments
June 28, 2011
Health debate shifts to entitlement cuts
June 28, 2011
Colombia Trade Deal Loses Key Support
June 27, 2011
State road agencies find new ways in lean times
June 24, 2011
Geithner: Taxes on 'Small Business' Must Rise So Government Doesn't 'Shrink'
June 24, 2011
World Oil Reserves Tapped
June 24, 2011
Spurring the EPA on greenhouse gases
June 23, 2011
Unionizing Efforts Made Easier?
June 23, 2011
Bayh, Card plan road show for Chamber on regulations
June 22, 2011
Exclusive: Medicaid for the middle class?
June 22, 2011
Plan to Ease Way for Unions
June 21, 2011
New Rule Proposed On Employers' Use Of Union Consultants
June 21, 2011
Texas' economy takes a big leap
June 21, 2011
If This Is Tax Reform, Count Me (And Small Business) Out
June 20, 2011
U.S. Lawyer Fighting Boeing Says He Regrets Job Fears
June 20, 2011
Obama czar Cass Sunstein admits there are job killing regulations
June 17, 2011
Haley, Dems weighing in before SC Boeing hearing
June 17, 2011
Americans Support Offshore Drilling, but Washington Wavers
June 16, 2011
Chamber Launches Website in Support of Trade Pacts
June 16, 2011
Uncertainty Is Not the Problem
June 15, 2011
Lawmakers Tread Cautiously Around US Payroll-Tax Holiday Idea
June 15, 2011
Boeing defends South Carolina plant in court
June 13, 2011
Jobs for college grads growing at a snails pace
June 13, 2011
U.S. Lawmakers Say Agreement on Cutting Debt Would Boost Flagging Economy
June 10, 2011
For more-free trade with Korea
June 10, 2011
High unemployment claims, food prices slow economy
June 9, 2011
U.S. Chamber of Commerce to do Bi-Partisan "Road Show" on Regulatory Reform
June 8, 2011
Senate Republicans urge White House to drop conditions on pending trade deals
June 8, 2011
Business Partnership to Kick-Off National Clean Energy Dialogue
June 8, 2011
White House to announce more on initiative to link skilled workers, manufacturers
June 7, 2011
Business uncertainty seeps into 2012
June 7, 2011
Firms to cut health plans as reform starts: survey
June 6, 2011
Fueling Speculation: What Should America Run On?
June 6, 2011
Industry Puts Heat on Schools to Teach Skills Employers Need
June 2, 2011
Will New Move to Cut Government Regulation Help Small Business?
June 2, 2011
Korean embassy rep urges support of FTA at area farms
June 1, 2011
Obama Draws on Business Expertise in Picking Bryson for Commerce Agency
June 1, 2011
Gas prices likely dampened May retail sales
May 31, 2011
Economic problems stubbornly linger
May 31, 2011
Dispute Threatens Key Deals on Trade
May 27, 2011
Federal Review Finds Rules to Live Without
May 27, 2011
Unions Use U.S. Labor Board to Bully Employers, Lawyers Say
May 23, 2011
Hard Hit Small Businesses See Uncertain Future
May 23, 2011
Gang of Six collapse: Winners and losers
May 19, 2011
Senate blocks Republican drilling measure
May 19, 2011
Boeing case may prompt change: Firms might have to tell unions of moving plans
May 18, 2011
Free trade's costs can't be left out of calculation
May 18, 2011
Small businesses have important economic role
May 17, 2011
Poll: 7 in 10 Americans say high gas prices hurt
May 17, 2011
Report Shows US Falling Behind In Infrastructure Investment
May 16, 2011
Chamber Urges Lawmakers to Raise Debt Limit Expeditiously
May 16, 2011
Outlines of ESEA's Future Emerging on Capitol Hill
May 10, 2011
Obama to meet with both Senate caucuses on how to cut deficit
May 10, 2011
Oil Group Backs Tax Overhaul Instead of Ending Member Breaks
May 9, 2011
Bills Try to Curb Reach of Unions
May 9, 2011
U.S. Chamber fights donation disclosure rules
May 6, 2011
House OKs offshore-drilling bill
May 6, 2011
Senate Republicans Plan to Block Consumer Bureau Nominee
May 5, 2011
It Was a Dark and Stormy Small-Business Outlook
May 5, 2011
Dems, GOP duel over energy legislation
May 4, 2011
Want to Create High Paying Jobs? Support Education
May 4, 2011
GOP floats test vote on debt ceiling
May 3, 2011
White House Threatens Veto of Republican Health Initiatives
May 3, 2011
High-Earning Households Pay Growing Share of Taxes
May 2, 2011
Agencies Not Meeting Dodd-Frank Regulations Deadlines
May 2, 2011
Support education, support jobs
April 29, 2011
Scott Horsley
April 29, 2011
Bid to curb campaign donors challenged
April 28, 2011
BP Plans Return to Gulf This Year
April 28, 2011
Stocks rise after Fed says recovery will continue
April 27, 2011
Lobbyist Fires Warning Shot Over Donation Disclosure Plan
April 27, 2011
South Korea wants to buy North Carolina pork
April 26, 2011
Labor Board Plans to Sue 2 States Over Union Rules
April 26, 2011
John Boehner: No promises on debt limit vote
April 21, 2011
Uptick in Loans Could Aid Businesses
April 21, 2011
Obama: Housing Is "Probably The Biggest Drag" On The Economy
April 20, 2011
Obama blames speculators for high gasoline prices
April 20, 2011
Freshman Republicans bind: Vote convictions or help economy by raising debt limit?
April 18, 2011
GOP, White House both think they have leverage in debt-ceiling fight
April 18, 2011
Detroit Moves Against Unions
April 14, 2011
In Debt Limit Debate, No Big Push From Big Business
April 14, 2011
Doc Hastings makes haste on offshore drilling plan
April 13, 2011
Wrestling with debt-ceiling strategy
April 13, 2011
US deficit up 15.7% in first half of fiscal 2011
April 12, 2011
There's no time to lose on Korea
April 12, 2011
Hatch wants to halt Dodd-Frank until other nations get on board
April 11, 2011
Bipartisan Bill Strips Form 1099 Requirement From Health Care Law
April 11, 2011
Houses Pushes Regulatory Rollback Agenda
April 8, 2011
Business Groups Intensify Pressure on Lawmakers to Reach Spending Deal
April 8, 2011
House passes Upton's bill to halt EPA's GHG regulations
April 7, 2011
House, Senate split on blocking EPA greenhouse-gas regulation
April 7, 2011
U.S. and Colombia Near Trade Pact
April 6, 2011
Treasury working on corporate tax plan: Geithner
April 6, 2011
Repeal of 1099 Tax Provision in Health Law Heads to Presidents Desk
April 5, 2011
Congress aims to curb EPA's power over gases
April 5, 2011
Rep. Paul Ryan's budget sets 2012 stage
April 4, 2011
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Honors Members of Congress for Business Policies
April 4, 2011
Government Contractors Brace for Shutdown
March 31, 2011
Greenhouse gas regulations could cost trillions
March 31, 2011
Top banker and regulator offer dueling agendas
March 30, 2011
Obama Adviser on Consumer Agency to Address Business Leaders
March 30, 2011
Dems hint at flexibility in budget talks
March 29, 2011
Chamber watching Dodd-Frank for emerging problems
March 29, 2011
Trade groups say U.S. falling behind
March 28, 2011
Fiscal cloud still hangs over Congress
March 28, 2011
Municipalities trim health services amid housing bust
March 25, 2011
Bring Our Bucks Back
March 25, 2011
CBO: Taxing mileage a 'practical option' for revenue enhancement
March 24, 2011
Health-Care Overhaul Law Has Tumultuous First Year
March 24, 2011
Common sense in the court
March 23, 2011
Disruption in Japan Slows Rise in Oil Price
March 23, 2011
Health reform, age 1, faces tough challenges
March 21, 2011
Newest trade war: Obama vs. Congress
March 21, 2011
Tax Credits - Not Mandates - Would Improve Cyber-Security, Industry Coalition Says
March 18, 2011
SEC moves to charge Fannie, Freddie execs
March 18, 2011
Senate sends 3-week funding bill to Obama
March 17, 2011
Economic Outlook: 'We're Moving Up'
March 15, 2011
Energy Is Where Big Labor Meets Big Business
March 15, 2011
Kerry to introduce infrastructure bank bill
March 14, 2011
Lawmakers predict new stopgap budget will pass
March 14, 2011
Energy Institute's Harbert Weighs In On Obama's Oil Assessment
March 11, 2011
Democrats demand Obamas budget help
March 11, 2011
House Panel Backs Bill Blocking EPA Action on Emissions
March 9, 2011
Chamber enlists ex-DC chancellor Rhee on education reform
March 9, 2011
Reid, McConnell reach deal to allow votes on spending bills
March 8, 2011
Administration could back second temporary budget deal
March 8, 2011
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Study Ranks States by Employment Regulations
March 7, 2011
Businesses tired of being subjected to oil shocks
March 7, 2011
House Republicans try to steer focus back to jobs
March 3, 2011
Partnership aims to help Midwest manufacturers
March 3, 2011
As Senate passes 2-week funding bill, Obama calls for talks
March 1, 2011
U.S. Plans for Trade Are Stalled
March 1, 2011
Poll: Blame for possible government shutdown is divided
February 28, 2011
Deal on Spending Cuts Would Defer Tougher Decisions
February 28, 2011
Energy Institute's Harbert Comments On Oil, Gas Imports
February 25, 2011
Senate Dems consider spending cuts
February 25, 2011
President Obama's foreclosure program in jeopardy
February 23, 2011
Obama's budget offers few clues on health overhaul
February 23, 2011
Labor Unions Are on the Way Out
February 22, 2011
Republicans, Democrats Draw Lines on Shutdown
February 22, 2011
U.S. Chamber Calls For Action On Trade Agreements
February 18, 2011
House debates blocking money for health care law
February 18, 2011
NLRB Defunding Fails, But Agency Remains GOP Target
February 17, 2011
DOL Secretary Hilda Solis: I dont have the authority to administer card check
February 16, 2011
Dems join GOP criticism of budget
February 16, 2011
National Labor Relations Board to decide whether labor organizers can use micro union targets
February 15, 2011
Businesses see Barack Obama's budget as slap
February 15, 2011
Pete Kasperowicz
February 14, 2011
Trade Deals, Job Help Linked in Congress
February 14, 2011
Budget 2012: Obama vs. House Republicans
February 11, 2011
A Backlash Looms for the Federal Labor Board
February 11, 2011
GOP invites business to vent about regulations
February 9, 2011
Obama to call for $53B for high-speed rail
February 9, 2011
Ways and Means set to hold budget hearing with Geithner
February 8, 2011
Business groups: EPA regulations stifling
February 8, 2011
A new Dem threat to health care law
February 7, 2011
EPA Rules Top List of Business Complaints to Issa Committee
February 7, 2011
Transportation needs won't be met
February 4, 2011
House GOP Plan Would Require Big Cuts
February 4, 2011
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/801-economy/142091-jobless-rates-falls-to-9-percent-economy-adds-36000-jobs
February 3, 2011
Senate rejects GOP-led bid to repeal healthcare law
February 3, 2011
Failure to Raise U.S. Debt Ceiling Would Be Dangerous, Top Obama Aide Says
February 2, 2011
Senate to vote on repeal of health care law
February 2, 2011
Slowly, bipartisan plans emerge for cutting spending
February 1, 2011
Democrats push aviation bill as jobs program
February 1, 2011
U.S. Chamber increasing investment in young entrepreneurs
January 31, 2011
Fight to finish on US-S.Korea trade pact
January 31, 2011
House panel to consider SBA program cuts
January 28, 2011
Not all small businesses eligible for new health tax credit
January 28, 2011
Pick for Labor Board Opposed by Business
January 27, 2011
House Republicans punch reform again
January 27, 2011
Deficit Outlook Darkens
January 26, 2011
Zero-tariff trading agreement between US and Europe urged
January 26, 2011
Administration readies transportation plan
January 25, 2011
Business, labor listening for the president's plan on infrastructure
January 25, 2011
Roll back the 1099 provision
January 24, 2011
Many hoping Obama will give hints on the thorny topic of tax reform
January 24, 2011
Immelt to head new advisory board on job creation; Volcker to step down
January 21, 2011
Senate Democrats push John Boehner on IRS rule
January 21, 2011
Chamber's Eastman Comments On Union Recruitment
January 20, 2011
House Passes Repeal to Health Reform
January 20, 2011
US creates new agencies for oil oversight
January 19, 2011
House Launches Health-Law Challenge
January 19, 2011
Chamber: Obama executive order on regulations 'positive first step'
January 18, 2011
Health care lobby mum on repeal
January 18, 2011
Obama Launches Rule Review, Pledging to Spur Jobs, Growth
January 17, 2011
U.S. Chamber offers 8 steps to greater employment
January 11, 2011
Small-Business Confidence in U.S. Fell in December on Outlook
January 11, 2011
Judges Berate Bank Lawyers in Foreclosures
January 10, 2011
More Bank Reforms Needed, Economists Say
January 10, 2011
Profits Face Headwinds
January 6, 2011
House Republicans Work Toward Targeted Dismantling of Health Care Law
January 6, 2011
Rule could endanger transportation budget, building trade jobs sector
January 5, 2011
Health Care Again Tops the Agenda, This Time of GOP
January 5, 2011
GOP freshmen step onto the tightrope
January 4, 2011
House Republicans schedule vote on healthcare repeal for next week
January 4, 2011
G.O.P. Sets Up Huge Target for Budget Ax
January 3, 2011
With strong momentum on slashing deficit, strife looms in GOP
January 3, 2011
Experts: Gas could climb to $3.75 per gallon
December 22, 2010
Senate approves government funding bill; sends to House
December 22, 2010
U.S. Proposes Posted Notice of the Right to Unionize
December 21, 2010
Homeowners use 'show me the note' to fight foreclosure
December 21, 2010
Salazar puts Atlantic, eastern gulf off-limits for next 5 years
December 20, 2010
Chamber's Donohue Calls Korean FTA "Top Priority"
December 20, 2010
Tax break may spur business spending, hiring
December 17, 2010
Congress Sends $801 Billion Tax Cut Bill to Obama
December 17, 2010
Fed proposes 12-cent cap on merchant debit fees
December 17, 2010
What the tax extension means for you
December 16, 2010
Barack Obama to CEOs: Let's talk
December 16, 2010
U.S. Economy: Industrial Production Rises, Inflation Slows
December 15, 2010
Senate Aims to Boost Funding for Financial Regulators
December 15, 2010
Senate to Pass $858 Billion Tax-Cut Measure Today; House Action to Follow
December 14, 2010
Tax-Cut Deal Headed for a Vote
December 14, 2010
Obama to meet with top CEOs on Wednesday
December 13, 2010
Firms Feel Pain From Health Law
December 13, 2010
Obama summons Bill Clinton to push tax cut case
December 10, 2010
CEOs find new friend in Obama
December 10, 2010
Housing agencies clash over mortgage-relief program
December 9, 2010
Swonk Says Payroll Tax Cut Could Add to U.S. Growth
December 9, 2010
Washington Rule Makers Out of the Shadows
December 8, 2010
Lieberman says tax cut proposal can pass the Senate
December 8, 2010
Rise in job openings hopeful sign before holidays
December 7, 2010
The Tax Cut Endgame
December 7, 2010
Hiring Intentions at U.S. Employers Improving, Manpower Says
December 6, 2010
The Week Ahead: Last days of the 111th
December 6, 2010
Tax Deal Within Reach
December 3, 2010
Senate Sets Dec. 4 Vote on Extending Bush-Era Tax Cuts as Talks Continue
December 3, 2010
Jobless rate up to 9.8 percent as economy adds only 39,000 jobs
December 2, 2010
Snafu could stall food safety bill
December 2, 2010
White House to announce no offshore oil drilling for seven years
December 1, 2010
Senate GOP vows to halt lame-duck action until tax deal
December 1, 2010
Senate Acts on Food Safety
November 30, 2010
Road Map: Still No Agenda for Lame Duck
November 30, 2010
Health law's tax-filing requirement survives
November 29, 2010
Senate to vote on 1099 paperwork burden
November 29, 2010
Democrats warm to tax-cut compromise
November 24, 2010
SEC Economist Vacancies May Aid Legal Challenges of Dodd-Frank Overhaul
November 24, 2010
Hill pressured to kill 'death tax'
November 23, 2010
Record U.S. Exports Reflect Midwest Boom With 3.7% Unemployment
November 22, 2010
Advice From the Top: More Trade, More Jobs
November 22, 2010
Business on Obamacare: Resist, Not Repeal
November 19, 2010
A clampdown on rogue websites
November 19, 2010
Debt-cutting plans share this: Taxes will go up for everyone
November 18, 2010
Chamber's Donohue Announces Fight Against "Regulatory Tsunami"
November 18, 2010
Geithner Looks At Compromise On Taxes
November 17, 2010
Chamber's Donohue Pledges to Work With Obama on Trade, Jobs After Dispute
November 17, 2010
Navigate: POLITICOCongressSenate Republicans back earmarks ban in voice voteMain Content
November 15, 2010
Paycheck Fairness?
November 15, 2010
Democrat vows to repeal 1099 filing rule from healthcare law
November 12, 2010
U.S., South Korea fail to reach free-trade deal
November 12, 2010
Lawmakers face $1 trillion decision
November 11, 2010
Deficit Plan Matches $3.8 Trillion Math With Tough Politics
November 11, 2010
In Setback, U.S. and South Korea Fail to Agree on Trade
November 10, 2010
Tech industry awaits approval of U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement
November 10, 2010
Businesses Gaining Confidence
November 9, 2010
More Americans opt for high-deductible health insurance plans
November 9, 2010
Industry Groups Urge Caution On Financial Rules
November 8, 2010
Obama talks to businesses in India, announces $10 billion in trade deals
November 8, 2010
Obama opens door for talks with GOP on tax-cut extension
November 4, 2010
What the Newly Elected Congress Means for Business
November 4, 2010
Business gains a friend: Congress
November 1, 2010
Democrats, GOP Split On Means To Boost Economy
November 1, 2010
First congressional face-off of new year could be over tax cuts
October 29, 2010
Declining Transportation Infrastructure Is Affecting the Economy
October 29, 2010
Jobs, economic security top issues before midterms
October 28, 2010
Why has GOP found health care law such a potent weapon?
October 28, 2010
There They Went Again
October 26, 2010
Chamber Forum: Healthcare Reform Represents Expensive Changes For Businesses
October 26, 2010
Fed panel gets 60-day extension on spill report
October 25, 2010
Trumka puts AFL-CIO in middle of every issue
October 25, 2010
Business leaders press administration for repeat on tax break
October 21, 2010
Economic, political climate make tax planning hard
October 21, 2010
Key Senate Battles Tighten
October 19, 2010
Citing health care law, Boeing pares employee plan
October 19, 2010
Chamber renews call to extend all Bush tax cuts
October 12, 2010
Economy loses 95,000 jobs in last report before election
October 12, 2010
Obama Calls For Passage Of $50 Billion In Infrastructure Spending
October 6, 2010
Obama Strains to Get Liberals Back Into Fold Ahead of Vote
October 6, 2010
After Dem leaders skip vote, Bush tax debate flares on campaign trail
October 4, 2010
The real jobs machine: Entrepreneurs
October 4, 2010
Lawmakers face daunting tax agenda when they return for lame-duck session
October 1, 2010
Campaign cash dash: Who to watch
October 1, 2010
Retreating lawmakers leave long 'to do' list
September 30, 2010
Congress punts tough choice until after election
September 30, 2010
Democrats' failed bid to curb outsourcing had some crucial flaws
September 29, 2010
Tax Incentives to Keep Jobs in the U.S. blocked in Senate
September 29, 2010
47 House Democrats Call For Extension Of Investment Tax Cuts
September 24, 2010
Congress to send small business bill to Obama
September 24, 2010
Donohue Calls for Long-Term View of Infrastructure
September 23, 2010
Bipartisan Poll Shows Small Businesses Concerned About Economy, Lawsuits, Effectiveness of Government Actions
September 23, 2010
Dems guess wrong on health care
September 22, 2010
Federal demands crimp hiring, businesses say
September 22, 2010
State workers feeling major task of implementing health-care law
September 21, 2010
Short of Repeal, G.O.P. Will Chip at Health Law
September 21, 2010
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Democrat in Senate race
September 20, 2010
Obama puts Elizabeth Warren in charge of consumer bureau launch
September 20, 2010
No fix yet for health reform's 'paperwork nightmare'
September 17, 2010
What Are The Facts in the Tax Debate?
September 17, 2010
Senate passes small-business jobs bill, opening tax cut battle
September 16, 2010
Legislature to relieve pending paperwork burden on small businesses fails to get Senate votes
September 16, 2010
More House Democrats call for tax cuts for all
September 10, 2010
Obama's blunt take: Poor economy hurts Democrats
September 10, 2010
ObamaCare 'Amnesia'
September 9, 2010
Obama's latest job-bolstering proposal fails to dazzle
September 9, 2010
Tax Cuts Dividing Democrats
September 7, 2010
Unemployment climbs to 9.6 percent
September 7, 2010
HARRIS: Renewing hope for the American dream
September 2, 2010
Senate control hinges on unlikely trio
September 2, 2010
Dems may push lame-duck energy bill
August 31, 2010
Business lobby to highlight 'barriers to job creation'
August 31, 2010
Social Security Bait and Switch
August 30, 2010
The coming tsunami of business tax increases
August 30, 2010
Environmental groups face their future in climate-change debate
August 27, 2010
Alaska outcome still in limbo
August 26, 2010
Democrats privately fear House prospects worsening
August 25, 2010
Interest Groups Step Up Push for Transportation Bill
August 25, 2010
Big Unions to Pool Money for Fall Elections
August 23, 2010
Chamber emerges as formidable political force
August 23, 2010
Chamber fires back at Obama's campaign finance reform push
August 19, 2010
Obama's free-trade goal hits roadblock
August 18, 2010
Chamber of Commerce Challenges EPA on Greenhouse Gas Regulation
August 18, 2010
Senator Murray Advances Past Primary in Washington
August 17, 2010
Chamber economist: Obama tax increase would be 'bullet in the head' of recovery
August 17, 2010
U.S. Chamber Sues EPA Over Greenhouse Gas 'Endangerment' Decision
August 16, 2010
Meek still behind Crist and Rubio but polls ahead of mogul Greene
August 16, 2010
Sunday shows: November's creeping up
August 13, 2010
The Anti-Obama
August 12, 2010
Obama Speaks out on "Card Check" and the Chamber of Commerce Responds
August 12, 2010
US business lobby to back former HP chief's senate bid
August 11, 2010
Implementation of Financial Overhaul Gets Off to Rocky Start
August 10, 2010
Healthcare Update from the Hill
August 10, 2010
Deep-water drilling ban is hurting related businesses
August 10, 2010
U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs Carly Fiorina
August 3, 2010
Anti-government mood stifles regulatory push
August 3, 2010
Business groups still fighting health care reform
August 2, 2010
Corporate campaign fundraising picks up speed
August 2, 2010
Hurdles Deter Obamas Pledge to Double Exports
July 26, 2010
Chamber jabs unions as it ramps up push against Disclose Act
July 26, 2010
Senate Looks To Slug It Out As House Eyes Exit Strategy
July 23, 2010
Financial Reform Law Will Create Uncertainty, Not Jobs
July 23, 2010
Geithner: Taxes on Wealthiest to Rise
July 20, 2010
President Obama to push Congress on pay-fairness bill
July 20, 2010
Senate appears set to approve more benefits for jobless
July 19, 2010
U.S. Chamber Says Congress 'Failed' in Its Attempt to Reform Financial System
July 19, 2010
As Massachusetts health 'reform' goes, so could go Obamacare
July 15, 2010
Time to change course on the US economy
July 15, 2010
58 Democrats press leaders on deficit
July 13, 2010
Small Businesses Plan Fewer Layoffs, But Worry About Outlook-Survey
July 13, 2010
Lieberman, Kerry make last-ditch appeal on scaled-back climate bill
July 12, 2010
Unions, Business Lobbies Look to November
July 12, 2010
Revisiting the Regulations Affecting Business
July 12, 2010
Democrats Corral Votes on Bank Bill
July 9, 2010
Obama as anti-business moves into mainstream discussion
July 9, 2010
Unemployment, borrowing, retail sales paint mixed picture of economic recovery
July 7, 2010
The Need for Legal Reform
July 7, 2010
Congress reviewing Cuban sanctions, may lift travel ban
July 6, 2010
Calls to Update Maritime Laws
July 6, 2010
A Trillion Unintended Consequences
July 1, 2010
U.S. Chamber endorses Robin Smith for Congress
July 1, 2010
House OKs sweeping bank rules; Senate vote awaits
June 30, 2010
Conferees Approve Revised Report On Reform Package
June 30, 2010
Blue Dog Minnick gets Chamber endorsement
June 29, 2010
Greece Puts Democrats on Skids
June 29, 2010
Chamber gives early backing to Norton in Colorado
June 28, 2010
Unions battle for public job benefits
June 28, 2010
Upheaval Sweeps Consumer Finance
June 25, 2010
Obama and Medvedev Talk Economics
June 25, 2010
House approves campaign finance measure by 219-206
June 24, 2010
Obama gets back to diplomacy Thursday with Russian President
June 24, 2010
Two Key Victories for Consumers in Financial Rules Overhaul
June 23, 2010
White House: No more neglected issues with Russia
June 23, 2010
White House unveils plan to combat online privacy and counterfeit goods
June 22, 2010
DISCLOSE Act muzzles business
June 22, 2010
Poll Finds Deep Concern About Energy and Economy
June 21, 2010
Fed Likely to Hold Rates Low to Support Fragile Recovery
June 21, 2010
Van Hollen No Longer Flawless
June 18, 2010
Greenspan Warns US Must Address Debt, Deficit
June 18, 2010
Union e-vote exploration sets off card-check, business (Hill).
June 17, 2010
U.S. Chamber Severely Concerned Over Health Care Regulations
June 17, 2010
Liberal opposition to Van Hollen-NRA deal grows
June 16, 2010
Stocks, Oil Advance on Manufacturing Growth; Greek Bonds Drop
June 16, 2010
McConnell accuses Dems of 'backroom dealing' on campaign finance legislation
June 14, 2010
Health overhaul to force changes in employer plans
June 14, 2010
Groups support striking S corp. tax from extenders
June 11, 2010
Effort to block EPA from regulating greenhouse gases fails in Senate
June 11, 2010
Work begins on merger of financial regulatory overhaul bills
June 9, 2010
Only a fraction of those in need file for bankruptcy
June 9, 2010
Sen. Lincoln Wins Close Runoff
June 8, 2010
The Day: A Free Enterprise Winner
June 7, 2010
Extenders Bill Becomes a Fresh Target in Senate
June 7, 2010
Businesses 'not hiring' because of economic uncertainty
June 4, 2010
States' red ink augurs cuts, higher taxes
June 4, 2010
Obama gets boost in battle against jobless recovery
June 3, 2010
Indian FM urges deeper business ties with US
June 2, 2010
Economy strengthens on construction and manufacturing
June 2, 2010
US Senators press Obama on trade pacts
June 1, 2010
Stories that could rock the summer
June 1, 2010
Now Congress begins the final push on financial regulation
May 27, 2010
U.S. debt flirts with unlucky number
May 27, 2010
Poll: Majority give Obama, feds failing grade on oil spill response
May 26, 2010
Wall Street Rules May Fall Short of Glass-Steagall
May 26, 2010
Chamber Scoring Energy Risk
May 25, 2010
The Crosswind Election
May 24, 2010
America's new culture war: Free enterprise vs. government control
May 24, 2010
Donohue Says U.S. Business Frustration in China Worst in Decade
May 20, 2010
Senate fails to end debate on bank regulation bill
May 20, 2010
Judiciary Chairman: Kagan hearings start in June
May 19, 2010
Senators grapple with derivatives rules in financial overhaul
May 19, 2010
Reid scrambles to save Wall St. vote
May 18, 2010
Kagan campaigns for Supreme Court job
May 18, 2010
How the 'Flash Crash' Echoed Black Monday
May 17, 2010
Kagan unlikely to see GOP filibuster on nomination
May 17, 2010
Nightmare on Wall Street
May 14, 2010
Boehner: U.S. becoming Greece
May 13, 2010
1,000-page climate bill is unveiled
May 13, 2010
US budget deficit wider-than-expected in April
May 12, 2010
Capuano bill puts Citizens fix' at risk
May 12, 2010
In Greek Crisis, Some See Parallels to U.S. Debt Woes
May 11, 2010
Rules Let Youths Stay on Parents Insurance
May 11, 2010
Reid opens the door to smaller energy bill
May 10, 2010
GOP chips away at Wall St. bill
May 10, 2010
Health law's benefits may hinge on a word: 'grandfathered'
May 7, 2010
Senate rejects GOP effort to weaken consumer safeguards
May 7, 2010
Stocks plunge on mounting fears of European debt crisis
May 6, 2010
Stocks extend decline on European debt worries
May 6, 2010
Boost for labor in Wall Street bill
May 5, 2010
Lobbyists up the ante on financial overhaul bill
May 5, 2010
Gulf oil spill roils energy bill prospects
May 4, 2010
Overhaul: Taxpayers still front bank liquidation
May 4, 2010
Governors Gather in Washington to Launch U.S. Chamber's Jobs Report
May 3, 2010
Schools daring to dream big
May 3, 2010
Senate Financial Bill Misguided, Some Academics Say
April 30, 2010
AP source: Obama interviews Thomas for high court
April 30, 2010
Chamber calls for parameters to consumer protection agency
April 29, 2010
U.S. Chamber Calls on Senate to Get Financial Reform Right
April 29, 2010
Obama to Nominate Three to the Central Bank
April 28, 2010
Poll finds Americans in an anti-incumbent mood as midterm elections near
April 28, 2010
Off Wall St., Worries About Financial Bill
April 27, 2010
Making Sense of the New Health Care Law
April 27, 2010
New consumer bureau would hurt Main Street
April 26, 2010
Business says vast tax increases 'inevitable' under Obama budget
April 26, 2010
Congress May Wallop Smaller Banks
April 23, 2010
Dem leader makes immigration bill bigger priority
April 23, 2010
Chamber Plays Offense -- Again
April 22, 2010
Coal, nuclear, big oil defy the odds
April 22, 2010
Opposing view: Reforms miss the mark
April 21, 2010
Obama now talking with possible high court picks
April 21, 2010
Chamber: voters oppose creating a consumer protection agency
April 20, 2010
Risk: The story of America's greatest idea.
April 19, 2010
Rising rates, phase-out of stimulus could stall bull market
April 19, 2010
New Financial Protection Agency Wont Help Consumers
April 16, 2010
Reid moves up start of financial overhaul debate
April 16, 2010
Obama makes light of anti-tax protests
April 15, 2010
U.S. Must Start to Rein In Deficit, Fed Chief Says
April 14, 2010
White House Urges Blankfein, Dimon to Stop Bill Fight
April 14, 2010
EIU President Andy Stern reportedly will step down soon
April 13, 2010
AP survey: Recovery to remain sluggish into 2011
April 13, 2010
Defining financial regulatory overhaul remains a PR battle as Senate vote nears
April 12, 2010
Recession Arbiters, Wary of Certifying an Upturn
April 12, 2010
A Better Way to Protect Consumers
April 9, 2010
CBO chief says debt 'unsustainable'
April 8, 2010
Deficit-strapped US faces 'difficult' tax choices: Bernanke
April 8, 2010
Obama administration vows to defend financial reform provisions in bill
April 7, 2010
Stocks wander on thin news; Dow stays below 11,000
April 7, 2010
Senate showdown nears on overhauling financial rules
April 6, 2010
U.S. Chamber gives its first endorsement of 2010 cycle to Sen. John McCain
April 6, 2010
Small Businesses, Local Chambers and Citizens Send 200,000 Letters to Congress Opposing Consumer Financial Protection Agency
April 5, 2010
Obama oil-drilling plan small step in climate bill battle
April 5, 2010
Health Care Debate Countinues
April 2, 2010
Reaction mixed to idea of East Coast drilling
April 2, 2010
Unions Could Benefit From Labor Board's Power Shift
April 1, 2010
Fed official: record low rates still needed
April 1, 2010
Environmentalists scoff, GOP shrugs at Obama's drilling plan
March 31, 2010
Stocks waver after upbeat economic data
March 31, 2010
Business Bids to Shape Health Changes
March 30, 2010
Obama Makes Labor Board Appointment During Recess Over GOP Objections
March 30, 2010
E.P.A. Delays Plants Pollution Permits
March 29, 2010
Speaking Out on Health Care
March 29, 2010
Pro-Business Lobbying Blitz Takes on Obamas Plan for Wall Street Overhaul
March 26, 2010
Companies say health care costs hard to swallow
March 26, 2010
Dodd, GOP Work on Financial-Rule Overhaul
March 25, 2010
Social Security to See Payout Exceed Pay-In This Year
March 24, 2010
Momentum carries stocks higher; Dow adds 103
March 24, 2010
On Tort Reform and the Health-Care Bill: Whered We End Up?
March 23, 2010
Financial Overhaul Advances
March 22, 2010
Legal and Political Fights Loom for Democrats
March 22, 2010
Activist investors to push back against lax corporate governance
March 19, 2010
Fed May Boost Discount Rate Before Next Meeting, Economists Say
March 19, 2010
Labor and business focus more on the Obama administration than Congress
March 18, 2010
U.S. Chamber Plans Big Money Campaign to Back Pro-Business Candidates
March 18, 2010
Undecided Democrats Caught in Crossfire of Health Reform Ads
March 16, 2010
Social Security to start cashing Uncle Sam's IOUs
March 16, 2010
Chamber: Dodd bill takes "three steps backward"
March 15, 2010
Dodd expected to offer more modest financial reform legislation
March 15, 2010
Millions Spent to Sway Democrats on Health Care
March 13, 2010
Poll shows strong resistance to tax on financial transactions or banks
March 12, 2010
Banking Chairman Dodd to go it alone on financial overhaul
March 11, 2010
Unemployment rises in 30 states in January
March 11, 2010
Health care overhaul's biggest threat? A delay in the vote
March 10, 2010
Business groups launch ad against health care bill
March 10, 2010
Job openings up sharply in January to 2.7M
March 9, 2010
Stock market rebound shows its age at 1-year mark
March 9, 2010
U.S. Chamber of Commerce grows into a political force
March 8, 2010
Obama's health care pitch to Democrats: Trust me
March 8, 2010
Financial overhaul legislation stalls in U.S. Senate
March 7, 2010
Dow erases its loss for 2010 ahead of jobs report
March 5, 2010
House passes $15 billion jobs bill
March 4, 2010
Stocks end mixed as Fed points to slow recovery
March 4, 2010
Long after Wall Street's crisis, Congress still arguing over fix
March 3, 2010
House GOP targets EPA rules
March 3, 2010
Talks on Bank Regs Zero In on Consumer Protections
March 2, 2010
Coloradans join U.S. Chamber's bid to sink union-organizing bill
March 2, 2010
Dodd moves to scale back Consumer Financial Protection Agency plan
March 1, 2010
Analysis: Politics and posing trump health policy
March 1, 2010
Union Pushes for Its Own Jobs Plan
March 1, 2010
Senator stalls transportation, jobless funds
February 28, 2010
Plan to Seek Use of U.S. Contracts as a Wage Lever
February 25, 2010
Obama may compromise on consumer agency to pass financial regulation
February 25, 2010
Live from Washington: Obama's health care summit
February 24, 2010
Obama Announces "New" Healthcare Plan
February 24, 2010
White House in New Push for Changes on Wall St.
February 22, 2010
Do We Need a Consumer Protection Agency?
February 22, 2010
Sen. McConnell: GOP may support jobs bill
February 19, 2010
Fed shows 'a bit more' optimism in forecast
February 18, 2010
Federal deficit at $430.69 billion through January
February 17, 2010
The United States: Debtor and Leader?
February 17, 2010
Republican senators, industry cheer nuke loan guarantees
February 12, 2010
61% Say Congress Should Start All Over Again on Health Care
February 12, 2010
Health care lobby relies on grassroots
February 11, 2010
Democrats Go It Alone on Revamp of Finance Regulation
February 10, 2010
Leverage Sought In Health Summit
February 9, 2010
Arizona Chambers of Commerce Endorse Campaign for Free Enterprise
February 8, 2010
Obama Calls for Health-Care Summit
February 4, 2010
Health-care sector grew as economy contracted in 2009
February 4, 2010
NLRB Nominee Fails to Assuage Business Community
February 3, 2010
Obama and Chamber patch it up
February 3, 2010
Union Lawyer Becker Says He Will Be Practical on Labor Board Share Business Exchange
February 2, 2010
Business groups launch blitz against labor board nominee
February 2, 2010
Analysis: Obama budget buffeted by crosswinds
February 1, 2010
Will Business Really Buy Elections?
February 1, 2010
U.S. economy grew 5.7% in 4th quarter, capping dismal year
January 29, 2010
Leaders warn recovery could falter
January 29, 2010
CFPA would limit credit and prevent consumer revival of the economy
January 28, 2010
Obama's State of the Union address takes a harder tone
January 28, 2010
CBO chief warns of long, slow recovery
January 27, 2010
Obama's first State of the Union address to focus on jobs
January 27, 2010
Pelosi: Dems will have a health care bill
January 26, 2010
U.S. Chamber: North Carolina needs to create 1 million jobs
January 26, 2010
Nominee to Labor board heats up card-check fight
January 22, 2010
Despite Political Shift in Congress, Employers Insist They Want Health Care Reform
January 21, 2010
Democrats reconsider healthcare possibilities
January 21, 2010
Card-Check Opponents Bracing For Vote Even With Brown
January 19, 2010
Amazing Senate battle heads to the finish line
January 19, 2010
Health-care debate delayed action on other big issues
January 15, 2010
Chamber Of Commerce Sees Room To Maneuver
January 15, 2010
U.S. Chamber of Commerce lays out 2010 political strategy
December 31, 1969
How to Improve Lead Generation with Squeeze and Landing Pages
You may have taken a look at your website lately to see where you can make some improvements, or are suffering with the nagging feeling that you may not be getting the leads you had hoped for. Squeeze pages and landing pages can help you with these challenges and goals. Simply stated, these types of web pages are designed to do exactly what their names imply. Landing pages are web pages set up to ...
December 31, 1969
How Big Businesses Are Helping Small Businesses
Everybody loves a good Cinderella story, and small business owners are no exception. Facebookand Instagram are just two businesses that have hit the big time, and small business owners can identify with those success stories. The reason is partly human nature, according to Forbes: “We like to hear about and cheer on their successful multi-million dollar acquisitions and what challenges they over...
December 31, 1969
How to Improve Lead Generation with Squeeze and Landing Pages
You may have taken a look at your website lately to see where you can make some improvements, or are suffering with the nagging feeling that you may not be getting the leads you had hoped for. Squeeze pages and landing pages can help you with these challenges and goals. Simply stated, these types of web pages are designed to do exactly what their names imply. Landing pages are web pages set up to ...
December 31, 1969
America’s Burgeoning App Economy
In an economy that continues to struggle, one bright spot is the so-called “app economy” fueled by the explosive proliferation of mobile devices and advances in wireless infrastructure. However, industry experts are concerned that regulatory overreach could halt the fast pace of progress. There are more mobile devices than people in the United States. Smartphones, tablets and other mobile tech...
December 31, 1969
GUEST COLUMN: Leading the Way for Women in Government
The Center for Women in Business (CWB) recently hosted a two-part event at the US Chamber of Commerce. The first part was a discussion regarding free enterprise and how the Chamber promotes and protects this economic system that allows individuals of every race, creed, color and gender to realize his or her own economic potential. I, along with former Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley, discussed ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Gov. Scott Walker Discusses Recall Election, Free Enterprise
While attending the U.S. Chamber's 2012 Jobs Summit, Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) spoke to FreeEnterprise.com about the recall election and how the free enterprise system will return America to greater prosperity. We'll have more of this exclusive interview later this week.
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: "America's Byzantine Tax Code"
In a speech at the National Chamber Foundation's 2012 Jobs Summit, Tom Donohue, the U.S. Chamber's President and CEO, talked about how important tax reform is to creating jobs and growing the economy: No one would hold up America’s byzantine tax code as a model of efficiency or clarity or an engine of economic growth. Our tax code must be restructured so that it is simple and clear, spurs growth...
December 31, 1969
Beating Expectations: How States Defy the New Normal
This article is taken from Enterprising States, a study produced by the National Chamber Foundation. The study was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual Jobs Summit on June 13, 2012. Since the financial panic of 2008, “the new normal” has become the phrase of choice to depict the future of the American economy. Coined by Mohamed El-Erian at PIMCO, the phrase has been used to describe our world...
December 31, 1969
How to Turn Questions into Answers
Hardly a day goes by in any business operation where a client or prospect doesn’t ask a question. Questions and answers are great content for your website and they help to drive inbound traffic from others searching for answers to those same questions. It is a good bet that if one person asked, then others have that same question. The added benefit is that these Q&A or FAQ sections on your websi...
December 31, 1969
How to Turn Questions into Answers
Hardly a day goes by in any business operation where a client or prospect doesn’t ask a question. Questions and answers are great content for your website and they help to drive inbound traffic from others searching for answers to those same questions. It is a good bet that if one person asked, then others have that same question. The added benefit is that these Q&A or FAQ sections on your websi...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Donohue: "Jobs Have to be Created in the Private Sector."
From the 2012 Jobs Summit, U.S. Chamber President and CEO, Tom Donohue appeared on Fox Businesses to talk about the need for private sector job growth: If you look at small businesses all over this country; you look at many industries, they're not doing fine at all. If you look at the extraordinary numbers of people who are unemployed--more than 8%, has been that way for a long time, and a lot of ...
December 31, 1969
Governors Send Washington A Message on Taxes, Budgets, Healthcare
While states are on the rebound from the recession, the uncertainty coming out of Washington is still inhibiting economic growth, according to a bipartisan panel of the nation’s top governors. Govs. Dave Heineman (R-NE), Gary Herbert (R-UT), Jack Markell (D-DE) and Scott Walker (R-UT) were in Washington, D.C., to attend the National Chamber Foundation’s Jobs Summit to discuss the policies that...
December 31, 1969
Give the Economy (But Not Dad's Hair) a Boost This Father's Day
It’s time for last-minute Father’s Day shopping! In a positive sign for the economy, the National Retail Federation reports that the average person will spend $117.14 on a gift this year – up 10% from 2011. However, that number is still considerably less than people spent on their mothers. Consumers reported spending an average of $152 on Mother’s Day. Although he probably doesn’t mind t...
December 31, 1969
The Top Excuses Not to Be an Entrepreneur...And Why They Don't Hold Up
Do you want to start a company, but don’t think you have the time? Does being an entrepreneur sounds too risky? Yeah yeah, we’ve heard it all before. Every person has the potential to start their own business, if they really want to. Inc Magazine rounded up the worst excuses for not starting a business, and why they are unfounded: Fear of Failure: Uncertainty is normal for a startup and...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Feel Like You’re Working Harder? You Are
American small business owners must be exhausted, and with good reason, according to this infographic from The Sage Group, LLC, (which supplies accounting and business management software to many undoubtedly sleepy small and midsized businesses.) Thanks to advances in technology and the mobile devices glued to their hands, small business owners are working longer hours, taking fewer vacations, and...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States Report: Top Performers in Growth, Productivity and Livability
This article is taken from Enterprising States, a study produced by the National Chamber Foundation. The study was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual Jobs Summit on June 13, 2012. Now two years past the low point in the national jobs crisis, nearly every state in the nation is beginning to return to private-sector job growth. The resource-rich states of the Great Plains and Intermountain West...
December 31, 1969
Beyond Banks: Alternative Financing Options for Small Businesses
Q. I’d like to start a business, but am having trouble getting a loan. Can you recommend any other sources of funding? A. After several years of financial market upheaval, banks are once again making loans to viable small business proposals. But as Chicago-based author and consultant Carol Roth notes, they are determined not to repeat past mistakes. “The fallout from the lax lending decisi...
December 31, 1969
Beyond Banks: Alternative Financing Options for Small Businesses
Q. I’d like to start a business, but am having trouble getting a loan. Can you recommend any other sources of funding? A. After several years of financial market upheaval, banks are once again making loans to viable small business proposals. But as Chicago-based author and consultant Carol Roth notes, they are determined not to repeat past mistakes. “The fallout from the lax lending decisi...
December 31, 1969
Do you think failure by Congress to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for all taxpayers will hurt the economy and small business?
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December 31, 1969
“Thundering” Towards Economic Recovery
Most economists say the economic impact of a professional team on a city is slim to none. But don’t tell that to the people of Oklahoma City, home of the NBA's Thunder. Relatively new to the city – they relocated there in 2008 - the Thunder are making their NBA finals debut, facing the Miami Heat for the 2012 NBA championship. The Thunder’s run to the NBA finals has been a boon for many ...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States Report: Top Performers in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
This article is taken from Enterprising States, a study produced by the National Chamber Foundation. The study was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual Jobs Summit on June 13, 2012. Innovation is the key to driving growth and prosperity. Economists estimate that up to 50% of U.S. annual GDP growth can be attributed to increases in innovation. There is widespread agreement that new companies are...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Josten Warns of Weak Economy Falling Over Fiscal Cliff
With a “fiscal cliff” of automatic tax increases and spending cuts set for 2013, businesses are reevaluating their future investment and hiring plans. Bloomberg reports: Kimmie Candy Co. this month put on hold plans to add five or six workers to its 23-person payroll because of slowing sales growth and the political uncertainty in Washington, said Joseph Dutra, president of the Reno, Nevada-ba...
December 31, 1969
The Real Debt Burden
America’s real debt burden totals over $50 trillion. That, according to a new report by Deloitte, is one of many untold stories about our government’s liabilities. When it comes to detailing finances, governments get away with a lot. They assume the most optimistic scenarios possible and then ignore future liabilities right up until the point they come due. For those in the private sector, th...
December 31, 1969
Obama Plan Means Higher Taxes on Some Business Income: Study
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Richard Rubin President Barack Obama’s plan to raise tax rates for the top 2 percent of U.S. households would mean higher taxes on the people who report 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. The nonpartisan analysts prepared the data at the request of Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee....
December 31, 1969
Playing in Harmony: The Power of Collaboration in Business
I have always been a music lover. At a young age, my parents bought me my first instrument, an alto saxophone. By high school, I was playing in every type of band my school offered. Orchestra and marching band were fun, but I found jazz especially difficult. Other types of music had challenges, but you always had the reliability of the music notes written on the page. But jazz was an entirely diff...
December 31, 1969
Playing in Harmony: The Power of Collaboration in Business
I have always been a music lover. At a young age, my parents bought me my first instrument, an alto saxophone. By high school, I was playing in every type of band my school offered. Orchestra and marching band were fun, but I found jazz especially difficult. Other types of music had challenges, but you always had the reliability of the music notes written on the page. But jazz was an entirely diff...
December 31, 1969
Paul Krugman is Still Selling a Fake Alien Invasion as a Boost to the Economy
Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize winner in economics and columnist for the New York Times, again thinks the economy would benefit from a fake alien invasion. I had some fun with him when he first suggested this last year, but he’s serious. The Huffington Report reported on his talk at the Take Back the American Dream conference in Washington, DC: "If you actually look at what took us out of the Great...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States Report: Top Performers in Taxes and Regulations
This article is taken from Enterprising States, a study produced by the National Chamber Foundation. The study was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual Jobs Summit on June 13, 2012. A reasonable tax code and a sensible, predictable regulatory environment can encourage investment and business expansion by enabling entrepreneurs and managers to look forward with confidence and to plan for the fut...
December 31, 1969
Manufacturing In Our Favor
There were three related and important manufacturing trends that emerged in 2011: a) American manufacturing remained at the forefront of the United States’ economic expansion for the second year in a row and re-established itself as one of the economy’s strongest sectors; b) An erosion of China’s manufacturing cost advantages, especially for wages, started to bring manufacturing producti...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: No Business is Too Small for Cyberattackers
Worms ... Viruses ... Hackers ... Cybercrime in the United States is on the rise at troubling rates. And cyberattacks aren’t just problems for big companies. According to this new infographic published by Veracode, 50% of small business owners think they were too small to be a target of a cyberattack, and yet 72% of the known hacker breaches that occured in 2011 affected businesses with 100 em...
December 31, 1969
Get the Feel for Franchising
Q: I’ve worked in retail for a number of years. I enjoy what I do, but feel like I’d like to try something new. I’d really like to start a business but don’t have a lot of start-up capital and I’m not sure how my experience would help me as an entrepreneur. Can you recommend a business idea or a strategy I can use to become a business owner? A: If you’re eager to start a small bu...
December 31, 1969
Get the Feel for Franchising
Q: I’ve worked in retail for a number of years. I enjoy what I do, but feel like I’d like to try something new. I’d really like to start a business but don’t have a lot of start-up capital and I’m not sure how my experience would help me as an entrepreneur. Can you recommend a business idea or a strategy I can use to become a business owner? A: If you’re eager to start a small bu...
December 31, 1969
Watching a Million Jobs Fall Off the Fiscal Cliff
While no one knows for sure how or if Congress will address the pending fiscal cliff – the combination of tax hikes and spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the end of the year - one thing’s for sure: there’s a growing consensus that scheduled cuts to the defense budget are going to cost the nation lots of jobs. A National Association of Manufacturers study found that the defense spendi...
December 31, 1969
BBQ Restaurant Owner Stokes the Fires of Advocacy
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. That’s why BBQ restaurant owner and caterer Tom Seaton of Johnson City, Tennessee, came to Washington, D.C.—to help put out some legislative and regulatory fires. Because America’s Small Business Summit occurs during one of his busiest times of year, he has always passed up the opportunity to come. But this year Seaton says that he just had to attend. ...
December 31, 1969
Four Steps to Work/Life Balance
People ask me, "What does it take to practice the 5 Buckets Principle? How do I start filling the buckets of health and wellness, family and friends, work, giving back, and finances so they are all 80 percent full?" It is a process that works when you apply the following practices (in no particular order, as they are all equally important): 1. Learn, learn, and make mistakes! I have returned to sc...
December 31, 1969
Walker Begins Next Phase of Growth Agenda
After a year spent fighting for his political life, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) is ready to get back to normal. For the 44-year-old trailblazing governor from Wisconsin, that means finding time to go for a ride on his Harley—something he hadn’t been able to do in the months leading up to his June 6 recall election. In an exclusive interview with Free Enterprise a week after his election vi...
December 31, 1969
Amway: A Family Tradition Continues
Steve Van Andel and Doug DeVos head Amway, a $10.9 billion direct selling company started by their fathers in 1959. Van Andel, U.S. Chamber vice chairman, sat down with Free Enterprise during a visit to the Chamber to discuss growth and innovation, overseas markets, and regulatory hurdles. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. FE: What was the impetus for expanding beyond Amway’...
December 31, 1969
Get Your Employees Living Better, Healthier
The benefits of deploying and sustaining a workplace wellness program are well documented. Studies have shown that for every dollar invested in a comprehensive wellness initiative, employers could glean a $3.27 return on that investment (Health Affairs, 2010). Research has also revealed myriad other benefits associated with workplace wellness initiatives, including increased productivity, improved...
December 31, 1969
Four Steps to Work/Life Balance
People ask me, "What does it take to practice the 5 Buckets Principle? How do I start filling the buckets of health and wellness, family and friends, work, giving back, and finances so they are all 80 percent full?" It is a process that works when you apply the following practices (in no particular order, as they are all equally important): 1. Learn, learn, and make mistakes! I have returned to sc...
December 31, 1969
A Rock and a Hard Place
A recent study by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) looked at the impending fiscal cliff and the dire consequences if Congress and the administration fail to address the expiring tax cuts and proceed with the across-the-board spending cuts to defense and other discretionary programs. The result could be a return to recession. In contrast, extending the tax cuts and ignoring the sequestration w...
December 31, 1969
Is Tax Uncertainty Impacting Your Business?
December 31, 1969
States Overcome the ‘New Normal’
While the national economy is slowly expanding and adding private sector jobs, some states are doing better than others. Still, others are poised for greater future economic success because of pro-growth policies, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Chamber’s annual Enterprising States study. “We have so much going for us as a country,” says Margaret Spellings, president of the Chamb...
December 31, 1969
States Overcome the ‘New Normal’
While the national economy is slowly expanding and adding private sector jobs, some states are doing better than others. Still, others are poised for greater future economic success because of pro-growth policies, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Chamber’s annual Enterprising States study. “We have so much going for us as a country,” says Margaret Spellings, president of the Chamb...
December 31, 1969
Taxes, Innovation Debated
Taxes and the Economy As long as our corporate tax rate remains the highest in the world—34% in the U.S., 16% in Canada, 11% in China, 0% in Dubai—and massive property taxes remain, no employer will start a business, expand, or hire. In fact, many employers are selling off their businesses, laying off employees, and investing in gold or land in Costa Rica or moving to China. —Chris Berg vi...
December 31, 1969
Toward the Fiscal Cliff
In emergency situations, medical personnel are trained to stabilize the patient first, then nurse him or her back to health. Facing a fiscal emergency, Congress must follow the same course of action. To stabilize the patient, Congress must immediately extend the 2001 and 2003 tax rates—including current marginal rates, dividend and capital gains rates, and estate tax relief—as well as expired ...
December 31, 1969
Business Tips from the Silver Screen
Running a business can be difficult, and good business people know to look for inspiration from everyone and everything around them. As they say, life imitates art, so what better place to look for inspiration than the silver screen? Recently, The Washington Post asked entrepreneurs what movie quotes offered the best insight to running a business. You can see the whole slideshow here, but s...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Turn Your Company into a Socially Responsible Business
It may seem like just buzzwords right now, but soon “social responsibility” is going to change the way your company does business. Why? In the next few years, if your company isn’t socially responsible, you’re going to be left in the dust. “If you aren’t a socially responsible business now,” says Shel Horowitz, green/ethical marketing consultant and co-author of Guerrilla Marketing G...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Turn Your Company into a Socially Responsible Business
It may seem like just buzzwords right now, but soon “social responsibility” is going to change the way your company does business. Why? In the next few years, if your company isn’t socially responsible, you’re going to be left in the dust. “If you aren’t a socially responsible business now,” says Shel Horowitz, green/ethical marketing consultant and co-author of Guerrilla Marketing G...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff Countdown
Fear of the impending “fiscal cliff” crisis, which would impose about $600 billion in automatic spending cuts as well as tax increases on the economy in 2013, is beginning to creep up months before the December 31st deadline. Lawmakers need to move quickly to avoid going over the edge. To engage the public, the U.S. Chamber launched a new website featuring a clock counting down to the December...
December 31, 1969
SERIES: The Eight Factors of American Competitiveness - Chapter Three: The Cost of Doing Business
This article is the third in a ten-part series from the National Chamber Foundation titled “American Competitiveness—A National Assessment through the Eyes of Job Creators.” The series explores how well America is positioned to excel in today’s tightly contested global economy through eight questions that job creators ask when determining where to locate, invest, grow, and hire among a wor...
December 31, 1969
Key In On Your Website Keywords
Q: I have a website and use social media, but I’d like to find other ways to attract new customers online. Can you provide some recommendations? A: Over the years, hundreds of small businesses have underperformed or failed entirely because customers didn’t know about them. The same is true in the online era. Unless your business appears on the first page or two of a Google, Bing, or Yahoo se...
December 31, 1969
Key In On Your Website Keywords
Q: I have a website and use social media, but I’d like to find other ways to attract new customers online. Can you provide some recommendations? A: Over the years, hundreds of small businesses have underperformed or failed entirely because customers didn’t know about them. The same is true in the online era. Unless your business appears on the first page or two of a Google, Bing, or Yahoo se...
December 31, 1969
The Foundation of Free Enterprise
With a few potent words, the political leaders and statesmen who signed the Declaration of Independence unleashed the power of opportunity and initiative in America. Free enterprise was an important element in their grand experiment in liberty. The Founders laid the foundation for a free enterprise system in clear, simple terms. They wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men...
December 31, 1969
Dress for Success
Like it or not, what you wear matters in business. USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams writes, “What you wear can increase or decrease the chance you’ll land a deal, motivate your employees, even get better terms from a supplier.” She defines the three levels of dress that are typical in a business setting: Level Three, Business Formal: For when you have to look your most professional, such as...
December 31, 1969
Dress for Success
Like it or not, what you wear matters in business. USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams writes, “What you wear can increase or decrease the chance you’ll land a deal, motivate your employees, even get better terms from a supplier.” She defines the three levels of dress that are typical in a business setting: Level Three, Business Formal: For when you have to look your most professional, such as...
December 31, 1969
For This U.S. Manufacturer, Overseas Production No Longer Makes Sense
It’s a common perception that manufacturing is cheaper overseas, especially in China. But recent reports show a reverse of that trend, with many companies opting to move their operations back to the U.S. Quirky, a U.S. firm that crowdsources ideas online to create unique items, recently began producing home storage units from modified milk crates. To get its new product into major U.S. retaile...
December 31, 1969
How to Set Up a Contingency Plan
It is impossible to prevent all disasters, but it is possible to minimize the risk of a disaster or the damage from one. Having a contingency plan and testing it regularly can make a difference in the event of a manmade or natural disaster. It can also make the difference between a timely recovery and a long and difficult one, and affect the cost of recovery. A disaster does not have to be large t...
December 31, 1969
How to Set Up a Contingency Plan
It is impossible to prevent all disasters, but it is possible to minimize the risk of a disaster or the damage from one. Having a contingency plan and testing it regularly can make a difference in the event of a manmade or natural disaster. It can also make the difference between a timely recovery and a long and difficult one, and affect the cost of recovery. A disaster does not have to be large t...
December 31, 1969
Fourth of July Picnics are More Popular than Ever
As a kid, I remember going to the 4th of July parade, seeing the floats, the horses, the veterans, the marching bands, the candy (oh, the candy!), and the mini-cars speeding up and down the street. All were in celebration of America's Independence. What I don't remember is watching the parade with my father. It's not that he didn't want to spend some quality time with his kids; it's that he was to...
December 31, 1969
Top Five Aspen Ideas Festival Talks
The Aspen Ideas Festival is finished in Colorado. Leaders from business, government, politics, the media, etc. gather to talk about big ideas and think big thoughts. Sure, a rarefied event like the Aspen Ideas Festival is an easy target for mocking, but there have been some good, serious discussions taking place. Here are a few I found interesting and for you to chew on over the holiday: “The Un...
December 31, 1969
Motivating Employees Is Your Key to Success
To motivate employees, or not to motivate them? That is the question, which perhaps is not so silly in an economy still saddled with high unemployment. In normal times, this is a no-brainer. Of course it’s important to provide incentives to employees. Done correctly, it helps retain top performers and encourages average workers to reach new heights, making a business more profitable and effici...
December 31, 1969
IMF Warns U.S.: No (Fiscal) Cliff Diving
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the U.S. economy could be threatened if policymakers do not find a way to avoid the “fiscal cliff”--automatic tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to occur at the beginning of 2013. On PBS Newshour, Christine Lagarde, managing director of the IMF, said going over the fiscal cliff would "erode confidence" and lead to lower economic growth. ...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Can Succeed in International Markets
Q: My business is doing well and I’d like to expand, however I’m reluctant to add another brick-and-mortar location and additional employees. What other opportunities exist for small business owners like me? A: Where’s the next market opportunity for your small business? It may well be overseas. Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is outside the US, along with 96 percent of consum...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Can Succeed in International Markets
Q: My business is doing well and I’d like to expand, however I’m reluctant to add another brick-and-mortar location and additional employees. What other opportunities exist for small business owners like me? A: Where’s the next market opportunity for your small business? It may well be overseas. Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is outside the US, along with 96 percent of consum...
December 31, 1969
Expert Addresses Europe Debt Crisis and Its Impact on the United States
I sat down with Fred Kempe yesterday to talk about the impact of the EU debt crisis on the United States as part of our research for a larger article. Kempe is president and CEO of the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan institution devoted to promoting transatlantic cooperation and international security. Here at FreeEnterprise.com, we decided to probe the issue of the EU debt crisis after a June pol...
December 31, 1969
Unemployment Rate Remains at 8.2%
Today’s employment report should serve as a clear reminder that the pace of economic growth must accelerate if we are to see sustained improvements in the labor market. The global economy is in a precarious position and our current policies are not meeting our fiscal challenges. In order to alleviate some of the uncertainty businesses are feeling, we must put aside differences and act in the na...
December 31, 1969
How Pinterest Videos Can Help Your SEO
Is your marketing department ignoring Pinterest in hopes that it will be just another fad? Did you know that Pinterest is retaining and engaging users as much as two to three times as efficiently as Twitter was at a similar time in its history? Not only is it the fastest growing social media site today, but it is a great value for online video marketing because of its video SEO value. Pinterest’...
December 31, 1969
How Pinterest Videos Can Help Your SEO
Is your marketing department ignoring Pinterest in hopes that it will be just another fad? Did you know that Pinterest is retaining and engaging users as much as two to three times as efficiently as Twitter was at a similar time in its history? Not only is it the fastest growing social media site today, but it is a great value for online video marketing because of its video SEO value. Pinterest’...
December 31, 1969
How Pinterest Videos Can Help Your SEO
Is your marketing department ignoring Pinterest in hopes that it will be just another fad? Did you know that Pinterest is retaining and engaging users as much as two to three times as efficiently as Twitter was at a similar time in its history? Not only is it the fastest growing social media site today, but it is a great value for online video marketing because of its video SEO value. Pinterest’...
December 31, 1969
Does Optimism Have a Place in Entrepreneurship?
I just finished reading a book called Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. It’s great. It is a powerful and compelling palliative for the pessimism and spiritual malaise of our current business trope and offers a tonic for the psyche of entrepreneurship. This book is full of counterintuitive things that are quite astonishing. Essentially, the autho...
December 31, 1969
Does Optimism Have a Place in Entrepreneurship?
I just finished reading a book called Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler. It’s great. It is a powerful and compelling palliative for the pessimism and spiritual malaise of our current business trope and offers a tonic for the psyche of entrepreneurship. This book is full of counterintuitive things that are quite astonishing. Essentially, the autho...
December 31, 1969
The Exponential Internet
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. In October 1910, The New York Times published an analysis of a perplexing new question in transportation technology. The article’s title was “Auto vs. Horse.” The crucial inputs in this comparison were oil, gasoline, hay, and oats, and the output was passenger miles per dollar. What w...
December 31, 1969
What impact do you think the two-year-old Dodd-Frank financial regulation law has had on the economy?
December 31, 1969
Americans Shouldn't Apologize for Working Hard
Do Americans work too much? Are we a nation of workaholics? Do we sacrifice the good life for the druthers of the office, store, or factory floor? I came across two items recently looking into this. The first part of this post is not-so-serious, while the second part is deadly serious. First, Mother Jones’ Kate Sheppard gets cute and calls for the United States to have a national vacation policy...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Building a Winning Internship Program
Interns. They’ll drain your time, make mistakes, and commit political errors—but they will also contribute fresh ideas and add much-needed manpower to complete projects. All in all, it’s usually a fair trade-off—your time for their labor. If you’ve decided that an internship program can benefit your company and your company can help a young person along his or her career path, here are f...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Building a Winning Internship Program
Interns. They’ll drain your time, make mistakes, and commit political errors—but they will also contribute fresh ideas and add much-needed manpower to complete projects. All in all, it’s usually a fair trade-off—your time for their labor. If you’ve decided that an internship program can benefit your company and your company can help a young person along his or her career path, here are f...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Are Zombies Taking Over Your Workplace?
They’re called the Working Dead, a play on the popular AMC zombie series, The Walking Dead, which just came back to life with a show marathon last weekend (pun intended). But there’s hardly any entertainment value to hiring a deadbeat, according to an infographic by staffing firm Vitamin T. Mashable reports: Vitamin T has run the numbers and it turns out that a bad employee could cost you upw...
December 31, 1969
Find New Ways to Network
OhoursWhat is it? Ohours (as in open hours) is networking with a purpose. Meet new people that have something to offer you and your business, and share your knowledge in return. How does it work? First, sign in to Ohours.org with your Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook profile. You can then search for people you want to meet with based on their areas of expertise or their location. (Phone calls and vi...
December 31, 1969
Find New Ways to Network
OhoursWhat is it? Ohours (as in open hours) is networking with a purpose. Meet new people that have something to offer you and your business, and share your knowledge in return. How does it work? First, sign in to Ohours.org with your Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook profile. You can then search for people you want to meet with based on their areas of expertise or their location. (Phone calls and vi...
December 31, 1969
Slow Summer Season? 12 Things To Do With The Downtime
With summer slowly sizzling on, our colleagues at the Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC) asked some of their members: "what odd jobs and tasks do you work on for your businesses during a slow season to keep busy and prepare for a busy time ahead?" Feel free to add your own summer to-do list in the comments section below. Thank Your Clients: “I touch base with past and present clients, thanking...
December 31, 1969
Study: Dividend Tax Rate Hike to Hurt Retirement Savings, Seniors
In 2003, Congress lowered the maximum tax rate on qualified dividend income from almost 40% to 15%. If Congress fails to renew this rate by December 31, dividend income will be taxed as ordinary income, with rates rising to as high as 44.6% after taking into account limits on itemized deductions and personal exemptions as well as a new Medicare investment surtax. There are significant negative con...
December 31, 1969
How Well Does Your Online Marketing Strategy Measure Up?
Q: I use social media, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay per click (PPC) advertising and other online marketing strategies to try to grow my business. The only problem is that I can’t tell which methods are working and which aren’t. How can I measure the success of my efforts? A: Among the most important facets of an online marketing strategy is a means for gauging its effectiveness. F...
December 31, 1969
Where ‘Shark Tank’ Goes to Poach Young Entrepreneurs
This article by freelance writer Kara Ohngren first appeared on YoungEntrepreneur.com Now here’s a way to boost youth employment: Help them start up. At the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA, middle and high school students in certain parts of the country can participate in a nine-month-long afterschool program that attempts to guide them through the process of starting a business — from dev...
December 31, 1969
How Well Does Your Online Marketing Strategy Measure Up?
Q: I use social media, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay per click (PPC) advertising and other online marketing strategies to try to grow my business. The only problem is that I can’t tell which methods are working and which aren’t. How can I measure the success of my efforts? A: Among the most important facets of an online marketing strategy is a means for gauging its effectiveness. F...
December 31, 1969
POLL: Uncertainty Holding Back Hiring
Small business owners’ concerns about the future—particularly on health care and taxes-—are impacting their hiring, according to the U.S. Chamber’s fifth quarterly small business survey released today. Only one in five small businesses (20%) expect to add employees in 2013, according to the poll of 1,225 small business owners, conducted by Harris Interactive. The majority of small busines...
December 31, 1969
What’s Your Line?
Does it ring a bell, strike a cord, elicit a response like “Tell me more!” or “Ah ha! Just what I need!”? Your tag line and elevator pitch is a critical component to any branding program for your company and a necessary ingredient to a first meeting or first impression. So first, let’s take a look at how you might want to develop or refine your tag line: 1. Start with a simple definiti...
December 31, 1969
Three Small Business Lessons from Food Trucks
Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street because a food truck is no doubt heading to a corner near you. There’s a food truck revolution afoot, with hundreds of culinary caravans hitting the roads every lunch hour. This recent chart from Small Business Labs shows the rise of food trucks over the last four years. Even Small Business Administration head Karen Mills loves eating at these...
December 31, 1969
We Should Applaud Risk-Takers and Dreamers
If you haven’t already seen it, this short video of a recent speech the President made about the ultimate selfishness and self-absorption of entrepreneurs is worth a look. This follows a consistent theme of this Administration – including comments by Valarie Jarrett and Elizabeth Warren which I blogged about earlier this year – that people who build successful businesses really haven’t d...
December 31, 1969
Senator Patty Murray Threatens to Take Economy Over the Fiscal Cliff
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) decided that it’s acceptable to threaten the economy until you get your way. In a speech at the Brookings Institution on addressing the “fiscal cliff,” automatic tax increases and budget cuts scheduled to take place in 2013, Murray, a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, declared, “If we can’t get a good deal, a balanced deal that calls on the wealthy to p...
December 31, 1969
POLL: Uncertainty Holding Back Hiring
Small business owners’ concerns about the future—particularly on health care and taxes-—are impacting their hiring, according to the U.S. Chamber’s fifth quarterly small business survey released today. Only one in five small businesses (20%) expect to add employees in 2013, according to the poll of 1,225 small business owners, conducted by Harris Interactive. The majority of small busines...
December 31, 1969
Who’s more responsible for a successful enterprise?
December 31, 1969
Ernst & Young: Tax Hikes Will Cost Jobs and Wages
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and others in Washington may have no problem wanting to raise income tax rates when we’re living with a sputtering economy, but a new Ernst & Young study finds that there will be serious negative economic consequences if that happens. The study found that when combining rate hikes on income, dividends and capital gains, and eliminating certain itemized deductions, the to...
December 31, 1969
How Much Should You Pay Yourself?
If your business is incorporated, you can take a salary for the work that you do. Obviously, your company’s revenues are a big part of the decision on how much you can afford to take out of its coffers as compensation. Taxes are another important factor. C or S? Which type of corporation you run affects the decision on compensation. As a general rule (and by no means your guiding factor): C corp...
December 31, 1969
How Much Should You Pay Yourself?
If your business is incorporated, you can take a salary for the work that you do. Obviously, your company’s revenues are a big part of the decision on how much you can afford to take out of its coffers as compensation. Taxes are another important factor. C or S? Which type of corporation you run affects the decision on compensation. As a general rule (and by no means your guiding factor): C corp...
December 31, 1969
Sequestration’s Cuts Threaten Millions of Jobs and Economic Growth
The impending fiscal cliff is a nasty concoction that one part tax hikes and one part mandated budget cuts. Because of how it was haphazardly put together by Congress, it threatens to push the economy into a recession according to the Congressional Budget Office and Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. A report from George Mason University economist Stephen Fuller gives us an additional warning ...
December 31, 1969
Lockheed Joined by Cheney in Push Against Defense Cuts
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Laura Litvan and James Rowley As Lockheed Martin Corp.’s chief predicts he may have to fire 10,000 workers under across-the- board federal spending cuts, a familiar voice is warning Republican leaders that U.S. defense readiness is at stake. Former Vice President Dick Cheney said at a private meeting with Senate Republicans yesterday that the projected cuts totaling $50...
December 31, 1969
7 Strategies for Maximizing Your Startup Budget
Being an entrepreneur is risky business. We’ve all read stories of startup companies that spent too much money getting off the ground and crash upon takeoff. Managing your money when you have very little coming in the door is tricky – but it’s not impossible. After founding two companies of my own and surviving an entire summer in Silicon Valley on only $250, I’m familiar with the ins and ...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Small Business and the Credit Debate
Cross-posted from the National Chamber Foundation's blog. The United States is at a crossroads, with uncertainty in all directions. The paths America chooses today will have far-reaching implications for the country’s future, which is why the debates occurring in board rooms, assembly rooms, dining rooms, and other places across the nation are so important. While opinions are many, there is wide...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Six Strategies to Keep Your Seasonal Business Going
It’s hard to believe considering the heat wave gripping most parts of the country, but summer is half over. And if you’re a seasonal business, it’s time to start thinking ahead to life after the summer vacationers pack up and leave town. This infographic from Intuit Small Business blog breaks down the impact of American travel and tourism and provides six tips on how to keep a seasonal busin...
December 31, 1969
Putting Her Best Face Forward
For a business going on 30 years, FACES DaySpa looks pretty fresh, which is what you’d expect of an award-winning beauty and wellness spa. Patricia Owen opened FACES DaySpa in the tourist-heavy beach town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in 1983. “My husband, Jay, and I were driving through on vacation and noticed that there were no Estee Lauder stores, no cosmetic stores. If people want...
December 31, 1969
How to Use Facebook to Find Potential Employees
Networking has long been described as the number one way to get ahead; to increase sales, to find investors, and yes, even to find a job or new employees. We’ve all overheard people ask “How did you get that lead?” or “How did you hear about that opportunity?” And we’ve all heard people answer, “Oh, I knew someone…” Networking—it’s all about who you know. Or is it? I have con...
December 31, 1969
Putting Her Best Face Forward
For a business going on 30 years, FACES DaySpa looks pretty fresh, which is what you’d expect of an award-winning beauty and wellness spa. Patricia Owen opened FACES DaySpa in the tourist-heavy beach town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in 1983. “My husband, Jay, and I were driving through on vacation and noticed that there were no Estee Lauder stores, no cosmetic stores. If people want...
December 31, 1969
How to Use Facebook to Find Potential Employees
Networking has long been described as the number one way to get ahead; to increase sales, to find investors, and yes, even to find a job or new employees. We’ve all overheard people ask “How did you get that lead?” or “How did you hear about that opportunity?” And we’ve all heard people answer, “Oh, I knew someone…” Networking—it’s all about who you know. Or is it? I have con...
December 31, 1969
Lift Up Entrepreneurs, Don't Weigh Them Down
The news of the moment in the presidential campaign centers on entrepreneurs and how much credit they deserve for their success. [Read this post by U.S. Chamber Chief Operating Officer David Chavern.] I’ll leave the political back-and-forth to others. At least the discussion forces us to note entrepreneurs' important role in creating jobs. Ryan Streeter, an economic policy expert at Indiana’s ...
December 31, 1969
Update and Streamline REIT Act: Would Simplify and Modernize Rules to Help Investors
The U.S. Chamber has long supported Congressional simplification and modernization of tax rules in order to improve efficiency and help businesses create jobs. Consider the rules governing real estate investment trusts (REITs). Congress created real estate investment trusts (REITs) over 50 years ago to allow investors to enjoy the benefits of investing in real estate by owning shares of companies ...
December 31, 1969
Exhibit Honoring American Enterprise to Open in 2015
Thanks to the maker of M&Ms, Snickers, and Milky Way bars, in 2015, visitors to the National Museum of American History will learn about the history of American free enterprise: Candy maker Mars Inc. is donating $5 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to create a new gallery focused on business and innovation in the United States dating back to the 1700s, the museum ann...
December 31, 1969
Why You Shouldn’t Throw in the Towel
Being a salesperson can be a very exciting job. You get to meet lots of different people and personalities, many of whom give you support and hope and eventually become close friends. On the other hand, being a salesperson can be very challenging and boring. You can be out on the street all week long and not produce any legitimate prospect or business connection. Some prospects give you a runaroun...
December 31, 1969
Why You Shouldn’t Throw in the Towel
Being a salesperson can be a very exciting job. You get to meet lots of different people and personalities, many of whom give you support and hope and eventually become close friends. On the other hand, being a salesperson can be very challenging and boring. You can be out on the street all week long and not produce any legitimate prospect or business connection. Some prospects give you a runaroun...
December 31, 1969
Death Tax Increase Makes a Bad Bill Even Worse. UPDATE: Death Tax Hike Removed
UPDATE: Politico reports that Sen. Reid removed the death tax portion from his bill: Senate Democratic leaders are eliminating a provision to tax wealthy estates in order to shore up support within their ranks for President Barack Obama’s election-year tax plan, senators and aides said Thursday. Since there was no consensus in the Senate Democratic Caucus over the levels to tax estates transferr...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Small Businesses Say: “It’s Not Good Out There”
Marty Regalia, the U.S. Chamber’s Chief Economist, appeared on Fox News’ Special Report to talk about the negative view of the economy found in the Chamber’s latest Small Business Outlook Survey. Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com...
December 31, 1969
The Looming Fiscal Cliff …
Unless Congress acts, at midnight on December 31, 2012, a disastrous combination of tax hikes and spending cuts will automatically take effect, threatening to plunge our economy back into recession. If the 2001 and 2003 tax provisions and other tax extenders expire, current marginal rates and dividend and capital gains rates will increase—hitting investors and retirees especially hard. Vital bus...
December 31, 1969
Additive Manufacturing: Making NASA’s Big Toys
Some say that additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping are rapidly changing the rules of manufacturing. To see how this may be the case, imagine that you are a toy manufacturer. For much of the past century, seeing which of your ideas would work meant going through a long and expensive process of prototyping. Once you hit on a winner, you then had to make large investments to reconfig...
December 31, 1969
The Unnecessary Complication of the Fiscal Cliff
Crossposted from the Tax Analysts website. Washington seems to be a town that loves complicating things. Thanks to last year's debt ceiling debate and the deficit reduction supercommittee, most of America now knows what sequestration is. It's easier to say "automatic spending cuts," but why make things simple? That mentality permeates even our weather forecasting. A few weeks ago, the D.C. region ...
December 31, 1969
Defense Cuts and the Small Business Impact
There is growing sentiment among economists and experts that mandating $600 billion in defense spending cuts beginning in January will contribute to a U.S. recession. We've written about the broad economic impact of sequestration here, here, and here. The impact of sequestration on small- and mid-size firms is perhaps underappreciated. Aerospace Industries Association President Marion Blakey estim...
December 31, 1969
Olympic Athlete = Entrepreneur?
Over the next two weeks, we will watch in awe as Olympic athletes perform amazing feats that we mere mortals only dream about. Some of those athletes will go on to accomplish great things not on the field or in an arena, but, rather, in the marketplace. A number of Olympians have gone on to become entrepreneurs, and it is not difficult to understand why. Like entrepreneurs, Olympic competitors are...
December 31, 1969
Home Values Post First Increase in U.S. Since 2007, Zillow Says
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Prashant Gopal Home values posted their first year- over-year increase since 2007 in the second quarter as the U.S. property market began to lift off a bottom, Zillow Inc. said. The Zillow Home Value Index rose to $149,300, a 0.2 percent increase from the second quarter of 2011, according to the property-data company. Residential values have gained for four months in ...
December 31, 1969
The 3 People You Need in Your Entrepreneurial Support System
When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, it’s easy to isolate yourself, especially if you have introverted tendencies or work alone. You think: I just need to focus more, work harder, and avoid all distractions until I get this done. Yet often, the best way to make it through a difficult time in your business is to reach out to others. But what if you don’t have a support network in...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Raising Taxes Will Hurt Small Businesses
In this video produced by House Majority Whip Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) office, Arnie Kaufman, President of Woodhill Supply, an Ohio pipe manufacturer, cuts through the policy jargon and gets to the heart of what raising taxes on businesses like his would mean: Less hiring, investment, and economic growth. In the video he says: It seems so obvious to me that that’s not the best thing in the...
December 31, 1969
Innovation That Will Shape America's Future
John Mariotti, an author and Forbes contributor, explores issues at the core of America's revitalization in his most recent column. Among the significant developments reshaping America's future are, he says: the cloud's ability to make data storage and processing infinitely scalable and available, and more affordable; increased transparency in everything from product pricing to social networks; th...
December 31, 1969
Which word best describes your feelings about the economy?
December 31, 1969
Death Tax Increase Makes a Bad Bill Even Worse
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) has made a bad tax bill worse. His original bill proposed to raise the top income tax rates on owners of S corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships who file individual tax returns. Raising these tax rates would cost 710,000 jobs according to an Ernst & Young study. Reid expanded the bill this week by jacking up the death tax rate to a level not seen in over a ...
December 31, 1969
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Summer Vacation
About this time of year, I think it’s important to discuss why business owners aren’t getting out of the office, and what steps to take to get your business vacation-ready. It’s also not just about discussing how to get out of the office, but why it’s so important to take time away from your business. We all know that times are tough. The positive effects of the mixed economic recovery hav...
December 31, 1969
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Summer Vacation
About this time of year, I think it’s important to discuss why business owners aren’t getting out of the office, and what steps to take to get your business vacation-ready. It’s also not just about discussing how to get out of the office, but why it’s so important to take time away from your business. We all know that times are tough. The positive effects of the mixed economic recovery hav...
December 31, 1969
How to Hire and Manage a Remote Startup Team
We’ve all had days where we’ve walked out of the office vowing, “I’ll never set foot in there again!” Yet despite all our bluster, we come back the next day and muddle through our work — paychecks don’t grow on trees. But how would life be different if you never did set foot in the office again? Many businesses are now looking at remote work to solve their problems. I lead my compa...
December 31, 1969
The Perfect Storm of Risks and How to Weather Them
Crossposted from Business Horizon Quarterly. A perfect storm of risks to global corporations is forming. It is a new risk environment that has already begun to dramatically impact major corporations in numerous incidents around the world. These impacts will only continue to grow. This new risk environment compels new approaches to risk if the global firms are to survive and succeed. Active colla...
December 31, 1969
Are You Making Bad Decisions?
Each year, 85 to 95 percent of new products fail. Most companies regularly consider industry data, market intelligence, and relevant expertise in the decision-making process before launching these new products. So these high failure rates are not likely due to a lack of data, but rather they are due to defects in our internal mental processes—flaws in the way we gather and process information th...
December 31, 1969
Are You Making Bad Decisions?
Each year, 85 to 95 percent of new products fail. Most companies regularly consider industry data, market intelligence, and relevant expertise in the decision-making process before launching these new products. So these high failure rates are not likely due to a lack of data, but rather they are due to defects in our internal mental processes—flaws in the way we gather and process information th...
December 31, 1969
Economy in U.S. Grows at 1.5% Rate as Consumer Spending Cooled
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Shobhana Chandra The U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace in the second quarter as a softening job market prompted Americans to curb spending. Gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services produced, rose at a 1.5 percent annual rate after a revised 2 percent gain in the prior quarter, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The median fo...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Small Business and the Credit Debate--The European Element
Cross-posted from the National Chamber Foundation's blog. When the international economy started tumbling in 2008, it knocked down markets and businesses around the world like a chain of dominoes. In a globalized economy, there was little insulation for falling profits and soaring debt, which forced U.S. businesses to content not only with a weak American market but with shifting international de...
December 31, 1969
Made in America, Headed for London: The U.S. Businesses Behind the Olympic Games
The 2012 Summer Olympics begin this weekend in London, and 530 U.S. athletes are poised to compete in two weeks of games that will captivate audiences worldwide. Several U.S. businesses are playing an important part in London—not as competitors, but as manufacturers of specialized equipment made in America. Though many iconic global corporate brands are highly visible at the Olympic Games, there...
December 31, 1969
GDP Numbers are a Warning to DC Against Raising Taxes
Today’s GDP numbers showed that the economy is slowing. Growth dropped from 2% in the first quarter to 1.5% in the second. We’re in the middle of the second-worst recovery since World War II, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Bureau of Economic Analysis, the keepers of the GDP statistic, also updated previous years’ numbers and found that the recession was worse and the recovery weak...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Small Business and the Credit Debate--The European Element
Cross-posted from the National Chamber Foundation's blog. When the international economy started tumbling in 2008, it knocked down markets and businesses around the world like a chain of dominoes. In a globalized economy, there was little insulation for falling profits and soaring debt, which forced U.S. businesses to content not only with a weak American market but with shifting international de...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: How Entrepreneurship Drives America
Jim Garland built a one-person boat cleaning company into a aviation firm that employs 70. He tells his story of hard work, sacrifice, and the challenges small business owners like him face.
December 31, 1969
Want Your Website to Rank Better?
Anyone with a website feels the need to improve their rankings. The idea is simple: the more people that find you, the more likely you will get leads and generate sales. We need to know that our internet investment and efforts are paying off. So what’s wrong with that? Well, actually nothing, but it can’t be done without social media. Your PageRank is basically meaningless. Google has been tel...
December 31, 1969
Want Your Website to Rank Better?
Anyone with a website feels the need to improve their rankings. The idea is simple: the more people that find you, the more likely you will get leads and generate sales. We need to know that our internet investment and efforts are paying off. So what’s wrong with that? Well, actually nothing, but it can’t be done without social media. Your PageRank is basically meaningless. Google has been tel...
December 31, 1969
It’s Jobs, Stupid
High unemployment and the lack of job creation is foremost on Americans’ minds, according to a Gallup poll. “Creating good jobs” topped the list of issues that should be the next president’s priority. Second was “Reducing corruption in the federal government,” and third was “Reducing the federal budget deficit.” Another fiscal issue, “Ensuring the long-term stability of Social Se...
December 31, 1969
GUEST COLUMN: We Did Build That
As an independent businessman who founded my own publishing and public relations business back in 1976, I have never believed in discussing politics in a public forum...That is, until now! I take great offense in the president's recent assertion that businesses could not have achieved success without government intervention and support. Really??? Thirty-six years ago, I left my sales center manufa...
December 31, 1969
Enough With the Distractions … It’s Time for Consensus-Oriented Cybersecurity Legislation
In a July 27 letter to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Sens. Lieberman, Collins, Rockefeller, and Feinstein criticized the business community’s opposition to S. 3414, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, a so-called voluntary standards program that would regulate 18 sectors of the already struggling American economy. The senators take the Chamber’s July 25 letter to task on two issues. 1. The bill’s...
December 31, 1969
Medaling in Social Media
This Olympics, you don’t need a beam routine, a two-hour marathon time, or even a ticket to London to be a part of the games. With an anticipated audience of 4.9 billion worldwide, the Olympics will be seen in person, on television, and, more prominently than ever before, online. In the four years since Beijing, the social media world has changed. In 2008, the Facebook IPO was nothing more th...
December 31, 1969
GUEST COLUMN: Lessons From Canada
In many respects, Canada’s economy is the envy of the world. Not only did we weather the global economic and financial crisis better than most industrialized countries, but we staged an impressive turnaround. Canada was the first of the G7 countries to recover all the output lost during the recession. Our labour market bounced back, too, recovering all of the jobs lost through the downturn as ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Italian Restaurant Owner Paints Grim Picture on Tax Increase
House Majority Whip Rep. Kevin McCarthy has a new video to highlight the effects of President Barak Obama’s planned tax hike on a small business owner in Washington, Pennsylvania. Besides featuring gorgeous imagery that has given us a serious craving for a cannoli, “Taxation Nation: Angelo’s Story,” introduces us to third generation restaurant owner-operator Michael Passalacqua of Angelo...
December 31, 1969
Medaling in Social Media
This Olympics, you don’t need a beam routine, a two-hour marathon time, or even a ticket to London to be a part of the games. With an anticipated audience of 4.9 billion worldwide, the Olympics will be seen in person, on television, and, more prominently than ever before, online. In the four years since Beijing, the social media world has changed. In 2008, the Facebook IPO was nothing more th...
December 31, 1969
Milton Friedman: A Champion of Free Enterprise
Today would have been Milton Friedman’s 100th birthday. Economists aren’t usually well-known figures. Often they stay within universities teaching and writing, but Friedman couldn’t confine himself to seminars and academic journals—although he thrived in those settings, winning the Nobel Prize in 1976. After making his name with path-breaking scholarship on monetary policy and consumer beh...
December 31, 1969
SURVEY: Big Business Much More Popular Than Government
Public attitudes towards big business are on the upswing, according to the results from a new Public Affairs Council survey. Two-thirds of Americans now have a favorable view of major companies — up from 61% in 2011 — according to the new Public Affairs Pulse survey. Only 29% had unfavorable opinions. Even more interestingly, young people have a surprisingly positive view towards big busines...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Business Owners Keep Optimism Up
Despite their concerns about the economy, small business owners remain upbeat, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services. The July SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 62%, even though hiring was flat and average paycheck size was down 0.2%. It does mark, however, the first time since February that hir...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Business Owners Keep Optimism Up
Despite their concerns about the economy, small business owners remain upbeat, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services. The July SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 62%, even though hiring was flat and average paycheck size was down 0.2%. It does mark, however, the first time since February that hir...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Small Business and the Credit Debate (Part 3) – Uncertainty Hurting Growth
For the U.S. economy, there are more questions than answers. Will job growth continue? How will regulations impact costs and profit? Who will win the 2012 elections? How will Europe’s debt crisis impact the United States? These and other questions leave businesses and investors wondering what the future holds, which makes them wary of spending – and lending – hard-earned capital. One rami...
December 31, 1969
3 Proven Product Development Strategies for Any Industry
I graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in May 2010. Friends from school included the founders of an ideation space called Napkin Labs; an amazing online test preparation company called Magoosh; and an industry-changing waste-heat-to-electricity clean tech startup called Alphabet Energy. During my time at Haas, I was able to interact with innumerable entrepreneurs and investor...
December 31, 1969
House of Representatives Should Vote to Extend Tax Rates
Last week, the Senate made a statement by voting to raise taxes on small business owners and job creators. Today, the House can counter by voting to extend current tax rates for all Americans. The U.S. Chamber sent House members a Key Vote letter urging them to not raise taxes on businesses and families. Bruce Josten, the U.S. Chamber’s Executive Vice President for Government Affairs states in ...
December 31, 1969
Leveraging the Crowd For Innovation and Growth
The difficult economy is pushing businesses to leverage new Internet capabilities and the millions of people who use them to develop, improve, and finance their products and operations. Crowdsourcing is a growing trend in the private sector. Akin to outsourcing, where specialized labor forces and lower costs help businesses, crowdsourcing is the act of tapping the intelligence of the digital cro...
December 31, 1969
How She Hit the $1,000,000 Mark
Why are so few women business owners passing the seven-figure mark? Experts have attributed this trend to several issues, including math anxiety among women, the “good-girls-don’t-ask-to-get-paid” myth, and the “superwomen-can-do-it-all” complex. “I believe it is a stereotype that women are more interested in feeling good and helping others than making a profit,” says Nicole Fende, a...
December 31, 1969
3 Proven Product Development Strategies for Any Industry
I graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in May 2010. Friends from school included the founders of an ideation space called Napkin Labs; an amazing online test preparation company called Magoosh; and an industry-changing waste-heat-to-electricity clean tech startup called Alphabet Energy. During my time at Haas, I was able to interact with innumerable entrepreneurs and investor...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff Could Drive Economy Into A Recession, Experts Warn
When it comes to the U.S. economy and growth, expect more of the same. That was the message today from U.S. Chamber Chief Economist Marty Regalia speaking at the Quarterly Economic Roundtable Series hosted by the National Chamber Foundation, the Chamber’s public policy think tank. Whether you call it lackluster, lukewarm, anemic or even moribund (as Regalia did), the panel of experts agree—...
December 31, 1969
Bipartisan Agreement Reached on Tax Extenders
Occasionally, Congress surprises us with some useful bipartisanship. The Hill reports that the Senate Finance Committee came to an agreement on extending a group of expired and about-to-be-expired tax provisions: The Senate Finance Committee will mark up the measure on Thursday, after Democrats and Republicans on the panel met several times this week to reach an agreement on the package. Under the...
December 31, 1969
Social Media + E-Mail Marketing = Powerful Results
Q: One of the areas that I have had to cost cut is my advertising budget. How do I get the most bang-for-my-buck with a shoestring marketing budget, yet still stay prevalent in the eyes of my customers? A: Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and other free social media channels are rapidly gaining popularity among small business owners as a means for connecting with current and prospective customers. In fac...
December 31, 1969
Social Media + E-Mail Marketing = Powerful Results
Q: One of the areas that I have had to cost cut is my advertising budget. How do I get the most bang-for-my-buck with a shoestring marketing budget, yet still stay prevalent in the eyes of my customers? A: Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and other free social media channels are rapidly gaining popularity among small business owners as a means for connecting with current and prospective customers. In fac...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Payrolls Rise More Than Forecast; Unemployment 8.3%
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Shobhana Chandra Payrolls in the U.S. climbed more than forecast in July, boosted by a pickup in employment at automakers, even as the jobless rate unexpectedly rose to a five-month high. The increase of 163,000 followed a revised 64,000 gain in June payrolls that was less than initially reported, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The median estimat...
December 31, 1969
Unemployment Rate Now at 8.3%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the July 2012 jobs numbers: Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 163,000 in July, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 8.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment rose in professional and business services, food services and drinking places, and manufacturing. As the chart below indicates, this is the we...
December 31, 1969
Congress: Top 5 Unfinished Pieces of Business
Washington lawmakers bolted out of town on August 3 for their annual month-long summer recess, escaping the heat and humidity in the nation’s capital and even more heated rhetoric and partisanship. Unfortunately, Congress failed to bring closure to a number of bills that would spark economic growth and job creation while alleviate growing uncertainty. Here are Congress’ top 5 biggest failure...
December 31, 1969
Free Enterprise: The Life and Legacy of Milton Friedman
The late economist Milton Friedman once said, “So that the record of history is absolutely crystal clear: There is no alternative way, so far discovered, of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system.” Friedman—who would have turned 100 last week—was himself a product of the very system he cham...
December 31, 1969
Small Business Rebound: What's In and What's Out
To (mis)quote supermodel and "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum, when it comes to small business, “One day you’re in. The next day, you’re out.” This infographic from Intuit shows you which industries are rebounding from the Great Recession (hint: if you have a pilates studio in Utah, you're probably ok) and others that might soon be saying “auf wiedersehen” (sorry, DVD rental stores). ...
December 31, 1969
What Do Your Customers Really Value?
If you were to ask each member of your executive team, sales team, and rank-and-file what they think customers value most when they decide who to buy from, how much agreement do you think you would find? I can tell you with complete confidence you will find little or no agreement. Of the 150 companies my consulting firm has worked with, fewer than 10 percent had much internal agreement at all amon...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Businesses Stay Optimistic
Despite their concerns about the economy, small business owners remain upbeat, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services. The July SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 62%, even though hiring was flat and average paycheck size was down 0.2%. It does mark, however, the first time since February that hir...
December 31, 1969
What Do Your Customers Really Value?
If you were to ask each member of your executive team, sales team, and rank-and-file what they think customers value most when they decide who to buy from, how much agreement do you think you would find? I can tell you with complete confidence you will find little or no agreement. Of the 150 companies my consulting firm has worked with, fewer than 10 percent had much internal agreement at all amon...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff is Causing Businesses to Hunker Down
The effects of the approaching fiscal cliff, automatic tax increases and spending cuts set to take effect in 2013, continue to be felt. The New York Times reports that companies are canceling plans to hire workers and invest in new projects because of fiscal uncertainty from Washington: More than 40 percent of companies surveyed by Morgan Stanley in July cited the fiscal cliff as a major reason fo...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Businesses Stay Optimistic
Despite their concerns about the economy, small business owners remain upbeat, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services. The July SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 62%, even though hiring was flat and average paycheck size was down 0.2%. It does mark, however, the first time since February that hir...
December 31, 1969
Drought Curbs Tourism as Boat Docks Stand on Dry Ground in Texas
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Jennifer Oldham Matt Nicotra held his metal measuring stick aloft as he waded into Colorado’s Bear Creek, high in the Rockies, to chart how a rainstorm affected this South Platte River tributary, which for most of the spring and summer ran six times below its historical median. “This is actually, with the rain we had, normal flow,” said Nicotra, a hydrologic t...
December 31, 1969
(One, Two, Three and to the) Four Rebranding Lessons from Snoop Lion
Musician Snoop Dogg announced this week that he had changed his name to Snoop Lion and shunned rap for reggae, courtesy of a higher calling to Rastafarian culture. We’ve all been there, right? While a sojourn to Jamaica may not be the answer for your business, Mr. Lion (read with a heavy dose of sarcasm) did something that all enterprises should consider at some point—rebranding. If your busin...
December 31, 1969
House Unanimously Supports Current Internet Governance Model
What makes the Internet unique is its interconnectedness. This characteristic has helped catalyze the explosive growth of the Internet in recent decades, enabling multiple stakeholders—from businesses to civil society to governments and to universities—to collaborate and foster unprecedented development and innovation in a wide range of industries. Under this multi-stakeholder governance stru...
December 31, 1969
Mars Landing: A “Gold” for Small Businesses
Weighing in at one ton and nearly the size of a car, NASA’s newest Mars rover, dubbed Curiosity, flawlessly stuck its Mars landing early Sunday morning, to the thrill and collective high-fives of about 400 NASA employees. While the landing made some NASA scientists famous for an Internet minute (looking at you, systems engineer Bobak Ferdowsi aka Mohawk Guy) and science cool again, the real...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: The U.S. Economy in One Chart
The U.S. Census collects a lot of data about the economy. They’ve boiled it down into the infographic below showing business characteristics, the top industries, top U.S. trading partners, and even what we’re buying online. What stands out to you in this infographic? [Source: U.S. Census Bureau]...
December 31, 1969
4 LinkedIn Tips for Personal Branding
Any small business owner can benefit from using LinkedIn as a personal branding tool. LinkedIn has an audience of over 70 million decision makers, has been developed purely for business to business purposes, and is, by far, the most appropriate business social media tool to drive qualified leads to you and your business. If you want to use LinkedIn to get business leads, here are four tips that wo...
December 31, 1969
4 LinkedIn Tips for Personal Branding
Any small business owner can benefit from using LinkedIn as a personal branding tool. LinkedIn has an audience of over 70 million decision makers, has been developed purely for business to business purposes, and is, by far, the most appropriate business social media tool to drive qualified leads to you and your business. If you want to use LinkedIn to get business leads, here are four tips that wo...
December 31, 1969
Businesses Know There's a Policy Uncertainty Problem
For some time, I’ve been writing about policy uncertainty holding back the economy [here, here, and here for starters]. Geoff Colvin at Fortune questioned whether the current feeling of uncertainty is different than simply the ordinary inability to predict the future. He concludes that it is. "Economic uncertainty, especially policy uncertainty, is greater than it has been in many years," writes...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Turning Up the Heat on a Recession
The Chamber's Chief Economist Marty Reglais postulates on whether going over the edge of the fiscal cliff would put the United States into a recession during an interview on FoxBusiness. Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com ...
December 31, 1969
4 LinkedIn Tips for Personal Branding
Any small business owner can benefit from using LinkedIn as a personal branding tool. LinkedIn has an audience of over 70 million decision makers, has been developed purely for business to business purposes, and is, by far, the most appropriate business social media tool to drive qualified leads to you and your business. If you want to use LinkedIn to get business leads, here are four tips that wo...
December 31, 1969
7 Steps to Seize Changing Opportunities in Your Industry
Today’s economic climate is challenging for any corporation. One industry seems particularly lost — film. Unfathomable budgets have led to major losses and far fewer successful franchises. Home entertainment distribution virtually imploded with on-demand, Redbox, and iTunes. 3D is being forced on the public (and theater operators), but many are still skeptical of the price. And during this uns...
December 31, 1969
Bookends: "The Great Stagnation"
"Bookends" is a new book review column where we highlight the best books about free enterprise, innovation , business, and the economy. For your summer reading pleasure, look for several of our book selections between now and Labor Day, then monthly thereafter. Imagine for a moment that you were coming of age at the turn of the last century. What innovations would you have seen in your lifetime? Y...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Use Practical Pricing for Long-Term Success
Q: The economy has put my business in a tight place as costs continue to rise, but my customer’s budgets are shrinking. How do I price my products/services without taking a loss myself, but also without losing my customers? A: Pricing products and services is already a challenge for many small businesses. Low prices might lure customers early on, but most will simply go elsewhere if they think i...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Use Practical Pricing for Long-Term Success
Q: The economy has put my business in a tight place as costs continue to rise, but my customer’s budgets are shrinking. How do I price my products/services without taking a loss myself, but also without losing my customers? A: Pricing products and services is already a challenge for many small businesses. Low prices might lure customers early on, but most will simply go elsewhere if they think i...
December 31, 1969
Curiosity Fuels Innovation
At some point in history, it was memorably declared that “the sky is the limit.” Whoever coined that term didn’t realize just how low a ceiling he was setting for human aspiration. Curiosity, imagination, and ingenuity have always gotten the best of perceived physical limits. This has been especially true in America—we are by nature a nation of innovators and pioneers inspired to push thro...
December 31, 1969
No Need to Turn Our Backs on Economic Freedom
Three years in, we are mired in the weakest economic recovery since World War II, a period that includes 11 recoveries. Not coincidentally, during the current recovery we have witnessed unprecedented levels of government spending, regulation, and control. That comes as no surprise to W. Michael Cox and Richard Alm, who pen a full-throated defense of free enterprise in an essay for the O’Neil Cen...
December 31, 1969
Which College Will Produce the Next Mark Zuckerberg?
You may think street smarts are enough to be a successful entrepreneur, but being an alumni from one of these colleges might give you a leg up in the world of would-be tycoons. Using data provided by LinkedIn, Forbes has compiled a list of the United States’ most entrepreneurial colleges. They based the list on the number of alumni from each college who have founded businesses with at least 10 e...
December 31, 1969
Bookends: "The New Geography of Jobs"
"Bookends" is a new book review column where we highlight the best books about free enterprise, innovation , business, and the economy. For your summer reading pleasure, look for several of our book selections between now and Labor Day, then monthly thereafter. It’s summertime in the city—time to break out the sandals and head to the beach. As you do, think about the place that you’re leavin...
December 31, 1969
3 Things Small Business Owner Can Learn from Training Camp
Just days before the pre-season kickoffs and the (sort of) start of football season, some members of the FreeEnterprise.com team had the opportunity to attend a session of the Redskins pre-season training camp. While normally a time for NFL teams to acclimate themselves to new teammates and systems, and get back into shape, we here at FreeEnterprise.com thought there were some interesting lesson...
December 31, 1969
As a small business owner, do you think you’ll retire?
December 31, 1969
6 Ways To Be The Boss Of Your Computer
We all depend on our computers to get our work done. We take for granted that a computer is supposed to work for us, but we also feel we have to accept that the reverse is inevitable—we think we have to put up with various malfunctions and complications in order to get our machines to do what we want them to do. But you don’t have to put up with regular malfunctions on your computer. You don...
December 31, 1969
6 Ways To Be The Boss Of Your Computer
We all depend on our computers to get our work done. We take for granted that a computer is supposed to work for us, but we also feel we have to accept that the reverse is inevitable—we think we have to put up with various malfunctions and complications in order to get our machines to do what we want them to do. But you don’t have to put up with regular malfunctions on your computer. You don...
December 31, 1969
3 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn from Training Camp
Just days before the pre-season kickoffs and the (sort of) start of football season, some members of the FreeEnterprise.com team had the opportunity to attend a session of the Redskins pre-season training camp. While normally a time for NFL teams to acclimate themselves to new teammates and systems, and get back into shape, we here at FreeEnterprise.com thought there were some interesting lesson...
December 31, 1969
The Running Man
By nature, Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) is intense and focused, and right now, he’s got a million other places to be. It’s the last day of Senate business before the August recess, and in just a few minutes, the junior senator will dash from his office (formerly occupied by the late Democrat Ted Kennedy) to the Senate floor for votes on a number of bills, including a contentious cybersecurity bill....
December 31, 1969
"Hanging Out" With the Center for Women In Business
The U.S. Chamber hosted its first ever Google+ Hangout with Chamber COO David Chavern, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Cincinnati, Ohio small business owner Mary Miller. Held in conjunction with the Chamber’s Center for Women in Business, the Hangout explored the challenges small business face in this difficult economy, in particular women owned businesses, and how they can be successfu...
December 31, 1969
Is There a Shark Circling Your Business?
You know the feeling. You’re enjoying a day at the beach. You head into the water. You’re enjoying yourself. It feels great. But you’re just not fully … relaxed. Why? Because for a quarter century Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” in partnership with Steven Spielberg’s animatronic great white, has been reinforcing our fears that sharks will get us. That nagging fear that, despite...
December 31, 1969
"Hanging Out" With the Center for Women In Business
The U.S. Chamber hosted its first ever Google+ Hangout with Chamber COO David Chavern, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Cincinnati, Ohio small business owner Mary Miller. Held in conjunction with the Chamber’s Center for Women in Business, the Hangout explored the challenges small business face in this difficult economy, in particular women owned businesses, and how they can be successfu...
December 31, 1969
Are You the Leader You Want to Be?
Three experts weigh in on improving leadership by changing how you view yourself. Just Because You Are the Boss, Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone Get input on your goals from others with experience and judgment you value. Generally those closest to you can provide a realistic assessment of both your personal and business goals. Running your goals by people you trust and respect can be really producti...
December 31, 1969
Are You the Leader You Want to Be?
Three experts weigh in on improving leadership by changing how you view yourself. Just Because You Are the Boss, Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone Get input on your goals from others with experience and judgment you value. Generally those closest to you can provide a realistic assessment of both your personal and business goals. Running your goals by people you trust and respect can be really producti...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Retirees and the Fiscal Cliff
U.S. Chamber Chief Tax Policy Counsel Caroline Harris explains how falling off the fiscal cliff will impact retirees. Visit the Fiscal Cliff Countdown over at the Friends of the U.S. Chamber website and tell Congress to act now. ...
December 31, 1969
Bookends: "Launching the Innovation Renaissance"
If you’ve read recent headlines and found yourself wondering what could be done about the poor state of the economy, go no further than this book. Launching the Innovation Renaissance is an essential guide to moving beyond America’s “great stagnation.” The book’s author, Alex Tabarrok, asks, How can we create a 21st century economic renaissance? Tabarrok’s answer is based on a TED ...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Staying in Control
Never have I realized how important life and work balance is than this month. After my father passed, I mourned a father and a best friend. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging things to overcome. However, life does not wait for you to be ready, and it can throw everything on your plate—even when your plate already seems full. Just when my plate seemed at its fulle...
December 31, 1969
Entrepreneur Backs Pro-Business Candidates
It doesn’t matter whether candidates are Republican or Democrat; if they are pro-business, McLean, Virginia-business owner Jim Wordsworth will support them. “If you support business, I’m for you even if you’re a Democrat,” says the owner of J.R.’s Goodtimes Inc., a collection of hospitality businesses that include an inn, a restaurant, and a concessions business. Wordsworth ticks off a...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Staying in Control
Never have I realized how important life and work balance is than this month. After my father passed, I mourned a father and a best friend. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging things to overcome. However, life does not wait for you to be ready, and it can throw everything on your plate—even when your plate already seems full. Just when my plate seemed at its fulle...
December 31, 1969
4 Tips for Choosing a Cloud Computing Vendor
By now, most business owners are using some form of cloud computing. (In case you aren’t one of them, cloud computing is any software or computing resource made available over the internet.) Some may be using it to reduce IT costs and increase efficiencies, taking advantage of features like on-demand pricing, collaboration, and ubiquitous availability. Others are proceeding more cautiously, wait...
December 31, 1969
Businesses Dread Potential Tax Hikes...and Defense Spending Cuts
Largest Tax Hike in History Looms With a “fiscal cliff” of automatic tax increases and spending cuts set for January 1, 2013, businesses are reevaluating their future investment and hiring plans. On the tax side of the equation, the following will occur at the end of 2012 unless Congress acts: All marginal individual rates increase. The capital gains tax rate goes up. The dividend tax rate sky...
December 31, 1969
4 Tips for Choosing a Cloud Computing Vendor
By now, most business owners are using some form of cloud computing. (In case you aren’t one of them, cloud computing is any software or computing resource made available over the internet.) Some may be using it to reduce IT costs and increase efficiencies, taking advantage of features like on-demand pricing, collaboration, and ubiquitous availability. Others are proceeding more cautiously, wait...
December 31, 1969
Bookends: "The Triumph of the City"
Every city is fashioned by some great industry or idea. Edward Glaeser’s The Triumph of the City is built on the notion that real cities are “made of flesh, not concrete.” We live where we do because we are made more productive, even happier, by being closer together. Cities are complex animals that have evolved from an obscure past. Beyond their anatomy lies the DNA of zoning laws, he...
December 31, 1969
Hiring Our Heroes Touted in Parade Magazine
Nestled between Ask Marilyn and an article on “Easy Fixes for Common Household Appliance Problems” was a profile of Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer this weekend’s Parade magazine. For those who don’t know, Parade is the most widely read magazine in the U.S., with a circulation of 32.2 million and a readership of nearly 70 million, so being profiled in the magazine is a very big de...
December 31, 1969
How To: Rugby Rules for Management Skills
On a recent vacation in South Africa with my expat husband, I spent some time watching rugby. For anyone unfamiliar with the game, think of American football played without protective gear or forward passing. Also, the game doesn’t stop when the ball carrier is down; in fact, it gets more interesting as members of both teams pile on and try to take the ball away to continue play. And then ther...
December 31, 1969
How To: Rugby Rules for Management Skills
On a recent vacation in South Africa with my expat husband, I spent some time watching rugby. For anyone unfamiliar with the game, think of American football played without protective gear or forward passing. Also, the game doesn’t stop when the ball carrier is down; in fact, it gets more interesting as members of both teams pile on and try to take the ball away to continue play. And then ther...
December 31, 1969
The $3 Trillion Opportunity for 2022
This post first appeared on NCF's blog here. There's more to life than economics, but almost nothing matters more to more people than the rate of long-term economic growth. It completely changes the life possibilities for individuals and families and determines the prospects of nations. It also happens to be the central factor in governmental budgets. We've been saying for the last few years tha...
December 31, 1969
The Importance of Blogging
Many businesses struggle with the challenge of brand development, getting seen, or becoming well known. Effective and frequent blogging, both internally and for key, targeted blog communities, can be an excellent way to help drive brand visibility online, including search rank and target acceptance. Before you can start blogging, several steps must be taken: 1. Ensure that you have created a profe...
December 31, 1969
The Importance of Blogging
Many businesses struggle with the challenge of brand development, getting seen, or becoming well known. Effective and frequent blogging, both internally and for key, targeted blog communities, can be an excellent way to help drive brand visibility online, including search rank and target acceptance. Before you can start blogging, several steps must be taken: 1. Ensure that you have created a profe...
December 31, 1969
Saavy Hunk: Young Entrepreneur Calls on Small Business to Restore Economy
You know that phrase: “it take a village to raise a child?” Well, entrepreneur Nick Friedman argues it’s going to take a village (and then some) to raise the American economy back up to where it needs to be. Friedman, co-founder and president of College Hunks Hauling Junk and College Hunks Moving; co-author of the 'Effortless Entrepreneur' has a post titled "The Patriotism of Entrepreneurshi...
December 31, 1969
Economic Rollercoaster Gives Small Businesses and Workers Reason to Worry
Gallup released two polls recently that explored, first, what concerns small businesses, and; second, what worries workers. Given the rollercoaster ride of the last few years, it’s no surprise that both businesses and workers want to look out for their respective bottom lines. A survey of 600 small business owners revealed that 63% of respondents were too concerned about the overall state of t...
December 31, 1969
CBO Issues New Fiscal Cliff Warning
Put away the party hats and noise makers: It’s going to be a not-so-happy New Year, according to an updated budget and economic outlook from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The CBO released its latest report today and it’s even more dismal than the one they released in January. In January, the CBO said “The U.S. budget deficit will shrink this year to $1.1 trillion…The defi...
December 31, 1969
Economic Rollercoaster Gives Small Businesses and Workers Reason to Worry
Gallup released two polls recently that explored, first, what concerns small businesses, and; second, what worries workers. Given the rollercoaster ride of the last few years, it’s no surprise that both businesses and workers want to look out for their respective bottom lines. A survey of 600 small business owners revealed that 63% of respondents were too concerned about the overall state of t...
December 31, 1969
INTERVIEW: Author Mallory Factor Lifts the Lid on Government Unions
Free Enterprise: What inspired you to write a book about government employee unions? Factor: For years, I have written and spoken about how government restrains American businesses — through excessive regulation and restrictions, heavy tax burdens, and other anti-business policies. I always have tried to understand why government creates an environment hostile to business when the private sector...
December 31, 1969
How to Make Sense of Economic Data
What’s more difficult for local business owners? Reading tea leaves, tarot cards, or the reams of economic data updated and available weekly and monthly? Business owners wouldn’t be blamed for ranking “economic data” as the most challenging. After all, there is a ton of information out there, and very little context. However, despite a real sense of information overload, many business owne...
December 31, 1969
How to Make Sense of Economic Data
What’s more difficult for local business owners? Reading tea leaves, tarot cards, or the reams of economic data updated and available weekly and monthly? Business owners wouldn’t be blamed for ranking “economic data” as the most challenging. After all, there is a ton of information out there, and very little context. However, despite a real sense of information overload, many business owne...
December 31, 1969
Feds Push Ineffective Soda Taxes
George Will’s latest column covers the federal government’s recent efforts to get Americans to drink less high-calorie drinks. It illustrates how the federal government often does too much and does it ineffectively. Will documents the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program handing out millions of dollars to educate state and local policymakers about obesity, the “scourge of so...
December 31, 1969
Entrepreneur Displays Smooth Moves
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Moving is one of those stressful life events, right up there with divorce and changing jobs. It’s not much fun and nobody likes it. Unless you happen to be John M. Kane. The Kane Company, based in Elkridge, Maryland, is a family of businesses and subsidiaries that pack,...
December 31, 1969
There’s Nothing like Networking
Q: I started my business a year ago, and at times I feel like I am in this all by myself. How do I keep from burning out by always dealing with my business on my own? A: No man—or woman—is an island. Neither is your small business. There’s a whole world of people ready to provide advice, sympathy, information, brainstorming help, and sales leads. Some become customers; others become colleagu...
December 31, 1969
Conventional Wisdom: Small Businesses Cash In on Political Revelry
Small businesses in Tampa and Charlotte aren’t thinking red or blue—they’re thinking green. With tens of thousands (and a potential hurricane) expected to flood the Florida city next week and the Queen City a week later, there’s big business to be had for small companies. With the economic impact of the conventions expected to be between $150 million to $200 million, area businesses have b...
December 31, 1969
There’s Nothing like Networking
Q: I started my business a year ago, and at times I feel like I am in this all by myself. How do I keep from burning out by always dealing with my business on my own? A: No man—or woman—is an island. Neither is your small business. There’s a whole world of people ready to provide advice, sympathy, information, brainstorming help, and sales leads. Some become customers; others become colleagu...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Swim in a Sea of Uncertainty
Do you remember those reporters, commentators, and administration officials knocking down or discounting the claim that policy uncertainty is weighing down the economy? A new survey of small businesses offers more evidence that policy uncertainty is playing a critical role in holding back economic growth and job creation. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released the 2012 edi...
December 31, 1969
Grow Your Key Accounts
It takes 8 to 10 times more expense, energy, effort, and heartache to bring in new customers than to keep and grow existing customers. In the case of growing existing clients vs. landing new ones, the old 80–20 rule applies—approximately 80 percent of your revenue comes from 20 percent of your customers. While you may be focused on growing your business and finding new and exciting customers, ...
December 31, 1969
Grow Your Key Accounts
It takes 8 to 10 times more expense, energy, effort, and heartache to bring in new customers than to keep and grow existing customers. In the case of growing existing clients vs. landing new ones, the old 80–20 rule applies—approximately 80 percent of your revenue comes from 20 percent of your customers. While you may be focused on growing your business and finding new and exciting customers, ...
December 31, 1969
CHART: Tax Revenues Devoured by Entitlements
The Heritage Foundation's Scribe blog has an eye-opening chart that shows that spending on Medicare, Medicaid, the Obamacare subsidies, and Social Security will devour all tax revenues by 2045. Read more over on the Scribe....
December 31, 1969
Q&A: There’s Nothing like Networking
Q: I started my business a year ago, and at times I feel like I am in this all by myself. How do I keep from burning out by always dealing with my business on my own? A: No man—or woman—is an island. Neither is your small business. There’s a whole world of people ready to provide advice, sympathy, information, brainstorming help, and sales leads. Some become customers; others become colleagu...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: There’s Nothing like Networking
Q: I started my business a year ago, and at times I feel like I am in this all by myself. How do I keep from burning out by always dealing with my business on my own? A: No man—or woman—is an island. Neither is your small business. There’s a whole world of people ready to provide advice, sympathy, information, brainstorming help, and sales leads. Some become customers; others become colleagu...
December 31, 1969
Report: 100,000 Defense Department Jobs Threatened by Fiscal Cliff
Businesses of all sizes expect to take a hit if Washington doesn’t fix the automatic spending cuts set to hit the Defense Department in 2013 as part of the “fiscal cliff.” A new report finds that sequestration threatens over 100,000 civilian Defense Department jobs. CQ reports on the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment's study: The nonpartisan Washington think tank released an anal...
December 31, 1969
10 Ways to Use Online Video in Your Daily Sales Routine
Marketers and business owners can’t deny that video is catching on in a big way. And if you are already using video marketing content, you know that it has helped your company generate leads and drive sales. You know that it lets people quickly understand your products and services while building personal connections. You know that web video marketing content can build trust, showcase products, ...
December 31, 1969
10 Ways to Use Online Video in Your Daily Sales Routine
Marketers and business owners can’t deny that video is catching on in a big way. And if you are already using video marketing content, you know that it has helped your company generate leads and drive sales. You know that it lets people quickly understand your products and services while building personal connections. You know that web video marketing content can build trust, showcase products, ...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Franchise or Startup?
If you're thinking of starting a small business, you may be considering buying a franchise or going it alone. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, from costs to flexibility and more. The infographic from Intuit below shows you some of those differences, as well the hottest startup industries and franchises today. via: Buying Franchise Versus Starting Own Business [Infographic] ...
December 31, 1969
Part II: We Should Applaud Risk-Takers and Dreamers
In an op-ed published on FoxNews.com, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer David Chavern expands on a recent blog post in which he countered claims by President Obama and his senior advisors that entrepreneurs and business owners owe their success to government – more than to their own individual initiative, hard work, and good ideas. In his follow up, Chavern rightly points out that...
December 31, 1969
Will the Private Sector Continue to Lead the Way on R&D Spending?
Where does innovation come from? Sometimes it pops mysteriously into the head of an inventor, but often it’s the result of years of effort by teams of people in laboratories and workshops. Even if a good idea is born from a flash of insight, time, effort and money have to be invested to transform that idea into a product or service that someone wants to buy. Research and development (R&D) is nee...
December 31, 1969
FEEDBACK: Obama’s ‘You Didn’t Build That’ Comment, Small business survey results
President’s ‘You Didn’t Build That’ Comment Only a person who has never operated a business or started one from the ground up could make such a statement as the president did.— George Carl via Facebook @GaryMillerCA Unfortunate that @whitehouse chooses to slam #smallbiz owners and ignore @NFIB, @uschamber, others fighting #4jobs. #YouDidntBuildThat I’m a small business owner a...
December 31, 1969
Five Women to Watch
Forbes recently released its list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. While many people are familiar with the work of Hillary Clinton or Oprah Winfrey, here’s a look at five women on the list that you might not be aware of—or at least not aware of their business prowess. Susan Wojcicki, Senior Vice President, Google Heard of Google Analytics? You can thank Susan Wojcicki for that. Not on...
December 31, 1969
They Did Build That
There’s a critical debate occurring in America that transcends the daily punch and counterpunch on issues such as taxes, regulations, and energy policy. It’s more broadly about the role of government in our lives and whether the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and economic freedom still matter. What will stand at the center of American life—the productive, free-spirited individ...
December 31, 1969
Health Care: What to Know
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has all but guaranteed that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is here to stay, small employers with fully insured small group health plans must start preparing to meet certain minimum standards beginning in 2014. Unfortunately, these new minimum standards—along with other fees and taxes—in the aggregate will increase the cost of these plans....
December 31, 1969
Managing a Website Vendor
Want to create a website for your small business or overhaul your existing site but don’t have an IT department to help you? Have you decided to use a vendor but are worried about the site costing more than expected and not meeting your site launch date? Here are some useful tips for managing a website vendor and ensuring the successful launch of an awesome site: Plan ahead. If you don’t have ...
December 31, 1969
ECON 101: End of Summer Review
As the summer begins to fade and we enter the height of the campaign season, it’s probably worth revisiting the economic outlook. Our economy has been recovering from a very steep recession for three years since the middle of 2009. Yet the pace remains subpar, and job growth has been anemic at best. Moreover, recent revisions to GDP show that the progression has been a bit different than origina...
December 31, 1969
Managing a Website Vendor
Want to create a website for your small business or overhaul your existing site but don’t have an IT department to help you? Have you decided to use a vendor but are worried about the site costing more than expected and not meeting your site launch date? Here are some useful tips for managing a website vendor and ensuring the successful launch of an awesome site: Plan ahead. If you don’t have ...
December 31, 1969
Industry Jargon Doesn’t Sell
The hardest thing in copywriting for websites and marketing material is eliminating the jargon and phrasing things in a way that has meaning and impact on prospects. I say it’s hard because if you’re doing the writing yourself and are proficient in your industry, then chances are your choice of words has been forever altered. I always find it kind of funny when I meet someone at a networking e...
December 31, 1969
Industry Jargon Doesn’t Sell
The hardest thing in copywriting for websites and marketing material is eliminating the jargon and phrasing things in a way that has meaning and impact on prospects. I say it’s hard because if you’re doing the writing yourself and are proficient in your industry, then chances are your choice of words has been forever altered. I always find it kind of funny when I meet someone at a networking e...
December 31, 1969
How's Your Retirement Plan Doing?
If you have a qualified retirement plan for your business, determine whether your plan is meeting your objectives and complying with the law. If you don’t yet have a plan, consider adopting one now. Is your current plan the best one for you? There are several types of retirement plans that a small business can use; the one to choose depends on your personal situation. Factors to consider in plan...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising Cities
Crossposted from Business Horizon Quarterly. Where we live and work matters. That’s why we choose to settle down in one place over another. It’s not random to us. When faced with a choice of living anywhere in America’s vast expanse, we increasingly choose to put down roots in our nation’s cities. The greatest of these are what I will call “enterprising cities.” By building on ...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Good Help Is Easy to Find When You Know How to Look For It
Q: Business has begun to pick up, and I need to hire new employees. While business is up, I can’t afford a step back. How do I make sure that the people I am hiring are going to be a helping hand and not a hindrance to continued success? A: It’s easy to go into the hiring process with the best of intentions, and end up with results that fail to meet anyone’s expectations. So before you displ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Are You an Entrepreneur?
From King Croesus to Steve Jobs, the rise of the entrepreneurial class is an observable economic phenomenon, according to OnlineMBA.com, a website that provides comprehensive resources and up-to-date information on how to choose the best online MBA program. The experts behind the website have identified the main entrepreneurial traits, gathered the statistics, and put together this informative whi...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways Washington Can Help Workers This Labor Day
Labor Day is not only the last unofficial day of summer; It presents an opportunity to assess the state of the American workforce. Sadly, it’s not in good shape. The unemployment rate is too high, millions of people are either out of work or underemployed, and the economic recovery is tepid. Many of us know people who have been struggling to find a job but to no avail. We know that this isn’t ...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Good Help Is Easy to Find When You Know How to Look For It
Q: Business has begun to pick up, and I need to hire new employees. While business is up, I can’t afford a step back. How do I make sure that the people I am hiring are going to be a helping hand and not a hindrance to continued success? A: It’s easy to go into the hiring process with the best of intentions, and end up with results that fail to meet anyone’s expectations. So before you displ...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways Washington Can Help Workers This Labor Day
Labor Day is not only the last unofficial day of summer; It presents an opportunity to assess the state of the American workforce. Sadly, it’s not in good shape. The unemployment rate is too high, millions of people are either out of work or underemployed, and the economic recovery is tepid. Many of us know people who have been struggling to find a job but to no avail. We know that this isn’t ...
December 31, 1969
The Importance of Motivation
I recently asked Jane, a woman who attends my classes, how her work and life are going. She responded that everything is fine; she has no problems and doesn’t know what she wants to do tomorrow. Jane told me that she just lives her life on a day by day basis. While this may seem acceptable to some, I was extremely alarmed by her response. Jane's reaction to the simplest of questions made me real...
December 31, 1969
The Importance of Motivation
I recently asked Jane, a woman who attends my classes, how her work and life are going. She responded that everything is fine; she has no problems and doesn’t know what she wants to do tomorrow. Jane told me that she just lives her life on a day by day basis. While this may seem acceptable to some, I was extremely alarmed by her response. Jane's reaction to the simplest of questions made me real...
December 31, 1969
Fantasy Football Creates a Roster of Unusual Businesses
As a beleaguered Cincinnati Bengals fan, fall has become a season of pain. I watch helplessly as my team slips out of playoff contention (except for last year—who dey!) and out of relevance. It makes late season games a lot less interesting. Until I started playing fantasy football. Now, I'm still in the game, even if my team isn't. And I'm not alone. An estimated 34 million people each year pl...
December 31, 1969
Prevent a Social Media Disaster
Any business owner who doesn’t think it’s necessary for their business to have a customer service presence on social media need only to witness the $180 million fallout experienced by United Airlines in the wake of the YouTube video “United Breaks Guitars.” In 2008, musician Dave Carroll was traveling on a United Airlines flight when his $3,500 guitar was damaged by United’s baggage hand...
December 31, 1969
Prevent a Social Media Disaster
Any business owner who doesn’t think it’s necessary for their business to have a customer service presence on social media need only to witness the $180 million fallout experienced by United Airlines in the wake of the YouTube video “United Breaks Guitars.” In 2008, musician Dave Carroll was traveling on a United Airlines flight when his $3,500 guitar was damaged by United’s baggage hand...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Drops to 7th Most Competitive Economy
When it comes to the competitive spirit, Switzerland usually isn’t the first country that pops into one’s mind. After all, the entire country only scored four medals in this summer’s Olympic games (including a silver for Roger Federer after he fell to Britain’s Andy Murray). But according to the World Economic Forum’s 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Report, Switzerland is an economic co...
December 31, 1969
Business by the Numbers
How big is small business? Is entrepreneurship on the ascendency? There is much conflicting information in the media. Here are some of the facts from or based on government sources: All businesses in the U.S. The Joint Committee on Taxation’s report on choice of entity found that the “vast majority” of businesses in the U.S. are sole proprietorships, with more than 22.6 million non-farm sole...
December 31, 1969
Business by the Numbers
How big is small business? Is entrepreneurship on the ascendency? There is much conflicting information in the media. Here are some of the facts from or based on government sources: All businesses in the U.S. The Joint Committee on Taxation’s report on choice of entity found that the “vast majority” of businesses in the U.S. are sole proprietorships, with more than 22.6 million non-farm sole...
December 31, 1969
Growing the Magic City in North Dakota
Crossposted from Business Horizon Quarterly We all have moments that catch us by surprise. Mine came recently as I stepped off the plane in a place known as the “Magic City.” I’ve been fortunate to visit a lot of places in my life, but few struck me the same way as Minot, North Dakota. Oil and gas discoveries have brought tremendous opportunities to this place. There’s a hunger for opportu...
December 31, 1969
100 Best Young Entrepreneurs
Nobody said being an entrepreneur is easy. It requires bold determination, hard work, a lot of late nights, and a little bit of luck. And being young and spry doesn’t necessarily help. Young entrepreneurs in particular face a number of hurdles in getting their companies off and running. But the young entrepreneurs just named to the 2012 Empact100 list sure do make it look easy. “Young entrepre...
December 31, 1969
Friday Happy Hour: Asheville Gets Crafty
For a brewery to survive, it has three basic requirements: space, water, and infrastructure. As Fast Company reports, Asheville, North Carolina, has those essentials in spades. But what is making Asheville the new craft beer capital of America—and a center for economic growth—is its culture. Dubbed “Beer City, USA,” a title it shares with Grand Rapids, Michigan, Asheville has become a have...
December 31, 1969
White House Budget Cuts Report is Late
The White House will miss a deadline on where the administration plans to make automatic spending cuts next year, according to Federal News Radio: The report is required under the Sequestration Transparency Act, which Congress overwhelmingly passed this summer and which the President signed on Aug. 7. The law directed the President to issue the detailed report within 30 days of signing it — a de...
December 31, 1969
Only 96,000 Jobs Created in August
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released August's jobs numbers with news that only 96,000 jobs were created and that the unemployment rate fell to 8.1%, but that's not the complete story. The U.S. Chamber's Chief Economist Marty Regalia commented: For yet another month the economy created a paltry number of jobs. The unemployment rate dropped because 368,000 people left the workforce. The participa...
December 31, 1969
Need for Action on Fiscal Cliff Comes from Alternate Tax
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. Richard Rubin An expansion in the reach of the alternative minimum tax is the element of the U.S. fiscal cliff with the largest immediate effect on taxpayers and the most bipartisan appetite for a solution, creating the possibility that lawmakers could use it to propel Congress toward a deal. If Congress doesn’t act to prevent the $92 billion tax increase, the number of...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Staring Down the Barrel of a Recession, Chamber Economist Says
Without congressional action to avert diving over the fiscal cliff, the nation could be plunged into a recession by next summer, U.S. Chief Economist Marty Regalia told a group of reporters at the Chamber's annual end-of-summer economic briefing. “Just the fact that it’s hanging out there is dampening economic activity,” Regalia said. While the underlying economy is showing signs of a comeba...
December 31, 1969
What to Expect From Congress for the Remainder of the Year
Fresh off the political conventions, where they test drove their campaign stump speeches before partisan audiences, members of the House and Senate returned to Washington on September 10 to ostensibly address pressing national issues. Don’t hold your breath. Congress hasn’t created even a pretense of industriousness, scheduling a total of just 29 work days from September through December. Howe...
December 31, 1969
The Power of Marketing and Memory
I can picture Blaise Graziano, the founder of Circus-Man Ice Cream, in his first truck which was undoubtedly cooled by ice and not modern refrigeration units, trawling the neighborhoods in Long Island. He started with 400 bucks and a small truck and built the organization into a very well-known entity throughout 18 states. I actually rented trucks from Circus-Man when I graduated college. It was o...
December 31, 1969
The Power of Marketing and Memory
I can picture Blaise Graziano, the founder of Circus-Man Ice Cream, in his first truck which was undoubtedly cooled by ice and not modern refrigeration units, trawling the neighborhoods in Long Island. He started with 400 bucks and a small truck and built the organization into a very well-known entity throughout 18 states. I actually rented trucks from Circus-Man when I graduated college. It was o...
December 31, 1969
Who's Concerned About the Fiscal Cliff? Everyone But Washington Lawmakers
With yet another major credit agency threatening to downgrade America’s credit rating if Washington fails to resolve the nation's fiscal crisis by year's end, associations representing businesses of all sizes across a broad swath of industries are calling on Congress and the President to act immediately. A letter signed by 298 associations, including the U.S. Chamber, the Retail Industry Leade...
December 31, 1969
Political Climate Has Manufacturers Down
U.S. manufacturers have actually become less optimistic, according to a new survey. The National Association of Manufacturers released its' 3rd Quarter NAM/IndustryWeek Survey of Manufacturers, which revealed that optimism among manufacturers declined for the second consecutive quarter. In fact, the percentage of respondents who were "somewhat negative" nearly doubled from 15.8% in the second qua...
December 31, 1969
No Hiring, No Growing: Small Businesses Tell Lawmakers to Fix Tax Uncertainty
Theresa Kern of MA Steel Erectors Inc. wants to buy another plant and expand her business. Doug Harmon of Twin City Die Castings Co. wants to reinstate the 401K match his company used to offer employees before the recession. But both small business owners are holding off on investing in their businesses and creating jobs because of uncertainty over taxes. “Bottom line for Twin City Die Castings ...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Home is Where the Heart—and the Business—Is
Q: I have worked in the corporate arena for a decade but want to start my own home-based business. I know there are risks, but what is the downside of being my own boss from my house? A: For productivity, convenience, and downright comfort, nothing beats a home-based business. Here, most every day is “casual day,” and the only obstacle on your commute is dodging the cat or dog on your way upst...
December 31, 1969
An “App”ealing Success Story
Millions of Americans were glued to tech blogs and Twitter to be the first to know about Apple’s latest iPhone. They must have been impressed, because pre-orders for iPhone 5 sold out in less than one hour. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 45% of American adults now have a smartphone. These gadgets along with tablet computers have sprouted a new industry...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Home is Where the Heart—and the Business—Is
Q: I have worked in the corporate arena for a decade but want to start my own home-based business. I know there are risks, but what is the downside of being my own boss from my house? A: For productivity, convenience, and downright comfort, nothing beats a home-based business. Here, most every day is “casual day,” and the only obstacle on your commute is dodging the cat or dog on your way upst...
December 31, 1969
An “App”ealing Success Story
Millions of Americans were glued to tech blogs and Twitter to be the first to know about Apple’s latest iPhone. They must have been impressed, because pre-orders for iPhone 5 sold out in less than one hour. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 45% of American adults now have a smartphone. These gadgets along with tablet computers have sprouted a new industry...
December 31, 1969
They Call It Pro Football: An Entrepreneurial Story
In 1962, Ed Sabol made a compelling enough case (helped by a three-martini lunch) to get the rights to film the 1962 NFL championship game, even though filming his son’s football games was the only credit on his resume. For $5,000, Sabol was able to turn a passion into a company that took a former overcoat salesman to the NFL Hall of Fame. Like any startup, the company had some hiccups getting s...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps to Protecting Your Company’s Data on an Employee’s Device
Bring your own device (BYOD) is a growing trend fueled by employees who prefer to use their own products rather than the company’s, and by those who don’t want to carry two separate devices. Employers, for their part, are happy to avoid the capital cost of the devices, and sometimes also the monthly recurring usage costs. Each of these motivators can represent real benefits for both employer a...
December 31, 1969
Startup Creation Sputters
Startup companies aren’t sprouting up during the economic recovery like they did before it started according to a study by Hudson Institute economist, Tim Kane. “Job creation at new firms was at an all-time low in 2009 of 2.8 million, then fell again a year later by 250,000 jobs,” writes Kane. As seen in the chart above, the rate of job creation collapse during the latest recession and has...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps to Protecting Your Company’s Data on an Employee’s Device
Bring your own device (BYOD) is a growing trend fueled by employees who prefer to use their own products rather than the company’s, and by those who don’t want to carry two separate devices. Employers, for their part, are happy to avoid the capital cost of the devices, and sometimes also the monthly recurring usage costs. Each of these motivators can represent real benefits for both employer a...
December 31, 1969
Startup Creation Sputters
Startup companies aren’t sprouting up during the economic recovery like they did before it started according to a study by Hudson Institute economist, Tim Kane. “Job creation at new firms was at an all-time low in 2009 of 2.8 million, then fell again a year later by 250,000 jobs,” writes Kane. As seen in the chart above, the rate of job creation collapse during the latest recession and has...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps to Protecting Your Company’s Data on an Employee’s Device
Bring your own device (BYOD) is a growing trend fueled by employees who prefer to use their own products rather than the company’s, and by those who don’t want to carry two separate devices. Employers, for their part, are happy to avoid the capital cost of the devices, and sometimes also the monthly recurring usage costs. Each of these motivators can represent real benefits for both employer a...
December 31, 1969
Study: Uncertainty Has Caused Higher Unemployment
Some of the most useful economic research happening now deals with uncertainty’s harmful effect on the economy. A study by economists Sylvain Leduc and Zheng Liu at the San Francisco Federal Reserve finds that uncertainty has increased unemployment. From analyzing U.S. consumer and British business survey data, they conclude that “had there been no increase in uncertainty in the past four ye...
December 31, 1969
What will be the impact of the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates low and inject new money into the economy by purchasing mortgage bonds?
December 31, 1969
Automatic Defense Spending Cuts Likely to Take Effect, Expert Warns
Congress will fail to head off drastic defense spending cuts before they are scheduled to automatically begin taking effect in January, and it will continue to hold small and medium sized federal contractors at gunpoint for at least another six months, an expert from the American Enterprise Institute predicts. “Sequestration was intended to be so awful a weapon that no one pulled the trigger,”...
December 31, 1969
Hedging Against Business Debt
There is one problem that threatens all businesses: debt. In 2010, businesses nationwide placed $150 billion worth of debt with collection agencies. To keep financially fit and withstand economic storms, a proactive approach to business debt management can hedge against accumulation of high debt that can often hamper growth and potentially lead to bankruptcy. Knowledge Is Power Knowing your compan...
December 31, 1969
Hedging Against Business Debt
There is one problem that threatens all businesses: debt. In 2010, businesses nationwide placed $150 billion worth of debt with collection agencies. To keep financially fit and withstand economic storms, a proactive approach to business debt management can hedge against accumulation of high debt that can often hamper growth and potentially lead to bankruptcy. Knowledge Is Power Knowing your compan...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Economic Freedom Ranking Falls to 18th. Looking Up to Canada.
Here are the top ten economically most-free countries according to the latest Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) report published by Canada’s Fraser Institute and the Cato Institute: 1. Hong Kong 2. Singapore 3. New Zealand 4. Switzerland 5. Australia 5. Canada 7. Bahrain 8. Mauritius 9. Finland 10. Chile Where is the U.S.? If you think we’re just out of the top ten, think again. You have to ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Business Owners to Congress: Prevent the Fiscal Cliff
Members of the Chamber’s Council on Small Business and the Corporate Leadership Advisory Council talked to FreeEnterprise.com about how the rapidly approaching fiscal cliff is affecting their businesses.
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Storm Hill to Talk Taxes
The U.S. Chamber led a delgation of more than 50 small business owners to the Hill to call on lawmakers to immediately extend all of the expired and expiring tax provisions. Reps. Jim Jordan and Mick Mulvaney will kick off the event in the Capitol Visitors Center. The small business owners were in Washington D.C. to attend the Chamber's Small Business Council meeting. In conjunction with the fly-...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Anchor Your Online Strategy with a Solid Website
Q: Everyone I know is on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Why should I waste my time with a website when I can just use social media to talk to my customers? A: Blogs, photo-sharing, and other types of social media may be getting all the buzz these days, but websites remain the foundation of a successful online marketing strategy. Though social media has redefined the rules of customer engagement...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Anchor Your Online Strategy with a Solid Website
Q: Everyone I know is on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Why should I waste my time with a website when I can just use social media to talk to my customers? A: Blogs, photo-sharing, and other types of social media may be getting all the buzz these days, but websites remain the foundation of a successful online marketing strategy. Though social media has redefined the rules of customer engagement...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Falls to 18th in Economic Freedom Rankings, Looks Up to Canada
Here are the top ten economically most-free countries according to the latest Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) report published by Canada’s Fraser Institute and the Cato Institute: 1. Hong Kong 2. Singapore 3. New Zealand 4. Switzerland 5. Australia 5. Canada 7. Bahrain 8. Mauritius 9. Finland 10. Chile Where is the U.S.? If you think we’re just out of the top ten, think again. You have to ...
December 31, 1969
EXCLUSIVE: Overstock.com CEO Takes Aim at Education Reform, Skills Gap
As someone who trained as a professional boxer, Overstock.com Chairman and CEO Patrick Byrne can certainly take some punches. He started his speech at the U.S. Chamber by noting that he is public enemy number one, according to the National Education Association. It’s a distinction that the outspoken supporter of school vouchers and education reform is quite proud of. Byrne’s best known for tak...
December 31, 1969
How Small Businesses are Reinventing to Stay in the Game
Small business owners are nothing if not resourceful. Whether it's a slight tweak to their business model or a complete overhaul of their products or services, many business owners are finding that they have to innovate and reinvent themselves to stay in the game. In fact, more than half of small-business owners say they’ve reinvented their company to “stay afloat or competitive,” accordin...
December 31, 1969
How to Deal with the Creative People in Your Company
Creative people are a fickle and sometimes hypersensitive bunch, and I love them. As co-founder of design and digital studio Thornberg & Forester, I collaborate with creative minds internally and externally all day every day, and have for the past 15 years. Don’t have any creatives in your company? Chances are you will hire them at some point (either as staff or on a contract) as you develop you...
December 31, 1969
How to Deal with the Creative People in Your Company
Creative people are a fickle and sometimes hypersensitive bunch, and I love them. As co-founder of design and digital studio Thornberg & Forester, I collaborate with creative minds internally and externally all day every day, and have for the past 15 years. Don’t have any creatives in your company? Chances are you will hire them at some point (either as staff or on a contract) as you develop you...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Entrepreneurs Must Stand Up for Free Enterprise
Who can better make the case for the free enterprise system than the men and women who are working daily to innovate, invest, and create jobs? In this video defending the moral case for free enterprise, American Enterprise Institute president Arthur Brooks urges entrepreneurs to tell their stories about how the free enterprise system is the most effective and fairest economic system ever devised....
December 31, 1969
3 Charts that Explain Why Washington Has to Avoid Automatic Tax Increases
The Tax Foundation put together a set of charts illustrating the reality of the U.S. tax system. Here are three that should be burned onto your retinas when talking about the threat of automatic tax increases on businesses: Most businesses are “pass-through entities” like s-corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships that pay business income on the owner’s individual income tax retu...
December 31, 1969
What is your outlook for the U.S. economy?
December 31, 1969
The Risks of Outsourcing Social Media
I won’t argue or debate over whether you should or shouldn’t outsource your social media. Whatever you choose to do, it is your business. What I would like to share, however, are some suggestions so that if you do decide to outsource, that you do it well and know what your risks are. As for the rewards, I’m sure that whoever is selling you these services will cover those. So what could go wr...
December 31, 1969
New Survey Finds Small Business in a Pessimistic Mood
A new survey of 800 manufacturers, small business owners, and decision makers paints a bleak picture on the state of the economy, with a majority of respondents (55%) saying that compared to three years ago the national economy is in a worse position for American small business owners and manufacturers to succeed. Furthermore, there is limited evidence that these respondents see economic improveme...
December 31, 1969
The Risks of Outsourcing Social Media
I won’t argue or debate over whether you should or shouldn’t outsource your social media. Whatever you choose to do, it is your business. What I would like to share, however, are some suggestions so that if you do decide to outsource, that you do it well and know what your risks are. As for the rewards, I’m sure that whoever is selling you these services will cover those. So what could go wr...
December 31, 1969
New Survey Finds Small Business in a Pessimistic Mood
A new survey of 800 manufacturers, small business owners, and decision makers paints a bleak picture on the state of the economy, with a majority of respondents (55%) saying that compared to three years ago the national economy is in a worse position for American small business owners and manufacturers to succeed. Furthermore, there is limited evidence that these respondents see economic improveme...
December 31, 1969
Uncertainty Stalls Hotel Developer
Like everyone else in the country, Tom Torgerson is keeping a sharp eye on the upcoming elections, and the results will have ramifications for him as well as his company far beyond Election Day. “The outcome of these elections will have a dramatic impact on the rate of our future development,” says the 54-year-old CEO and chairman of Torgerson Properties Inc. Torgerson Properties, which operat...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff Inaction Creates Business Pessimism
Two new surveys show top leaders in companies are feeling more pessimistic about the economy, and Washington bears part of the blame. The Business Roundtable’s CEO Economic Outlook Survey finds that the heads of top American companies have lowered their expectations for future sales, capital spending, and hiring. As you can see in the chart below, these expectations have been falling throughout ...
December 31, 1969
Uncertainty Stalls Hotel Developer
Like everyone else in the country, Tom Torgerson is keeping a sharp eye on the upcoming elections, and the results will have ramifications for him as well as his company far beyond Election Day. “The outcome of these elections will have a dramatic impact on the rate of our future development,” says the 54-year-old CEO and chairman of Torgerson Properties Inc. Torgerson Properties, which operat...
December 31, 1969
Econ 101: Jobs—Where Are They?
The jobs report for the month of August was uniformly bad. Total job creation was only 96,000. Data for the last two months were revised down a combined 41,000 jobs. The workweek was unchanged at a historically low 34.4 hours, and average hourly earnings were down 1 cent. The unemployment rate dropped two tenths of a percentage point to 8.1%, but only because 368,000 people left the workforce, and...
December 31, 1969
How to Unplug
Recently a colleague asked if I’d been on vacation, since I looked so relaxed (which speaks volumes about my usual demeanor, I guess). Laughing, I told him that it was my daughter who had been on vacation—two weeks at summer camp. We chatted about how, as parents, we seem to have little time to take it easy and enjoy. I joked that I hoped to maintain at least the look of relaxation when my dau...
December 31, 1969
How to Unplug
Recently a colleague asked if I’d been on vacation, since I looked so relaxed (which speaks volumes about my usual demeanor, I guess). Laughing, I told him that it was my daughter who had been on vacation—two weeks at summer camp. We chatted about how, as parents, we seem to have little time to take it easy and enjoy. I joked that I hoped to maintain at least the look of relaxation when my dau...
December 31, 1969
Making the 'Case' for an Entrepreneurial Revival
The entrepreneurial brains behind the entity that gave rise to the popular 1990s “you’ve got mail” chime has some words of admonition: countries around the world are figuring out the “secret sauce” that makes the United States the most entrepreneurial country in the world. These nations are developing and attracting human talent, creating incentives for capital formation, and investing i...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Boost Your Business Knowledge with a Board of Advisors
Q: I run a small business with seven employees. At times I find myself looking for advice on a variety of business decisions, but unlike big corporations I can’t afford to hire a high priced consultant. Who can I go to for affordable small business advice? A: Everyone needs good advice when starting and running a small business, even those who have done it before. And it has nothing to do with s...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Boost Your Business Knowledge with a Board of Advisors
Q: I run a small business with seven employees. At times I find myself looking for advice on a variety of business decisions, but unlike big corporations I can’t afford to hire a high priced consultant. Who can I go to for affordable small business advice? A: Everyone needs good advice when starting and running a small business, even those who have done it before. And it has nothing to do with s...
December 31, 1969
Defense Official Orders Pentagon to Not Plan for Automatic Cuts
What’s going on at the Pentagon with regards to the automatic spending cuts set to happen in 2013? Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told reporters [emphasis mine]: But, very frankly, just the shadow of sequester being out there continually is something that–it basically creates a problem for us as we try to plan for the future. What exactly–what are we going to be facing? How are we going to d...
December 31, 1969
Raising the Social Media Bar
Ever wonder if or how your small business should be using social media and what your competitors are doing in this realm? The SMB Group’s latest survey, 2012 Small and Medium Social Business Study, examines how and why small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) are using social media today. Below are some highlights: Overall use of social media is up from 44% in 2011 to 53% this year among small bu...
December 31, 1969
4Q Business Planning
Many business owners are paralyzed by uncertainty over what the future may look like for their business and industry. But if you’re the owner of a closely held family business and are thinking about some form of retirement, you should consider taking advantage of a few tax provisions before the end of the year to help you, your company, and your family. In the next 12 to 24 months, several tax l...
December 31, 1969
Raising the Social Media Bar
Ever wonder if or how your small business should be using social media and what your competitors are doing in this realm? The SMB Group’s latest survey, 2012 Small and Medium Social Business Study, examines how and why small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) are using social media today. Below are some highlights: Overall use of social media is up from 44% in 2011 to 53% this year among small bu...
December 31, 1969
4Q Business Planning
Many business owners are paralyzed by uncertainty over what the future may look like for their business and industry. But if you’re the owner of a closely held family business and are thinking about some form of retirement, you should consider taking advantage of a few tax provisions before the end of the year to help you, your company, and your family. In the next 12 to 24 months, several tax l...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Households Face $3,446 Tax Increase From Fiscal Cliff
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. By Richard Rubin U.S. households are facing an average tax increase of $3,446 in 2013 if Congress doesn’t avert the so- called fiscal cliff, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center said in a study released today. The top 1 percent of households face some of the largest tax increases in 2013 and would see their after-tax incomes fall by 10.5 percent if Congress does nothing. T...
December 31, 1969
If you could ask the presidential candidates a question during Wednesday night’s debate, what would be the topic?
December 31, 1969
Are You Too Focused Working 'On the Business' Instead of 'In the Business?'
On The Entrepreneurial Mind, Dr. Jeff Cornwall writes that first-time entrepreneurs often make the mistake of obsessing over such things as mission statements, company logos, and business cards (time spent "working on the business") instead of actually launching and running the business ("working in the business"). Cornwall has 4 pieces of advice for entrepreneurs who are inclined to spend too muc...
December 31, 1969
Are You Too Focused Working 'On the Business' Instead of 'In the Business?'
On The Entrepreneurial Mind, Dr. Jeff Cornwall writes that first-time entrepreneurs often make the mistake of obsessing over such things as mission statements, company logos, and business cards (time spent "working on the business") instead of actually launching and running the business ("working in the business"). Cornwall has 4 pieces of advice for entrepreneurs who are inclined to spend too muc...
December 31, 1969
Automatic Tax Increases and Spending Cuts Could Bring Recession
We received more warnings about the danger to the economy of automatic tax increases and spending cuts set to take place in January 2012. Out of 17 economists surveyed by CNN, 14 believe we’ll fall into another recession if Congress and the administration do not act to avoid going over the “fiscal cliff”: Twelve of them believe the fiscal cliff is the most serious risk facing the economy, mo...
December 31, 1969
OUTRAGE: Farmer Faces Fine for Hosting Kid’s Party
Officials in Fauquier County, Virginia, are threatening to fine the owner of a farm for selling produce and crafts without a special license and for hosting a 10-year-old’s birthday party without an appropriate permit. Martha Boneta, owner of the 70-acre Liberty Farms in Paris, Virginia, could be fined $5,000 for the violations. Farmers throughout the county joined Boneta at a hearing on August ...
December 31, 1969
Hollywood Encounter Launches Firm
"It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt The origins of Steve Greenstein’s company read like a classic Hollywood story where the struggling hero has a chance encounter with a Hollywood bigwig that leads to a starring role in a blockbuster movie. In Greenstein’s case, a fortuitous Hollywood encounter led to a n...
December 31, 1969
Business Leaders Rally Behind Candidates
It’s a cliché during campaigns to say that a given election “is the most important in our lifetime.” But when it comes to the strength and survival of the country’s free enterprise system, this one really could be. Small business owners, local chamber executives, and U.S. Chamber staff are helping promote House and Senate candidates who embrace free enterprise principles. Below is a glimp...
December 31, 1969
Hollywood Encounter Launches Firm
"It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt The origins of Steve Greenstein’s company read like a classic Hollywood story where the struggling hero has a chance encounter with a Hollywood bigwig that leads to a starring role in a blockbuster movie. In Greenstein’s case, a fortuitous Hollywood encounter led to a n...
December 31, 1969
Business Leaders Rally Behind Candidates
It’s a cliché during campaigns to say that a given election “is the most important in our lifetime.” But when it comes to the strength and survival of the country’s free enterprise system, this one really could be. Small business owners, local chamber executives, and U.S. Chamber staff are helping promote House and Senate candidates who embrace free enterprise principles. Below is a glimp...
December 31, 1969
Business Leaders Rally Behind Candidates
It’s a cliché during campaigns to say that a given election “is the most important in our lifetime.” But when it comes to the strength and survival of the country’s free enterprise system, this one really could be. Small business owners, local chamber executives, and U.S. Chamber staff are helping promote House and Senate candidates who embrace free enterprise principles. Below is a glimp...
December 31, 1969
Study: U.S. Sees Decline in Immigrant Entrepreneurs
In a Washington Post op-ed, immigrant entrepreneur scholar, Vivek Wadhwa tells the story of Anand Chhatpar, an Indian student who studied in the U.S., received eight patents, and built two companies: During his junior year, Chhatpar founded BrainReactions with two other students. The company provided a platform for students to help large corporations solve problems and innovate. Anand says the bus...
December 31, 1969
Chamber Survey: 93% of Small Businesses Concerned About Fiscal Cliff
The U.S. Chamber has taken the pulse of the nation’s small business leaders and found that the mood is predominantly uncertain. The Chamber’s Quarterly Small Business Outlook survey shows a decline in small business attitudes about the business climate compared to last quarter: only 15% say they believe the economy will greatly or somewhat improve over the next two years, which is a decline fr...
December 31, 1969
Ask Your Presidential Debate Questions on Twitter
Tonight, Mitt Romney and President Obama square off in the first of three presidential debates. It's an opportunity for both candidates to define their proposed policies for creating jobs and getting the U.S. economy back on track. If you were moderating tonight’s debate, what questions pertaining to jobs and the economy would you ask the candidates? Write to us your questions on Twitter using...
December 31, 1969
Get Better Sales Performance Through Balance
If you have ever managed employees, or more specifically sales professionals, you know how delicate the balance between pushing and pulling for better performance can be. I remember when I was just starting out as a business owner. I thought that everyone I hired should be able to perform at my level. This, of course, was catastrophic when it came to my demeanor when managing my sales team; as a m...
December 31, 1969
Get Better Sales Performance Through Balance
If you have ever managed employees, or more specifically sales professionals, you know how delicate the balance between pushing and pulling for better performance can be. I remember when I was just starting out as a business owner. I thought that everyone I hired should be able to perform at my level. This, of course, was catastrophic when it came to my demeanor when managing my sales team; as a m...
December 31, 1969
Pessimistic Small Businesses Worry About Going Over the Fiscal Cliff
Two new surveys show continued small business worries due to Washington-generated uncertainty. PNC released a small business survey showing continued cautiousness about the economy. Dow Jones Newswire reports that 23% plan to hire more workers, down from 28% of those asked last spring. Also, the percentage of those pessimistic about the national economy rose from 43% to 57%. Another stat I noticed...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber Survey: 93% of Small Businesses Concerned About Fiscal Cliff
The U.S. Chamber has taken the pulse of the nation’s small business leaders and found that the mood is predominantly uncertain. The Chamber’s Quarterly Small Business Outlook survey shows a decline in small business attitudes about the business climate compared to last quarter: only 15% say they believe the economy will greatly or somewhat improve over the next two years, which is a decline fr...
December 31, 1969
High-Profile Hacks Lead to New Interest in Cybersecurity Bill
Recent high-profile cyberattacks have renewed congressional interest in passing a stalled cybersecurity bill supported by the U.S. Chamber and the business community, according to the chair of the House Intelligence Committee. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) pointed to recent security breaches by China and Iran and threats from Russia. “Now there are new levels of threats, with very real consequences. B...
December 31, 1969
Let’s Keep America’s Manufacturing Engine Humming
As we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, what is the current state of the industry and what do we need to do to bolster it? It’s important to first debunk the popular misconception that U.S. manufacturing is in decline. In fact, U.S. manufacturing output (on a value-added basis—meaning the value of finished products and not double-counting component parts) actually rose by 73% between 1993 ...
December 31, 1969
It's Official: Worst Recovery in Post-World War II Era
It’s official. With this morning’s jobs numbers, we have entered the longest recovery period of the post-World War II era. This dubious honor means it’s been 40 months since the recession technically ended, but its reverberations continue to shake the economy. The Chamber’s chief economist, Dr. Martin Regalia, said: “[Job growth] remains far too slow to reemploy the millions who remain u...
December 31, 1969
FTC, Stop Punishing Hacking Victims
What would you think if you saw the police fining a small business owner, whose restaurant was just broken into, because the small business owner was unable to stop the crooks from breaking into her restaurant? Would it make sense for a city inspector to punish a business owner for not complying with the building code – if the city council had never even formally promulgated a building code? As ...
December 31, 1969
“I Am American Business"
This post originally appeared on the Business Civic Leadership Center's blog. In November, Steve Miller, the president and CEO of Dillon Gage and HELPS International, will be honored by the government of Guatemala for his organizations’ extraordinary efforts to help the country improve economic and health conditions for families. He says he just fell in love with it 30 years ago, and has never...
December 31, 1969
Managing Political Discussions at Work
With a politically polarizing presidential election just a few months away, and the Supreme Court’s historic decision upholding the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, many voters are exercising their First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expressing their political opinions at work. But how outspoken should employees be in the workplace? Few, if any, e...
December 31, 1969
Managing Political Discussions at Work
With a politically polarizing presidential election just a few months away, and the Supreme Court’s historic decision upholding the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, many voters are exercising their First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expressing their political opinions at work. But how outspoken should employees be in the workplace? Few, if any, e...
December 31, 1969
What is the most likely outcome of the fiscal cliff?
December 31, 1969
INTERVIEW: Author Examines State of Entrepreneurship
In their new book Better Capitalism: Renewing the Entrepreneurial Strength of the American Economy, Robert E. Litan and Carl J. Schramm address the question of why entrepreneurship in American is struggling and what needs to be done to renew it. Litan, vice president for research and policy at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution...
December 31, 1969
Business Leaders are Optimistic Fiscal Woes Can be Fixed
At a panel discussion on the top political and policy issues affecting the business environment, business leaders expressed unanimous optimism that U.S. economic competitiveness can be restored—because lawmakers have no choice but to tackle challenges like the fiscal cliff, tax reform, and energy. Representing a broad swath of America’s employers and job creators, the panel was comprised of To...
December 31, 1969
Nurture Your Unlikely Ideas
A number of years ago a turtle showed up in our Brooklyn backyard. My husband thought it had belonged to a next-door neighbor’s son. They’d moved some years earlier, and he had been very upset that he couldn’t find his pet. It was exceedingly strange to see this critter appear from time to time. I was frightened the first time, as it moved a small empty planter aside as it walked—I thought...
December 31, 1969
Nurture Your Unlikely Ideas
A number of years ago a turtle showed up in our Brooklyn backyard. My husband thought it had belonged to a next-door neighbor’s son. They’d moved some years earlier, and he had been very upset that he couldn’t find his pet. It was exceedingly strange to see this critter appear from time to time. I was frightened the first time, as it moved a small empty planter aside as it walked—I thought...
December 31, 1969
Fed Says Economy Grows ‘Modestly’ as Housing, Autos Improve
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. By Joshua Zumbrun The Federal Reserve said today that the U.S. economy was expanding “modestly” last month, supported by improvements in housing and auto sales, even as the labor market showed little change. “Consumer spending was generally reported to be flat to up slightly since the last report,” the Fed said in its Beige Book business survey, which is based on ...
December 31, 1969
Uncertainty and the Fiscal Cliff
Despite last month’s decline in the unemployment rate, there is plenty of evidence that both the U.S. and world economies remain weak. Policy uncertainty is a significant factor, which should signal Congress and the White House to avoid letting the economy go over the “fiscal cliff.” Three indicators show signs of global economic weakness: The Brookings Institution-Financial Times Tracking I...
December 31, 1969
Fake Airbags and Cough Drops and Car Seats—Oh, My!
Note: This post originally appeared on the Global Intellectual Property Center blog. Would you notice if your cough drops are fake? Or if your extension cord wasn’t genuine? Or if your contact lenses were counterfeit? The Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) stopped people in New York’s Times Square to see if they could spot counterfeit goods. In the final installment of the ...
December 31, 1969
Dallas Fed Bank President: Policy Uncertainty “Cripples Job Creation”
I have a confession to make. I have a favorite Federal Reserve regional bank president. I admit to this level of economic geekiness after Richard Fisher of the Dallas Federal Reserve bank made a ton of good points in a speech on how policy uncertainty holds back the economy. He’s talked about this for some time, but this is the most-comprehensive I’ve heard him give on this. I’m just going t...
December 31, 1969
What's Behind the Drop in the Unemployment Rate?
The addition of 114,000 new jobs and a dip in the unemployment from 8.1% to 7.8% in September caused quite a stir among observers, even leading some to claim that the data were manipulated for political purposes. The real reasons behind the unexpected improvement in the unemployment rate are far less pernicious but at the same time do not suggest a strong, job-creating economy. So what’s reall...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Employee Input Is An Ideal Source of Ideas
Q: I have spent the past few years finding ways to keep profits up and bring in new customers during the recession. I feel that I am running out of new ideas just as the economy is getting better. What can I do to get new fresh ideas so that I don’t miss out on the prosperity? A: Every day, small business owners scour the Web, business journals, and their own brains in search of ideas for improv...
December 31, 1969
Celebrating Success on International Day for Failure
Maybe you already knew that October 13 was Yorkshire Pudding Day and Train Your Brain Day, but did you know that it’s also the International Day for Failure? Started in Finland in 2010, the International Day for Failure is a new international holiday to rethink, share and learn from failure. This year the campaign has, perhaps ironically, been a big success and gone global with Day for Failure e...
December 31, 1969
What's Next for Drugmakers?
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a transition. Much of the spending on pharmaceutical products will occur in emerging markets and will go to generic drug manufacturers. Meanwhile, sales in developed countries are falling, expected to decline to 57% of the world total by 2016, according to IMF Health. For the American pharma industry, these and other challenges underscore the need for rese...
December 31, 1969
Add Your Voice to the Presidential Debate
On Tuesday, President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney will square off in the second of three planned debates. If you can’t be at Hofstra University for the town hall style event, we’re giving you the opportunity to have your voice heard. Ask your jobs or economy question for either candidate in the comments below, or on Twitter using the hashtag #Ask4Business. On Tuesday night we’ll be showin...
December 31, 1969
Myth Busters: The Administration's Small Business Tax Claims
The administration claims to have cut taxes for small businesses 18 times. But Stan Veuger at AEI took a look at these instances and found that the math doesn't add up to a win for small businesses. Of the 18 (temporary) cuts, 10 are still in place. Of those 10, 5 are holdovers from the previous administration. The remaining 5 cuts amount to--at most--$3 billion in 2013, according to estimat...
December 31, 1969
Manufacturers Feel Fiscal Cliff's Threat
Sure, consumers aren’t yet fearing the “fiscal cliff’s” combo of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect in January 2013, but some businesses are preparing as the Wall Street Journal reports: Some manufacturers have delayed hiring while they wait to see whether they will face sharply higher U.S. taxes and deep cuts in government spending in 2013, a new survey shows. Uncert...
December 31, 1969
Myth Busters: The Administration's Small Business Tax Claims
The administration claims to have cut taxes for small businesses 18 times. But Stan Veuger at AEI took a look at these instances and found that the math doesn't add up to a win for small businesses. Of the 18 (temporary) cuts, 10 are still in place. Of those 10, 5 are holdovers from the previous administration. The remaining 5 cuts amount to--at most--$3 billion in 2013, according to estimat...
December 31, 1969
Best Presidential Debate Questions? Vote Here!
Your questions say a lot about what matters to you and how you will vote. With that in mind, if you could ask a question about jobs and the economy at tonight’s Presidential debate, what would it be? After pitching this to our Twitter followers, we’ve received some great responses. Following are a few that are worth highlighting. We’ll add to the list as more are submitted (remember to use ...
December 31, 1969
3 Tips for Optimizing Your Site for Mobile Marketing
The fact that a huge portion of the global population doesn’t leave home without their mobile devices should come as no surprise. In fact, 91% of smartphone users have their phone within reach 24/7, and it takes 26 hours for the average person to report their wallet missing, but only 68 minutes for them to report a lost phone. According to Gartner Research, by 2013, mobile phones will overtake P...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Do You Have What it Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?
There’s no beating around the bush on this one: starting your own company is risky business. It’s not easy giving up a steady job, going out and raising capital, and becoming an expert in a particular industry or market. However, the biggest obstacle to entrepreneurship is simply facing the risk, according to this Dun & Bradstreet Credibility infographic that we found on Entrepreneur's Daily D...
December 31, 1969
3 Tips for Optimizing Your Site for Mobile Marketing
The fact that a huge portion of the global population doesn’t leave home without their mobile devices should come as no surprise. In fact, 91% of smartphone users have their phone within reach 24/7, and it takes 26 hours for the average person to report their wallet missing, but only 68 minutes for them to report a lost phone. According to Gartner Research, by 2013, mobile phones will overtake P...
December 31, 1969
Best Presidential Debate Questions? Vote Here!
Your questions say a lot about what matters to you and how you will vote. With that in mind, if you could ask a question about jobs and the economy at tonight’s Presidential debate, what would it be? After pitching this to our Twitter followers, we’ve received some great responses. Following are a few that are worth highlighting. We’ll add to the list as more are submitted (remember to use ...
December 31, 1969
Which State Has the Best Tax Climate for Business?
Wyoming has the country’s most business-friendly tax climate. That's the finding of the 2013 State Business Tax Climate Index released by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. Each state is given an overall ranking based on its score in five categories: corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes, unemployment taxes, and property taxes. The top three states - Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nevad...
December 31, 1969
5 Things Entrepreneurs Need to Know About the JOBS Act
This past spring, President Obama signed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act), which makes substantial changes to securities laws by making it easier for startups and small businesses to raise funds, stay private longer, and avoid or delay some of the burdens that come with taking a company public. The JOBS Act will come into effect over the course of 2012, culminating with the SEC...
December 31, 1969
Territorial (Tax) Behavior
It’s estimated that $1.7 trillion in profits is held outside the United States by foreign subsidiaries of American companies. Under our current tax system, there’s not a great incentive for these companies to bring those earnings to the United States to invest and create jobs. This is because the United States has a “worldwide” system for taxing corporate profits as opposed to a “territo...
December 31, 1969
Congress and Businesses Preparing for Fiscal Cliff Very Differently
Seventy-five days remain until the largest tax increase in American history along with irresponsible automatic spending cuts hits the economy. The Congressional Budget Office warned in August that going over the “fiscal cliff” would cause the economy to go into a recession and the unemployment rate to rise to 9.1%. As the January deadline approaches, businesses are preparing for a downturn by ...
December 31, 1969
President Obama Threatens Veto Unless Taxes Go Up
Today’s Driving the Day links to the Washington Post reporting that President Obama threatens to veto any bill to fix the “fiscal cliff,” tax increases and spending cuts set to hit the economy in 2013, if taxes don’t go up for high-income earners. Raising taxes would be an awful idea. A few months back, Caroline Harris, Chief Tax Policy Counsel and Executive Director of Tax Policy for the ...
December 31, 1969
Survey: Regulations Contribute to Small Business Pessimism
Businesses of all sizes are worried about the U.S. economy and American businesses competitiveness in the global market, according to two new surveys. Small business owners see the economy as a major risk and barrier to growth, according to The Hartford Financial Services Group’s Annual Small Business Success Study. Only one-third (33%) of the 2,000 small business owners surveyed are optimistic ...
December 31, 1969
Could Your Company Be More Pinteresting?
“I know I should be pinning, but I have no idea why and what!” the owner of a service business recently said to me. Many small businesses feel compelled to catch the Pinterest wave, but are struggling with what to do with this relative newcomer on the social media scene. Pinterest, an online bulletin board comprised of shareable images and blurbs, now boasts close to 18 million users. It is t...
December 31, 1969
Could Your Company Be More Pinteresting?
“I know I should be pinning, but I have no idea why and what!” the owner of a service business recently said to me. Many small businesses feel compelled to catch the Pinterest wave, but are struggling with what to do with this relative newcomer on the social media scene. Pinterest, an online bulletin board comprised of shareable images and blurbs, now boasts close to 18 million users. It is t...
December 31, 1969
Quantifying Policy Uncertainty
While there has been much survey data to indicate policy uncertainty weighs down the economy, until recently no one tried to systematically measure it and its effects on the economy. Along came Steven Davis of the American Enterprise Institute and the University of Chicago, and Scott Baker and Nicholas Bloom both from Stanford University with their Economic Policy Uncertainty Index. I’ve written...
December 31, 1969
What Can Arkansas Businesses Do With 1 Billion Potential Customers?
Facebook recently announced that it now has more than a billion regular users. Following the announcement, more than 170 small business owners in Arkansas registered for the latest event in a cross-country tour—sponsored by Facebook, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business Owners—to help small businesses acquire and retain customers. Attendees received...
December 31, 1969
Empact and the Future of Entrepreneurism
With the presidential elections just weeks away, the public debate over jobs and growth is intensifying. The global economy – marred by the Eurozone crisis and falling consumer demand – continues to oscillate perilously between growth and recession, underscoring the need for U.S. businesses to grow, innovate, hire and lead the country’s economy back to prosperity. While seasoned business lea...
December 31, 1969
3 Traits of a Successful Lead Generator
Although we’d all like to believe our potential clients will regularly swarm to us by the thousands, the reality of the situation is that if you want to get their attention, you’ve got to put in some serious leg work. One of the most daunting, yet rewarding, methods in doing so is a well-crafted telephone lead generation campaign, and these cold calls are not for the faint of heart. It takes a...
December 31, 1969
3 Traits of a Successful Lead Generator
Although we’d all like to believe our potential clients will regularly swarm to us by the thousands, the reality of the situation is that if you want to get their attention, you’ve got to put in some serious leg work. One of the most daunting, yet rewarding, methods in doing so is a well-crafted telephone lead generation campaign, and these cold calls are not for the faint of heart. It takes a...
December 31, 1969
What Businesses Can Do to Rebuild U.S. Competitiveness
U.S. competitiveness is on the decline. So say 7,861 business leaders, including alumni from one of the country’s most vaunted business schools. The Harvard Business School recently surveyed 6,836 HBS alumni and 1,025 members of the general public and found that 58% said they are worried about both the ability of firms to compete and their ability to pay high wages and benefits over the next thr...
December 31, 1969
What Businesses Can Do to Rebuild U.S. Competitiveness
U.S. competitiveness is on the decline. So say 7,861 business leaders, including alumni from one of the country’s most vaunted business schools. The Harvard Business School recently surveyed 6,836 HBS alumni and 1,025 members of the general public and found that 58% said they are worried about both the ability of firms to compete and their ability to pay high wages and benefits over the next thr...
December 31, 1969
President Says Sequestration’s Automatic Spending Cuts “Will Not Happen”
“It will not happen.” That's what President Obama declared at the third Presidential debate on the topic of “sequestration,” automatic spending cuts set to take effect starting January 2013. However, after the debate, the President’s advisers stepped back from that definitive statement [see the Fox News clip above]. This chart from the Heritage Foundation illustrates how the cuts are spr...
December 31, 1969
What Businesses Can Do to Rebuild U.S. Competitiveness
U.S. competitiveness is on the decline. So say 7,861 business leaders, including alumni from one of the country’s most vaunted business schools. The Harvard Business School recently surveyed 6,836 HBS alumni and 1,025 members of the general public and found that 58% said they are worried about both the ability of firms to compete and their ability to pay high wages and benefits over the next thr...
December 31, 1969
FBI Says, Expect to Be Hacked; FTC Says, Expect Us to Sue You
FBI director Robert Mueller is quoted in a CNN Money story today on the data security crisis now facing American businesses – an issue of particular importance to small businesses: There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those that will be. Even that is merging into one category: those that have been hacked and will be again. The U.S. Chamber continues to lead ef...
December 31, 1969
Managing Millennials: A Crash Course
If you are struggling to make the most out of your relationships with Millennial employees, here is a quick guide to turning those born between 1980 and 1992 into some of your biggest fans and assets. Communicating: Veterans like face-to-face meetings, boomers like phone calls, Generation X prefers email, and Millennials do most of their communicating via cell phone, text messages, and social me...
December 31, 1969
Managing Millennials: A Crash Course
If you are struggling to make the most out of your relationships with Millennial employees, here is a quick guide to turning those born between 1980 and 1992 into some of your biggest fans and assets. Communicating: Veterans like face-to-face meetings, boomers like phone calls, Generation X prefers email, and Millennials do most of their communicating via cell phone, text messages, and social me...
December 31, 1969
Business Investment Stalls. “Fiscal Cliff” Fears Blamed
Here are three data points that should make one worry about going over the “fiscal cliff,” tax increases and automatic spending cuts set to take effect next January. First, Reuters reports on new government data showing business investment has stalled: New orders for capital goods outside of defense and excluding aircraft -- a proxy for business spending plans -- was unchanged last month at $6...
December 31, 1969
Boost Your Online Reputation
Because more and more consumers are researching businesses’ credibility online before making a purchase, it is imperative that you incorporate a program to build your online reputation. The tips below will help: Review your business’ Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Begin by documenting what customers find special about your business and how they benefit from your products or services. Audit ...
December 31, 1969
Boost Your Online Reputation
Because more and more consumers are researching businesses’ credibility online before making a purchase, it is imperative that you incorporate a program to build your online reputation. The tips below will help: Review your business’ Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Begin by documenting what customers find special about your business and how they benefit from your products or services. Audit ...
December 31, 1969
A Look At Monetary Policy
As we slog through yet another year of mediocre economic growth and a weak job market, I thought it might be a good idea to take a closer look at the monetary policy instituted by the Federal Reserve System (the Fed) during this time period. The policy has not only been huge by historical standards and unprecedented in scope, but it has been highly controversial. Many have questioned its effective...
December 31, 1969
Mompreneur Creates More Dapper Diaper
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Raising babies can be a dirty business. A typical baby needs 6,000 to 9,000 diaper changes from birth to potty training. It’s also expensive. Disposable diapers, wipes, and trash bags during this period can cost up to $3,000. But for small business owner Kim Ormsby, dia...
December 31, 1969
Mompreneur Creates More Dapper Diaper
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Raising babies can be a dirty business. A typical baby needs 6,000 to 9,000 diaper changes from birth to potty training. It’s also expensive. Disposable diapers, wipes, and trash bags during this period can cost up to $3,000. But for small business owner Kim Ormsby, dia...
December 31, 1969
Report: U.S. Trending Downward as Best Place For Entrepreneurs
According to the latest edition of the Doing Business report published by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, the United States remains the fourth-best place country in the world for small- and medium-size businesses following Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. The report compares laws and regulations entrepreneurs run into when starting and operating a business: business...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Businesses Predict No Scrooges This Holiday Season
There’s some good news about holiday retail sales this year. A new survey by Manta, an online community for small businesses, of some 1,000 small retailers found that nearly half (43%) are more optimistic about holiday sales this year compared to 2011. Only 23% say they are less optimistic, while 34% say they expect their holiday sales to be about the same. Leading the credit card/calvary cha...
December 31, 1969
The Voice of a New Generation
Jason Duff (pictured above in the middle) is an enthusiastic champion for his generation of young entrepreneurs, particularly when it comes to making sure that they are part of the discussion about policies that impact business. “I feel called and motivated to carry the torch for my generation,” says the 31-year-old serial entrepreneur from Columbus, Ohio. “There’s a lot of criticism about...
December 31, 1969
Keeping Score on the Fiscal Cliff
David Wessel, of the Wall Street Journal, goes out in a suit and tie, finds a cliff, and gets eerily close to the edge to explain the “fiscal cliff,” the automatic tax increases and across-the-board spending cuts set to hit on January 1. It would be a “huge blow to an already-fragile economy,” he says. After watching Wessel’s Budget 101, you'll be ready to watch Washington in action in...
December 31, 1969
The Big Deal
The first order of business for the lame-duck Congress is to prevent a fiscal calamity. The largest tax increase in history—$4.5 trillion—and $1.2 trillion in budget cuts that will slash defense spending and cost hundreds of thousands of jobs will be set in motion on January 1. There is no quicker path back to recession and 9% unemployment than allowing these tax increases and spending cut...
December 31, 1969
Big Issues on Lame-Duck Agenda
Congress returns November 13 for an abbreviated postelection session dominated by tax and spending issues. But with just 16 working days on the congressional calendar for November and December, the outlook for progress is bleak. “The forces of polarization are pulling both parties and the president away from the center, which in Washington has become an increasingly lonely place, says U.S. Chamb...
December 31, 1969
Steve Case on America’s ‘Secret Sauce’
The man behind the iconic “You’ve Got Mail” reminder says he knows the “secret sauce” that built the American economy. “Entrepreneurship is the reason that America has leading companies that employ tens of thousands of people, and we need to support and encourage these companies,” says Steve Case, co-founder and former chief executive officer of AOL, co-founder and CEO of investment...
December 31, 1969
Steve Case on America’s ‘Secret Sauce’
The man behind the iconic “You’ve Got Mail” reminder says he knows the “secret sauce” that built the American economy. “Entrepreneurship is the reason that America has leading companies that employ tens of thousands of people, and we need to support and encourage these companies,” says Steve Case, co-founder and former chief executive officer of AOL, co-founder and CEO of investment...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll Results - November 2012
Below are the results of recent surveys that were published on our website. Take our weekly surveys at FreeEnterprise.com or on our Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericanFreeEnterprise. What is the most likely outcome of the fiscal cliff? Congress will temporarily postpone the spending cuts and tax increases scheduled for January 2 while they negotiate a deal. 73.9% Co...
December 31, 1969
Steve Case on America’s ‘Secret Sauce’
The man behind the iconic “You’ve Got Mail” reminder says he knows the “secret sauce” that built the American economy. “Entrepreneurship is the reason that America has leading companies that employ tens of thousands of people, and we need to support and encourage these companies,” says Steve Case, co-founder and former chief executive officer of AOL, co-founder and CEO of investment...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Small Businesses Investing More In Social Media
Small business owners are investing more time and money in social media to market their business but are stuggling with the additional workload, and relatively few are measuring the return on their investment, according to new survey data released by online marketing firm Vertical Response. Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform among small business owners, followed by Twitter. ...
December 31, 1969
Exit Your Business Without a Huge Tax Bill
About 70 percent of Boomer-owned businesses are expected to change hands within the next 10 or so years, according to a 2006 article by Robert Avery of Cornell University. Many of these owners have adult children or other relatives who work for them, and the owners may be thinking of ways to transition to retirement without a huge tax bill. If you want your successors to own your business while ...
December 31, 1969
Exit Your Business Without a Huge Tax Bill
About 70 percent of Boomer-owned businesses are expected to change hands within the next 10 or so years, according to a 2006 article by Robert Avery of Cornell University. Many of these owners have adult children or other relatives who work for them, and the owners may be thinking of ways to transition to retirement without a huge tax bill. If you want your successors to own your business while ...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: For Interviewer and Interviewee, It’s All about Preparation
Q: I recently have decided to add new employees for my growing small business. I can usually weed out the obvious wrong fit employees with resumes and applications. What can I do during the interview process to make sure I get the right new hire? A: We’ve all been through job interviews, but being the one asking the questions is not always easy. You want to be fair and thorough when evaluating p...
December 31, 1969
Achieve Your Goals: The 8 Strategies Successful Women Know
This post originally appeard on the Center for Women in Business' blog. What are the 'secrets of success’ highly accomplished women know? That's what we set out to identify in our book, How Women Lead: The 8 Essential Strategies Successful Women Know. We combined our personal insights, research-based knowledge, and the real-life lessons from highly successful women to identify proven, prac...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: For Interviewer and Interviewee, It’s All about Preparation
Q: I recently have decided to add new employees for my growing small business. I can usually weed out the obvious wrong fit employees with resumes and applications. What can I do during the interview process to make sure I get the right new hire? A: We’ve all been through job interviews, but being the one asking the questions is not always easy. You want to be fair and thorough when evaluating p...
December 31, 1969
Pessimistic Midsize Companies Expect to Hire Less
The October job numbers show underwhelming job creation, but judging by attitudes of midsize businesses even this is threatened. A new survey from the National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM) finds that national economic confidence has worsened, and midsize businesses expect reduced revenues and hiring. Fifty-two percent of midsize businesses, those with revenues between $10 million and $1 bil...
December 31, 1969
Did George Lucas Avoid a Death Star-Sized Tax Increase?
George Lucas may have encountered something more powerful than the Force…the U.S. tax code. This week, he announced that Disney was buying his LucasFilm company, along with the Star Wars franchise. Sure, selling the company will allow Lucas to focus more on his charitable work, but the timing of the sale has another perk: Lucas will avoid impending tax increases, according to MarketWatch’s Que...
December 31, 1969
Unemployment Rises to 7.9%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in October, 171,000 jobs were created, and the unemployement rate rose to 7.9%. Since we’re only four days away from Election Day, it’s important to step back from the politics and take a deep breath. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Economist Martin Regalia puts today’s numbers in context [emphasis mine]: The 171,000 net new jobs created l...
December 31, 1969
Votes and Voices for the Future
Election Day is upon us, and the issues up for debate in the 2012 campaign have given Americans a lot to think about. An economy that isn’t growing fast enough to create the jobs our workers need. Household income that’s shrinking while gas prices rise. Deficits that continue to mount as the national debt deepens. Through their votes, Americans have a voice in the debate over those critical ...
December 31, 1969
Beyond the Help Wanted Ad
Job descriptions serve a higher purpose than just recruiting and posting a position. They play strategic and tactical roles in any organization. While job descriptions take time and effort to create, and you may be concerned about an employee’s claim that “that’s not in my job description,” there are very compelling and real business cases for creating them in your company. Job description...
December 31, 1969
Beyond the Help Wanted Ad
Job descriptions serve a higher purpose than just recruiting and posting a position. They play strategic and tactical roles in any organization. While job descriptions take time and effort to create, and you may be concerned about an employee’s claim that “that’s not in my job description,” there are very compelling and real business cases for creating them in your company. Job description...
December 31, 1969
2012 Holiday Spending Expected to See Slower Growth
Shoppers are expected to spend more this year than last on gifts and other seasonal goods this holiday season. That’s good news for retailers, some of whom collect up to 40% of their annual revenues in the last two months of the year. The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts holiday sales growth of 4.1% in 2012, totaling $586 billion during November and December. However, the pace of ann...
December 31, 1969
Where to Go When Your Bank Says No
Is your business ready to move to the next level? The answer to that question mostly depends on how much money you have in your wallet. Many businesses are hard-pressed for the cash necessary to expand. While banks remain a primary small business funding option, there are alternative sources of start-up or expansion capital for entrepreneurs with not-so-great credit. This article by Small Busine...
December 31, 1969
Attract Gen Y Employees with a Great Office Space
They’re young, they’re talented, they’re tech-savvy, they’re green. Studies show that by creating an environmentally friendly office, you have a better chance of attracting talented members of Generation Y to your workforce. According to a MonsterTRAK poll on green employment, 92 percent of young professionals interviewed said they would be more inclined to work for an environmentally-fri...
December 31, 1969
Attract Gen Y Employees with a Great Office Space
They’re young, they’re talented, they’re tech-savvy, they’re green. Studies show that by creating an environmentally friendly office, you have a better chance of attracting talented members of Generation Y to your workforce. According to a MonsterTRAK poll on green employment, 92 percent of young professionals interviewed said they would be more inclined to work for an environmentally-fri...
December 31, 1969
After the Election, It’s Still the Economy, Stupid
We’re in that weird spot in between the election and Congress returning for a lame duck session. This makes for a good moment to look at Americans’ top issues according to a Gallup analysis. James Carville’s ghost haunts us, because it’s still “The Economy, stupid.” As you can see, the economy dominates. What’s more, according to Gallup's Economic Confidence Index, “more Americans...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Make Your Small Business Part of the Community
Q: I own a small business in a tight knit community. We’ve had our doors open for six months and still struggle to carve out our niche with the town. What can I do to get my business involved with our community? A: One of the most talked-about issues in business today is corporate social responsibility (CSR), where a company strives to have a positive effect on the public interest. But CSR isn...
December 31, 1969
Lessons From Lincoln for Every Business Leader
Walt Whitman called Abraham Lincoln, “the grandest figure yet, on all the crowded canvas of the Nineteenth Century.” In the twenty-first century, Lincoln’s grandness has only grown as part of our national narrative. When the great American experiment was falling apart during the Civil War, it was Lincoln who united the country. His ability to lead, marked by honesty, empathy, and humor, is t...
December 31, 1969
Better Broadband = Better Economy
As evidenced by AT&T’s announcement this week that it will invest an additional $14 billion in capital expenditures over the next three years to expand its wireless and wireline broadband networks, broadband continues to be a bright spot in the U.S. economy. As National Chamber Foundation fellow Bret Swanson writes, innovation will demand additional broadband: The proliferation of online video, ...
December 31, 1969
Time to Get Down to Business
We can no longer use the excuse of an upcoming election to kick the can down the road on the immediate economic and fiscal challenges facing the country. The president and the outgoing Congress must work immediately—this year—to prevent the fiscal cliff and lay the groundwork for a Big Deal to restore our nation’s long-term fiscal balance and boost American energy production. The closer we g...
December 31, 1969
Preparing Your Business for 2013 Tax Changes
There are many open questions about federal income, estate, and payroll taxes for 2013. Will the Bush-era tax cuts be extended for all taxpayers? Will the 2 percent reduction in the Social Security tax on employees and self-employed individuals that applies for this year also be extended? While these questions cannot be answered at the present time, what is certain is that some tax rules are set t...
December 31, 1969
Preparing Your Business for 2013 Tax Changes
There are many open questions about federal income, estate, and payroll taxes for 2013. Will the Bush-era tax cuts be extended for all taxpayers? Will the 2 percent reduction in the Social Security tax on employees and self-employed individuals that applies for this year also be extended? While these questions cannot be answered at the present time, what is certain is that some tax rules are set t...
December 31, 1969
Senator Patty Murray Still Threatens to Take Economy Over the Fiscal Cliff
Remember back in July, when Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) had no qualms about going over the fiscal cliff and letting the economy get hit with massive tax increases and indiscriminant spending cuts? She didn’t back down on ABC News’ This Week, this past Sunday when she said that if there’s no agreement: [W]e will reach a point at the end of this year where all the tax cuts expire and we'll sta...
December 31, 1969
Preparing Your Business for 2013 Tax Changes
There are many open questions about federal income, estate, and payroll taxes for 2013. Will the Bush-era tax cuts be extended for all taxpayers? Will the 2 percent reduction in the Social Security tax on employees and self-employed individuals that applies for this year also be extended? While these questions cannot be answered at the present time, what is certain is that some tax rules are set t...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: November 13, 2012
December 31, 1969
Let's Talk Turkey: Tips for Boosting Small Business Saturday Sales
In just two years, American Express’ Small Business Saturday has become big business. The movement to shop at small retailers the Saturday after Thanksgiving has quickly entered the cultural vernacular, with over 100 million shoppers coming out in 2011. American Express has resources for small businesses looking to get involved, but you can also learn from companies that have had success in prev...
December 31, 1969
Let's Talk Turkey: Tips for Boosting Small Business Saturday Sales
In just two years, American Express’ Small Business Saturday has become big business. The movement to shop at small retailers the Saturday after Thanksgiving has quickly entered the cultural vernacular, with over 100 million shoppers coming out in 2011. American Express has resources for small businesses looking to get involved, but you can also learn from companies that have had success in prev...
December 31, 1969
Survey: Small Businesses More Uncertain than Ever
Small businesses are experiencing a record-high level of economic uncertainty and are not hiring, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) October Small Business Optimism Index taken before last week's election. The overall index improved slightly, but 23% of respondents said they were uncertain "whether business conditions will be better or worse in six months," the ...
December 31, 1969
The Third Bucket of Fiscal Cliff Negotiations
Most of the discussion in Washington about deficits and debt has been focused on two buckets—spending, including big ticket items of entitlements and defense, and taxes. But U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue says that a third bucket should be added to the mix – energy development. “Energy development is an extraordinary opportunity for America on many levels,” Donohue told a group...
December 31, 1969
Losing Yourself to Your Business
Most of us start businesses because we want to be happier. We’re certain that when we are our own boss, we’ll finally have the creative freedom, autonomy, challenge, and meaning that we’ve been craving. We imagine our future selves working on our own terms, for something that we believe in (or at the very least are excited about). We dream about how this new professional reality will improve...
December 31, 1969
Losing Yourself to Your Business
Most of us start businesses because we want to be happier. We’re certain that when we are our own boss, we’ll finally have the creative freedom, autonomy, challenge, and meaning that we’ve been craving. We imagine our future selves working on our own terms, for something that we believe in (or at the very least are excited about). We dream about how this new professional reality will improve...
December 31, 1969
Americans Really Really Don’t Want to Go Over the Fiscal Cliff
According to a USA Today/Gallup poll, a large majority of Americans think it’s either very important or extremely important that Congress and the administration avoid letting the economy go over the “fiscal cliff,” tax increases and automatic spending cuts set to take effect starting on January 1, 2013. They understand that going over the cliff risks the economy going into recession. Not on...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What is the "Fiscal Cliff" and How Does It Impact You?
David Chavern, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, explains what it means for the United States, it's citizens, and the economy to go over the "Fiscal Cliff." He urges Congress to act immediately to prevent current tax rates from expiring and across-the-board federal spending cuts from taking effect on January 1, 2013. According to the nonpartisa...
December 31, 1969
Fight Poverty with Entrepreneurship
Bono was right when he praised the poverty-fighting power of entrepreneurism for the destitute in developing nations. But entrepreneurship also works for the poor in the United States according to a Goldwater Institute study: There is a strong connection between a state’s rate of entrepreneurship and declines in poverty. Statistical analysis of all 50 states indicates that states with a larger s...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Enhance Your Own Efficiency through Ongoing Education
Q: I’ve been in business for eleven years. I’ve stayed on top of my business by increasing energy efficiency, cutting down on office waste, and I continue to make employee morale a top priority. What else can I do to keep improving my small business as we continue to grow? A: Efficiency is the key to maximizing small business profitability, productivity, and potential. But in devoting so muc...
December 31, 1969
New Administrative Requirements for the Affordable Care Act
Now that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has the U.S. Supreme Court’s stamp of approval, constitution wise, various provisions poised to take effect cannot be ignored any longer. These provisions mean more administrative chores for business owners. Here is a timetable that you can use to comply with new requirements. Adopt new FSA limits In October or November of this year, you...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Enhance Your Own Efficiency through Ongoing Education
Q: I’ve been in business for eleven years. I’ve stayed on top of my business by increasing energy efficiency, cutting down on office waste, and I continue to make employee morale a top priority. What else can I do to keep improving my small business as we continue to grow? A: Efficiency is the key to maximizing small business profitability, productivity, and potential. But in devoting so muc...
December 31, 1969
New Administrative Requirements for the Affordable Care Act
Now that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has the U.S. Supreme Court’s stamp of approval, constitution wise, various provisions poised to take effect cannot be ignored any longer. These provisions mean more administrative chores for business owners. Here is a timetable that you can use to comply with new requirements. Adopt new FSA limits In October or November of this year, you...
December 31, 1969
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Hastings, Nebraska, rarely brings to mind words like “worldly,” but Bruckman Rubber Company has brought some international flair to this small Midwest town where “snow shoveling is the winter sport.” According to Bruckman Rubber President and CEO Jack Schreiner, “You need to be international now to remain competitive.” The maker of industrial rubber products began exporting when severa...
December 31, 1969
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Hastings, Nebraska, rarely brings to mind words like “worldly,” but Bruckman Rubber Company has brought some international flair to this small Midwest town where “snow shoveling is the winter sport.” According to Bruckman Rubber President and CEO Jack Schreiner, “You need to be international now to remain competitive.” The maker of industrial rubber products began exporting when severa...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff: Business Leaders React
The fiscal cliff, the combination of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect on January 1, 2013, is weighing heavily on the shoulders of business owners, including Rick McNeel and Theresa Kern. McNeel is president and CEO of LORD Corporation, which makes critical parts for helicopters. About 15% of its business is tied to defense—the industry facing the deepest spending cuts. Ke...
December 31, 1969
Who’s Making Small Business Loans?
Small companies seeking business loans during August found mixed results from different types of lenders. In a month where the overall volume of loan applications increased by 4.3 percent, my company's Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly analysis of 1,000 loan applications, revealed that approval rates increased at small banks and alternative lenders, but big banks and credit union ...
December 31, 1969
Who’s Making Small Business Loans?
Small companies seeking business loans during August found mixed results from different types of lenders. In a month where the overall volume of loan applications increased by 4.3 percent, my company's Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, a monthly analysis of 1,000 loan applications, revealed that approval rates increased at small banks and alternative lenders, but big banks and credit union ...
December 31, 1969
Krugman Yearns for a Golden Age of 91% Tax Rates
The award for lamest Twinkie tie-in goes to Nobel Prize-winner and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman. His latest bit of demagoguery posing as serious thought drops a quick mention of America’s favorite cream-filled golden goodie followed by what he really cares about: raising taxes. Krugman yearns for a return to the days of a whopping 91% top marginal income tax rate which puts him at odds ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Washington Must Deal with the Fiscal Cliff Now
David Chavern, Executive Vice President and COO at the U.S. Chamber, talked to Fox Business Channel about how the fiscal cliff, massive tax increases and automatic spending cuts set to start on January 1, is creating massive uncertainty for businesses. Chavern emphasizes that Washington needs to address the cliff now by extending current tax provisions to give Congress time to craft comprehensive ...
December 31, 1969
Heed Bernanke’s Warning about the Fiscal Cliff
Before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday, White House and Congressional staffers worked on avoiding the fiscal cliff’s massive tax increases and automatic spending cuts that will begin to take effect on January 1. But according to Politico, participants are “pessimistic about their ability to reach a quick deal.” In a speech yesterday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke urged Congress ...
December 31, 1969
Does Your Small Business Deserve a $10,000 Prize?
What do a Chicago-based event company, a North Dakota home builder, and Justin Beiber all have in common? No, they’re not all Midwesterners—that Beiber kid is from a little farther north. No, they’re all award winners. Red Frog won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award in 2011, and Heritage Homes did the same in 2012. Don’t know what Bieber won? Ask yo...
December 31, 1969
Last Minute Small Business Saturday Tips
The moment has almost arrived. Your store is ready and your staff is prepared for a successful Black Friday, American Express’ Small Business Saturday, and maybe Cyber Monday. But are you sure you haven’t missed anything? Here are some last-minute tips. Connie Certusi, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sage Small Business Accounting Solutions, has some suggestions to take advanta...
December 31, 1969
Using Social Media to Increase Your Search Rank
The rules of search have changed. In fact, they change on a daily basis. But never so dramatic has rank been uprooted since the explosion of social media. Social media sites, especially the powerhouses of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, have become back-link central for affecting organic search results. Social media’s influence on driving business via the web is expected to surpass SEO in 2013...
December 31, 1969
Using Social Media to Increase Your Search Rank
The rules of search have changed. In fact, they change on a daily basis. But never so dramatic has rank been uprooted since the explosion of social media. Social media sites, especially the powerhouses of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, have become back-link central for affecting organic search results. Social media’s influence on driving business via the web is expected to surpass SEO in 2013...
December 31, 1969
Why You Need to Wow Your Customers
We all want more clients. Heck, we probably even want to charge more. So how do you get to a place in your business where all of this can happen? Social media marketing is still unfamiliar ground for many companies, and while some dabble and others drown, for most, finding success remains elusive. While time, talent, and content remain primary barriers, I think that these would be overcome if the...
December 31, 1969
Why You Need to Wow Your Customers
We all want more clients. Heck, we probably even want to charge more. So how do you get to a place in your business where all of this can happen? Social media marketing is still unfamiliar ground for many companies, and while some dabble and others drown, for most, finding success remains elusive. While time, talent, and content remain primary barriers, I think that these would be overcome if the...
December 31, 1969
More Members of Congress Threaten to Take Economy Over the Fiscal Cliff
Politico reports that some Members of Congress seem to have little problem with letting the fiscal cliff’s scheduled tax increases and automatic spending cuts go into effect if they don’t get their way. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR): “If the Republicans can’t see their way to significant additional revenues targeted toward the people who are best off and targeted toward passive income and othe...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: Which industry is most important for a stronger economic recovery?
December 31, 1969
5 Strategies for a Successful Acquisition Deal
It's a well known statistic that approximately two-thirds of acquired businesses fail. While these stats are based on publicly traded companies with failure measured by loss of equity value, there is no reason to believe that the failure experience is any different for private companies. The statistics are daunting; however, companies continue to be acquired for a variety of good reasons and not a...
December 31, 1969
5 Strategies for a Successful Acquisition Deal
It's a well known statistic that approximately two-thirds of acquired businesses fail. While these stats are based on publicly traded companies with failure measured by loss of equity value, there is no reason to believe that the failure experience is any different for private companies. The statistics are daunting; however, companies continue to be acquired for a variety of good reasons and not a...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: The Medical Device Tax Threatens High-Paying Jobs
A new 2.3% tax on medical devices is set to hit one of America’s most innovative industries in January. According to an Ernst & Young study, companies that make devices like MRIs, pacemakers, joint replacements, etc. will fork over $2.5 billion in new taxes in 2013. This will reduce research and development of new products and stop them from hiring more workers. This tax should be repealed. Thi...
December 31, 1969
Where the Rubber Meets the Road on Trade
Hastings, Nebraska, rarely brings to mind words like “worldly,” but Bruckman Rubber Co. has brought some international flair to this small Midwest town where “snow shoveling is the winter sport.” According to Bruckman Rubber President and CEO Jack Schreiner, “You need to be international now to remain competitive.” The maker of industrial rubber products began exporting when several of...
December 31, 1969
Where the Rubber Meets the Road on Trade
Hastings, Nebraska, rarely brings to mind words like “worldly,” but Bruckman Rubber Co. has brought some international flair to this small Midwest town where “snow shoveling is the winter sport.” According to Bruckman Rubber President and CEO Jack Schreiner, “You need to be international now to remain competitive.” The maker of industrial rubber products began exporting when several of...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps To a LinkedIn Company Page With Impact
Traditional, face-to-face networking may seem to be a simpler and perhaps a bit more labor intensive way to prospect than social media. In the old days, you rolled into a conference or networking event and collected hundreds of business cards while shaking as many hands as possible along the way. But imagine investing your time to attend these events and once you arrive never speaking to anyone. U...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps To a LinkedIn Company Page With Impact
Traditional, face-to-face networking may seem to be a simpler and perhaps a bit more labor intensive way to prospect than social media. In the old days, you rolled into a conference or networking event and collected hundreds of business cards while shaking as many hands as possible along the way. But imagine investing your time to attend these events and once you arrive never speaking to anyone. U...
December 31, 1969
Time For Policy Instead of Politics
Some pundits and politicians in Washington are already speculating about the elections of 2014 and 2016! In case they haven’t noticed, there is important work to do on behalf of the American people right now. Government spending remains on an unsustainable trajectory, entitlement programs are headed for bankruptcy, and uncertainty among employers and taxpayers is steadily rising because of Congr...
December 31, 1969
Social Security Does Add to the Deficit, and That’s Why It Needs to Be Reformed
You can’t fix America’s fiscal mess without reforming the programs that account for 60% of the federal budget – entitlements including Social Security and Medicare. The U.S. Chamber and other business organizations warned the White House and Members of Congress, "If we do not make sensible reforms, the programs will go bankrupt—and so will the nation." Fixing these programs only become ha...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber: Entitlement Cuts Essential in Any Fiscal Cliff Deal with Taxes
Copyright 2012 Bloomberg. by Brian Wingfield The U.S. Chamber of Commerce won’t support a long-term deal to rein in spending and increase revenue unless it contains provisions to curb spending on entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security, the head of the business group says. A deal without entitlement reform “would never work,” Thomas Donohue, the Chamber’s president and ch...
December 31, 1969
Preparing Your Business for Sale
If you are seriously considering exiting your business by selling to a third party, there are several steps you should take before you begin actively marketing your company. The more time you allow for advance preparation, the better, though most of the following steps can be taken during the few months leading up to a sale process. The following checklist can help position your business to attrac...
December 31, 1969
Preparing Your Business for Sale
If you are seriously considering exiting your business by selling to a third party, there are several steps you should take before you begin actively marketing your company. The more time you allow for advance preparation, the better, though most of the following steps can be taken during the few months leading up to a sale process. The following checklist can help position your business to attrac...
December 31, 1969
A Debt Strategy For the Next 30 Years
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. The United States is on an unsustainable fiscal course. This year marks the fourth in a row that the U.S. federal deficit will exceed $1.1 trillion. Since the end of 2007, the federal debt, now $11 trillion, has doubled as a share of annual GDP—from 36% to 73%. The long-term outlook is ev...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Keep Your Team Intact and On Target
Q: I began my small business about a year ago. When I started I had trouble getting employees that produced work at an acceptable pace. When I tried to motivate them I had two employees leave. How do I motivate my employees without driving them away? A: Are you a manager, or a leader? If you’re going to be successful as an owner of a small business, particularly one with employees, you have to p...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff Causes Business Uncertainty to Grow
If you watch the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, you see it’s been rising over the last few months. Based on what businesses have told regional Federal Reserve banks in the East and Midwest, the uncertain outcome of negotiations to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, tax increases and large spending cuts set to hit the economy in January, may be partly responsible [emphasis mine]. Boston Dist...
December 31, 1969
Empowering Native American Entrepreneurship
Helping tribes and tribal entrepreneurs across the country boost economic growth can serve as a crucial part of the solution to the problems facing Indian Country today, so said tribal leaders, business owners, and government officials who met this week at the inaugural meeting of the U.S. Chamber’s Native American Enterprise Initiative (NAEI). Kevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affa...
December 31, 1969
Organizing Your Office for Productivity
There’s a new work environment, where the old adage “time is money” is more relevant than ever. Technology tools help us accomplish more, but they also create complexity and distraction, undermining our focus. To make matters worse, the boundaries between work and personal time are blurred, causing an unending stream of items on our to-do lists. Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing th...
December 31, 1969
Organizing Your Office for Productivity
There’s a new work environment, where the old adage “time is money” is more relevant than ever. Technology tools help us accomplish more, but they also create complexity and distraction, undermining our focus. To make matters worse, the boundaries between work and personal time are blurred, causing an unending stream of items on our to-do lists. Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing th...
December 31, 1969
A U.S. Manufacturing Strategy
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. American manufacturing needs a national strategy. It once had one—more than 200 years ago. The architect was Alexander Hamilton, among the most foresighted of the Founding Fathers. The world of 2012 is dramatically different from that of 1791, and yet Hamilton’s words are eerily reflect...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: A View from the Cliff
If we go over the fiscal cliff, tax increases and spending cuts set to take effect on January 1, it’s estimated by the Joint Committee on Taxation that 940,000 business entities will be hit. Many of these will be small businesses owners that file business income at the top individual tax rate. The House Small Business Committee gathered some good quotes from small business owners. Julie Lowen (V...
December 31, 1969
Sticky Wicket in Dubai
To the average person, an international conference can seem like a tree falling in the forest with no discernable sound. Not so in Dubai this week, as the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT), pronounced “wicket,” is looking at proposals to dramatically expand the UN’s International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) authority over the Internet. Yes, the whole Internet....
December 31, 1969
Rules of Engagement
When considering doing business overseas, it isn’t enough to just perform country and market research. To effectively explore a country for possible business opportunities, you have to take a scouting trip. It should be a well-planned, one-to-twoweek affair designed to introduce your company to the market, introduce the market and the country’s culture to your company, and set a foundation for...
December 31, 1969
Rules of Engagement
When considering doing business overseas, it isn’t enough to just perform country and market research. To effectively explore a country for possible business opportunities, you have to take a scouting trip. It should be a well-planned, one-to-twoweek affair designed to introduce your company to the market, introduce the market and the country’s culture to your company, and set a foundation for...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Aren't in the Hiring Mood
The prospects for job growth from small businesses look gloomy, according to a Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey: U.S. small-business owners expect to add fewer net new jobs over the next 12 months than at any time since the depths of the 2008-2009 recession, according to this November's Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey. Small-business owners' net hiring intentions for t...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff is “Not a Game” to Small Businesses
Here are some interesting numbers from a Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll on the public’s attitudes toward the fiscal cliff, tax increases and automatic spending cuts to take effect starting January 1: 64% think going over the fiscal cliff will have a major effect on the economy. 60% think that effect will be negative. 61% think it will negatively affect them personally. Moving past past...
December 31, 1969
A Secret Cash Stash for Small Business Growth
What does your growth-minded small business have in common with Apple? Not much, perhaps, but here’s one thing: The multi-gazillion dollar tech company got early funding from a unique type of investment firm called a Small Business Investment Company – and so could you. SBICs are high-powered but low-profile backers of small businesses, pumping over $4 billion into small, growing firms, as ...
December 31, 1969
A Secret Cash Stash for Small Business Growth
What does your growth-minded small business have in common with Apple? Not much, perhaps, but here’s one thing: The multi-gazillion dollar tech company got early funding from a unique type of investment firm called a Small Business Investment Company – and so could you. SBICs are high-powered but low-profile backers of small businesses, pumping over $4 billion into small, growing firms, as ...
December 31, 1969
Don’t Fear the Robots
In his latest column, Paul Krugman fuels the fears of political observers like Mother Jones’ Kevin Drum who worry that automation and technology will squeeze Americans out of jobs. In short, we’ll be replaced by robots: About the robots: there’s no question that in some high-profile industries, technology is displacing workers of all, or almost all, kinds. For example, one of the reasons ...
December 31, 1969
Protect Your Business Against Final Pay Issues
The end of employment isn’t always the end of your involvement with an employee. If you make any of a number of common mistakes when an employee leaves, or is asked to leave, it could result in liability for your company and, in some instances, liability for you. Final pay, or paying out whatever the now-former employee is owed (while not paying more than is due) can be a minefield. Below are so...
December 31, 1969
Protect Your Business Against Final Pay Issues
The end of employment isn’t always the end of your involvement with an employee. If you make any of a number of common mistakes when an employee leaves, or is asked to leave, it could result in liability for your company and, in some instances, liability for you. Final pay, or paying out whatever the now-former employee is owed (while not paying more than is due) can be a minefield. Below are so...
December 31, 1969
Living on the Edge: States Brace for Fiscal Cliff
State government leaders say that the fiscal cliff has serious potential spillover effects on state and local governments, and they are taking steps now to cushion the blow. One troublesome scenario being discussed in Washington is the elimination of taxpayers’ ability to deduct state and local taxes from their federal tax returns, leaving many state residents – particularly in high tax states...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses and Economists Agree: Higher Taxes is a Bad Idea
The threat of higher taxes from the fiscal cliff is creating consternation with small business owners and causing economists to wave red warning flags. A survey of U.S. Chamber small business members found that impending tax increases will slow hiring and stall business investment and expansion: Is the impending fiscal cliff of tax hikes adversely impacting your business? Yes – 83% Will you ...
December 31, 1969
Raising Money in a Tough Economy
Raising money for any business in this tough economy isn’t easy. More owners are scrambling to attract new capital, and investors are holding tighter to their money, causing a major disconnect. Successful VCs and private equity funds are only investing in 1 out of every 500 or so deals they see. Banks have cut back lending. Angel investors hammered in the 2008 market meltdown, lost their appetit...
December 31, 1969
Raising Money in a Tough Economy
Raising money for any business in this tough economy isn’t easy. More owners are scrambling to attract new capital, and investors are holding tighter to their money, causing a major disconnect. Successful VCs and private equity funds are only investing in 1 out of every 500 or so deals they see. Banks have cut back lending. Angel investors hammered in the 2008 market meltdown, lost their appetit...
December 31, 1969
Looking at Aviation’s Past, Present, and Future
World-changing innovation doesn’t happen often, but it happened 109 years ago today when Orville and Wilbur Wright operated the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ success presents an opportunity to look at where aviation has come from, where it is now, and where it’s going. A brief, 12-second flight was the genesis of an aviation indus...
December 31, 1969
10 Tips to Jumpstart Your Video Marketing
As online video gets cheaper and easier to produce, and its effectiveness as a marketing method grows, more and more small businesses are jumping in. Business owners who’ve stuck largely to text-based marketing channels such as search ads, blogs and social networks are discovering that video can be a compelling addition to a marketing mix. And customers and prospects – both in the consumer and...
December 31, 1969
10 Tips to Jumpstart Your Video Marketing
As online video gets cheaper and easier to produce, and its effectiveness as a marketing method grows, more and more small businesses are jumping in. Business owners who’ve stuck largely to text-based marketing channels such as search ads, blogs and social networks are discovering that video can be a compelling addition to a marketing mix. And customers and prospects – both in the consumer and...
December 31, 1969
Medical Device Tax about to Hit Industry
Radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt interviewed Tom Loarie, CEO of medical device maker Mercator MedSystems about the impending 2.3% revenue tax on medical devices set to take effect on January 1. He told Hewitt that the tax is “targeted right now to raise about $30 billion dollars in taxes. Initially, it was going to be $20 billion. Now think about that when you compare it to $10 billion dollars t...
December 31, 1969
How Entrepreneur-Friendly Is Your State?
What do South Dakota, Nevada, Texas, Wyoming, and Florida share in common? Certainly not size, geographic region, or climate. Rather, they are, in order, the most entrepreneur-friendly states in the country, according to a new report from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. The SBE Council's U.S. Business Policy Index 2012 ranks the 50 states according to 46 different policy measures, i...
December 31, 1969
Taxes and Foreign Business
As a general rule, the United States taxes U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and domestic corporations on their worldwide income. This may also include their foreign activities. As a result, some U.S. taxpayers attempt to place foreign income beyond the reach of the U.S. tax jurisdiction. This could be especially beneficial if the foreign-source income would be subject to little or no tax in the for...
December 31, 1969
Taxes and Foreign Business
As a general rule, the United States taxes U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and domestic corporations on their worldwide income. This may also include their foreign activities. As a result, some U.S. taxpayers attempt to place foreign income beyond the reach of the U.S. tax jurisdiction. This could be especially beneficial if the foreign-source income would be subject to little or no tax in the for...
December 31, 1969
Taxes and Foreign Business
As a general rule, the United States taxes U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and domestic corporations on their worldwide income. This may also include their foreign activities. As a result, some U.S. taxpayers attempt to place foreign income beyond the reach of the U.S. tax jurisdiction. This could be especially beneficial if the foreign-source income would be subject to little or no tax in the for...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: How does your holiday spending this year compare to last year?
December 31, 1969
Santa's $16 Million Little Helper
If you are the parent of young children, you most certainly are familiar with the Elf on the Shelf and the nightly ritual of moving the tiny doll to new locations around the house to surprise your kiddos in the morning. The story behind the elf brings as much cheer as the elf himself. It's a story of a mother and her two daughters turning a children's poem into to multi-million dollar franchise wi...
December 31, 1969
INTERVIEW: USDA’s Vilsack Touts Innovation, Regulatory Certainty
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack wants the businesses community to know: there are a lot of exciting advances and opportunities in modern agriculture. “We’re on the cutting edge of a new economy,” says the former Democratic governor of Iowa. Vilsack spoke with FreeEnterprise.com to discuss innovation, regulatory certainty, and agricultural exports ahead of a December 19 visit to the...
December 31, 1969
INTERVIEW: USDA’s Vilsack Touts Innovation, Regulatory Certainty
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack wants the businesses community to know: there are a lot of exciting advances and opportunities in modern agriculture. “We’re on the cutting edge of a new economy,” says the former Democratic governor of Iowa. Vilsack spoke with FreeEnterprise.com to discuss innovation, regulatory certainty, and agricultural exports ahead of a December 19 visit to the...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff, New Regulations Fuel Business Uncertainty Says Federal Reserve President
Dallas Federal Reserve president Richard Fisher continues to speak out about policy uncertainty holding back the economy. In a speech to the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce he said: Employers will not deploy the cheap and abundant capital on hand toward job creation while there is so much uncertainty surrounding final demand for the goods and services they sell. Or the uncertainty surrounding...
December 31, 1969
Getting to 6.5% Unemployment Will Require Faster Growth
Last week, the Federal Reserve declared that one of its goals is to lower unemployment to 6.5%. Michael Greenstone and Adam Looney of the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project estimate how long it will take to get there from our current rate of 7.7%. As you can see in the chart above, if the economy creates 220,000 new jobs per month, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) household av...
December 31, 1969
Tax Increases Mean Bad News for the Economy
If you can predict how the fiscal cliff negotiations will turn out, let me take you to Las Vegas. Twists and turns are taking place daily—almost hourly. With such an uncertain swirl, it’s best to look at the big picture. Increasing taxes will not help to grow the economy. Here’s Stephen Calderia, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association: For franchise small businesses, t...
December 31, 1969
Organizing Your Office for Productivity
There’s a new work environment, where the old adage “time is money” is more relevant than ever. Technology tools help us accomplish more, but they also create complexity and distraction, undermining our focus. To make matters worse, the boundaries between work and personal time are blurred, causing an unending stream of items on our to-do lists. Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing th...
December 31, 1969
Organizing Your Office for Productivity
There’s a new work environment, where the old adage “time is money” is more relevant than ever. Technology tools help us accomplish more, but they also create complexity and distraction, undermining our focus. To make matters worse, the boundaries between work and personal time are blurred, causing an unending stream of items on our to-do lists. Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing th...
December 31, 1969
Congress Should Support Plan B
Congress should support the so-called Plan B. Maintaining economic growth is an absolute prerequisite to addressing our deficit and debt problems. Going over the fiscal cliff and allowing the largest tax increase in our history would certainly severely hamper if not totally eliminate economic growth for the near term. Thus, Plan B, which would extend the current tax rates for 99.81 percent of the ...
December 31, 1969
Despite Challenges, Female Entrepreneurs Drive Jobs and Revenue
There was a time in the United States when it was uncommon (if not impossible) for a woman to attain the professional heights their male colleagues enjoyed. Over several decades, however, female professionals have increasingly attained leadership positions in a variety of industries. While some female professionals elect to work for established businesses and organizations, a growing number of wom...
December 31, 1969
Are You Suffering from End-of-Year Fatigue?
Through the end of December, many business owners experience fatigue resulting from trying to get everything tied up neatly before the end of the year. During this period, the need for more working hours in the day has never been greater. I hear from owners about what they should do regarding year-end tax planning, which requires them to take various actions. I receive numerous invitations for ho...
December 31, 1969
Are You Suffering from End-of-Year Fatigue?
Through the end of December, many business owners experience fatigue resulting from trying to get everything tied up neatly before the end of the year. During this period, the need for more working hours in the day has never been greater. I hear from owners about what they should do regarding year-end tax planning, which requires them to take various actions. I receive numerous invitations for ho...
December 31, 1969
Lost in Translation
No consultant, vendor, or adviser knows your small business better than you do; therefore, you should be the one to create the vision for your website. However, articulating to a Web designer what you want your website to look like and do can be a daunting task, especially if you’re neither visual nor technical. So what do you do when you feel like Bill Murray’s character in Lost in Translatio...
December 31, 1969
Success Is Amplified in Family Business
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt What do amusement parks, movie theaters, convention centers, casinos, rock bands, and clubs have in common? They’re all part of the entertainment industry and rely on large and expensive speaker equipment. When those speakers need repairs, the Sunda family’s Orange Co...
December 31, 1969
Success Is Amplified in Family Business
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt What do amusement parks, movie theaters, convention centers, casinos, rock bands, and clubs have in common? They’re all part of the entertainment industry and rely on large and expensive speaker equipment. When those speakers need repairs, the Sunda family’s Orange Co...
December 31, 1969
Lost in Translation
No consultant, vendor, or adviser knows your small business better than you do; therefore, you should be the one to create the vision for your website. However, articulating to a Web designer what you want your website to look like and do can be a daunting task, especially if you’re neither visual nor technical. So what do you do when you feel like Bill Murray’s character in Lost in Translatio...
December 31, 1969
Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying is an occupational hazard defined as repeated abusive conduct committed by bosses and co-workers. Workplace bullying can include one or more of the following actions: insulting a co-worker or humiliating your employee in front of others, undermining another employee’s work, making threats, using or tolerating violence, and spreading malicious rumors. It’s crucial to address ...
December 31, 1969
Catching Up With Steve Forbes
I recently spoke with Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, onetime presidential candidate, and author of Freedom Manifesto: Why Free Markets Are Moral and Big Government Isn’t. Below is an edited portion of our conversation. FreeEnterprise.com: You wrote on Forbes.com the day after the election that President Obama benefited from the illusion that the economy is turning ar...
December 31, 1969
Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying is an occupational hazard defined as repeated abusive conduct committed by bosses and co-workers. Workplace bullying can include one or more of the following actions: insulting a co-worker or humiliating your employee in front of others, undermining another employee’s work, making threats, using or tolerating violence, and spreading malicious rumors. It’s crucial to address ...
December 31, 1969
Catching Up With Steve Forbes
I recently spoke with Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, onetime presidential candidate, and author of Freedom Manifesto: Why Free Markets Are Moral and Big Government Isn’t. Below is an edited portion of our conversation. FreeEnterprise.com: You wrote on Forbes.com the day after the election that President Obama benefited from the illusion that the economy is turning ar...
December 31, 1969
BHQ: A National Competitiveness Strategy: The Seven Pillars
Throughout a long and contentious election season, fractious campaign messaging has focused on highlighting the “differences” between the political parties and their candidates. Amid the partisan fray, however, the party platforms reveal refreshing accord on a top national priority: improving the global competitiveness of the American economy. National consensus on this objective is an encoura...
December 31, 1969
3 Simple Ways to Retain Top Talent
The tough economy has taken a toll on all workers, even the most productive ones. Let’s assume you are already compensating your top employees to the best of your ability. Besides doing this, how do you keep them motivated and committed to your business? The critical considerations here are time and attention. While employees like to feel valued, not everyone wants to be valued in the same way. ...
December 31, 1969
ECON 101: Housing: One Bright Spot
The U.S. economy continues to expand at a meager pace roughly in line with its long-run potential rate of growth. In the third quarter of 2012, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.7% after growing 1.3% in the second quarter. The growth was almost entirely accounted for by inventory accumulation. The core drivers of growth— consumption and business investment—were quite weak and were revised l...
December 31, 1969
BHQ: Workforce Development Strategy
We recently survived another campaign season in which we saw rigorous battles for President, Congress, Senate, and state legislative races across the country. Record money was spent, the ads were negative, and tensions between both parties remain at epic levels. I will leave it up to the pundits to dissect the political ramifications coming out of this election, but at the end of the day these lea...
December 31, 1969
The 3 P’s of Manufacturing Success
A colleague of mine recently said, “If U.S. manufacturing cannot compete in the world, the U.S. cannot compete.” Manufacturing isn’t just another business sector—it has an outsize impact on our broader economy and influences the environment in which all of us operate. It generates $1.7 trillion in value each year—equivalent to nearly 12% of GDP. About 12 million Americans—or 9% of the ...
December 31, 1969
Bad Days, Family Wisdom, and Entrepreneurship
One of the joys of fatherhood is discovering the insights and blunt wisdom of children's books. My eleven-year-old daughter, Truitte Rose, used to have a favorite book titled "Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst. I couldn't read it to her enough. It chronicles a day in a boy's life where nothing goes right. I too had a bad day last week at my company, Corporate Rai...
December 31, 1969
Bad Days, Family Wisdom, and Entrepreneurship
One of the joys of fatherhood is discovering the insights and blunt wisdom of children's books. My eleven-year-old daughter, Truitte Rose, used to have a favorite book titled "Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst. I couldn't read it to her enough. It chronicles a day in a boy's life where nothing goes right. I too had a bad day last week at my company, Corporate Rai...
December 31, 1969
Santa Was Good to the App Economy
Many people put mobile devices on their Christmas lists, and Santa delivered. Flurry Analytics estimates that 17.4 million new iOS (Apple) and Android devices were activated on Christmas Day, 2.5 times the number that took place on Christmas Day 2011. Also, according to the Pew Research Center, 25% of Americans own a tablet computer. This is good news for the app economy. Earlier this year a stud...
December 31, 1969
A Suggested 2013 Resolution for Washington: Entitlement Reform
As leaders in Washington continue looking for a way to avoid the fiscal cliff, tax increases and spending cuts set to give the economy a post-New Years headache, I came upon a Heritage Foundation chart (see above) showing how in the decades ahead, entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid) will suck up all the oxygen in the federal budget. Economist Romina Boccia writes: Federal spendi...
December 31, 1969
Santa Was Good to the App Economy
Many people put mobile devices on their Christmas lists, and Santa delivered. Flurry Analytics estimates that 17.4 million new iOS (Apple) and Android devices were activated on Christmas Day, 2.5 times the number that took place on Christmas Day 2011. Also, according to the Pew Research Center, 25% of Americans own a tablet computer. This is good news for the app economy. Earlier this year a stud...
December 31, 1969
Developing America's Long-Term Strategy for Entrepreneurship
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. For decades, America’s entrepreneurs have led the way in cultivating many of the innovative ideas that have fueled our economy and changed the world in countless ways. That leadership role is now being challenged in new and inventive ways from an increasing number of competitors. If our c...
December 31, 1969
Workforce Development Strategy
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. We recently survived another campaign season in which we saw rigorous battles for President, Congress, Senate, and state legislative races across the country. Record money was spent, the ads were negative, and tensions between both parties remain at epic levels. I will leave it up to the pu...
December 31, 1969
A National Competitiveness Strategy: The Seven Pillars
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. Throughout a long and contentious election season, fractious campaign messaging has focused on highlighting the “differences” between the political parties and their candidates. Amid the partisan fray, however, the party platforms reveal refreshing accord on a top national priority: imp...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Avoid Legal Bill Sticker Shock
Have you ever received a legal bill totaling twice the amount of the initial estimate? Unfortunately, legal bill sticker shock can happen easily for business owners and entrepreneurs who are busy starting and running companies rather than monitoring legal price tags. One way to avoid the shock of an unexpectedly high legal bill is to just expect to pay much more than you are quoted; but, there are...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Avoid Legal Bill Sticker Shock
Have you ever received a legal bill totaling twice the amount of the initial estimate? Unfortunately, legal bill sticker shock can happen easily for business owners and entrepreneurs who are busy starting and running companies rather than monitoring legal price tags. One way to avoid the shock of an unexpectedly high legal bill is to just expect to pay much more than you are quoted; but, there are...
December 31, 1969
9 Things I Learned in 2012
Before watching the ball drop, flipping the calendar, and writing the wrong year on everything, I want to take a moment and look back on 2012. The business and economic writers at The Atlantic put together a list of what they learned about business and the economy in 2012. Drawing from the top 20 most-popular stories on Free Enterprise and other observations I put together a list of my own: The ...
December 31, 1969
Executive Profile: Gayle Jagel, President & CEO of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. NCF: What were some of the lessons you took from your first job? Gayle Jagel: When I was about 8 years old, I noticed that my neighbor had some beautiful tomatoes growing in her garden, but she didn’t seem to be picking them or eating them. It seemed to me that it would be a shame for all...
December 31, 1969
Executive Profile: Gayle Jagel, President & CEO of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the National Chamber Foundation. NCF: What were some of the lessons you took from your first job? Gayle Jagel: When I was about 8 years old, I noticed that my neighbor had some beautiful tomatoes growing in her garden, but she didn’t seem to be picking them or eating them. It seemed to me that it would be a shame for all...
December 31, 1969
Become an Advocate
Do you want to add your voice to the debate in the nation’s capital? The U.S. Chamber provides a number of ways for small businesses and local and state chambers of commerce to become involved in the public policy debate. Washington Fly-Ins—The Chamber’s Washington Fly-In Briefing Program provides hundreds of chambers and associations and their members with opportunities to hear the inside s...
December 31, 1969
Dissecting America's Big Issues
I had the opportunity to lead a discussion with the current crop of scholars and fellows at the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), the U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank. They spoke about their research projects on issues impacting free enterprise, the U.S. economy, and the business community. Here is an edited version of that conversation. FreeEnterprise.com: Nick, tell us a little bit abo...
December 31, 1969
With Fiscal Cliff Averted, Pro-Growth Reforms Needed Now
Technically we went over the fiscal cliff, but it ended up being a semi-soft landing instead of a head-first dive. This is not to say it was a great deal, as the U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue explains: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has warned that the tax hikes that will take place will mean slower growth, fewer jobs, and less prosperity for all Americans. And, when it comes t...
December 31, 1969
All That Glitters Isn't Gold
When doing business abroad, many things may appear to be glamorous, outsized, and profitable, but will lead you nowhere fast. In many developing countries, there’s talk of fast money from scammers, promoters, crooks, gangsters, dreamers, and time wasters. These characters pop up in booming markets and are no different than the fast-talking stock promoters of the Gold Rush, the railroad boom, or ...
December 31, 1969
All That Glitters Isn't Gold
When doing business abroad, many things may appear to be glamorous, outsized, and profitable, but will lead you nowhere fast. In many developing countries, there’s talk of fast money from scammers, promoters, crooks, gangsters, dreamers, and time wasters. These characters pop up in booming markets and are no different than the fast-talking stock promoters of the Gold Rush, the railroad boom, or ...
December 31, 1969
BHQ: A Future of American Abundance
The notion of abundance is very American. As a people, we generally like to consider the glass as half-full. We believe cheerfully that there is a future, and that not only we benefit in planning for the future, our actions should lead to a better tomorrow. When historian Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States in 1831, he observed then that optimism defines our country. Our positive think...
December 31, 1969
A Future of American Abundance
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation. The notion of abundance is very American. As a people, we generally like to consider the glass as half-full. We believe cheerfully that there is a future, and that not only we benefit in planning for the future, our actions should lead to a better tomorrow. When historian Alexis de Tocqueville vis...
December 31, 1969
New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs
Yeah, we know. In 2013 you promise to lose a few inches from your waistline, live a healthier lifestyle, spend more time with your family, and read more. But what about resolutions for your business and your professional life? Here are a few good tips from a Forbes column, 10 Resolutions the Most Successful People Make And Then Keep: Spend more time on the not-to-do list Strategy is the art of sac...
December 31, 1969
New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs
Yeah, we know. In 2013 you promise to lose a few inches from your waistline, live a healthier lifestyle, spend more time with your family, and read more. But what about resolutions for your business and your professional life? Here are a few good tips from a Forbes column, 10 Resolutions the Most Successful People Make And Then Keep: Spend more time on the not-to-do list Strategy is the art of sac...
December 31, 1969
Deal Averts Fiscal Cliff But Uncertainty Remains
Although Washington (barely) avoided going over the fiscal cliff, the Washington Post reports that the deal prolongs the uncertainty looming over businesses: Martin Regalia, chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, [is] worried that the deal — by locking in current marginal tax rates — will complicate congressional efforts to reduce rates and eliminate deductions as part of a broad tax...
December 31, 1969
Millennials in 2024: What They Will Be
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation. I like to think that 30 years isn’t a particularly long time. Maybe that’s because I was born exactly that many years ago, as were millions of my cohorts in the first class of Generation Y, otherwise known as “Millennials.” In its first 30 years, my generation has experienced firsthand the...
December 31, 1969
Infographic: Colleges Teach Entrepreneurship 101
Although some believe you cannot teach entrepreneurship, several universities are attempting to prove them wrong. Top schools have adapted their curricula by offering more courses on entrepreneurship, and they’re encouraging innovation by adding contests and awards pitched to young visionaries. Along those lines, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Campaign for Free Enterprise is looking for two ...
December 31, 1969
Infographic: Why Now is a Good Time to Start a Startup
Tough economic times have often been the best times for starting a new business – just ask the creators of General Electric, Walt Disney, Burger King and Microsoft. The slow recovery -- rather than discouraging enterprise -- may actually be the ideal time to make major moves towards the free enterprise dream. With more funding options than ever, cheaper office space, and increases in technology...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps to the Perfect PR Pitch
News coverage can be a big boost to your company’s success. No matter what you want the public to know about—be it a product, a service, or an agenda—press coverage not only gets your message out, but lends credibility to your business. Sometimes getting coverage is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Rather than rely on luck, some companies hire a public relations firm t...
December 31, 1969
6 Steps to the Perfect PR Pitch
News coverage can be a big boost to your company’s success. No matter what you want the public to know about—be it a product, a service, or an agenda—press coverage not only gets your message out, but lends credibility to your business. Sometimes getting coverage is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Rather than rely on luck, some companies hire a public relations firm t...
December 31, 1969
Let’s Focus on Economic Growth
In the Washington Post, Fareed Zakaria frets that Washington’s fixation on short-term solutions like the fiscal cliff deal lets policymakers avoid addressing the bigger problem of sluggish economic growth: For more than a decade — and longer, by some measures — U.S. growth rates have slowed, recoveries have been jobless and median wages have declined. Some combination of the information revo...
December 31, 1969
It’s Friday, Unemployment is at 7.8%
Lately, the jobs numbers have felt like a broken Cure record. The same glum, moody tune is repeated again and again. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stayed at 7.8% (November's rate was revised up 0.1%). 155,000 jobs were created in December 2012, down from 161,000 in November. That's in the same mediocre range we’ve seen for months. James Pethokoukis points o...
December 31, 1969
Does Your Business Need an Emergency Fund?
After a hurricane or other natural disaster, many businesses find themselves severely compromised or crippled in the wake of its destruction. The devastating events surrounding Hurricane Sandy are a reminder of the costly impact that such disasters can have on a business and its ultimate sustainability. While it is impossible to predict when a disaster will strike, having an emergency fund can be ...
December 31, 1969
Does Your Business Need an Emergency Fund?
After a hurricane or other natural disaster, many businesses find themselves severely compromised or crippled in the wake of its destruction. The devastating events surrounding Hurricane Sandy are a reminder of the costly impact that such disasters can have on a business and its ultimate sustainability. While it is impossible to predict when a disaster will strike, having an emergency fund can be ...
December 31, 1969
A Fiscal Cliff(Hanger) Ending
We always knew that the fiscal cliff would be but one act in a bigger drama. The last-minute deal to resolve the fiscal cliff impasse prevented a devastating tax hike for many American taxpayers and provided some relief in the financial markets—but it left undone the bulk of the work necessary to put our fiscal house in order. Though the deal fell far short, it could have been worse. The bill m...
December 31, 1969
"Game Changers” to Boost Productivity and Economic Growth
In his book The Great Stagnation economist Tyler Cowen wondered if recent weak economic recoveries and languid levels of job creation are because we’re in a innovation and productivity rut. If that's the case, what can be done to crank up economy? While not directly tackling Cowen’s question, a presentation at the American Economics Association annual meeting by Martin Neil Baily and James L...
December 31, 1969
BHQ: Strategy for Innovation for the Next Thirty Years
When editors of Life magazine ranked Thomas Edison first on the list of “the most important people of the last 1000 years,” they were recognizing the importance of innovation to improving the material condition of mankind. Make no mistake, innovation is what drives productivity. It is what makes us wealthier and healthier (if not wiser). It is impossible to conceive of modern America today wit...
December 31, 1969
How Mompreneurs Can Achieve Work/Life Balance
As the owner of Divalysscious Moms, a luxury lifestyle company for mothers and families, and the mother of two young children aged six and nine, I am frequently asked how I balance motherhood with owning and operating my own business. While every successful mother and business owner has her own recipe with ingredients that work for her as an individual, here are some tips that I like to give other...
December 31, 1969
How Mompreneurs Can Achieve Work/Life Balance
As the owner of Divalysscious Moms, a luxury lifestyle company for mothers and families, and the mother of two young children aged six and nine, I am frequently asked how I balance motherhood with owning and operating my own business. While every successful mother and business owner has her own recipe with ingredients that work for her as an individual, here are some tips that I like to give other...
December 31, 1969
NFIB Survey: Fiscal Cliff Gives Small Business the Blues
Washington’s debate over the fiscal cliff barely moved the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index for December. With the 0.5 increase, the “reading was still the second lowest since March 2010” and still at a recession level. According to the survey, 70% think it’s a bad time to expand right now, with a quarter of them blaming political uncertainty. Net j...
December 31, 1969
BHQ: Strategy for Innovation for the Next Thirty Years
When editors of Life magazine ranked Thomas Edison first on the list of “the most important people of the last 1000 years,” they were recognizing the importance of innovation to improving the material condition of mankind. Make no mistake, innovation is what drives productivity. It is what makes us wealthier and healthier (if not wiser). It is impossible to conceive of modern America today wit...
December 31, 1969
CWB: Women in Business Spotlight on Rosalind Brewer
This post first appeared on the Center for Women in Business blog. If Sam’s Club were its own company, instead of a subsidiary to Wal-Mart, Rosalind Brewer would be a Fortune 50 CEO. Even without that distinction, Brewer runs a $50 billion business. But she has lofty goals, she wants to turn Sam’s Club in a $100 billion business – and she knows exactly how she is going to do it. Brewer didn...
December 31, 1969
Mobile Marketing Success For Local Business
Use of mobile devices continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and local business owners should be taking notice now more than ever. A new “Mobile Path to Purchase” study conducted by Nielsen tracked what consumers are doing with their mobile devices. According to the study, consumers show a strong preference for finding information related to local contact and purchases, such as looking up a bu...
December 31, 1969
Mobile Marketing Success For Local Business
Use of mobile devices continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and local business owners should be taking notice now more than ever. A new “Mobile Path to Purchase” study conducted by Nielsen tracked what consumers are doing with their mobile devices. According to the study, consumers show a strong preference for finding information related to local contact and purchases, such as looking up a bu...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber President: Exploding Debt Is Greatest Threat to Economic Future
Despite some improvement in business conditions in 2012, the U.S. economy is simply not growing fast enough to create jobs, lift incomes, expand opportunities, or contribute significantly to government revenues in order to reduce trillion dollar deficits, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue told a packed audience during his annual State of American Business address. The exploding national d...
December 31, 1969
Quarterly Survey: Small Businesses Seek Solutions After Fiscal Cliff Deal
Despite passage of a fiscal cliff package, small business uncertainty abounds, according to the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly small business survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. Concerns about the economy, the debt and deficit, and the health care bill are cited as top challenges. More than half (53%) of all small businesses did not hire in the past year, and 64% plan to keep the same numb...
December 31, 1969
Quarterly Survey: Small Businesses Seek Solutions After Fiscal Cliff Deal
Despite passage of a fiscal cliff package, small business uncertainty abounds, according to the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly small business survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. Concerns about the economy, the debt and deficit, and the health care bill are cited as top challenges. More than half (53%) of all small businesses did not hire in the past year, and 64% plan to keep the same numb...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Franchisor Issues
Q: I have been involved in business for many years and now have an opportunity to buy into a franchise and am wondering if you have any experience in this realm. This is a well-known business chain and it seems like a great opportunity, but I am not sure I want to have a franchisor looking over my shoulder. Thoughts? Jefferson Steven D. Strauss: You are right to be concerned about this because i...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: Franchisor Issues
Q: I have been involved in business for many years and now have an opportunity to buy into a franchise and am wondering if you have any experience in this realm. This is a well-known business chain and it seems like a great opportunity, but I am not sure I want to have a franchisor looking over my shoulder. Thoughts? Jefferson Steven D. Strauss: You are right to be concerned about this because i...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: National Taxpayer Advocate Asks for Tax Simplification
In an annual report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson declared the complexity of the tax code to be the most significant issue facing taxpayers: It obscures comprehension, leaving many taxpayers unaware how their taxes are computed and what rate of tax they pay; it facilitates tax avoidance by enabling sophisticated taxpayers to reduce their tax liabilities and provides criminals ...
December 31, 1969
Overregulation Keeps U.S. From Rising in Economic Freedom Rankings
The United States saw its economic freedom score decline last year, yet was able to maintain its position as the world’s 10th freest economy, according to the 2013 Index of Economic Freedom produced by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal. The burdensome regulatory system is the main culprit for the falling score. “[O]ver 100 new major federal regulations have been imposed o...
December 31, 1969
American Jobs and Growth Agenda
At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we begin the New Year by looking at how American business is doing, discussing the key challenges facing our economy, and identifying the top priorities we plan to work on. Today, 23 million Americans are unemployed, underemployed, or have stopped looking for work. A record 47 million people qualify for food stamps. Median family income has dropped to 1995 levels. ...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber President: Debt Is Greatest Threat
Despite some improvement in business conditions in 2012, the U.S. economy is simply not growing fast enough to create jobs, lift incomes, expand opportunities, or contribute significantly to government revenues in order to reduce trillion dollar deficits, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue told a packed audience during his annual State of American Business address. The exploding national d...
December 31, 1969
How We Remained Open During Hurricane Sandy And Its Aftermath
Many businesses have elaborate and lengthy plans to deal with an emergency or casualty. For our New York City-based law firm, we have a three-step plan. Our plan is so simple we don't even have to document it. While larger operations need a formalized, written plan, I believe for most small business owners our process will work. In fact, I know that this plan works as our law firm remained open...
December 31, 1969
How We Remained Open During Hurricane Sandy And Its Aftermath
Many businesses have elaborate and lengthy plans to deal with an emergency or casualty. For our New York City-based law firm, we have a three-step plan. Our plan is so simple we don't even have to document it. While larger operations need a formalized, written plan, I believe for most small business owners our process will work. In fact, I know that this plan works as our law firm remained open...
December 31, 1969
American Growth and Jobs Agenda, Part 1: Entitlement and Comprehensive Tax Reforms
This week, I’ll be digging into five key issues in the American Growth and Jobs Agenda launched by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue in his State of American Business address last week. The first topic is fiscal reform, specifically entitlement and comprehensive tax reforms. Hopefully pundits and politicians have gotten gimmicky ideas like a magical coin out of their systems. Such talk...
December 31, 1969
Survey: Regulatory Uncertainty Remains a Top Concern For Small Businesses
Small business uncertainty abounds, according to the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly small business survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. Concerns about the economy, the debt and deficit, and the health care bill are cited as top challenges. More than half (53%) of all small businesses did not hire in the past year, and 64% plan to keep the same number of employees in 2013. Key findings from ...
December 31, 1969
Strategy for Innovation for the Next Thirty Years
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation. When editors of Life magazine ranked Thomas Edison first on the list of “the most important people of the last 1000 years,” they were recognizing the importance of innovation to improving the material condition of mankind. Make no mistake, innovation is what drives productivity. It is what mak...
December 31, 1969
Survey: Regulatory Uncertainty Remains a Top Concern For Small Businesses
Small business uncertainty abounds, according to the U.S. Chamber’s quarterly small business survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. Concerns about the economy, the debt and deficit, and the health care bill are cited as top challenges. More than half (53%) of all small businesses did not hire in the past year, and 64% plan to keep the same number of employees in 2013. Key findings from ...
December 31, 1969
Strategy for Innovation for the Next Thirty Years
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation. When editors of Life magazine ranked Thomas Edison first on the list of “the most important people of the last 1000 years,” they were recognizing the importance of innovation to improving the material condition of mankind. Make no mistake, innovation is what drives productivity. It is what mak...
December 31, 1969
How Great Webinars Can Grow Your Business
Webinars allow people throughout the world learn and communicate. Particularly in the past two years, webinars have rapidly gained prominence as an important component of many marketing plans. No longer considered an afterthought, a well-crafted and successful webinar can greatly enhance a company’s reputation and sales. One of the reasons for this rapid growth is the lowered costs of both crea...
December 31, 1969
How Great Webinars Can Grow Your Business
Webinars allow people throughout the world learn and communicate. Particularly in the past two years, webinars have rapidly gained prominence as an important component of many marketing plans. No longer considered an afterthought, a well-crafted and successful webinar can greatly enhance a company’s reputation and sales. One of the reasons for this rapid growth is the lowered costs of both crea...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Are Withering Away
Small businesses are feeling a cold chill coming from the nation's capital, with 70% saying that Washington has become more hostile toward free enterprise in recent years, according to a survey by Job Creators Alliance. Only 19% believe Washington’s policies have become less hostile. By a margin of 2 to 1, respondents to an open-ended question volunteered taxes as the single most important issue...
December 31, 1969
American Jobs and Growth Agenda, Part 1: Entitlement and Comprehensive Tax Reforms
This week, I’ll be digging into five key issues in the American Jobs and Growth Agenda launched by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue in his State of American Business address last week. The first topic is fiscal reform, specifically entitlement and comprehensive tax reforms. Hopefully pundits and politicians have gotten gimmicky ideas like a magical coin out of their systems. Such ta...
December 31, 1969
Fiscal Cliff: The Not So Big Deal
For most, as midnight approached on New Year’s Eve 2012, revelry ensued and confetti dropped. In Washington, the tone was more somber as Congress worked to avert going over the fiscal cliff. Shortly after 2 a.m. on January 1, the Senate, by a vote of 89-8, passed legislation that addressed certain tax aspects of the cliff but kicked the can on the sequester, effectively shutting it off for two m...
December 31, 1969
The Administration’s Executive Order on Cybersecurity: An Opportunity to Choose Collaboration over Regulation
The Obama administration is expected to release an executive order on cybersecurity this month. The new order seeks to implement portions of cybersecurity legislation that failed to earn broad bipartisan support in the last Congress. Administration leaders deserve credit for previewing the draft executive order with some in the business community. It’s not an everyday occurrence that the White H...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Business Financing Tips
Q: What are 3 ways to increase cash into the business? Control your accounts receivable and review customers’ credit history. Making a sale doesn’t mean you have revenue. Renegotiate with your vendors on both price and terms. Assess your marketing plan and see if there are other revenue opportunities, customers or products/services you can offer. Q: Are there other financing options that are...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Business Financing Tips
Q: What are 3 ways to increase cash into the business? Control your accounts receivable and review customers’ credit history. Making a sale doesn’t mean you have revenue. Renegotiate with your vendors on both price and terms. Assess your marketing plan and see if there are other revenue opportunities, customers or products/services you can offer. Q: Are there other financing options that are...
December 31, 1969
Flu Endangers U.S. Economy, Businesses
There are so many things that can take down your business from an operational standpoint. From workplace illness to employment and management issues, the dangers are many. Today’s roundup looks at the threats and at some of the possible solutions too. If we’ve missed out on any of the big ones, feel free to add them in the comment section below. Cure Your Business Sick and tired. A flu o...
December 31, 1969
Independent Contractor or Employee?
Today’s employers, pressured by a recovery that still feels like a recession on Main Street, are doing their best to control costs. Since a major part of any business’s cost structure is staff, cutting costs means reducing payroll. At the same time, individuals, bludgeoned by high unemployment, are happy to have any work at all—even contract jobs without benefits. In this environment, compa...
December 31, 1969
Independent Contractor or Employee?
Today’s employers, pressured by a recovery that still feels like a recession on Main Street, are doing their best to control costs. Since a major part of any business’s cost structure is staff, cutting costs means reducing payroll. At the same time, individuals, bludgeoned by high unemployment, are happy to have any work at all—even contract jobs without benefits. In this environment, compa...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: The 2012 Small Business Retrospective
National small business employment came full circle in 2012, but there's definitely room for improvement in 2013, according to Intuit’s inaugural 2012 Employment and Revenue Summary Report. The employment rate began a monthly decline in April before bottoming out in September and reversing course through the end of the year. December small business employment exceeded its January level by 0....
December 31, 1969
BHQ: Beyond the New Normal: A New Era of Growth
The United States is mired in the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. Worse, we are told by many economists and policymakers that things are not going to get much better. We are experiencing, they say, the “New Normal,” a permanent downward departure from America’s historic 3% growth rate. New Normal projections are an understandable response to the trauma of the financial ...
December 31, 1969
ECON 101: Fiscal Cliff: The Not So Big Deal
For most, as midnight approached on New Year’s Eve 2012, revelry ensued and confetti dropped. In Washington, the tone was more somber as Congress worked to avert going over the fiscal cliff. Shortly after 2 a.m. on January 1, the Senate, by a vote of 89-8, passed legislation that addressed certain tax aspects of the cliff but kicked the can on the sequester, effectively shutting it off for two m...
December 31, 1969
Three Cheers for Manufacturing
There are a plethora of stories out there this week about the manufacturing renaissance. SmallBusinessTrends pointed out this story about the fast-growing industries that bear watching in 2013. Of course, many of them are tied to manufacturing. These are largely businesses tied to manufacturing, including machinery equipment wholesalers, machine shops, architectural and structural metals manufactu...
December 31, 1969
Three Cheers for Manufacturing
There are a plethora of stories out there this week about the manufacturing renaissance. SmallBusinessTrends pointed out this story about the fast-growing industries that bear watching in 2013. Of course, many of them are tied to manufacturing. These are largely businesses tied to manufacturing, including machinery equipment wholesalers, machine shops, architectural and structural metals manufactu...
December 31, 1969
Partner Up
Every entrepreneur knows there can be countless obstacles along the road to creating a successful event. This can entail anything from finding a venue to garnering sponsorship, marketing support, and even attracting attendees. Before you start doling out a ton of cash, take the time to consider a joint venture. Joint ventures are quite simply a mutually beneficial agreement between two or more par...
December 31, 1969
Partner Up
Every entrepreneur knows there can be countless obstacles along the road to creating a successful event. This can entail anything from finding a venue to garnering sponsorship, marketing support, and even attracting attendees. Before you start doling out a ton of cash, take the time to consider a joint venture. Joint ventures are quite simply a mutually beneficial agreement between two or more par...
December 31, 1969
In Snail Mail We Trust
You have a professionally designed Facebook page. Your Twitter feed is jammed with the most compelling, clever, and crazy tweets of 140 characters or less. And your Pinterest page has more photos pinned up there than Grandma has stashed in her old photo album. Why, then, aren't those new clients banging down your front door or flooding your phone lines? When discussing business challenges with fel...
December 31, 1969
In Snail Mail We Trust
You have a professionally designed Facebook page. Your Twitter feed is jammed with the most compelling, clever, and crazy tweets of 140 characters or less. And your Pinterest page has more photos pinned up there than Grandma has stashed in her old photo album. Why, then, aren't those new clients banging down your front door or flooding your phone lines? When discussing business challenges with fel...
December 31, 1969
Beyond the New Normal: A New Era of Growth
The United States is mired in the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. Worse, we are told by many economists and policymakers that things are not going to get much better. We are experiencing, they say, the “New Normal,” a permanent downward departure from America’s historic 3% growth rate. New Normal projections are an understandable response to the trauma of the financial ...
December 31, 1969
Even the Lone Ranger Had a Sidekick
As a business owner, you have a big job on your hands – but that doesn’t mean you have to shoulder it alone. Accepting help is not synonymous with accepting defeat; far from it, in fact. After all, Batman had Robin, the Boy Wonder; Sherlock Holmes had Dr. Watson, and the Lone Ranger had Tonto. It can often be very beneficial to brainstorm and collaborate with others to develop the most powerfu...
December 31, 1969
Even the Lone Ranger Had a Sidekick
As a business owner, you have a big job on your hands – but that doesn’t mean you have to shoulder it alone. Accepting help is not synonymous with accepting defeat; far from it, in fact. After all, Batman had Robin, the Boy Wonder; Sherlock Holmes had Dr. Watson, and the Lone Ranger had Tonto. It can often be very beneficial to brainstorm and collaborate with others to develop the most powerfu...
December 31, 1969
It’s Okay to Be the Boss
Since 1993, my firm RainmakerThinking, Inc.® has conducted ongoing in-depth workplace research. For many years now we have focused our research on a stubbornly persistent workplace problem we call undermanagement. The vast preponderance of those in leadership positions—at all levels—are not sufficiently engaged with their direct-reports on a day to day basis. Too many leaders, managers, and s...
December 31, 1969
Free Enterprise? Check Your Local Listings
Unemployment, layoffs, and uncertainty are part of a familiar economic chorus these days. But while America may not feel like a nation of optimists, it certainly plays one on TV. The wave of reality programming that promotes entrepreneurism and free enterprise may be symptomatic of a changed country. Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary writes in The National Post on the post-recession mindset: A gen...
December 31, 1969
It’s Okay to Be the Boss
Since 1993, my firm RainmakerThinking, Inc.® has conducted ongoing in-depth workplace research. For many years now we have focused our research on a stubbornly persistent workplace problem we call undermanagement. The vast preponderance of those in leadership positions—at all levels—are not sufficiently engaged with their direct-reports on a day to day basis. Too many leaders, managers, and s...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber Supports House Debt Deal; Calls for Meaningful Spending Cuts
Getting to “real, meaningful spending cuts” and avoiding default requires Congress to pass a short-term increase in the debt ceiling according to a letter to Members of the House of Representatives sent by Bruce Josten, the U.S. Chamber’s Executive Vice President for Government Affairs. The House is expected to vote today on H.R. 325, an increase that will last through May 19. Since December...
December 31, 1969
Free Enterprise? Check Your Local Listings
Unemployment, layoffs, and uncertainty are part of a familiar economic chorus these days. But while America may not feel like a nation of optimists, it certainly plays one on TV. The wave of reality programming that promotes entrepreneurism and free enterprise may be symptomatic of a changed country. Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary writes in The National Post on the post-recession mindset: A gen...
December 31, 1969
Teaching Entrepreneurship: Obstacles and Opportunities
The United States is known for producing world-changing innovations and industries that are able to grow and flourish because of America’s free market system. Continuing to create new products and services, however, requires a steady supply of motivated, dedicated entrepreneurs. In the effort to create jobs – most of which stem from new and small businesses – there has been a steady national...
December 31, 1969
Hiring Our Heroes Hits 400
In March 2011, we launched Hiring Our Heroes with the seemingly simple mission of connecting businesses to the wide and diverse pool of talent transitioning out of the military each year. This task is easily stated, but actually carrying it out is another matter. While the unemployment rate in America for post-9/11 veterans has decreased from 12.1% in 2011 to just above 10% over the past 12 month...
December 31, 1969
14 Ways to Market a New Product or Service
Marketing a new small business product or service in a highly fragmented media world has become trickier than ever. Relying only on slow-moving, old-school methods such as direct mail and print ads is a thing of the past. Today, success belongs to those who compile the most effective media mixture. The media mix you choose could be the difference between cheers and yawns, says Dan Adams, whose f...
December 31, 1969
14 Ways to Market a New Product or Service
Marketing a new small business product or service in a highly fragmented media world has become trickier than ever. Relying only on slow-moving, old-school methods such as direct mail and print ads is a thing of the past. Today, success belongs to those who compile the most effective media mixture. The media mix you choose could be the difference between cheers and yawns, says Dan Adams, whose f...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Facebook Wall Post Cheat Sheet
As a small business owner, you probably already know how important Facebook is to your business. But do you really know what it takes to create an engaging post that keeps your “friends” coming back to your page for more? This infographic by Linchpin SEO contains facts and figures about types of content that work best, how to get more comments, likes and shares, as well as how to use emoticon...
December 31, 1969
Failure Without Fear: The American Model and the European Dilemma
American history is filled with the stories of famous inventors and entrepreneurs whose breakthrough innovations are the product of persistence and tireless effort—and a long string of failures. Creating something new takes discovery and experimentation, and entrepreneurs are characterized in part by their determination to continue developing a product or business until failure and the lessons...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: Facebook Wall Post Cheat Sheet
As a small business owner, you probably already know how important Facebook is to your business. But do you really know what it takes to create an engaging post that keeps your “friends” coming back to your page for more? This infographic by Linchpin SEO contains facts and figures about types of content that work best, how to get more comments, likes and shares, as well as how to use emoticon...
December 31, 1969
Are You a Woman Launching a Business or Book?
What’s your best advice for women in business? It’s a question I hear frequently as more and more women strike out on their own, whether it’s to start their own company, write a book, turn their great idea into a product, or otherwise monetize their talents. The number of women-owned businesses in this country is growing 1.5 times faster than the national average. From 1997 to 2011, they inc...
December 31, 1969
The Momentary State of American Manufacturing is Mixed
Here are a few items that give us a snapshot of American manufacturing. First, on the national level, data provider Markit’s Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index shows manufacturing strength. “It was the third month in a row of consecutive gains in the index, with stronger sales pushing sentiment higher,” writes Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers. What ...
December 31, 1969
End Debt Ceiling Fights by Controlling Spending
The simplest way to prevent endless fights over increases to the debt ceiling is to reach an agreement on spending. Easier said than done. While both sides appear committed to preventing a default of the U.S. government, they have yet to address what’s driving the endless debt increases in the first place—overspending. Our debts and deficits are piling up fast. In fact, we’ve already blown t...
December 31, 1969
Social Entrepreneurs: Addressing Society's Challenges While Turning a Profit
In the continuing global economic recovery, entrepreneurs have been championed for their ability to generate employment, spur competition and increase prosperity. But a growing number of innovators and business leaders are applying business strategies to address ongoing social problems. To be sure, most businesses contribute to the general public welfare by addressing consumer challenges or needs ...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: 5 Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow
Q: I was wondering if you could help me increase my cash flow? My business makes a fine profit every year, but the bulk of our sales come during Christmas and summer. The rest of the year, business is slow and it is difficult to pay bills on time then. Thank you. Cesar Steven D. Strauss: Your point is an important one: profit is not the same as cash flow. I like to think of cash as the oxygen of...
December 31, 1969
For Better or Worse
Are you married to your small business? Most of us are, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. After all, if you want to make your business work, you have to be (1) in love with your business idea, (2) passionate about your business mission, and (3) willing to take your business in good times and bad. When sales dip and surge, then surge and dip, you might be tempted to flee. But riding the r...
December 31, 1969
Reinventing the Kiln
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt A ceramic pot is a lot like a small business. They both start with raw materials and have to be molded into a creation. They come in all shapes and sizes. And if it’s a very nice pot—or small business—it can be passed down from family member to family member. That...
December 31, 1969
Bulldogs on Education
Fayetteville (AR) Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Clark is just as tenacious as the beloved bulldog mascot of the newly renovated high school that’s rising up outside his office window. “If you work at the chamber, you have to wear purple on Fridays to support our Bulldogs,” Clark says. The way Clark sees it, one of the chamber’s main priorities is nurturing the next generation...
December 31, 1969
Reinventing the Kiln
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt A ceramic pot is a lot like a small business. They both start with raw materials and have to be molded into a creation. They come in all shapes and sizes. And if it’s a very nice pot—or small business—it can be passed down from family member to family member. That...
December 31, 1969
Bulldogs on Education
Fayetteville (AR) Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Clark is just as tenacious as the beloved bulldog mascot of the newly renovated high school that’s rising up outside his office window. “If you work at the chamber, you have to wear purple on Fridays to support our Bulldogs,” Clark says. The way Clark sees it, one of the chamber’s main priorities is nurturing the next generation...
December 31, 1969
Ones to Watch: Key Players on Capitol Hill in 2013
Here’s a glimpse at a few key players in the 113th Congress who will have a role in determining the fate of such issues as energy development, comprehensive tax reform, and financial regulation. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Wyden is taking over for retiring Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and becomes the first Senate energy chairman from somewhere oth...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: 5 Ways to Increase Your Cash Flow
Q: I was wondering if you could help me increase my cash flow? My business makes a fine profit every year, but the bulk of our sales come during Christmas and summer. The rest of the year, business is slow and it is difficult to pay bills on time then. Thank you. Cesar Steven D. Strauss: Your point is an important one: profit is not the same as cash flow. I like to think of cash as the oxygen of...
December 31, 1969
For Better or Worse
Are you married to your small business? Most of us are, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. After all, if you want to make your business work, you have to be (1) in love with your business idea, (2) passionate about your business mission, and (3) willing to take your business in good times and bad. When sales dip and surge, then surge and dip, you might be tempted to flee. But riding the r...
December 31, 1969
Live Webcast Panel Discussion on Spending, Debt, and Deficits
Join Greg Galdabini, editor-in-chief of FreeEnterprise.com, at 2 pm on Thursday, January 31 for a Google+ Hangout discussion on one of the nation’s most pressing issues – soaring deficits and debt spurred by excessive government spending. What are the drivers of this spending spree? What are the impacts on the economy? And what are the best solutions? A group of highly regarded experts will pa...
December 31, 1969
States of Disarray
While the federal government’s balance sheet received widespread national attention in the run-up to the recent fiscal cliff crisis, several states are also facing staggering long-term fiscal problems, including soaring Medicaid costs, woefully underfunded pensions and health care benefits for state workers, and eroding tax bases, according to state officials and economists. State and local gove...
December 31, 1969
Ones to Watch: Key Players on Capitol Hill in 2013
Here’s a glimpse at a few key players in the 113th Congress who will have a role in determining the fate of such issues as energy development, comprehensive tax reform, and financial regulation. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Wyden is taking over for retiring Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and becomes the first Senate energy chairman from somewhere oth...
December 31, 1969
Live Google+ Hangout on Spending, Debt, and Deficits
Join Greg Galdabini, editor-in-chief of FreeEnterprise.com, at 2 pm on Thursday, January 31 for a Google+ Hangout discussion on one of the nation’s most pressing issues – soaring deficits and debt spurred by excessive government spending. What are the drivers of this spending spree? What are the impacts on the economy? And what are the best solutions? This 20-minute live webcast will feature D...
December 31, 1969
Shale of the Century
This isn’t the first time that Hondo Railway has experienced an energy boom. But it might be the one with the biggest impact on the 32-year-old company. “This is Texas. Oil booms come and go, so there’s a cautious approach to how long it will last, or if it’s here to stay,” says Miles Lee, vice president of operations at Hondo Railway. Five years ago, the transload and short-line railway...
December 31, 1969
Your Business For Better or Worse
Are you married to your small business? Most of us are, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. After all, if you want to make your business work, you have to be (1) in love with your business idea, (2) passionate about your business mission, and (3) willing to take your business in good times and bad. When sales dip and surge, then surge and dip, you might be tempted to flee. But riding the r...
December 31, 1969
Shale of the Century
This isn’t the first time that Hondo Railway has experienced an energy boom. But it might be the one with the biggest impact on the 32-year-old company. “This is Texas. Oil booms come and go, so there’s a cautious approach to how long it will last, or if it’s here to stay,” says Miles Lee, vice president of operations at Hondo Railway. Five years ago, the transload and short-line railway...
December 31, 1969
Your Business For Better or Worse
Are you married to your small business? Most of us are, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. After all, if you want to make your business work, you have to be (1) in love with your business idea, (2) passionate about your business mission, and (3) willing to take your business in good times and bad. When sales dip and surge, then surge and dip, you might be tempted to flee. But riding the r...
December 31, 1969
4 Essential IT Tips for an Office Move
When planning a relocation, many business owners underestimate the time and cost required to successfully transfer IT. In fact, they should be a primary consideration. If an employee or two is missing a desk because of furniture holdups, you can likely make do, but delays in getting your staff connected to phone and internet service are not so easily resolved. Fortunately, with a bit of background...
December 31, 1969
4 Essential IT Tips for an Office Move
When planning a relocation, many business owners underestimate the time and cost required to successfully transfer IT. In fact, they should be a primary consideration. If an employee or two is missing a desk because of furniture holdups, you can likely make do, but delays in getting your staff connected to phone and internet service are not so easily resolved. Fortunately, with a bit of background...
December 31, 1969
Feedback: Free Enterprise, Raisin Regulations, Energy
FreeEnterprise on Twitter The economy may be going down the tube, but nothing will kill free enterprise —@david_a_george via Twitter Limited government and Free Enterprise are paths to a stronger economy and real job growth. Inform your elected officials of this.—@charlevoix2 via Twitter It’s not okay to raise taxes to increase gov’t revenue while killing off Free Enterprise. Fisca...
December 31, 1969
Speak Out! Quick Poll Results
Below are the results of surveys posted on our website. Take our weekly surveys at FreeEnterprise.com or on our Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericanFreeEnterprise. Was 2012 a better year for your business than 2011? Yes 24.2% No, it was worse 49.3 It was about the same 26.5 How did your holiday spending in 2012 compare to the previous year? Spent more in 2012 14.4% Spent less 66.7 Spent about...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: eCommerce Tips
Q) How can you generate the most sales with your e-Commerce site? Eddie Davis, senior director of Merchant Services, PayPal: Keep an eye on your competition. Tools such as Compete, NetPeriscope and Hitwise can help you monitor how they are doing. The more you know, the better you can position your business or site to take advantage of any opportunities that might arise in a changing competitive e...
December 31, 1969
Business Q&A: eCommerce Tips
Q) How can you generate the most sales with your e-Commerce site? Eddie Davis, senior director of Merchant Services, PayPal: Keep an eye on your competition. Tools such as Compete, NetPeriscope and Hitwise can help you monitor how they are doing. The more you know, the better you can position your business or site to take advantage of any opportunities that might arise in a changing competitive e...
December 31, 1969
Should Your Family Fund Your Business?
As families gather for the holidays, entrepreneurs might consider approaching family members for money to help fund and grow their business. But is family funding a good idea? Maybe. Considerations include the amount of money involved, how involved the family members will be in the business, and the personal relationships between the borrowers and lenders. Advantages of Family Investors They...
December 31, 1969
Should Your Family Fund Your Business?
As families gather for the holidays, entrepreneurs might consider approaching family members for money to help fund and grow their business. But is family funding a good idea? Maybe. Considerations include the amount of money involved, how involved the family members will be in the business, and the personal relationships between the borrowers and lenders. Advantages of Family Investors They...
December 31, 1969
Unemployment Rate Rose to 7.9%. Economic Growth is Far Too Slow
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in January rose to 7.9%, and only 157,000 jobs were added. At this rate of growth, we won't reach pre-recession employment levels until after 2025, according to The Hamilton Project's jobs gap calculator. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Martin Regalia commented on the job numbers: The jobs report showed that while the e...
December 31, 1969
What Were the Best Super Bowl Ads?
The Super Bowl may be the biggest day of the year for the NFL, but it’s also huge for brands and advertising firms hoping to create a commercial that imprints itself onto the public’s consciousness. After an unscientific survey of co-workers and Twitter friends, here is my top five: The late Paul Harvey honors farmers in this Ram truck ad. This Jeep ad immediately after the halftime show sta...
December 31, 1969
Secrets of Creating a Successful and Distinctive Brand Name
No matter what market you’re in, it’s getting crowded. Every day, more and more new businesses are created. So while the current name of your business may have served you well for years, if you are growing or changing direction—or even if it simply has been a while since you have given this any thought—your company’s name should be reviewed to see if it is keeping up with current market ...
December 31, 1969
Secrets of Creating a Successful and Distinctive Brand Name
No matter what market you’re in, it’s getting crowded. Every day, more and more new businesses are created. So while the current name of your business may have served you well for years, if you are growing or changing direction—or even if it simply has been a while since you have given this any thought—your company’s name should be reviewed to see if it is keeping up with current market ...
December 31, 1969
5 Things to Tell Your Employees about Retirement Plans
According to the annual Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Survey, “employer-sponsored retirement savings plans are an important savings vehicle for American workers.” In addition to helping employees save for retirement, employees increasingly turn to their companies to inform them about retirement issues. You can help to meet employee needs by sharing certain information. 1. Active...
December 31, 1969
5 Things to Tell Your Employees about Retirement Plans
According to the annual Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Survey, “employer-sponsored retirement savings plans are an important savings vehicle for American workers.” In addition to helping employees save for retirement, employees increasingly turn to their companies to inform them about retirement issues. You can help to meet employee needs by sharing certain information. 1. Active...
December 31, 1969
Entrepreneurship is Back, Now They Just Need Some Capital
If you are a technology startup focused on consumers, congratulations. You probably have venture capitalists, angel investors, and crowdfunders beating on your door to try to give you money. But if you’re a startup in a capital-intensive industry such as biotechnology, manufacturing and energy, well, good luck getting the funding you need. And that’s a real problem, according to a diverse pane...
December 31, 1969
The New Word of Mouth: 6 Ways to Influence Influencers
Word of mouth has long been considered the best advertising a small business can get. And in today’s digital world, word of mouth is even more important and effective than ever. But the social media explosion has transformed how word of mouth works. Social media vastly amplifies word of mouth in a 24/7 system. But many business owners are puzzled about how this works, and what to do. Bas...
December 31, 1969
The New Word of Mouth: 6 Ways to Influence Influencers
Word of mouth has long been considered the best advertising a small business can get. And in today’s digital world, word of mouth is even more important and effective than ever. But the social media explosion has transformed how word of mouth works. Social media vastly amplifies word of mouth in a 24/7 system. But many business owners are puzzled about how this works, and what to do. Bas...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What Is Carried Interest?
President Obama and some Democrats in Congress are signaling their renewed interest in raising taxes on carried interest, which is profit on the sale of a long-term capital asset. Carried interest is appropriately taxed as a capital gain as opposed to ordinary income, thus encouraging the risk taking that is required to save, start, and grow companies. Changing the taxation of carried interest wou...
December 31, 1969
How to Turn Data into Dollars
Think about your company’s data elements: your customers, prospects, leads, contacts, projects, proposals, sales, emails, and meetings. Then there’s your online data, such as e-commerce transactions and social media. Your company may even have more. Managing, tracking, and maintaining all of this data can be daunting for a small business. Frequently, multiple systems are storing and tracking ...
December 31, 1969
How to Turn Data into Dollars
Think about your company’s data elements: your customers, prospects, leads, contacts, projects, proposals, sales, emails, and meetings. Then there’s your online data, such as e-commerce transactions and social media. Your company may even have more. Managing, tracking, and maintaining all of this data can be daunting for a small business. Frequently, multiple systems are storing and tracking ...
December 31, 1969
Entre-Employees Bring Innovation In-House
Entrepreneurship is most often associated with start-ups and young companies, but some established businesses are finding ways to foster and benefit from it by empowering employees to produce their own products and even start new businesses on company time. It may seem counterintuitive, but giving “entre-employees” an opportunity to pursue their own ideas on the company dime can lead to big br...
December 31, 1969
The 100 Best in Small Business
What do a small town pharmacy, an animal hospital, and a local ice cream shop have in common? They are three of the top 100 small businesses named today as 2013 Blue Ribbon Award® winners, part of the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. For the past 8 years, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been scouting the country for the best in business and honoring l...
December 31, 1969
Beyond the Loan Application
Getting financing for your business starts way before you ever put pen to paper for your business loan application. Would you give yourself a loan for a startup or growing business? It’s time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses—and maybe face some eye-opening realities. Are you what your bank is looking for? Do you look good on paper but come off as arrogant in person? Don’t underestim...
December 31, 1969
Beyond the Loan Application
Getting financing for your business starts way before you ever put pen to paper for your business loan application. Would you give yourself a loan for a startup or growing business? It’s time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses—and maybe face some eye-opening realities. Are you what your bank is looking for? Do you look good on paper but come off as arrogant in person? Don’t underestim...
December 31, 1969
Bills Introduced to Repeal Medical Device Tax
It’s a bipartisan mission in Congress to repeal the 2.3% medical device tax. The Hill covers the House bill co-sponsored by 180 members: That tax took effect at the start of 2013, and is expected to raise a few billion dollars a year in tax receipts for the government, and $30 billion over 10 years. But opponents of the tax say it will hinder innovation and job creation in the medical device ind...
December 31, 1969
Economic Outlook Provides Few Bright Spots
The U.S. economy is still far from where it needs to be to see real GDP growth of over 4% and put people back to work, said U.S. Chamber Chief Economist Marty Regalia. “We’re not making headway,” Regalia said during the Chamber’s quarterly economic briefing on February 8. “Yes, we’re doing better than four years ago, but we’re not doing anything to get it back to where it was before ...
December 31, 1969
Sequestration is a Bad Fiscal Sequel
Washington, sometimes called, “Hollywood for ugly people,” is making a lame sequel following the drama at the end of 2012. Call it, Fiscal Cliff 2: Sequestration. “Sequestration” is the fancy DC word for the $1.2 trillion of automatic, across-the-board spending cuts over 10 years that are set to go into effect March 1. Bloomberg’s Dominic Chu shows us why it would hurt the economy. No ...
December 31, 1969
Help Shape the Conversation in Advance of #SOTU
The president will outline his second-term agenda during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. With 23 million people unemployed, underemployed, or who have stopped looking for work, the American public wants to hear from the president about policies that create jobs. Below are shareable tweets about each item in the Chamber’s Jobs & Growth agenda. Although the message in each tweet is...
December 31, 1969
Social Media Legal Risks for Businesses
Small businesses have rapidly adopted social media as an effective tool to increase company and product exposure, amass leads, improve search engine rankings, develop loyal customers, build better products, drive sales, and foster collaboration and innovation. Yet, despite the unassailable business case for social media, the legal risks associated with its use should not be ignored. The most com...
December 31, 1969
Social Media Legal Risks for Businesses
Small businesses have rapidly adopted social media as an effective tool to increase company and product exposure, amass leads, improve search engine rankings, develop loyal customers, build better products, drive sales, and foster collaboration and innovation. Yet, despite the unassailable business case for social media, the legal risks associated with its use should not be ignored. The most com...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Manufacturing: The World's Third Largest Economy
During the recent recession, many observers wrote American manufacturing's obituary, claiming that it could no longer be a world leader because of intense competition from low-cost competitors. As ESPN College Gameday host Lee Corso is apt to say, "Not so fast, my friend." The U.S. manufacturing sector generates $1.7 trillion in value each year—equivalent to nearly 12% of GDP. It supports over 1...
December 31, 1969
Innovation Networks Bring New Ideas to Market
Entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and others around the country are forming collaborative local, state, and regional innovation networks that are helping bring new products and services to market, and in the process, generating new jobs and economic activity. A recent effort is underway in New York, where Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in his State of the State Address the development o...
December 31, 1969
Worker Classification Continues to be on IRS Radar
It’s up to a company to decide whether to treat its workers as employees or independent contractors. The decision has wide-ranging tax consequences for the company. For workers who are independent contractors, the company saves on payroll taxes (the employer share of FICA and unemployment tax), benefits (such as payments for health insurance and retirement plan contributions), and insurance (i...
December 31, 1969
Worker Classification Continues to be on IRS Radar
It’s up to a company to decide whether to treat its workers as employees or independent contractors. The decision has wide-ranging tax consequences for the company. For workers who are independent contractors, the company saves on payroll taxes (the employer share of FICA and unemployment tax), benefits (such as payments for health insurance and retirement plan contributions), and insurance (i...
December 31, 1969
Reaction to President Obama's State of the Union Speech
Here is what U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue had to say following President Obama's State of the Union speech: The president’s return to a focus on jobs and growth is overdue and we welcome his call for immigration reform and trade expansion. The question is whether the totality of his agenda is designed to grow our economy or simply to grow the government. More spending, higher taxes...
December 31, 1969
9 Ways Small Employers Attract Lawsuits
Lawsuits filed by disgruntled employees or independent contractors against small businesses are one of the most vexing problems that business owners continue to face. Many are constantly on edge, fearing frivolous legal actions that can ruin the business even if the complaint has no merit. Other small businesses – and especially those new to the employment game – may unintentionally violate em...
December 31, 1969
Why Your Small Business Has the Motivational Edge
Are you looking to hire employees this year, wondering how you can keep the employees you do have from heading off for greener pastures, or struggling for ways to keep them motivated? Sometimes it seems like small businesses are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to hiring, motivation and retention, compared to big corporations that can offer higher salaries, posh benefits plans and luxuriou...
December 31, 1969
9 Ways Small Employers Attract Lawsuits
Lawsuits filed by disgruntled employees or independent contractors against small businesses are one of the most vexing problems that business owners continue to face. Many are constantly on edge, fearing frivolous legal actions that can ruin the business even if the complaint has no merit. Other small businesses – and especially those new to the employment game – may unintentionally violate em...
December 31, 1969
Why Your Small Business Has the Motivational Edge
Are you looking to hire employees this year, wondering how you can keep the employees you do have from heading off for greener pastures, or struggling for ways to keep them motivated? Sometimes it seems like small businesses are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to hiring, motivation and retention, compared to big corporations that can offer higher salaries, posh benefits plans and luxuriou...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Ways to Optimize Your Business YouTube Channel
YouTube isn’t just for cute cat videos. With more than 800 million unique visitors going to Google’s video platform each month, YouTube is fast becoming the silver screen of the World Wide Web and an essential tool for business. Brands that want to stand out have to make sure their YouTube channel is easily discovered and very engaging. This inforgraphic by Brafton—a Boston-based online mar...
December 31, 1969
Whole Latte Love for Coffee
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt If you are a coffee drinker living in Kansas City, chances are the man known as the Bean Baron has satisfied your caffeine fix. Danny O’Neill is the founder of The Roasterie, a 20-year-old Kansas City-based purveyor of air-roasted coffee. O’Neill discovered his love ...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Protect Your Online Reputation
Q: I know how important it is to protect my reputation in the “real” world, but I recently found out just how important it is to do it in the virtual world as well. My business recently dropped off significantly and I couldn't understand why. Then I Googled my business and found a scathing review from an upset customer. I got proactive, made her happy, and she even deleted the review – but i...
December 31, 1969
Announcing the Best of the Best
Valentine’s Day is over but that doesn’t mean we can’t spread some love to our small businesses and announce the regional finalists for the 2013 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award. These seven businesses represent the best of the best in their region and we are proud to name them our finalists. The awards program, sponsored by Sam's Club®, honors businesses that excel in the areas o...
December 31, 1969
Whole Latte Love for Coffee
“It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt If you are a coffee drinker living in Kansas City, chances are the man known as the Bean Baron has satisfied your caffeine fix. Danny O’Neill is the founder of The Roasterie, a 20-year-old Kansas City-based purveyor of air-roasted coffee. O’Neill discovered his love ...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Ways to Optimize Your Business YouTube Channel
YouTube isn’t just for cute cat videos. With more than 800 million unique visitors going to Google’s video platform each month, YouTube is fast becoming the silver screen of the World Wide Web and an essential tool for business. Brands that want to stand out have to make sure their YouTube channel is easily discovered and very engaging. This inforgraphic by Brafton—a Boston-based online mar...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Protect Your Online Reputation
Q: I know how important it is to protect my reputation in the “real” world, but I recently found out just how important it is to do it in the virtual world as well. My business recently dropped off significantly and I couldn't understand why. Then I Googled my business and found a scathing review from an upset customer. I got proactive, made her happy, and she even deleted the review – but i...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Becoming a High-Trust Leader
In today’s competitive marketplace, it is not enough for leaders to produce results. If you get the deal, but don’t get the trust, the value of your deal is significantly diminished. But if you can get the deal and build a relationship of trust, your ability to negotiate any changes or future deals improves considerably. Customers who trust you buy more, buy more often, and most importantly, r...
December 31, 1969
Past Presidents Had a Lot to Say About Free Enterprise
In honor of President's Day, we've gathered up some presidential quotes on the important role of business and free enterprise. “Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are the most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise.”—Thomas Jefferson “Property is the fruit of labor; property is desirable; is a positive good in the world...
December 31, 1969
5 Steps to Becoming a High-Trust Leader
In today’s competitive marketplace, it is not enough for leaders to produce results. If you get the deal, but don’t get the trust, the value of your deal is significantly diminished. But if you can get the deal and build a relationship of trust, your ability to negotiate any changes or future deals improves considerably. Customers who trust you buy more, buy more often, and most importantly, r...
December 31, 1969
10 Website Mistakes Small Businesses Make
In this age of social media and digital everything, you can’t afford to be a website weakling. If your competition has a killer online presence, and you don’t, you lose. Today’s consumers look online more than ever before. Even business owners who think they don’t really need a “best in class” website are missing more than they think. Here are 10 common mistakes that small busi...
December 31, 1969
10 Website Mistakes Small Businesses Make
In this age of social media and digital everything, you can’t afford to be a website weakling. If your competition has a killer online presence, and you don’t, you lose. Today’s consumers look online more than ever before. Even business owners who think they don’t really need a “best in class” website are missing more than they think. Here are 10 common mistakes that small busi...
December 31, 1969
2013 U.S. Economic Outlook
Election years always make for good political theater, and this year was no different. Unfortunately, they are generally not good times for making serious policy. As a result, a slew of tough economic and tax policies were pushed to a lame-duck session or beyond. While Congress and the administration were able to pass legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff, the comprehensive tax reform and entitlem...
December 31, 1969
Students, Employers Get on the Same Page on Higher Education
Business leaders and students have similar, interrelated goals when it comes to higher education: students want to get the most out of their degree and secure employment, while businesses want to hire skilled individuals who add value. But currently, it seems that neither side is completely happy with the results, according to business and student leaders attending “Getting to Work: What Student...
December 31, 1969
Business Owner 'Manufactures' a Blog for Dayton
As the president and one of the founders of Staub Manufacturing Solutions, along with his sister Sandy Keplinger, Steve Staub knows how to cut, form, weld and finish a number of products for his 350 customers. The team of 23 employees make everything from retail displays to aerospace components. But until 2011, Staub did not know what a blog was, much less how to create one. “You always hear th...
December 31, 1969
Students, Employers Get on the Same Page on Higher Education
Business leaders and students have similar, interrelated goals when it comes to higher education: students want to get the most out of their degree and secure employment, while businesses want to hire skilled individuals who add value. But currently, it seems that neither side is completely happy with the results, according to business and student leaders attending “Getting to Work: What Student...
December 31, 1969
Business Owner 'Manufactures' a Blog for Dayton
As the president and one of the founders of Staub Manufacturing Solutions, along with his sister Sandy Keplinger, Steve Staub knows how to cut, form, weld and finish a number of products for his 350 customers. The team of 23 employees make everything from retail displays to aerospace components. But until 2011, Staub did not know what a blog was, much less how to create one. “You always hear th...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Small Business Social Media Strategies
Q) What are some things small businesses can do to improve their visibility and attractiveness to new customers? Cindy Ratzlaff: Social networking and online presence play a big role here. Gather testimonials from satisfied customers that you can use in print and online. Also, ask customers to “like” you on Facebook, endorse you on LinkedIn, and post positive reviews on sites such as Yelp. I...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Small Business Social Media Strategies
Q) What are some things small businesses can do to improve their visibility and attractiveness to new customers? Cindy Ratzlaff: Social networking and online presence play a big role here. Gather testimonials from satisfied customers that you can use in print and online. Also, ask customers to “like” you on Facebook, endorse you on LinkedIn, and post positive reviews on sites such as Yelp. I...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Starting a Business With Almost No Money
Q: Do you know of a business I could start with little or no money? Steven Strauss: Over on my new site, TheSelfEmployed, this – by far – is the most common query we get. It is not surprising that people are looking to start businesses on the cheap; after all, it has been a pretty weak economy for a while now and a lot of people are still hurting. This is especially true of the millions of un...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Starting a Business With Almost No Money
Q: Do you know of a business I could start with little or no money? Steven Strauss: Over on my new site, TheSelfEmployed, this – by far – is the most common query we get. It is not surprising that people are looking to start businesses on the cheap; after all, it has been a pretty weak economy for a while now and a lot of people are still hurting. This is especially true of the millions of un...
December 31, 1969
OUTRAGE: Towns Turn to ‘Crash Tax’ for Funding
A little free advice: Do not be the victim of a car accident in Missouri City, Texas. Or one of the 50 other cities in 26 states that have begun to levy a tax on those who require city assistance following a fender bender. It's known as a "crash tax." It’s a fee to cover the cost of first responders who come to help you out, and that fee could add up to a couple thousand bucks. And more and more...
December 31, 1969
The Smallest Businesses Face the Biggest Cyber Risks
While many of us long for the days when people had real-life conversations rather than truncated text chats, the reality is that the Internet is here to stay. And in the Internet Age, data is king. As a small business owner, you collect customer data every day. And if you’re using the Internet, that data – along with all of your company’s sensitive information – is vulnerable to attacks. W...
December 31, 1969
Doomed to Repeat History: Nicolas Cage Movies and Financial Transaction Taxes
In The Life of Reason, George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” But despite best intentions, the same mistakes are made over and over again. Politicians keep believing they won’t get caught. The Jets keep starting Mark Sanchez. Studios keep making Nicolas Cage movies. And the financial transaction tax keeps surfacing as an idea for alleviating ...
December 31, 1969
The Smallest Businesses Face the Biggest Cyber Risks
While many of us long for the days when people had real-life conversations rather than truncated text chats, the reality is that the Internet is here to stay. And in the Internet Age, data is king. As a small business owner, you collect customer data every day. And if you’re using the Internet, that data – along with all of your company’s sensitive information – is vulnerable to attacks. W...
December 31, 1969
The Smallest Businesses Face the Biggest Cyber Risks
While many of us long for the days when people had real-life conversations rather than truncated text chats, the reality is that the Internet is here to stay. And in the Internet Age, data is king. As a small business owner, you collect customer data every day. And if you’re using the Internet, that data – along with all of your company’s sensitive information – is vulnerable to attacks. W...
December 31, 1969
Growth, Reform, and Freedom Can Revive American Prosperity
In a speech to the Manhattan Institute, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue said, “There is a pronounced shortage of truth telling in Washington these days.” He’s concerned about “the routine neglect of basic facts and fundamental realities” in our politics. As an antidote, Donohue prescribed a “strong dose of reality” that includes the need for economic growth, economic freed...
December 31, 1969
To App Or Not to App? Six Questions to Ask First
Apps are everywhere. CNN regularly reports on the “hottest” ones; Super Bowl ads promoted company’s new “it” apps, and heck, your mom is even asking you to challenge her in Words with Friends. With so many people routinely downloading them onto their phones, it seems like an obvious place for business owners to market their businesses. After all, you built a website a few years ago and p...
December 31, 1969
To App Or Not to App? Six Questions to Ask First
Apps are everywhere. CNN regularly reports on the “hottest” ones; Super Bowl ads promoted company’s new “it” apps, and heck, your mom is even asking you to challenge her in Words with Friends. With so many people routinely downloading them onto their phones, it seems like an obvious place for business owners to market their businesses. After all, you built a website a few years ago and p...
December 31, 1969
Economists Say Fiscal Disorder Weighs Down Economy
A survey finds that business economists see Washington weakening the economy through its series of fiscal crises and its inability to put the government on a sound fiscal path. Dr. Nayantara Hensel, Chair of the National Association of Business Economists (NABE) Outlook Survey Committee and Professor of Industry and Business at National Defense University said: Over 95% of the panelists believe th...
December 31, 1969
The Key to Cybersecurity Is Public-Private Collaboration
Sophisticated cyber attacks are on the rise, most recently targeting federal agencies, media outlets, social networking sites, top corporations, and leading financial institutions. According to the U.S. government, China is by far the most significant perpetrator of state-sponsored cyber espionage, but other governments, such as Russia and Iran, are engaged in similar efforts. Whether carried out ...
December 31, 1969
MIT Asks How to Improve Manufacturing Innovation
As Greg Galdabini pointed out a few weeks ago, the United States is still a manufacturing nation. The combined sales of the top-500 U.S.-based manufacturers would be larger than Japan’s entire GDP. But the MIT Production in the Innovation Economy (PIE) research group is searching for answers to questions about America’s continued competitiveness: “What kinds of production do we need—and ...
December 31, 1969
Public Trust in Business Rises for Third Consecutive Year
As the global economy is improving, so too is public trust in business. For the third year in a row, trust in the private sector rose globally, up five points from last year, according to the 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer. After an overall drop in public trust following the economic downturn (which also impacted trust in government and the media), trust in business has steadily rebounded, with all ...
December 31, 1969
3 Steps to a Successful Exit Plan
Even if your company is still growing, you should be planning your exit, no matter when, or if, you’re going to retire. “Every business, regardless of its revenue, should have a succession plan. For a small business, it’s probably even more important,” says Mark Brumbaugh, JD, a consultant with the Business Resource Center for Advanced Markets at the Guardian Life Insurance Company of Amer...
December 31, 1969
3 Steps to a Successful Exit Plan
Even if your company is still growing, you should be planning your exit, no matter when, or if, you’re going to retire. “Every business, regardless of its revenue, should have a succession plan. For a small business, it’s probably even more important,” says Mark Brumbaugh, JD, a consultant with the Business Resource Center for Advanced Markets at the Guardian Life Insurance Company of Amer...
December 31, 1969
Speak Out! February Quick Poll Results
Below are the results of surveys published on our website and Facebook page. Take our weekly surveys at FreeEnterprise.com or at facebook.com/AmericanFreeEnterprise. Should Congress take up immigration reform this year? Yes, we need comprehensive reform 58.9% Yes, but we need to reform only certain parts of our immigration system 18.5 No 22.0 Don’t know/no opinion 0.6 Were you satisfied...
December 31, 1969
How to Obtain Bank Financing For Your Small Business
In the early months of a new year always comes the desire for a fresh start. Maybe it’s the busyness of the holidays or the exhaustion of trying to wrap up things before the year ends, but for whatever reason, I always look forward to starting the year off with a new attitude, new goals and a newly created To Do list. One of the most important agenda items for any small business owner should be ...
December 31, 1969
How to Obtain Bank Financing For Your Small Business
In the early months of a new year always comes the desire for a fresh start. Maybe it’s the busyness of the holidays or the exhaustion of trying to wrap up things before the year ends, but for whatever reason, I always look forward to starting the year off with a new attitude, new goals and a newly created To Do list. One of the most important agenda items for any small business owner should be ...
December 31, 1969
Legislation Worse Than the Sequester
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes the motion to proceed to S. 388, the “American Family Economic Protection Act.” This legislation would fail to address the federal government’s spending problems and would, instead, replace spending cuts with tax increases. The Chamber has long stated that the sequester is bad public policy and should be replaced with prioritized spending cuts. B...
December 31, 1969
Subway Founder: Subway “Would Not Exist” with Today’s Regulations
CNBC asked founder and CEO of Subway restaurants, Fred Deluca, if it’s gotten harder or easier to start a business since he launched his in 1965. He had a startling answer: It’s continuously gotten worse, because there’s more and more regulations. It’s tougher for people to get into business. Especially a small business. I tell you, if I started Subway today, Subway would not exist, becaus...
December 31, 1969
Stockbrokers Turned Pickle Growers
What do two stockbrokers do after being laid off during the financial crisis? Become pickle growers, naturally. Armed with a family recipe but very little knowledge of the food industry, Jenny Fulton and Ashlee Furr launched Miss Jenny's Pickles in Kernersville, North Carolina, in 2010. Following a three-day university crash course on chemistry in food science required for certification to manufac...
December 31, 1969
Think You Don’t Need an M&A Strategy? Think Again
Will 2013 be the year M&As make a comeback? Will it be the year when you consider selling your business, merging it with another, or making an acquisition of your own? Let’s take a step back. Will 2013 be the year most business owners realize the need for an M&A strategy, whether they’ve seriously considered being part of a transaction or not? Over the years, I’ve found that the best busines...
December 31, 1969
Think You Don’t Need an M&A Strategy? Think Again
Will 2013 be the year M&As make a comeback? Will it be the year when you consider selling your business, merging it with another, or making an acquisition of your own? Let’s take a step back. Will 2013 be the year most business owners realize the need for an M&A strategy, whether they’ve seriously considered being part of a transaction or not? Over the years, I’ve found that the best busines...
December 31, 1969
Data Security Breaches Happen. Are You Prepared?
Your organization may be sitting on a gold mine—or a land mine. The personal data you collect in the course of doing business is a treasure trove for identity thieves, and that makes you a rich target for criminal attacks. Your mission is to do whatever you can to stop them. While identity theft can't be prevented, the right preparations make a breach less likely and mitigate the damage if one d...
December 31, 1969
Data Security Breaches Happen. Are You Prepared?
Your organization may be sitting on a gold mine—or a land mine. The personal data you collect in the course of doing business is a treasure trove for identity thieves, and that makes you a rich target for criminal attacks. Your mission is to do whatever you can to stop them. While identity theft can't be prevented, the right preparations make a breach less likely and mitigate the damage if one d...
December 31, 1969
You Don’t Have to be a Natural Leader to be a Good Manager
There is a widespread myth among leaders, managers and supervisors that goes like this: Some people are natural leaders and therefore the best managers, whereas others are not natural leaders and are destined to be not-so-great managers. I call it, “The Myth of the Natural Leader.” What is the reality? The best managers are people—natural or not—who learn proven techniques, practice those ...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: Which of the following is the biggest challenge for your small business?
December 31, 1969
You Don’t Have to be a Natural Leader to be a Good Manager
There is a widespread myth among leaders, managers and supervisors that goes like this: Some people are natural leaders and therefore the best managers, whereas others are not natural leaders and are destined to be not-so-great managers. I call it, “The Myth of the Natural Leader.” What is the reality? The best managers are people—natural or not—who learn proven techniques, practice those ...
December 31, 1969
Wealthy Americans Face Highest Tax Rates Since 1979
President Obama has been unrelenting in his quest to increase federal government revenues by hiking taxes on high income earners. This year, this group of taxpayers will face higher marginal income tax rates as a result of the law passed by Congress on Jan. 1 to avoid the fiscal cliff. They will also face a new tax on net investment income as part of Obamacare. Supporters of these tax hikes are pu...
December 31, 1969
Medical Innovation Helps Miracle AIDS Baby
Over the weekend, we learned about what may possibly be the second instance of someone being cured of the HIV virus. CBS News reports: A doctor gave this baby faster and stronger treatment than is usual, starting a three-drug infusion within 30 hours of birth. That was before tests confirmed the infant was infected and not just at risk from a mother whose HIV wasn't diagnosed until she was in labo...
December 31, 1969
6 Customer Feedback Essentials for Small Business
Small business owners hear it all the time: To find out how your business is doing, including what people like or don’t like and what you need to adjust, ask customers for feedback. But your quest for feedback can either produce a magic elixir or simply be an annoyance to customers and prospects, depending on how you do it. Here are six essentials for collecting, analyzing and using customer f...
December 31, 1969
20 Entrepreneurial Women You Should Be Following on Twitter
In an age of unparalleled opportunity for women, female empowerment has become a diverse proposition. Women are changing the world in business, government, the NGO world, and media. And they are re-defining what it means to be entrepreneurial in every field, from starting their own businesses and social ventures, through being successful corporate intrapreneurs, to innovating in other ways that g...
December 31, 1969
6 Customer Feedback Essentials for Small Business
Small business owners hear it all the time: To find out how your business is doing, including what people like or don’t like and what you need to adjust, ask customers for feedback. But your quest for feedback can either produce a magic elixir or simply be an annoyance to customers and prospects, depending on how you do it. Here are six essentials for collecting, analyzing and using customer f...
December 31, 1969
Huge Majority of Small Business Owners Want Tax Reform
A new survey finds that a huge majority of small business owners are begging for tax reform that lowers rates and simplifies the tax code. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) poll found that 85% want to “fundamentally revise the federal tax code,” and 71% feel that tax reform “should result in lowering their overall tax burden.” In addition, 91% said the tax code’s co...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Better Your Work/Life Balance
Let me introduce you to Jane, a very successful executive lawyer. Jane went to a top Ivy League school, followed by an even better law school. This is a woman who grosses well into the six figures. Seems like the kind of person we all admire, right? Well, maybe not. Although Jane is positive, friendly, and obviously successful, she is miserable. It didn’t take me very long to study Jane’s ways...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Better Your Work/Life Balance
Let me introduce you to Jane, a very successful executive lawyer. Jane went to a top Ivy League school, followed by an even better law school. This is a woman who grosses well into the six figures. Seems like the kind of person we all admire, right? Well, maybe not. Although Jane is positive, friendly, and obviously successful, she is miserable. It didn’t take me very long to study Jane’s ways...
December 31, 1969
Industries That Will Define the 21st Century: Human Life
Inventions today lead to the industries of tomorrow. The industrial development and impact that occurs within one century rests on the inventions of the prior century. The internal combustion engine, which was developed in the 19th century, gave rise to the automobile industry that dominated in the 20th century. Cars, in turn, gave rise to suburbs, highways, fast food, shopping malls, and the stra...
December 31, 1969
Jobs Numbers Better but Still Not Good Enough
The February job numbers are a mixed bag. Some of them are better than I’ve seen in sometime, but no one should sugar coat them by claiming they’re great. First the basics. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 236,000, and the unemployment rate fell slightly to 7.7%. American Action Forum president Douglas Holtz-Eakin points out a few positive numbers: Private sector jobs were 246,000. Aggregate hour...
December 31, 1969
Industries That Will Define the 21st Century: Private Spaceflight
This is part 2 of a series looking at emerging industries. Part 1, Human Life is available here. Inventions today lead to the industries of tomorrow. Today’s emerging technologies let us peek at which applications and solutions will define business in the ensuing decades. Several nascent areas are particularly fascinating; in this post, we take a look at private spaceflight. Private Spacefligh...
December 31, 1969
3 Days, 2 Nights, and Hundreds of Small Business Owners
Whether you’re a one-man show or manage over 50 employees, as a small business owner, your collective voice and success are just what Washington needs. But statistics show that nearly 50% of small business owners take only major holidays off — or nothing at all. Well, here’s your chance to get out of the office, head to our nation’s capital, and make a big, positive impact on your business...
December 31, 1969
3 Reasons Your Website Needs More Video
Your website visitors won’t wait—they’ll take a micro-second to decide to stay or leave your website, even after all the money and hard work you just spent getting them there. One of the best ways to keep them there is by adding online video to your homepage. Adding an online web video will increase time spent on site, decrease bounce rates, and drive more page views—three key ranking metr...
December 31, 1969
3 Reasons Your Website Needs More Video
Your website visitors won’t wait—they’ll take a micro-second to decide to stay or leave your website, even after all the money and hard work you just spent getting them there. One of the best ways to keep them there is by adding online video to your homepage. Adding an online web video will increase time spent on site, decrease bounce rates, and drive more page views—three key ranking metr...
December 31, 1969
Manufacturing's Skilled Worker Gap
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Following the release of a report on the nation’s manufacturing employee skills gap by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte in October 2011, concern among American manufacturers has focused on how to resolve this seemingly persistent h...
December 31, 1969
3-D Printers and a New Industrial Revolution
Since inventor Chuck Hull developed the first 3-D printer in the 1980s, innovators and entrepreneurs have improved and employed the technology, and today, these ground-breaking machines are taking root in numerous industries and are revolutionizing how the world builds things. The title “printer” is somewhat of a misnomer. A computer printer lays ink or carbon on paper; a 3-D printer lays and ...
December 31, 1969
You Don’t Have Time NOT to Manage Your People
I know you don’t have enough time. Nobody has enough time! After all, there are only 168 hours in a week and you have zillions of demands on your time—you have your own tasks and responsibilities and projects besides your management obligations. You definitely don’t have enough time. What does that mean for you as a leader? It means you don’t have time NOT to manage your people. Waiting fo...
December 31, 1969
You Don’t Have Time NOT to Manage Your People
I know you don’t have enough time. Nobody has enough time! After all, there are only 168 hours in a week and you have zillions of demands on your time—you have your own tasks and responsibilities and projects besides your management obligations. You definitely don’t have enough time. What does that mean for you as a leader? It means you don’t have time NOT to manage your people. Waiting fo...
December 31, 1969
What Age is Best to Start a Business?
Q: Hi Steve – I am in my mid-60s and the funny thing is, I would like to start my own business. Throughout my career, I had always loved the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, but for one reason or another, I never did it. Now I have the time and resources and can do it, but I wonder, am I too old? My wife thinks it’s a little late in the game to being trying something so new/radical. - Vin...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: What do you rely on most for marketing your business?
December 31, 1969
What Age is Best to Start a Business?
Q: Hi Steve – I am in my mid-60s and the funny thing is, I would like to start my own business. Throughout my career, I had always loved the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, but for one reason or another, I never did it. Now I have the time and resources and can do it, but I wonder, am I too old? My wife thinks it’s a little late in the game to being trying something so new/radical. - Vin...
December 31, 1969
The Future of Smartphones – Will Smart Watches, Glasses Dominate Mobile Technology?
Imagine a wristwatch or a pair of eye glasses as accessories to your smartphone. No, we’re not talking about a contraption seen only in a James Bond movie or a futurist’s vision of America 25 years from now. With global smartphone sales expected to hit one billion this year due to broader access to 4G Internet speeds and falling prices, American businesses are looking to develop the next itera...
December 31, 1969
Private Sector Keeps on Moving Despite Washington
Even though players in Washington continue being at odds, The Economist still has hope in America because the private sector keeps doing what it does well: One reason for optimism is that America’s inventors are as busy as they have ever been, and its entrepreneurs are seizing on their ideas with the same alacrity as always. Investment in research and development as a share of output recently ma...
December 31, 1969
Play Travel Agent: Why Should the Free Enterprise Tour Come to Your City?
The Chamber of Commerce's Campaign for Free Enterprise is in the planning stages of the road trip of a lifetime, and we want your help. This summer, our On the Road With Free Enterprise tour will send our team of tour guides on a 15-city cross-country road trip to visit attractions, check out local events, talk to small businesses, and tell the story of American free enterprise where it lives—...
December 31, 1969
Grapes of Wrath: Raisin Case to Be Heard at the Supreme Court
Marvin and Laura Hornes’ 20-acre vineyard is in full bloom right now, with green buds on the vines and almond trees in full flower. But instead of tending to his next raisin crop, Marvin Horne is flying to Washington D.C. next week to defend himself against a government assault that has been going on for more than 10 years. “It’s been a long and arduous journey trying to fight these guys jus...
December 31, 1969
Do You Trust Your Employees to Work Remotely?
Cross-posted from Small Biz Trends. Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer unleashed a firestorm of commentary throughout the business world with her recent announcement that remote working was off the table for the tech company’s staffers, who will now be expected to show up in the office every day. The move goes against the grain at a time when everybody from the federal government to tech startups is embr...
December 31, 1969
Do You Trust Your Employees to Work Remotely?
Cross-posted from Small Biz Trends. Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer unleashed a firestorm of commentary throughout the business world with her recent announcement that remote working was off the table for the tech company’s staffers, who will now be expected to show up in the office every day. The move goes against the grain at a time when everybody from the federal government to tech startups is embr...
December 31, 1969
A Big Brewer Sticks to His Small Roots
Jim Koch may be the happiest entrepreneur in the United States. As co-founder and chairman of America’s largest craft brewery, his grinning face shines out over TV screens across the country. But it is Koch’s work on behalf of other entrepreneurs that provides the passion that led to the creation of The Boston Beer Company in 1984. “When I started, there were some things I wished I had acces...
December 31, 1969
A Big Brewer Sticks to His Small Roots
Jim Koch may be the happiest entrepreneur in the United States. As co-founder and chairman of America’s largest craft brewery, his grinning face shines out over TV screens across the country. But it is Koch’s work on behalf of other entrepreneurs that provides the passion that led to the creation of The Boston Beer Company in 1984. “When I started, there were some things I wished I had acces...
December 31, 1969
The App-ification of Medicine
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Several years ago, when our four children were ages five, three, and two, along with a newborn, we spent a lot of time at the doctor’s office. Way too much, in fact. We would detect an ear infection coming on, make an appointment with the ...
December 31, 1969
Entering the Global Market
TradeWizards.comWhat is it? This website helps businesses sort through the rules and regulations that can complicate international shipping.How does it work? Tradewizards.com helps you properly classify your product, a necessary step for figuring out duties, taxes, and fees; along with determining applicable import and export regulations. The site can also calculate an accurate “landed cost”...
December 31, 1969
Our Top Picks From Around the Web
House and Senate Groups Working on Immigration – [The Washington Post] Two groups of bipartisan lawmakers have been creating large and complex legislative proposals for immigration reform to be introduced within the next month. 13 Business Apps for Busy Entrepreneurs (Infographic) – [Entrepreneur] A new Desk.com infographic shows 13 smartphone apps that can help business owners with financial ...
December 31, 1969
Entering the Global Market
TradeWizards.comWhat is it? This website helps businesses sort through the rules and regulations that can complicate international shipping.How does it work? Tradewizards.com helps you properly classify your product, a necessary step for figuring out duties, taxes, and fees; along with determining applicable import and export regulations. The site can also calculate an accurate “landed cost”...
December 31, 1969
World Integration
The impact on U.S. markets from international events, such as the recent elections in Italy, the ongoing recession and debt crisis in Europe, and the growth projections for the Chinese economy, make it clear that we live in a global marketplace. Sometimes, we can use a little reinforcement of this fact so once a year we devote this column to our global interconnectedness. The United States remai...
December 31, 1969
The App-ification of Medicine
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Several years ago, when our four children were ages five, three, and two, along with a newborn, we spent a lot of time at the doctor’s office. Way too much, in fact. We would detect an ear infection coming on, make an appointment with the ...
December 31, 1969
America Provides Mega-Opportunity
"It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Jorge Moran still remembers the night he came to the United States, not as a tourist but as a Cuban refugee, carrying only a grocery bag with two shirts and a pair of pants. “I went from a small room in a refugee center to one of the most beautiful residences in Nashville...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: Is your business expecting to hire in the next six months?
December 31, 1969
Small Business, Big Mobile Tactics
If you’re a small business marketer and you haven’t yet tried mobile marketing, now is the time, experts say. Here are some tips for crafting a mobile strategy. Set your marketing goals. Figure out your marketing objectives before you map out your mobile strategy, says Jennifer Wise, researcher for interactive marketing at Forrester Research Inc. “You want to be strategic, and to do that, ...
December 31, 1969
America Provides Mega-Opportunity
"It is true of the nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be a great dreamer.”—Theodore Roosevelt Jorge Moran still remembers the night he came to the United States, not as a tourist but as a Cuban refugee, carrying only a grocery bag with two shirts and a pair of pants. “I went from a small room in a refugee center to one of the most beautiful residences in Nashville...
December 31, 1969
Small Business, Big Mobile Tactics
If you’re a small business marketer and you haven’t yet tried mobile marketing, now is the time, experts say. Here are some tips for crafting a mobile strategy. Set your marketing goals. Figure out your marketing objectives before you map out your mobile strategy, says Jennifer Wise, researcher for interactive marketing at Forrester Research Inc. “You want to be strategic, and to do that, ...
December 31, 1969
Diary of a New Small Business Owner: The Decision
My name is Bobby Maldonado. In February, I left my communications job at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to pursue my dream of becoming a small business owner. I was asked by my former colleagues to document my journey for FreeEnterprise.com. This is my living journal, updated every month. While the Chamber is a great place to work, for many reasons, I questioned if I was where I wanted to be. I f...
December 31, 1969
It’s a Slow Climb to the Top
2012 seemed like a pretty significant year for women across American society. In November, Americans elected a spate of new women to Congress—today, we have a record 20 women in the Senate and 82 in the House. In the business world, we saw several talented women soar to top posts in some of America’s leading corporations, including Facebook, Yahoo!, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics. Numer...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Master Your Business Plan
Q) What are the risks of building a small business without a business plan? Mark Lowenstein: I call them the “overs”—being overconfident about your prospects and overlooking the details. You also need to consider different scenarios and build that flexibility into your plan. Otherwise, you’re flying by the seat of your pants and making decisions day to day, rather than working toward speci...
December 31, 1969
Industries That Will Define the 21st Century: Private Spaceflight
This is part 2 of a series looking at emerging industries. This post first appeared on the Forum for Innovation blog. Inventions today lead to the industries of tomorrow. Today’s emerging technologies let us peek at which applications and solutions will define business in the ensuing decades. Several nascent areas are particularly fascinating; in this post, we take a look at private spacefligh...
December 31, 1969
Q&A: Master Your Business Plan
Q) What are the risks of building a small business without a business plan? Mark Lowenstein: I call them the “overs”—being overconfident about your prospects and overlooking the details. You also need to consider different scenarios and build that flexibility into your plan. Otherwise, you’re flying by the seat of your pants and making decisions day to day, rather than working toward speci...
December 31, 1969
The ‘Sharing Economy’ Changes Buyer, Seller Relationships
In a time when consumers are looking for the most bang for their buck, they are increasingly choosing to pay for shared access to a range of products and services rather than buying. It is called the “sharing economy,” or collaborative consumption, and in many cities, it is already reshaping how Americans travel, shop, and live. As this consumer trend grows, it will mean big changes—and oppo...
December 31, 1969
Washington’s State of Altered Reality
You’ve probably heard that a gaffe in Washington is when someone accidentally tells the truth. Well, there is a pronounced shortage of truth telling in Washington these days. It’s one thing to differ over philosophy, direction, and approach. That’s democracy. But the routine neglect of basic facts and fundamental realities is something we are seeing with more frequency in our politics and in...
December 31, 1969
3 Key Lessons For Tech Founders
The startup world has never been so crowded. Launching a tech startup is cheaper than ever, and jobs at traditional companies, especially for new graduates, are tough to find. Whether you recently founded a new startup, or if you’re just considering working for an existing one, it is important to understand both the huge challenges and exciting rewards that lie ahead. I still have decades of kn...
December 31, 1969
On an Unsustainable Path
Earlier this year, FreeEnterprise.com editor Greg Galdabini moderated a Google+ Hangout with policy experts on soaring deficits and debts spurred by excessive government spending. Below is an excerpt of that discussion. FE: Marty, do you think that we can grow our way out of the current fiscal crisis, that is to say, do nothing and hope that our growing economy will produce enough increased revenu...
December 31, 1969
Industries That Will Define the 21st Century: New Fuels
This is part 3 of a series looking at emerging industries. This post first appeared on the Forum for Innovation blog. Inventions today lead to the industries of tomorrow. Today’s emerging technologies let us peek at which applications and solutions will define business in the ensuing decades. Several nascent areas are particularly fascinating; in this post, we take a look at new fuels. New Fuels...
December 31, 1969
Your Content Marketing Toolkit
Content marketing—the strategy of creating and distributing content to a targeted audience—is all the buzz. It can be very effective for your business because it provides valuable information targeted to your prospects’ and customers’ interests and needs. It engages without including a direct marketing message or selling, thereby positioning the company as a thought leader. But if you’re...
December 31, 1969
Your Content Marketing Toolkit
Content marketing—the strategy of creating and distributing content to a targeted audience—is all the buzz. It can be very effective for your business because it provides valuable information targeted to your prospects’ and customers’ interests and needs. It engages without including a direct marketing message or selling, thereby positioning the company as a thought leader. But if you’re...
December 31, 1969
The Truth About Corporate Tax Burdens
Yesterday, the Washington Post ran an article about companies and their tax burdens. Unfortunately, the Post missed some key points in its story. First, let’s consider the difference between marginal tax rates and effective tax rates. Sadly, because of our outdated and antiquated tax system, we are top of the heap on both of those. With regard to the marginal corporate tax rate, the amount of ta...
December 31, 1969
Top Aviation CEOs Share Industry Lessons, Outlook at Chamber Summit
While the aviation industry has weathered the recession and is on pace to be profitable this year, it still faces too many taxes and regulations, unstable energy prices, and an outdated air traffic control system, according to top industry CEOs speaking at the U.S. Chamber’s 12th Annual Aviation Summit (Watch the webcast). Kicking off the March 28 event, U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue held a...
December 31, 1969
Top Aviation CEOs Share Industry Lessons, Outlook at Chamber Summit
While the aviation industry has weathered the recession and is on pace to be profitable this year, it still faces too many taxes and regulations, unstable energy prices, and an outdated air traffic control system, according to top industry CEOs speaking at the U.S. Chamber’s 12th Annual Aviation Summit (Watch the webcast). Kicking off the March 28 event, U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue held a...
December 31, 1969
The Sky’s the Limit for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have gone from Hollywood villain to weapon of war to the subject of a 13-hour Senate filibuster. In the future, they could be put to use buzzing over farmland, looking for oil and natural resources, or even moving goods and people through the skies. This technology has divided the country. On the one hand, many fear Skynet-controlled UAVs conquering huma...
December 31, 1969
Top Aviation CEOs Share Industry Lessons, Outlook at Chamber Summit
While the aviation industry has weathered the recession and is on pace to be profitable this year, it still faces too many taxes and regulations, unstable energy prices, and an outdated air traffic control system, according to top industry CEOs speaking at the U.S. Chamber’s 12th Annual Aviation Summit (Watch the webcast). Kicking off the March 28 event, U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue held a...
December 31, 1969
Controlling Burn Out
We are all familiar with burn out. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, this natural reaction inevitably finds us when we are overwhelmed from the large amount of responsibilities on our plates. We can’t cut down our responsibilities, but we can decrease our chances of becoming a victim to burn out. I have been presenting on the matter of burn out for many years. Twenty years ago I walked int...
December 31, 1969
Controlling Burn Out
We are all familiar with burn out. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, this natural reaction inevitably finds us when we are overwhelmed from the large amount of responsibilities on our plates. We can’t cut down our responsibilities, but we can decrease our chances of becoming a victim to burn out. I have been presenting on the matter of burn out for many years. Twenty years ago I walked int...
December 31, 1969
How To: 12 Ways to Keep Your Team on Task (Without Micromanaging)
YEC QUESTION: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR STARTUP TEAM ON TASK WITHOUT BECOMING A MICROMANAGER? Keep Up the Weekly Meetings "I meet with my team members once a week to discuss progress over the past week and projects for the next week. We work together to discuss priorities and deadlines. We keep the projects short, taking no longer than 1-2 weeks each, so each team member can always see the finish line...
December 31, 1969
Customize Your Free Enterprise Experience With the New App
The My Free Enterprise app—available for iPhone, iPad, and Android—is your home for free market news and ideas. It’s a streamlined, interactive way to read FreeEnterprise.com's award-winning content on the issues facing business and perspectives from entrepreneurs and policy leaders—all that in addition to original videos, photos, and infographics. What makes the My Free Enterprise App d...
December 31, 1969
How To: 12 Ways to Keep Your Team on Task (Without Micromanaging)
YEC QUESTION: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR STARTUP TEAM ON TASK WITHOUT BECOMING A MICROMANAGER? Keep Up the Weekly Meetings "I meet with my team members once a week to discuss progress over the past week and projects for the next week. We work together to discuss priorities and deadlines. We keep the projects short, taking no longer than 1-2 weeks each, so each team member can always see the finish line...
December 31, 1969
Customize Your Free Enterprise Experience With the New App
The My Free Enterprise app—available for iPhone, iPad, and Android—is your home for free market news and ideas. It’s a streamlined, interactive way to read FreeEnterprise.com's award-winning content on the issues facing business and perspectives from entrepreneurs and policy leaders—all that in addition to original videos, photos, and infographics. What makes the My Free Enterprise App d...
December 31, 1969
Customize Your Free Enterprise Experience With the New App
The My Free Enterprise app—available for iPhone, iPad, and Android—is your home for free market news and ideas. It’s a streamlined, interactive way to read FreeEnterprise.com's award-winning content on the issues facing business and perspectives from entrepreneurs and policy leaders—all that in addition to original videos, photos, and infographics. What makes the My Free Enterprise App d...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Aviation CEOs Shed Light on Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges facing the airlines and its manufacturers? FreeEnterprise.com asked the CEOs of some of the industry’s biggest players. See our other stories on the Aviation Summit here and here....
December 31, 1969
Businesses Say Texting While Driving Can Wait
Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for their employees, but they also want to make sure their employees are safe outside of the workplace as well. That’s why many of them are getting behind an effort to stop texting while driving. In 2010, 3,092 people were killed and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. The U....
December 31, 1969
5 Reasons Why We Need Tax and Entitlements Reform
We’re living with a sluggish economy that isn’t creating enough jobs for the millions looking for work. At the same time, federal budget deficits, driven by Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, add to an ever-rising national debt. These economic and fiscal challenges call for comprehensive reforms. Here are five reasons why we need tax and entitlements reform: America can’t tax its way t...
December 31, 1969
IRS: Dirty Dozen Tax Scams Threaten Your Business
Crossposted from Small Business Trends You’ve worked hard on your business, and don’t want all that hard work destroyed by scammers aimed at draining your company of profits and cash flow. Identity theft continues to lead the Internal Revenue Service’s annual Dirty Dozen list of scams perpetrated on individuals and businesses. The IRS issued its yearly list this week as tax preparation sea...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Aviation CEOs Shed Light on Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges facing the airlines and its manufacturers? FreeEnterprise.com asked the CEOs of some of the industry’s biggest players. See our other stories on the Aviation Summit here and here....
December 31, 1969
The Long Road to Market – Consumer Products Rooted in Healthcare Innovation
Samsung’s newest smartphone is eye catching and not just for its hardware. Consumers are excited about a new feature that tracks the user’s eye movement to determine when and where to scroll the screen. This innovation is generating a lot of excitement, but Samsung cannot claim all the credit. Innovation breeds more innovation, and many of the technologies consumers enjoy today have their ro...
December 31, 1969
Utah is Uber Friendly for Small Business
Utah, the Beehive State, known for breathtaking scenery, the Winter Olympics, and a Great Salt Lake, is also a great place to run a small business, according to the second-annual Thumbtack.com Small Business Friendliness Survey. In partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, Thumbtack.com, a website for local business hiring, asked almost 8,000 small businesses in a variety of industries to rate st...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform
Most Americans associate April with filing their taxes, so this month I’ll be writing a series of posts that take a close look at the tax code and why we need to reform it. In this first post, I outline the U.S. Chamber’s tax reform principles. First, we need comprehensive reform that addresses both the individual and corporate codes at the same time. By lowering rates for both corporations an...
December 31, 1969
HOW TO: A Case for Open-Book Management
There are several rules everyone tells you to follow when you say you’re starting a business. Don’t do business with friends, don’t make business emotional, and don’t share your finances with others, just to name a few. Well many years later, I have a successful and growing business, and I am proud to say I ignored all those rules. Open-book management has a different meaning to me than t...
December 31, 1969
Entrepreneurship Saves Africa
This article first appeared in Business Horizon Quarterly, a publication of the Forum for Innovation. The terrorist attack and hostage crisis in Algeria and the conflict with Islamist insurgents in Mali have spotlighted the security problems that bedevil troubled hotspots in Africa. Behind these tragic and troubling events, however, a more encouraging phenomenon is emerging—the breakthrough of A...
December 31, 1969
HOW TO: A Case for Open-Book Management
There are several rules everyone tells you to follow when you say you’re starting a business. Don’t do business with friends, don’t make business emotional, and don’t share your finances with others, just to name a few. Well many years later, I have a successful and growing business, and I am proud to say I ignored all those rules. Open-book management has a different meaning to me than t...
December 31, 1969
7 Timesaving Technologies for Every Business
The adage “time is money” is never more true than when applied to the multi-tasking days of business owners. That’s why software and app developers have flooded the market with products to help entrepreneurs use their time as productively as possible. Here, two tech consultants share some of the applications on which they and their teams rely: 1. Spend more time listening, less time taking ...
December 31, 1969
7 Timesaving Technologies for Every Business
The adage “time is money” is never more true than when applied to the multi-tasking days of business owners. That’s why software and app developers have flooded the market with products to help entrepreneurs use their time as productively as possible. Here, two tech consultants share some of the applications on which they and their teams rely: 1. Spend more time listening, less time taking ...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: Revenue Scoring
When one thinks of tax reform, the word “dynamic” probably isn’t what comes to mind. But it should. At the center of the tax reform debate is the question of whether particular “tax expenditures” and “loopholes” would reduce or increase government revenues if they were changed. Currently, a “static” method of scoring is used to determine costs and revenues. This method assumes th...
December 31, 1969
Calling Washington! Survey Finds 80% of Small Businesses Back Tax Reform
Hey, Washington, small businesses demand tax reform. In the U.S. Chamber’s first Small Business Outlook Survey for 2013, a huge majority (79%) support comprehensive tax reform, with 54% strongly supporting it. That’s the kind of support for popular stuff like grandma, apple pie, and puppies. Also of note, 76% of small businesses surveyed said they're organized as pass-through entities (thin...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: How are you preparing your tax return this year?
December 31, 1969
5 Pieces of Advice for Entrepreneurial MBAs
Crossposted from YEC For entrepreneurs, business school presents a unique set of choices and opportunities that can drastically alter a founder’s chance of success — for better or worse. I founded Troop ID while I was an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School in February of 2010. And while today we employ 17 people and sign up nearly 1,000 new members daily, our path to success would have ...
December 31, 1969
5 Pieces of Advice for Entrepreneurial MBAs
Crossposted from YEC For entrepreneurs, business school presents a unique set of choices and opportunities that can drastically alter a founder’s chance of success — for better or worse. I founded Troop ID while I was an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School in February of 2010. And while today we employ 17 people and sign up nearly 1,000 new members daily, our path to success would have ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Why We Need Tax, Entitlement Reforms
The Chamber's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President Marty Regalia tells us in two minutes what we should do to get a handle on the debt and deficit and our antiquated tax system.
December 31, 1969
Stasis Quo: “Little Changed” in Jobs Report; Unemployment Rate at 7.6%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that only 88,000 net new jobs were created in March. We now can look at job creation for the first quarter of 2013. After adjusting the January and February job numbers upward, BLS finds that an average of 168,000 jobs per month have been created in 2013. If you plug that number into The Hamilton Project’s jobs gap calculator, you’ll find that it will take ...
December 31, 1969
Manufacturing Drives Innovation
Scott Andes and Mark Muro of the Brookings Institution point out that the American manufacturing sector is critical for innovation and global competitiveness: Simply put, advanced manufacturing is the U.S. pipeline for new products and productivity-enhancing processes. While the sector makes up just 11 percent of the economy, manufacturers conduct 68 percent of private sector R&D, as reported by o...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Fiscal Policy 'Is a Mess'
The Chamber's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President Marty Regalia tells us in two minutes what we should do to get a handle on the debt and deficit and our antiquated tax system.
December 31, 1969
The Week That Was – April 5, 2013
Here are the most widely read FreeEnterprise.com stories for the week ending April 5: Playing 'Mad Libs' on Infrastructure – While POLITICO and a few members of Congress may be skeptical of America’s “crumbling” infrastructure, the Chamber’s Janet Kovinoky helps visualize just how badly we need to invest in America’s roads, public transportation, railroads, and ports. Why We Need Tax R...
December 31, 1969
We Need Spending Restraint, Not Tax Hikes
As Tax Day looms, American families and employers are keenly aware of the deep cut the government is taking out of their household incomes and hard-earned profits. A heavy tax burden means that consumers have less to spend in the economy and businesses have less for hiring, expanding, and investing. When taxes go up, the rate of economic growth goes down. And even though economic growth is what we...
December 31, 1969
Margaret Thatcher: Champion of Free Enterprise
With the passing of the Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the world has lost a champion of free enterprise and freedom. Lady Thatcher, a grocer’s daughter, became the first woman leader of Britain’s Conservative Party as well as its first woman Prime Minister. Much has been written about her vital role in helping win the Cold War, but I want to focus on her proud belief in free enterprise. Thatcher,...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restoration
This is part of a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial properties dam...
December 31, 1969
But that's Not What I Asked For
Q. “Is this gluten free?” A. “All of our dishes are prepared fresh daily using only the finest ingredients” Q. “How much does that cost?” A. “Our competitive rates guarantee you a quick ROI.” While either one of these answers would be considered a good value statement, not one of them answers the question they are responding to. Is this what is happening on your website? If you...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restoration
This is part of a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial properties dam...
December 31, 1969
But that's Not What I Asked For
Q. “Is this gluten free?” A. “All of our dishes are prepared fresh daily using only the finest ingredients” Q. “How much does that cost?” A. “Our competitive rates guarantee you a quick ROI.” While either one of these answers would be considered a good value statement, not one of them answers the question they are responding to. Is this what is happening on your website? If you...
December 31, 1969
Increasing Social Security Benefits is Not the Answer
What do you do with a program that’s unsustainable and about to start hemorrhaging cash? If you’re Ezra Klein, the Washington Post’s economic policy blogger, you call for more spending. He argues that because one of Social Security’s crises is “It’s not generous enough to counteract the sorry state of retirement savings nationwide” the solution should be “We need to make Social Sec...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restorations
This is the first in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial propertie...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restorations
This is the first in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial propertie...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: High Business Taxes
This is part three of a monthlong blog post series on tax reform. Comprehensive tax reform must lower tax rates for all businesses – C corporations and pass-through entities. Why? At 35%, the United States has the world’s highest marginal corporate tax rate. Unfortunately, last week, it wasn’t an April Fool’s Day joke when we celebrated a year with this dubious distinction. As I noted a ...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Larsen Dye Associates Architects
This is the second in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southwest & South Central: Larsen Dye Associates Architects Larsen Dye Associates Architects is a commercial architecture design firm in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area dedica...
December 31, 1969
Four Ways to Conquer Your Fears and Take Greater Risks
As entrepreneurs, we’re used to being questioned about everything we do. Perhaps it’s one reason we became entrepreneurs in the first place — to prove that we’re better off doing whatever everyone else thinks we shouldn’t. In fact, you could argue that being an entrepreneur is less about building a business and making money, and more about having the power to shape your own destiny. Spe...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Larsen Dye Associates Architects
This is the second in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southwest & South Central: Larsen Dye Associates Architects Larsen Dye Associates Architects is a commercial architecture design firm in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area dedica...
December 31, 1969
Four Ways to Conquer Your Fears and Take Greater Risks
As entrepreneurs, we’re used to being questioned about everything we do. Perhaps it’s one reason we became entrepreneurs in the first place — to prove that we’re better off doing whatever everyone else thinks we shouldn’t. In fact, you could argue that being an entrepreneur is less about building a business and making money, and more about having the power to shape your own destiny. Spe...
December 31, 1969
Small Business Owners Tell Congress to Reform the Tax Code
Small business owners are making it loud and clear that they want comprehensive tax reform. The House Small Business Committee heard from small businesses on the need for a simpler tax code. As Committee Chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) stated, small businesses “have consistently asked for simplification of the tax code and reduced tax rates, both for corporations and individuals.” The commit...
December 31, 1969
Love to Travel? 7 Startup Jobs for You
The Young Entrepreneurs Council asked 7 start-up leaders what jobs they are looking to fill that involve a lot of travel. COMMUNITY EVANGELIST "A lot of startups need someone to represent them at conferences and other events. The best pick is often some sort of community evangelist (although the job title can vary dramatically). But no matter what job you're initially hired for, you can make yours...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Larsen Dye Associates Architects
This is the second in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southwest & South Central: Larsen Dye Associates Architects Larsen Dye Associates Architects is a commercial architecture design firm in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area dedica...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restorations
This is the first in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial propertie...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Larsen Dye Associates Architects
This is the second in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southwest & South Central: Larsen Dye Associates Architects Larsen Dye Associates Architects is a commercial architecture design firm in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area dedica...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Berks Fire Water Restorations
This is the first in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Great Lakes Region: Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. specializes in the restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial propertie...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: Double Taxation of Foreign Profits
This is part four in a monthlong series on tax reform. Clickat the bottom of the page to read the other posts. Not only does the United States suffer from the highest corporate tax rate in the world, but it is the only major industrialized OECD country that continues to employ a worldwide system of taxation. To say we are an outlier would be an epic understatement. Comprehensive tax reform under c...
December 31, 1969
President’s Budget: Two Months Late and Trillions of Dollars Short
The Obama fiscal year 2014 proposed budget is not just a day late and a dollar short – it is two months late and trillions of dollars short. The budget calls for more spending and more taxation than the Congressional Budget Office baseline, and though the budget maintains a debt-to-GDP ratio of 73% ten years from now, that's only because of dramatic increases in taxes and overly optimistic econo...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore
This is the third in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Eastern Region: Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore operates two retail pet supply stores in Rochester, New York, providing healthy pet foods, toys, and ...
December 31, 1969
Should You Hire Remote Workers?
Log on to a site like Odesk.com and you’ll quickly see profiles for the tens of thousands of workers based around the globe, ready to hire out their services for as little as $.50/hour. A few easy mental calculations reveal that this hourly rate works out to just $20/week and $1,020/year for a full-time staff member – numbers that sound awfully appealing compared to standard Western salary a...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: If you were able to hire today, which of the following would you be more likely to hire?
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore
This is the third in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Eastern Region: Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore operates two retail pet supply stores in Rochester, New York, providing healthy pet foods, toys, and ...
December 31, 1969
Should You Hire Remote Workers?
Log on to a site like Odesk.com and you’ll quickly see profiles for the tens of thousands of workers based around the globe, ready to hire out their services for as little as $.50/hour. A few easy mental calculations reveal that this hourly rate works out to just $20/week and $1,020/year for a full-time staff member – numbers that sound awfully appealing compared to standard Western salary a...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: This is No Horror Movie. It's Our Tax Code.
It creeps up on you when you least expect it. It strikes fear into the hearts of small business owners everywhere. It lurks on the calendar, waiting to consume your time, energy and good humor. It’s…it’s…TAX DAY. That’s right. Monday is April 15, Tax Day. So many of you will undoubtedly be spending your weekend trying to navigate a complicated tax code that hurts job creation, stymies ec...
December 31, 1969
Tax Day Adds to the Monday Blues
Do you have the Monday blues? Are you bummed that a weekend full of dramatic golf, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, and (if you live in the right parts of the country) great spring weather had to end? Or are you blue because you’re one of millions of other Americans racing to file their tax returns? Gallup released a poll showing that Americans have the income tax blues. It found that 50% of Americans...
December 31, 1969
Taxes: Who Pays What
It seems that whenever we debate taxes or ways to reduce the deficit, the notion that “the rich should pay more” comes up. Whether it be the president or certain Democratic senators, someone always seems to be suggesting this is the answer to our country’s fiscal woes. In fact, it’s not. If we were to enact a “Buffett rule,” we would have enough money to run the government for a whop...
December 31, 1969
Repealing the Medical Device Tax is a No-BRAIN-er
President Obama’s Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative to map the human brain’s functions is a bold idea that could transform how our understanding of the brain and could lead to cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Yet, according to Dr. Gregory Sorensen CEO of Siemens Healthcare, the BRAIN Initiative will be tied down by the medi...
December 31, 1969
Part I: Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business
You are ready to grow, have the resources to spend and want to purchase an ongoing business concern. Especially now, the present economy offers many delectable opportunities. Many businesses are being offered at lower prices due to recent drops in sales. If you have cash, or access to financing, that puts you in an enviable position. The decrease in availability of credit has caused a slump in bus...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Praetorian Group
This is the fourth in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Western Regional Finalist: Praetorian Group Founded in 1999, the Praetorian Group provides online resources and cutting-edge information to first responders to help them stay safe...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Praetorian Group
This is the fourth in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Western Regional Finalist: Praetorian Group Founded in 1999, the Praetorian Group provides online resources and cutting-edge information to first responders to help them stay safe...
December 31, 1969
Part I: Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business
You are ready to grow, have the resources to spend and want to purchase an ongoing business concern. Especially now, the present economy offers many delectable opportunities. Many businesses are being offered at lower prices due to recent drops in sales. If you have cash, or access to financing, that puts you in an enviable position. The decrease in availability of credit has caused a slump in bus...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: Depreciation
This is part five in a monthlong series on tax reform. Click at the bottom of the page to read the other posts in the series. In a recent blog post, we explained why comprehensive tax reform must lower tax rates for businesses, including both C corporations and pass through entities. But lowering the tax rate is not all that is required for pro-growth tax reform. Among other things, we need approp...
December 31, 1969
Guess Who Isn't Paying Taxes?
Note: This post originally appeared on the Global Intellectual Property Center's blog. While most of us begrudgingly stood in line at the post office yesterday to send in our checks to Uncle Sam, there are others who, well, did not. And it’s not because they couldn’t. Some of these tax-adverse “entrepreneurs” raked in anywhere from $120,000 to $10 million, and even $100 million through ill...
December 31, 1969
Chamber Honors Pro-Business Lawmakers
The U.S. Chamber awarded 300 House and Senate members with its annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 112th Congress. “In the face of high-stakes politics and difficult choices, legislators from both parties provided America’s job creators with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the...
December 31, 1969
Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business, Part 1
You are ready to grow, have the resources to spend and want to purchase an ongoing business concern. Especially now, the present economy offers many delectable opportunities. Many businesses are being offered at lower prices due to recent drops in sales. If you have cash, or access to financing, that puts you in an enviable position. The decrease in availability of credit has caused a slump in bus...
December 31, 1969
Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business, Part 1
You are ready to grow, have the resources to spend and want to purchase an ongoing business concern. Especially now, the present economy offers many delectable opportunities. Many businesses are being offered at lower prices due to recent drops in sales. If you have cash, or access to financing, that puts you in an enviable position. The decrease in availability of credit has caused a slump in bus...
December 31, 1969
What's in a Domain Name?
When creating a company website, many small businesses defer to their “Web person” on the address. “Oh, JanesFlowers.com isn’t available? OK, JanesFlowers2.com is fine.” NO! NO! NO! Seemingly trivial, your URL is critical. Don’t let it be an afterthought; make this decision an integral facet of your planning and branding. After all, not only will your domain be printed on your business...
December 31, 1969
What's in a Domain Name?
When creating a company website, many small businesses defer to their “Web person” on the address. “Oh, JanesFlowers.com isn’t available? OK, JanesFlowers2.com is fine.” NO! NO! NO! Seemingly trivial, your URL is critical. Don’t let it be an afterthought; make this decision an integral facet of your planning and branding. After all, not only will your domain be printed on your business...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Rapoport's Restaurant Group
This is the fifth part in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southeast Region: Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Management Company is responsible for 181 employees at three restaurants and a sandwich shop all l...
December 31, 1969
Diary of a New Small Business Owner: Choosing the Right Business to Purchase
This is the second in a series of posts from a first-time small business owner sharing his experiences and lessons learned. Read Bobby's first post here. In the months before leaving my job at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., I consulted many people about my hopes of becoming a small business owner. I spoke with friends, family, former supervisors, a few colleagues, and small busi...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Rapoport's Restaurant Group
This is the fifth part in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Southeast Region: Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Rapoport’s Restaurant Group Management Company is responsible for 181 employees at three restaurants and a sandwich shop all l...
December 31, 1969
Diary of a New Small Business Owner: Choosing the Right Business to Purchase
This is the second in a series of posts from a first-time small business owner sharing his experiences and lessons learned. Read Bobby's first post here. In the months before leaving my job at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., I consulted many people about my hopes of becoming a small business owner. I spoke with friends, family, former supervisors, a few colleagues, and small busi...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: Investment Taxes
This is part six in a monthlong series on tax reform. Click at the bottom of the page to read the other posts in the series. The Chamber has long suggested that investment taxes should be minimized. But why? Consider capital gains tax rates. Individual capital gains rates, which were raised by the health care reform and fiscal cliff laws, currently top out at 23.8%. The corporate capital gains rat...
December 31, 1969
Happy Tax Freedom Day!
Congratulations, America. Today marks the first day of the year that we get to keep the money we’ve earned for ourselves instead of it going to pay federal, state, and local taxes. The Tax Foundation, who determines when Tax Freedom Day falls each year, estimates that “Americans will pay $2.76 trillion in federal taxes and $1.45 trillion in state taxes, for a total tax bill of $4.22 trillion...
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Get Fewer Emails (Finally)
Crossposted from The Young Entrepreneur Council. This probably isn’t the first article you’ve read about taming the email beast. You know all about categorizing, filtering, batching your time, etc., etc. But no matter how savvy your email system is, managing your inbox is still attacking the symptom, not the problem. What if you just got less email to start with? WAY less email? Think about i...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: Do you see a return on investment from your company’s social media activities?
December 31, 1969
5 Ways to Get Fewer Emails (Finally)
Crossposted from The Young Entrepreneur Council. This probably isn’t the first article you’ve read about taming the email beast. You know all about categorizing, filtering, batching your time, etc., etc. But no matter how savvy your email system is, managing your inbox is still attacking the symptom, not the problem. What if you just got less email to start with? WAY less email? Think about i...
December 31, 1969
Hiring Teens
Soon, teenagers by the millions will be seeking summer jobs – the vast majority at small businesses coast to coast. An estimated 18 million U.S. teens will work this year, one of the highest totals in the developed world. Speaking as a parent of teens, this is a good thing. But the U.S. Department of Labor’s take on teens seems closer to a line in the My Chemical Romance song “Teenagers...
December 31, 1969
Hiring Teens
Soon, teenagers by the millions will be seeking summer jobs – the vast majority at small businesses coast to coast. An estimated 18 million U.S. teens will work this year, one of the highest totals in the developed world. Speaking as a parent of teens, this is a good thing. But the U.S. Department of Labor’s take on teens seems closer to a line in the My Chemical Romance song “Teenagers...
December 31, 1969
Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business, Part II
This is the second of a two-part series. Read the first article here. Last week we started with a couple common sense items entrepreneurs must consider when looking to purchase a business and I gave out 2 of the 10 things usually not reviewed. Let’s finish this up. 3. Employee handbooks are often overlooked when reviewing the human resources aspect of a business, and yet they are vital in prote...
December 31, 1969
What Small Businesses Want …
America’s 27 million small businesses represent 99% of U.S. employers and account for three-quarters of all new jobs created. The smallest of businesses stand to make the biggest impact on economic growth and job creation. In order to remain a powerful collective engine for growth, small businesses need a little help from Washington. A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey of small business o...
December 31, 1969
Things Commonly Overlooked Before Buying a Business, Part II
This is the second of a two-part series. Read the first article here. Last week we started with a couple common sense items entrepreneurs must consider when looking to purchase a business and I gave out 2 of the 10 things usually not reviewed. Let’s finish this up. 3. Employee handbooks are often overlooked when reviewing the human resources aspect of a business, and yet they are vital in prote...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Sen. McConnell Says No More Votes on Tax Hikes
Don't fault American taxpayers for feeling as though they are under siege. At the beginning of the year, Congress passed a $600 billion tax hike as part of the fiscal cliff deal. President Obama followed that up by unveiling a budget proposal calling for an additional $1 trillion in taxes over 10 years. Not wanting to be left out, the deficit-cutting duo of Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles released...
December 31, 1969
Disinterest With Interest
Although it cannot be verified, financier Baron Rothschild is credited with saying that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. Most of us are at least vaguely familiar with the concept by which our savings earn interest, which is then added to the principal so that in successive periods we earn interest on our interest—we earn compound interest. If you put away $100 at 10% interest...
December 31, 1969
Building an App? 5 Questions to Ask Your Mobile Developer
This post originally appeared on the author’s blog and is cross-posted from the Young Entrepreneur Council. Many companies are jumping into the world of mobile digital applications in an effort to attract more customers, and to build better relationships with the ones they already have. In most cases, that means hiring a mobile development company to design and build the app. Like any busine...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Rich Duncan Construction Inc.
This is the sixth part in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for the 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Northwest Regional Finalist: Rich Duncan Construction, Inc. Rich Duncan Construction, Inc. was founded in 2002 with a tool belt, a pickup truck, and $5,000, according to Ri...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Rich Duncan Construction Inc.
This is the sixth part in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for the 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Northwest Regional Finalist: Rich Duncan Construction, Inc. Rich Duncan Construction, Inc. was founded in 2002 with a tool belt, a pickup truck, and $5,000, according to Ri...
December 31, 1969
Building an App? 5 Questions to Ask Your Mobile Developer
This post originally appeared on the author’s blog and is cross-posted from the Young Entrepreneur Council. Many companies are jumping into the world of mobile digital applications in an effort to attract more customers, and to build better relationships with the ones they already have. In most cases, that means hiring a mobile development company to design and build the app. Like any busine...
December 31, 1969
Medical Device Tax Hurts Innovation, Jobs
In December 2012, Christine Jacobs, CEO of Theragenics Corp., wrote President Obama to explain why her company would begin shifting manufacturing of surgical and cancer treatment devices to Costa Rica. The reason for the move: the 2.3% tax on medical devices in the president’s controversial 2010 health care law would make it difficult to maintain operations in the United States, Jacobs argued. ...
December 31, 1969
Why We Need Tax Reform: Uncertainty and Complexity
This is part seven in a monthlong series on tax reform. Click at the bottom of the page to read the other posts in the series. According to a recent U.S. Chamber survey, 87% of small businesses are looking for more certainty from Washington. In my personal experience speaking to state and local chambers, it’s the number one concern I hear – how can businesses hire, purchase assets, and increas...
December 31, 1969
Brewed Success: Sam Adams Founder on 'Morning Joe'
The Boston Beer Company’s Jim Koch joined MNBC’s "Morning Joe" this morning to discuss his Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program, which provides micro-financing, coaching, and mentoring to small business owners in the food, beverage, craft brewing, and hospitality industries. “When I started, there were some things I wished I had access to and didn’t,” Koch told Free Enterpris...
December 31, 1969
How to Make a Strong First Impression at Your Next Meeting
One of the greatest things about being a young entrepreneur is getting to learn from other, more seasoned entrepreneurs. One such fellow entrepreneur I know is Teresa Garland, Managing Partner at Intelligender, who always seems to know how to leave a lasting impression. Recently, I asked her for her best advice for making a strong impression in a first meeting. Here are her top 5 tips: 1. Yes, wh...
December 31, 1969
How to Make a Strong First Impression at Your Next Meeting
One of the greatest things about being a young entrepreneur is getting to learn from other, more seasoned entrepreneurs. One such fellow entrepreneur I know is Teresa Garland, Managing Partner at Intelligender, who always seems to know how to leave a lasting impression. Recently, I asked her for her best advice for making a strong impression in a first meeting. Here are her top 5 tips: 1. Yes, wh...
December 31, 1969
Who Wins with Oil and Gas Industry Profits? Government.
At a Politico event on taxes and energy, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) again pushed the idea that the tax code stacks the deck in favor of oil and gas companies. She said, “We made a policy decision to pick a winner. We picked a winner. They [oil and gas] won. And they’ve been doing great.” She follows in the shadow of President Obama who in his latest budget wants to slap higher taxes on ...
December 31, 1969
Toy or Tool: Google Alerts
Long before we had computers we had something called a “clipping service.” Companies would comb newspapers and magazines for mentions of a business and send the client binders full of “clips.” Professionals and companies could keep track of their public reputations and what was being said about them in mass media. Fast-forward to the Google era… A Google Alert is a notice that comes dir...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Superior Service Center
This is the final installment in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for the 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. Scroll down to read profiles of the other finalists. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Midwest: Superior Service Center Superior Service Center is an automotive facility, providing both mechanical ...
December 31, 1969
Small Business of the Year Regional Finalist: Superior Service Center
This is the final installment in a series profiling the seven regional finalists for the 2013 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. Scroll down to read profiles of the other finalists. The winner will be announced on April 30 at America's Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Midwest: Superior Service Center Superior Service Center is an automotive facility, providing both mechanical ...
December 31, 1969
Toy or Tool: Google Alerts
Long before we had computers we had something called a “clipping service.” Companies would comb newspapers and magazines for mentions of a business and send the client binders full of “clips.” Professionals and companies could keep track of their public reputations and what was being said about them in mass media. Fast-forward to the Google era… A Google Alert is a notice that comes dir...
December 31, 1969
After Tax Reform: Transition
This is the final installment of an 8-part series on comprehensive tax reform. Scroll to the bottom to read the other posts. My co-worker and U.S Chamber Chief Tax Policy Counsel Caroline Harris recently posted that the United States should switch to a territorial system of tax. There’s another important “T” word in comprehensive tax reform that you don’t hear much about: transition. It is...
December 31, 1969
Raisin Farmers Take Their Case to the U.S. Supreme Court
It’s mid-March, and Marvin and Laura Hornes’ 20-acre vineyard in Central California is in full bloom. But instead of tending to his next raisin crop, Marvin Horne is about to jump aboard a flight to Washington, D.C., to defend himself against a government assault that has been going on for more than 10 years. “It’s been a long and arduous journey trying to fight these guys just to sell our...
December 31, 1969
Made in America: Manufacturing Was Fastest-Growing Industry in 2012
A few weeks ago, Time magazine ran a cover story on America’s manufacturing renaissance: Made in the USA is making a comeback. Climbing out of the recession, the U.S. has seen its manufacturing growth outpace that of other advanced nations, with some 500,000 jobs created in the past three years. It marks the first time in more than a decade that the number of factory jobs has gone up instead of ...
December 31, 1969
The Disappearing Workforce
On April 5, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced monthly unemployment had posted a slight decline from February to March, from 7.7 to 7.6 percent. At a glance, it might have appeared the recovery was making progress, with the jobless rate at last nudging downward. But a closer look at the numbers reveals the “improvement” in the jobs numbers is largely the result of a shrinking labor...
December 31, 1969
7 Steps to Raising Startup Money From a Family Member
Crossposted from the Young Entrepreneur Council. My family immigrated from Lima, Peru to the United States before I was born to give me a shot at the American dream. I owe everything I’ve achieved so far to my parents, which is why it’s my goal to support them financially as they get older. Somewhat paradoxically, to achieve this goal, I raised $5,000 from my mom to start an online affilia...
December 31, 1969
7 Steps to Raising Startup Money From a Family Member
Crossposted from the Young Entrepreneur Council. My family immigrated from Lima, Peru to the United States before I was born to give me a shot at the American dream. I owe everything I’ve achieved so far to my parents, which is why it’s my goal to support them financially as they get older. Somewhat paradoxically, to achieve this goal, I raised $5,000 from my mom to start an online affilia...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Need to Get Online and Understand Their Audience
The Internet may be ubiquitous, but small businesses are still challenged to make online work for them. At a break-out session at the America’s Small Business Summit, experts dished out advice about online and social media strategies. Soo Young Kim, marketing head for Google’s Get Your Business Online noted that 58% of small businesses do not have websites despite the fact that “1 in 4 searc...
December 31, 1969
Is Your Small Business Prepared for a Disaster?
Most small businesses are ill prepared for a disaster, yet there are simple, inexpensive steps they can take to mitigate the damage, according to experts who spoke at America's Small Business in Washington, D.C., on April 29. Seventy-one percent of 2,500 surveyed small businesses don't have a disaster preparedness plan, and 64% say they don't need one, according to Gerald McSwiggan, senior manag...
December 31, 1969
Eating an Elephant One Bite at a Time: Contracting 101
Fifty-five excited small business owners gathered at a breakout session at America's Small Business Summit to learn more about competing for government and corporate contracts. The breakout session prepared the small business owners for the TuesdayB2B National Procurement Matchmaking event, which will include one-on-one sessions with the buying aggents from more than 20 agencies and corporation...
December 31, 1969
How Does Your State Rank? Chamber Releases Enterprising States Report
The vitality of state economies, like that of the national economy, is directly tied to the success of thousands of small businesses. And state policymakers know this. Every state has policies and programs to encourage entrepreneurship and support small business development and expansion. Many states have introduced legislation or established programs to help startup companies, and many states hav...
December 31, 1969
Is Your Small Business Prepared for a Disaster?
Most small businesses are ill prepared for a disaster, yet there are simple, inexpensive steps they can take to mitigate the damage, according to experts who spoke at America's Small Business in Washington, D.C., on April 29. Seventy-one percent of 2,500 surveyed small businesses don't have a disaster preparedness plan, and 64% say they don't need one, according to Gerald McSwiggan, senior manag...
December 31, 1969
How Does Your State Rank? Chamber Releases Enterprising States Report
The vitality of state economies, like that of the national economy, is directly tied to the success of thousands of small businesses. And state policymakers know this. Every state has policies and programs to encourage entrepreneurship and support small business development and expansion. Many states have introduced legislation or established programs to help startup companies, and many states hav...
December 31, 1969
Small Businesses Need to Get Online and Understand Their Audience
The Internet may be ubiquitous, but small businesses are still challenged to make online work for them. At a break-out session at the America’s Small Business Summit, experts dished out advice about online and social media strategies. Soo Young Kim, marketing head for Google’s Get Your Business Online noted that 58% of small businesses do not have websites despite the fact that “1 in 4 searc...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What it Takes to be a Shark
Ever wonder how the sharks on ABC-TV's hit reality series Shark Tank made it big? Two of them, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, shared their tips with entrepreneurs and small business owners at America's Small Business Summit on April 29. Barbara Corcoran founded The Corcoran Group, a real estate brokerage, in 1973 and sold it for $66 million in 2001. Corcoran today is the real estate contri...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What it Takes to be a Shark
Ever wonder how the sharks on ABC-TV's hit reality series Shark Tank made it big? Two of them, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, shared their tips with entrepreneurs and small business owners at America's Small Business Summit on April 29. Barbara Corcoran founded The Corcoran Group, a real estate brokerage, in 1973 and sold it for $66 million in 2001. Corcoran today is the real estate contri...
December 31, 1969
Governors are Reforming Regulations and Cutting Taxes
At America’s Small Business Summit, Govs. Paul LePage (R-ME), Tom Corbett (R-PA), and Scott Walker (R-WI) discussed what their states are doing to create jobs and grow their state economies. Gov. Corbett summed up their work: “It’s the environment we create that helps make private sector jobs.” Regulatory reform and tax cuts top the list. Gov. LePage called regulatory reform "the singl...
December 31, 1969
U.S. Chamber President to Small Business: Make Your Voice Heard
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue jumpstarted day two of America's Small Business Summit by urging attendees to "tell our leaders what small businesses want and need to grow, compete, and succeed." The theme of this year's Summit is "Big Impact," and Donohue expanded on that theme: Running a small business is a big job. Many of you are the CEO, the CFO, the HR department, and the IT guy...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What it Takes to be a Shark
Ever wonder how the sharks on ABC-TV's hit reality series Shark Tank made it big? Two of them, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, shared their tips with entrepreneurs and small business owners at America's Small Business Summit on April 29. Barbara Corcoran founded The Corcoran Group, a real estate brokerage, in 1973 and sold it for $66 million in 2001. Corcoran today is the real estate contri...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What it Takes to be a Shark
Ever wonder how the sharks on ABC-TV's hit reality series Shark Tank made it big? Two of them, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, shared their tips with entrepreneurs and small business owners at America's Small Business Summit on April 29. Barbara Corcoran founded The Corcoran Group, a real estate brokerage, in 1973 and sold it for $66 million in 2001. Corcoran today is the real estate contri...
December 31, 1969
We Have a Winner: Praetorian Group
Praetorian Group was named the 2013 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award at America's Small Business Summit. Founded in 1999, the Praetorian Group provides online resources and cutting-edge information to first responders to help them stay safe and protect their communities. Praetorian owns and operates 25 websites focused on specific public safety markets, including firefighter rehabilitati...
December 31, 1969
Small Business Advisory Boards: Fill Your Knowledge Gaps
Small business owners would be the first to tell you that they don't have all the answers, but advisory boards can fill those knowledge gaps, according to a panel of speakers at America's Small Business Summit. Asking employees for input about such things as hiring and relocating the company will often produce advice that is in an employee's best interests and not necessarily the company's, says K...
December 31, 1969
Small Business Advisory Boards: Fill Your Knowledge Gaps
Small business owners would be the first to tell you that they don't have all the answers, but advisory boards can fill those knowledge gaps, according to a panel of speakers at America's Small Business Summit. Asking employees for input about such things as hiring and relocating the company will often produce advice that is in an employee's best interests and not necessarily the company's, says K...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Construction CEO Shares How She Overcame Stereotypes
Linda Alvarado knows a thing or two about overcoming gender stereotypes. The president and CEO of Alvarado Construction Inc. in Denver, Colorado, rose to the top of a male-dominated industry despite her encounters with sexism and made history as the first Hispanic (male or female) owner or co-owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies. Speaking at America's Small Business Sum...
December 31, 1969
Entrepreneurs Share How They Built It at Summit Panel
Five successful entrepreneurs at different stages of their companies’ development appeared at America’s Small Business Summit 2013 to talk about the future of startups, scaling their businesses, and branding for longevity. The Wall Street Journal's Small Business Editor Vanessa O’Connell moderated the Journal’s “How I Built It” panel discussion during the U.S. Chamber’s April 29-May ...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: Construction CEO Shares How She Overcame Stereotypes
Linda Alvarado knows a thing or two about overcoming gender stereotypes. The president and CEO of Alvarado Construction Inc. in Denver, Colorado, rose to the top of a male-dominated industry despite her encounters with sexism and made history as the first Hispanic (male or female) owner or co-owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies. Speaking at America's Small Business Sum...
December 31, 1969
500 Fairs and Counting
Last year we set an audacious goal. On the heels of conducting Hiring Our Heroes fairs in 100 cities and towns across America, our team said “Go big or go home” in our second year. And we took our grassroots campaign to 400 communities bringing employers together with talented veterans and military spouses. Jumping from 100 to 200 fairs would have been a challenge, but jumping all the way to 4...
December 31, 1969
How to Choose a Web Hosting Company
One of the first choices you’ll make when setting up a business website is which Web hosting company to use. A Web hosting company is the service that stores (or “hosts”) your small business’s site on its servers. Choose an inadequate host, and your website could crash at the worst possible time (like during the holiday shopping season, or the day your company gets mentioned on Good Mornin...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: What is preventing your business from tapping overseas markets?
December 31, 1969
How to Choose a Web Hosting Company
One of the first choices you’ll make when setting up a business website is which Web hosting company to use. A Web hosting company is the service that stores (or “hosts”) your small business’s site on its servers. Choose an inadequate host, and your website could crash at the worst possible time (like during the holiday shopping season, or the day your company gets mentioned on Good Mornin...
December 31, 1969
Detour: As Washington Dithers, States Seek New Course on Highway Funds
Frustrated by Washington, D.C.’s inability to address the nation’s infrastructure needs, some state governments are beginning to take matters into their own hands. In state capitals, Republicans and Democrats alike are awakening to the fact that their states still have significant construction and maintenance needs, even as federal government’s share of highway funds is likely to decline. "I...
December 31, 1969
Six Tips for Building Business Credit
What do established companies looking to expand and start-ups in the earliest planning stages have in common? They want access to money and credit without having to provide a personal guarantee. This sentiment is consistently and strongly expressed by entrepreneurs I work with. It’s no secret that building and expanding a business credit profile has become a greater challenge over the last few y...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States 2013 Report: Top Performers in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
This article is part of a series on Enterprising States, a study produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The study, along with a accompanying Enterprising States Dashboard, was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual America’s Small Business Summit, April 29, 2013. Small business is a driving force of the economy, accounting historically for about 64% of net new jobs. New and young...
December 31, 1969
HOW TO: 10 Tools That Simplify Startup Collaboration
Question: What's Your Favorite Digital Tool For Collaboration Or Brainstorming And Why? Producteev For Productive Collaboration "I highly recommend cross-platform tool Producteev for collaboration. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and fantastic for team members who are working on many projects at the same time with others. There is space to comment on projects to maximize productive collabo...
December 31, 1969
Six Tips for Building Business Credit
What do established companies looking to expand and start-ups in the earliest planning stages have in common? They want access to money and credit without having to provide a personal guarantee. This sentiment is consistently and strongly expressed by entrepreneurs I work with. It’s no secret that building and expanding a business credit profile has become a greater challenge over the last few y...
December 31, 1969
Bumper Crop: Is the U.S. Undergoing a Rural Renaissance?
Tom Vilsack, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, is unapologetically bullish on the rural economy of the United States. “Over the last 30 years, there has been nothing short of a miracle occurring in rural America,” Vilsack told a U.S. Chamber of Commerce agriculture forum in December. Indeed, various data points suggest Vilsack’s confidence in rural America is well founded—and signs of str...
December 31, 1969
Do We Need More Tax Revenue to Sustain Government Spending?
American families and employers are keenly aware of the deep cut that the government is taking out of their household incomes and hard-earned profits—especially during the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. A heavy tax burden means consumers have less of their income to spend in the economy and businesses have less for hiring, expansion, and investment. So when taxes go up, th...
December 31, 1969
11 Things To Do For Spring Marketing To Grow Your Business
It’s springtime – finally. Springtime triggers thoughts of cleaning – freshening up the house, yard and even digging into closets to rid yourself of heavy winter wear and cobwebs. Your business needs a springtime clean as well. Purge old files and records now that your taxes are filed; put things into storage, donate them or toss them out to make room to grow your business – maybe even cr...
December 31, 1969
11 Things To Do For Spring Marketing To Grow Your Business
It’s springtime – finally. Springtime triggers thoughts of cleaning – freshening up the house, yard and even digging into closets to rid yourself of heavy winter wear and cobwebs. Your business needs a springtime clean as well. Purge old files and records now that your taxes are filed; put things into storage, donate them or toss them out to make room to grow your business – maybe even cr...
December 31, 1969
VIDEO: What Do the Works of Shakespeare and the Tax Code Have in Common?
Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Taxation released a 568-page report detailing the findings of 11 House Ways and Means Committee tax reform working groups. Don't have time to thumb through it? No worries. This video explains in less than three minutes why and how our tax code should be reformed.
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States 2013 Report: Top Performers in Business Climate
This article is part of a series on Enterprising States, a study produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The study, along with a accompanying Enterprising States Dashboard, was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual America’s Small Business Summit, April 29, 2013. Government-imposed or government-related costs can have a major influence over the incentives and resources that are a...
December 31, 1969
My Favorite Startup Wisdom Came From My Critics
My mentors are not the bite-sized platitude types. And no entrepreneur I know ever actually listened to advice — otherwise, we would all be IP lawyers like our parents wanted us to be. Sure, we nod in agreement with the advice we get, but only because the advice we get is pretty benign to begin with: hire people who complement your weaknesses, fall in love with the problem you are solving and no...
December 31, 1969
My Favorite Startup Wisdom Came From My Critics
My mentors are not the bite-sized platitude types. And no entrepreneur I know ever actually listened to advice — otherwise, we would all be IP lawyers like our parents wanted us to be. Sure, we nod in agreement with the advice we get, but only because the advice we get is pretty benign to begin with: hire people who complement your weaknesses, fall in love with the problem you are solving and no...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States 2013 Report: Top Performers in Business Climate
This article is part of a series on Enterprising States, a study produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The study, along with a accompanying Enterprising States Dashboard, was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual America’s Small Business Summit, April 29, 2013. Government-imposed or government-related costs can have a major influence over the incentives and resources that are a...
December 31, 1969
Are White Label Licensing Options Right for You?
For many mobile, software or Web app-based startups, the initial inspiration for the business stems from the discovery of something that’s missing in the marketplace. At first, their dogged pursuit of providing the optimal solution is enough to keep them going. Over time, though, this passion just isn’t enough to keep the business running. And in a market where apps regularly retail for just ...
December 31, 1969
Your Next Business Growth Strategy: Go Global
When I think about the benefits of exporting, I consider the thriving small businesses across Washington, D.C. – from Eastern Market to 14th Street. How would those businesses fare if they marketed their storefront to just five of every 100 customers that passed? Not well. But that’s the position many U.S. businesses are in, when they don’t seek to reach the 95 percent of consumers who liv...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: How to Ensure Longevity for Your Business
Small businesses often struggle to survive. In fact, 50% of American small businesses close up shop within their first year. So what are the secrets to staying in business and locking down success? This infographic from Intuit takes a look at small businesses— what industries they’re in, what cities they thrive in, and what they’re doing to stay in business. When it comes to longevity, small...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: How much time does your business spend on social media marketing?
December 31, 1969
Are White Label Licensing Options Right for You?
For many mobile, software or Web app-based startups, the initial inspiration for the business stems from the discovery of something that’s missing in the marketplace. At first, their dogged pursuit of providing the optimal solution is enough to keep them going. Over time, though, this passion just isn’t enough to keep the business running. And in a market where apps regularly retail for just ...
December 31, 1969
Your Next Business Growth Strategy: Go Global
When I think about the benefits of exporting, I consider the thriving small businesses across Washington, D.C. – from Eastern Market to 14th Street. How would those businesses fare if they marketed their storefront to just five of every 100 customers that passed? Not well. But that’s the position many U.S. businesses are in, when they don’t seek to reach the 95 percent of consumers who liv...
December 31, 1969
INFOGRAPHIC: How to Ensure Longevity for Your Business
Small businesses often struggle to survive. In fact, 50% of American small businesses close up shop within their first year. So what are the secrets to staying in business and locking down success? This infographic from Intuit takes a look at small businesses— what industries they’re in, what cities they thrive in, and what they’re doing to stay in business. When it comes to longevity, small...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States Are a Model for Growth
Last week the president kicked off a Jobs and Opportunity Tour in Austin, Texas—a city that’s flourishing because state and local leaders have cultivated a good business climate and helped nurture a booming high-tech industry. The president is smart to step outside of Washington to see how enterprising states, like Texas, are driving stronger economic growth and job creation despite many antib...
December 31, 1969
Enterprising States 2013 Report: Top Performers in Talent Pipeline
This article is part of a series on Enterprising States, a study produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The study, along with a accompanying Enterprising States Dashboard, was released at the U.S. Chamber's annual America’s Small Business Summit, April 29, 2013. Reports from employers about growing skills gaps, displaced workers in need of retraining, and hiring troubles in the ...
December 31, 1969
A 5-Step Beginner's Guide to Video Marketing
Video marketing: You’ve heard the experts talk about it, the gurus blog about it, and your business peers rave about it, but how do you get started? What is the first step to creating your own engaging video content, and how can you share your videos with the world? If you’re not taking advantage of video and want to know where to start, here are five steps that will start you down the path...
December 31, 1969
A 5-Step Beginner's Guide to Video Marketing
Video marketing: You’ve heard the experts talk about it, the gurus blog about it, and your business peers rave about it, but how do you get started? What is the first step to creating your own engaging video content, and how can you share your videos with the world? If you’re not taking advantage of video and want to know where to start, here are five steps that will start you down the path...
December 31, 1969
Can You Be a Big and a Small Business at the Same Time?
Can your business be big and small at the same time? Yes, if you check the definitions under the Affordable Care Act. Definitions matter because they govern what rules you must follow. The Affordable Care Act has conflicting definitions for different purposes. Employer mandate to provide health coverage. Here you’re a large employer if you have more than 50 full-time employees on your payroll...
December 31, 1969
Can You Be a Big and a Small Business at the Same Time?
Can your business be big and small at the same time? Yes, if you check the definitions under the Affordable Care Act. Definitions matter because they govern what rules you must follow. The Affordable Care Act has conflicting definitions for different purposes. Employer mandate to provide health coverage. Here you’re a large employer if you have more than 50 full-time employees on your payroll...
December 31, 1969
Want People Back in the Workforce? Boost Economic Growth
We have a damaged labor market. That’s the conclusion of economic observers like American Enterprise Institute’s Michael Strain and The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson. With the unemployment rate still far higher than pre-recession levels and with America experiencing a jobs gap of 10 million jobs according to the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project, they both have a point. Strain notes ...
December 31, 1969
Toy or Tool: Facebook Cover Photos
What is it? That wide expanse of digital real estate on the top of your business Facebook page is like your retail store window (even if you’re not a retailer). It’s the first thing clients/customers see when they are “passing by.” If you owned a shop, you wouldn’t have undressed mannequins in your window or food that has been growing mold for months. Your Facebook business page is every...
December 31, 1969
Toy or Tool: Facebook Cover Photos
What is it? That wide expanse of digital real estate on the top of your business Facebook page is like your retail store window (even if you’re not a retailer). It’s the first thing clients/customers see when they are “passing by.” If you owned a shop, you wouldn’t have undressed mannequins in your window or food that has been growing mold for months. Your Facebook business page is every...
December 31, 1969
Don't Get Excited about New Deficit Numbers
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released estimates showing that the federal budget deficit will not be as big as expected in FY2013: If the current laws that govern federal taxes and spending do not change, the budget deficit will shrink this year to $642 billion, CBO estimates, the smallest shortfall since 2008. Relative to the size of the economy, the deficit this year—at 4.0 percent of ...
December 31, 1969
The Selling Sync
A prospect downloads a white paper, clicks a PPC ad, or signs up for (or actually attends) a webinar you host. The activity is noted, and is immediately assigned to a salesperson by someone in the marketing department (often automatically, via the CRM system). The eager salesperson dutifully follows up with a phone call. And another call. And another one. Frustrated, he chalks it up to another lou...
December 31, 1969
The Selling Sync
A prospect downloads a white paper, clicks a PPC ad, or signs up for (or actually attends) a webinar you host. The activity is noted, and is immediately assigned to a salesperson by someone in the marketing department (often automatically, via the CRM system). The eager salesperson dutifully follows up with a phone call. And another call. And another one. Frustrated, he chalks it up to another lou...
December 31, 1969
Washington Needs to “Get Real” about Budget Deficits
Robert Samuelson is right about the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate that this year’s budget deficit will only be $642 billion: Can we get real? For starters, $642 billion is serious money, and despite the modest improvements of the latest CBO report, the basic trends in federal finances remain the same. From 2014 to 2023, the government will spend $6 trillion more than it collects in ta...
December 31, 1969
Quick Poll: Which marketing tactic do you depend on most?
December 31, 1969
13 Surprising Startup Challenges
Q) What are some challenges you did not anticipate when deciding to start your own business? A) Cash flow is a common struggle "We started with clients from day one, so we've always been profitable, but one thing we didn't think about when we started was cash flow. Many profitable businesses experience famine and feast, due to invoice scheduling or higher sales during certain parts of the year. Yo...
December 31, 1969
13 Surprising Startup Challenges
Q) What are some challenges you did not anticipate when deciding to start your own business? A) Cash flow is a common struggle "We started with clients from day one, so we've always been profitable, but one thing we didn't think about when we started was cash flow. Many profitable businesses experience famine and feast, due to invoice scheduling or higher sales during certain parts of the year. Yo...
December 31, 1969
President’s Budget Has $6 in Tax Increases for $1 in Spending Cuts
Last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scored President Obama’s budget. Although he pitched it as a “balanced approach” of spending cuts and tax increases it seems the President’s scales are out-of-wack. The AP reports [via Nick Gillespie] that the CBO found that deficit reduction comes mostly from higher taxes: The congressional report said to achieve his $1.1 trillion in saving...
December 31, 1969
Financing for a Thriving. . . or a Barely Surviving Businesses
There are two types of business owners that need financing: those thriving and those just barely surviving. “Thrivers” need money to fuel expansion; survivors need money to bankroll a change in the business. Although on opposite ends of the spectrum, business owners in both groups should carefully consider all possible capital sources and weigh out the benefits vs. the drawbacks. Primary sourc...
December 31, 1969
Financing for a Thriving. . . or a Barely Surviving Businesses
There are two types of business owners that need financing: those thriving and those just barely surviving. “Thrivers” need money to fuel expansion; survivors need money to bankroll a change in the business. Although on opposite ends of the spectrum, business owners in both groups should carefully consider all possible capital sources and weigh out the benefits vs. the drawbacks. Primary sourc...
December 31, 1969
Big Data
There’s little doubt that “big data” is the latest “big thing” in the IT industry. But for many small and medium business (SMB) decision makers, big data is a somewhat fuzzy term. So what does big data really mean, and what are the implications for SMBs? The big part of big data is easy to understand. Basically, the volume and variety of digitized data are increasing exponentially. Resea...
December 31, 1969
Financing for a Thriving. . . or a Barely Surviving Business
There are two types of business owners that need financing: those thriving and those just barely surviving. “Thrivers” need money to fuel expansion; survivors need money to bankroll a change in the business. Although on opposite ends of the spectrum, business owners in both groups should carefully consider all possible capital sources and weigh out the benefits vs. the drawbacks. Primary sourc...
December 31, 1969
Big Data
There’s little doubt that “big data” is the latest “big thing” in the IT industry. But for many small and medium business (SMB) decision makers, big data is a somewhat fuzzy term. So what does big data really mean, and what are the implications for SMBs? The big part of big data is easy to understand. Basically, the volume and variety of digitized data are increasing exponentially. Resea...
December 31, 1969
Financing for a Thriving. . . or a Barely Surviving Business
There are two types of business owners that need financing: those thriving and those just barely surviving. “Thrivers” need money to fuel expansion; survivors need money to bankroll a change in the business. Although on opposite ends of the spectrum, business owners in both groups should carefully consider all possible capital sources and weigh out the benefits vs. the drawbacks. Primary sourc...
December 31, 1969
Another Spring Passes
For the past three years, the economy and the stock market began the New Year on a strong note only to falter as the year progressed. So far this year, both the economy and the stock market appear to be holding up quite well—the Dow momentarily rose above 15,000 for the first time, and the economy grew 2.5% in the first quarter. But what does the remainder of the year have in store? Is the econo...
December 31, 1969
Coin of the Digital Realm: Bitcoin and the Future of Virtual Currency
The digital currency Bitcoin has become a focal point as business leaders, investors, regulators, and law enforcement seek to understand how the emerging world of virtual currency may change how we think about money, payments and finance. While government officials scramble to craft rules—or crack down—on the new currency, online merchants and financiers hope to determine what role digital cur...
December 31, 1969
7 Opportunities to Save on Startup Expenses
Older, more established companies have the flexibility of deciding how to allocate their budgets and spend their available funds on the resources that make their businesses more comfortable and easier to run. But as a young startup, you have no such luxury! Because it’s important to make every dollar count while your business is still growing, you’ll want to take a look at the following sev...
December 31, 1969
Zooming Out: Perspective on the Road Ahead
Looking at my Google Map is deceptive. I’ve set a marker for each of the cities I’ll be visiting this summer for Free Enterprise, and as I sit back and review my neatly drawn routes, I already feel some strange sense of accomplishment, despite having actually accomplished nothing for small businesses beyond the $2.50 I just invested in this coffee shop. In other words: I haven’t done anythin...
December 31, 1969
7 Opportunities to Save on Startup Expenses
Older, more established companies have the flexibility of deciding how to allocate their budgets and spend their available funds on the resources that make their businesses more comfortable and easier to run. But as a young startup, you have no such luxury! Because it’s important to make every dollar count while your business is still growing, you’ll want to take a look at the following sev...
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Take advantage of the Purchasing & Inventory Toolkit sponsored by Sam's Club to help grow your business.
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Take advantage of the Online Solutions Toolkit sponsored by IWS to help grow your business.<