Government, Politics and the Economy
Democatic Senators: Climate-Change Legislation Should Be Dropped This Year
Four Democratic senators as calling for the Senate to abandon efforts to pass legislation curbing greenhouse-gas emissions this year and concentrate on a narrower bill to require use of renewable energy. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
10 Things Not to Say to Customers
There are great things to say to a customer, and then there are things that will drive that same customer into the arms of the competition. Here are the top 10 things not to say to a customer and what you and your people should say instead.... [Read Full Article]
Government, Politics and the Economy
Senate Considers Medicare Tax on Capital Gains to Fund Health Plan
According to insiders, the Senate Finance Committee is considering whether to apply Medicare taxes to capital gains and other non-wage income to help pay for healthcare reform. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
The Equity Factor
People try to keep a balance between what they contribute to a relationship and what they get back from it. When they feel little or no return on that investment, engagement slips dramatically. The employer-employee relationship is no different, and that ca... [Read Full Article]
Government, Politics and the Economy
Recession May be Stimulating Increase in Non-Employer Businesses
According to the latest Census figures, 2007 saw a million new non-employer businesses in 2007, for a total of 21.7 million, that together had sales of nearly $1 trillion, about 7% of the 2007 US GDP. BusinessWeek.com
Senate Plan to Overhaul Healthcare may Advance on $1 Trillion Pricetag
According to Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus, the cost of the healthcare reform options before his panel can be cut to $1 trillion, which could remove a major barrier to the bill’s passage. Bloomberg.com... [Read Full Article]
Government, Politics and the Economy
Small Business Fallout From GM's Bankruptcy
If General Motors files Chapter 11 as many believe they will, we will likely also see many small businesses that supply GM with parts and raw materials face bankruptcy as well. The only difference will be that they have no prospect of government bailouts. AllBusiness.com
Obama Sets up Computer Security OfficeAccording to President Obama, the US has failed for too long to adequately protect the security of its computer networks. He said that as he announced that he will soon name a new cyber czar to press for action on computer security. Breitbart.com... [Read Full Article]
Government and Economy
Microlenders Growing Fast
As banks continue to freeze lending, more small-business owners and would-be entrepreneurs are turning to microlenders, organizations that offer smaller loans ranging from as little as $500 to $35,000, as a viable alternative. WSJ.com
Senate Proposal Sends Remaining TARP Money to Small Business
In a nonbinding vote, the US Senate endorsed a proposal to use the remaining funds in the Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to help small businesses. Bloomberg.com
Management and Financial Issues
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