Government, Politics and the Economy
Congress Urged to Raise Debt Limit
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has saddled Congress with the task—for the second time this year—of quickly increasing the maximum amount of money the federal government can borrow, something increasingly unpopular with the American people. WSJ.com
Management and Operations
Are Your Employees Ever Really Off? n the age of online social networking, when the goings-on in your business tweeted or written on Facebook walls, the after-hours activities of your employees may count as much as what they're doing "on-the-job." ManageSmar...
By Charles M Cooper · August 11 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Three Things to Watch in the Second Half of '09
Halfway through the year is a good time to pause, reflect, and take inventory. We have probably survived the worst of the recession but the question is, what's next? Here are three things to keep an eye on. NYTimes.com
Tyson: More Stimulus Needed
According to Obama advisor Laura Tyson, the US should consider a second stimulus package focusing on infrastructure projects because the $787 billion approved in February was “a bit too small.” Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · July 07 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Congress to Consider Consumer Financial Protection Bill
Legislation that would ‘level the playing field,’ as the Treasury says, is on its way to Congress in spite of opposition from financial institutions – the first of a number of new regulatory bills President Obama plans to send to Congress. Workforce.com
Making Sure Small Business Contracts go to Small Businesses
A proposed new law aims to keep big businesses from gobbling up procurement deals that should go to smaller firms. CNNMoney.com
By Charles M Cooper · July 01 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Pitching in for Main Street: A Short-Term Fix or Long-Term Prosperity?
The economic downturn has prompted many consumers and neighborhood groups to actively support small businesses in their local communities, as residents pitch in to try to avoid boarded-up shops on Main Street. Still, it remains unclear whether buy-local campaigns provide just a short-term boost or a lasting impact on revenues. WSJ.com
Dumbest Moments in Business 2009
The first six months of 2009 has, so far, been filled with business and economic decisions that have left us all scratching our heads. From this embarass...
By Charles M Cooper · June 30 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Climate Bill Helps Utilities, Factories and Farms More Than Oil Companies
While the global warming bill passed by the US House sets up a cap-and-trade market for greenhouse gases, it also cushions the cost for power producers, manufacturers and farmers and limits aid to oil companies. Bloomberg.com
Obama: Hints at Amnesty for Illegal Aliens
President Obama shied away from any hot-button words in remarks last week on immigration reform, but he did hint at some kind of “amnesty” or “legal path” for illegal immigrants already in the US. BizJournals.com
Manage...
By Charles M Cooper · June 29 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Republicans: Obama's Financial Oversight Plan Would Continue Bailouts
Leading Republicans on a House panel considering the Obama administration’s overhaul of financial regulations said the president’s plan would continue taxpayer-funded bailouts. Bloomberg.com
Ownership, Management and Operations
Make Sure Your New Hires are “Onboard”
Once they've finished their HR paperwork, it's time to really bring your new hires “onboard.” They will be more engaged, more productive, and they will want to stay and be committe...
By Charles M Cooper · June 19 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government, Politics and the Economy
Congress Takes on Healthcare
Congressional Democrats have set out to realize a goal that has eluded presidents and lawmakers for the past 60 years: an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system. Bloomberg.com
White House: Healthcare is an Economic Issue
According to some in Washington, the tax-free benefits that Americans now enjoy offer American workers too much free or low-cost access to too many healthcare services, and that is why healthcare is so expensive. Breitbart.com/AP
Management, Taxes and Financial Issues
By Charles M Cooper · June 02 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government and Economy
Sotomayor: A Business Issue Moderate
President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, has a mixed record on the issues important to the business community. BusinessWeek.com
Emergency Loans: Will the Banks Go Along?
The SBA is preparing to launch its long-awaited emergency loan program for debt-burdened businesses. However, the potential lenders are a bit wary and are asking for more details before they commit to participating. CNNMoney.com
Consumer Confidence Jumps on Jobs Outlook
By Charles M Cooper · May 26 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
