SmallBusinessExecutiveInforming, Inspiring and Connecting Businesses
Judge rules Illinois use tax law unconstitutional
The Illinois use tax law that spurred CouponCabin and FatWallet to leave the state last year was ruled unconstitutional Wednesday by a Cook County Circuit Court judge who said it violates the Interstate Commerce Clause and Internet Tax Freedom Act, according to the Performance Marketing Association, which had filed a lawsuit challenging the use tax’s constitutionality. Cook County Circuit Court Judge [...]
Business ethics: A matter of principle
How America conducts business has been called into question during the current economic crisis. Greed, ambition and poor regulation frequently have been raised, while ethics – or the lack of — doesn’t always make the news. Writing for Jewish Business News, Chicago journalist Jodie Jacobs asked five Chicago experts to share their views on the role of ethics in business.
How to manage nasty word-of-mouth reviews
Ideally we would all love to avoid negative reviews in the first place. To defray them, be sure to post positive reviews. Ask the happy customers to write a review, but never pay for it.
Intellectual Property Drives U.S. Economic Growth: Commerce Dept.
Submitted by the U.S. Commerce Department WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department today released a comprehensive report entitled “Intellectual Property and the U.S. Economy: Industries in Focus,” which finds that intellectual property-intensive industries support at least 40 million jobs and contribute more than $5 trillion dollars – or 34.8 percent of – U.S. gross domestic product [...]
Businesses lean on technology to cut gas usage
By Ann Meyer Fibrenew franchise owner Ivar Vankemenade has lessened the brunt of the recent spike in gas prices by relying on technology to help him shave pennies here and there. His Global Positioning System diverts him around traffic jams en route to repair leather upholstery on-site for customers, while an app tells him which [...]
FTC announces right to privacy principles
The Federal Trade Commission today released a report outlining principles designed to encourage companies to respect consumers’ right to privacy pertaining to Internet use. In releasing the report, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz encouraged companies to embrace three principles: “First, incorporate privacy protections into products as they are developed – that is, privacy by design; Second, offer [...]
Commentary: Tax reform must include small businesses
By the National Small Business Association WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced Wednesday a broad plan to reform corporate taxes that includes lowering the corporate rate to 28 percent from 35 percent, while eliminating myriad business tax breaks and credits. Unfortunately, the proposal fails to ensure parity between small business and large business, and [...]
Family Business Council migrates to DePaul
Submitted by the Chicago Family Business Council The Chicago Family Business Council will begin operating under the umbrella of DePaul University’s College of Commerce starting March 1, bringing its myriad programs and services to DePaul students, alumni and the local business community in the heart of the city’s Loop. The council helps family-owned and closely held [...]
Obama’s address short on small business
“NSBA had hoped that broad tax reform—and not just those taxes focusing primarily on large, multinational companies—would have been mentioned, given that the overwhelming majority of small business owners pay taxes at the individual income level.”
State of the Union addresses key small business concerns
“We’re also pleased the president focused on the need for small businesses to compete on a level playing field with big business. To thrive, small businesses need an economy that works for everybody.” — John Arensmeyer, Small Business Majority
