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Money & Your Business

Being A Good Citizen Can Be Good Business

Posted: 2/9/2012

Many companies are finding that investing in the communities where they are located can pay a wide range of social dividends.

(NAPSI)—A growing number of corporations are finding that good works and good business can go hand in hand.

Whether they are volunteering, helping fund community-based projects or working to strengthen public-private partnerships such as United Way, more companies are taking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously and investing in communities where they are located.

Here are some examples:

U.S. Bank works closely with United Way and its partners in communities across the United States to provide financial education, affordable housing and more. United Way is U.S. Bank’s largest grant recipient and sole partner of the annual employee giving campaign. Employees are encouraged to volunteer through eight hours of paid time off. In 2010, more than 36,000 employees volunteered.

Microsoft provides software and cash grants and employee fundraising—overall providing $14.3 million in cash, software and in-kind donations to United Way in 2010. Plus, when its employees volunteer more than 10 hours for an eligible organization (employees volunteered 363,000 hours last year), Microsoft provides a $17 matching donation for every volunteer hour.

Bank of America employees volunteered more than 1 million hours last year. The bank was also the first financial institution to support the United Way Financial Stability Partnership, with $4.5 million in grants over the past few years, plus employee volunteers, providing free tax preparation and filing assistance, resulting in $2 billion in total tax refunds, reinvested into communities.

Procter & Gamble works each year to touch and improve lives around the world through its partnership with United Way. Last year, P&G employees joined together to participate in more than 145 volunteer events. Since 2007, more than 300 million children worldwide have benefited from the company’s Live, Learn and Thrive Program.

Dominion granted $24 million and partnered with United Way to provide heating assistance in 2010. Last year, Dominion employees volunteered 150,000 hours.

To learn more, visit http://liveunited.org/soa.

How Cloud Computing Is Helping Small Businesses Compete And Thrive

Posted: 2/9/2012

(NAPSI)—In today’s economic climate, small businesses need every advantage they can find to get ahead. New technologies in the form of cloud computing are helping small businesses level the playing field against bigger competitors.

Cloud computing makes it possible for companies to access powerful software applications via the Internet for a simple monthly fee. Because the applications are delivered via the Internet, every small business can get access to the same innovations and tools that bigger competitors have been using for years. For instance, Microsoft Corp. recently launched Microsoft Office 365, which brings together the company’s familiar Microsoft Office applications with its enterprise email, videoconferencing and other collaboration and communication capabilities delivered as a subscription service.

Using the cloud can help your business do the following:

1. Build a “borderless office.” A good cloud service will connect you with colleagues and customers virtually anywhere via click-to-chat, videoconference or shared desktops, to work together whether you’re across town or around the globe. Eliminating unnecessary travel by using these online tools will not only save on costs, it will help you run a green business.

Chaundra Smith, owner of Naturally Me, makes handcrafted, natural body care products in Durham, N.C. Using the cloud, she has set up a virtual team of consultants and staff members who all work together and collaborate in their “borderless” office.

Tip: Look for a cloud service that lets you make PC-to-PC voice and video calls and hold online meetings on the fly. You’ll want to be able to share your desktop, online whiteboard and presentations with colleagues—as if you’re in the same room, even when you’re a city or continent away.

2. Work how you want, where you want. The cloud untethers you from your desk and keeps you connected wherever you are. Web-enabled and offline access* to your important documents, email, contacts and calendars helps you stay nimble and responsive.

Team members at high-performance carmaker and parts company Shelby American, Inc. in Las Vegas travel frequently around the globe and require remote connectivity** to collaborate on new product development. Cloud-based tools help everyone stay connected and keep the business moving while out of the office.

Tip: Look for a cloud service that works on a PC, Mac and smartphone,** with consistent experience on each device. The best services help you edit spreadsheets, presentations and other documents with others in real time and view files from a browser or mobile device.

3. Invest in tomorrow without breaking the bank today. The cloud lets your small business run on the same technology that powers the Fortune 500, without hiring an army of IT experts, so you can focus on your core business. Beyond cost savings, many small businesses realize additional benefits after they move to the cloud—better collaboration among employees, customers and partners means quicker sharing of ideas and problem resolution. A cloud-powered small business is more nimble and prepares you to adapt to changing business needs—now and in the future.

Imagination Yoga, a small, family-owned business in Portland, Ore., teaches a “kindness- based” curriculum, instructing children on yoga concepts and storytelling to spark their creativity and get them exercising. The company plans to use cloud-based collaboration to market its services, connect with more schools and families across the country, and create online enrollment options for customers, which saves time and money. The cloud also allows every Imagination Yoga employee to access the company’s Microsoft Outlook calendar, keeping everyone on the same page.

Tip: Look for an offering that can grow with you but also work well with the tools you already use. You’ll also want to safeguard your data with business-grade privacy, security and disaster recovery capabilities.

Imagination Yoga uses cloud computing to connect effectively with schools to reach and teach more students.

* Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 required for offline capabilities.

** An appropriate device, Internet access and supported browser and/or network carrier connectivity are required. Data plan charges may apply.

Now With More Options, Business Aviation Takes Flight

Posted: 2/9/2012

A new debit card gives customers access to as many private flight hours as they need.

(NAPSI)—Increasingly, travelers are discovering that business aviation can take them where they want to go.

One of the biggest advantages of flying privately is more access. Commercial airlines serve just 450 airports in the U.S., while business jets can fly to more than 5,000. What’s more, private jets are able to reach any of the more than 100 cities that have lost airline service since the economic downturn.

Private aviation can not only reach more destinations, but it can get travelers there even more quickly. Business jets are certified to fly higher than commercial planes, enabling them to fly faster and arrive at destinations more quickly than even direct flights.

In addition to shorter travel, time can more efficiently be used on a private jet, as important meetings can be held or travelers can focus on key projects and make important phone calls from the air. Travelers also benefit from customizing their trips. “With one phone call, travelers can visit up to three cities, pitch five proposals and return home in time for dinner,” adds Fred Reid, president of Flexjet, the sales and marketing agent for Jet Solutions in connection with the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program, as Flexjet is not an air carrier.

Many companies are finding that these advantages are good for business.

According to a report by NEXA Advisors, companies that use business aircraft outperform non-aviation users in several important financial measures, including annual earnings growth, stock and dividend growth, total share price, market capitalization and other financial yardsticks.

To provide its customers with even more ways to personalize their private jet travel options, the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program—operated by U.S. air carrier Jet Solutions—recently unveiled a new debit card product. Created for those with varied travel requirements, the debit card gives customers access to as many private flight hours as they need-along with an unlimited travel calendar—aboard high-performance Learjet or Challenger aircraft.

Following an initial deposit, debit card customers benefit from 24-hour call-out times, competitive pricing and flat hourly rates with no long-term commitment, management fees or up-front capital costs.

The program also guarantees 365-day availability on the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR and Challenger 300 aircraft, with advance reservations and no blackout dates; access to the program’s Challenger 604 aircraft is provided on an as-available basis.

The program’s customer account managers are available around the clock to assist with all travel arrangements, from scheduling the aircraft to catering and ground transportation. The flight cost is then deducted from the debit card balance, which can be replenished via an automatic or manual recharge option. With new options such as this new debit card, it’s never been easier to take to the skies.

For more information, visit www.flexjet25.com or call (866) 473-0025.

Moving Operations To The “Cloud” Saves Time, Money

by Jim Salviski
Posted: 2/9/2012

Cloud computing expert Jim Salviski

(NAPSI)—The terms “cloud” and “cloud computing” are just about everywhere, but unless you’re in the information technology business, you may not be sure exactly what they mean.

So what exactly is the cloud? It describes computing systems, data and infrastructure running on a server at an off-site data center that your company can rent or lease.

Simply put, the cloud refers to the out-of-sight, out-of-mind computer tasks that happen on someone else’s equipment. It can replace or be an extension of the server—or servers—taking up valuable space in your company’s closet or costing a fortune at your company’s data center.

The cloud can also serve as an extension of your company’s IT team, freeing them to focus attention on strategic projects that help your business grow.

With the cloud, IT infrastructure costs are predictable. Capital investments in hardware that becomes obsolete cease to exist. In fact, cloud computing lets your company increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly, without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel or licensing new software. Plus, your company’s reliability and uptime improve tremendously, leading to better business efficiencies.

In addition, using the cloud enables employees to securely access data from anywhere, at anytime.

While the advantages of moving to the cloud are numerous, many businesses still have questions about safety, security, reliability and accessibility.

Fortunately, reputable cloud providers take great pride in providing highly secure and fault-tolerant environments, so you know your company’s proprietary information is safe. Data center environments are specially designed, private environments just for your business data. No one else has access to it. Some providers go further and seek third-party certification from independent auditors.

It should also be noted that there are numerous reports of entire corporate servers being stolen, flooded and more. But the security at data centers is much safer than that at most small-business environments.

If you still have reservations, consider starting with a hybrid model. That way, your company’s older, archived information is stored in the cloud and your most current data is stored on your own private server or servers.

All in all, the cloud offers your company greater agility, less frustration, better cash flow and more time to do what you do best—grow your business.

• Mr. Salviski is the vice president of Data Center Services for EarthLink Cloud. You can learn more at www.earthlinkcloud.com.

A Better Telecommuting Option For Small-Business Workers

Posted: 2/9/2012

Whether your company is going green or getting lean-or both- telecommuting makes good sense.

(NAPSI)—If you work on your own at home-or would like to—you’re not alone. According to research by the University of Oregon, about 6 percent of the work-force (over 8 million Americans) telecommute to company jobs from their homes on either a part-time or full-time basis—and the number is increasing. By some estimates, a full 30 percent of the workforce will be telecommuting by the year 2020.

There are many good reasons for this. For one thing, it saves fuel. For another, it saves time and money for both employer and employee.

One thing making telecommuting easier is cloud computing. It involves several computers connected though the Internet or an Intranet. Together, they can reach out and retrieve data processed elsewhere. Now you can even add business voice service to the cloud through Voice over Internet Protocol, or “VoIP.” Essentially, the phone system works over the Internet rather than over traditional phone lines.

That means workers can be at home or on the road but appear to customers to be sitting in company headquarters.

One system that serves nearly 15,000 small businesses, many with multiple locations to be tied together via the Internet and their phone system, offers such features as:

• Business communications that can be provisioned quickly and grow as you grow

• The ability to let workers plug in and get working nearly anywhere they have a broadband connection

• Auto call attendant

• Music and messages on hold

• Call forwarding and follow me

• Different greetings according to the time of day and the day of week

• A dashboard that keeps track of real-time status of workers

• Extension-to-extension, click-to-call functionality

• Companywide directory

• Outlook integration

• Mobile command and control through iPhone and Android devices.

All that because the company, Vocalocity, specializes in bringing remote office workers together for virtual collaboration.

As one customer expressed it, “I unpacked the box, assembled the phones, plugged them in and they worked. It was a very simple process. With our headquarters being 3,000 miles away and having to travel a lot, I needed a phone system that worked and that I could count on having no troubles with. Vocalocity eliminated the need for any IT support in my company.”

Another, describing how handy the system was when an ice storm shut down his city for a week, said, “We forwarded all phones to our home the night before and remoted in with the computers. We might as well all have been in the office for the whole week.”

The storm had left many workers stranded at home and forced many businesses to lose a distressing week of work, sales, profits and production. Roads became ice-skating rinks and driveways became sledding terrains. Public transportation, the post office, schools and donation centers all closed. Gas ran short, as did supplies at grocery stores and city hospitals.

A poll of the people in the community who had the telecommuting system in place, however, found that 92 percent were at full functionality and no one could tell that they were not in the office.

Free Information and Advice

You can learn more and get a free quote at www.vocalocity.com or by calling (877)-VOCALOCITY.

Venezuela: U.S. Businesses Not Welcome Here

Posted: 2/9/2012

(NAPSI)—American businesses in Venezuela have become one of President Hugo Chávez’s favorite targets. U.S. staple brands operate under very difficult conditions in Venezuela, including high government taxes, price controls and the always-present threat of expropriation.

An analysis of nationalized companies found significant operational problems and, in some cases, a complete halt in operations in the state-run companies. The study, “Management in the Red: An Evaluation of the Performance of 16 State Companies and General Results of the Socialist Production Model,” was conducted by experts from the Institute for Higher Studies in Management (IESA) in Caracas.

“Government ownership of companies is often accompanied by deficit problems and lack of incentives to be effective and efficient,” said economist Richard K. Obuchi.

One case study shows that the Venezuelan operation of a Pennsylvania-based aluminum company has been paralyzed for months since it was expropriated by Chávez.

Another case study addresses the evolution of a giant, productive, U.S.-based food company into an inefficient and unproductive version of its former self. In the case of local paper producer Invepal, the study shows a decline in production from 15 to 12 percent in one year, resulting in the production of only 5 million books instead of the 30 million that were forecasted.

Venezuela faces at least 18 arbitration proceedings before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Claimants include major U.S. brands. Experts agree it’s highly unlikely that these companies will receive fair or timely compensation for their seized assets, especially now that Chávez has taken the initial steps to pull out of ICSID.

The Chávez government has taken over 988 foreign and domestic companies, according to the Venezuelan Confederation of Industries (Conindustria). Venezuela’s policy of expropriations “only creates legal uncertainty; drives investments away; and reduces the possibility of increasing production,” said Conindustria.

Data from the Central Bank of Venezuela show that in the second quarter of 2011, investment fell to 3.6 percent, its lowest level in five years. It remains to be seen what the future holds for U.S. companies in Caracas. In the meantime, it may be time for some U.S. firms to consider saying adiós to Venezuela.

Ideas On Better Branding

Posted: 12/21/2011

Being properly prepared can help your company overcome disasters, natural or man-made.

(NAPSI)—Small businesses can launch, grow and expand through clear and consistent messaging and marketing, just like larger companies do.

Fortunately, creating a distinct brand image for your product or service can be accomplished through some very simple methods.

Karen Post, known as the Branding Diva and author of “Brand Turnaround” and Brand ingdiva.com/blog, offers tips to help:

• Start with a game plan—Ask yourself, How do I want people to think about my business? Consider your story; what makes your product, service and company unique? Is it sophisticated and established, trendy and progressive, creative and fun?

• Make marketing consistent—Keeping a consistent message across all your marketing materials and efforts can help customers remember your brand. Cross-media consistency is key-from printed materials to website and online image-to reinforce your company’s personality.

• Make it yours—Distinction cuts through clutter. Consistently communicate what’s unique about your brand and company. Whether you are at a networking event with business cards, using brochures and flyers to advertise, or targeting prospects through postcards, Staples makes it easy to get a similar look and feel with professional design capabilities and print experts. They can provide guidance and expertise in customizing your marketing materials and you can leave all the technical work to them.

• Audit your brand’s “touch points”—How does your marketing message come into contact with your customers? Many small businesses use postcards, flyers, letterhead, banners, brochures and other marketing materials. To help, Staples Copy & Print offers a full range of products and services that help businesses get their printing done quickly and easily, whenever and wherever it’s convenient for them.

Digital printing technology has made it easier than ever to customize this type of material and get what you need quickly. You can get customized marketing materials from Staples in less than a week. Business cards can be done in a matter of hours. If it’s more convenient, you can order products online and pick them up in the store.

Creating and conveying a unique brand message is an important aspect of a small business’ overall marketing efforts. Fortunately, a combination of modern technology and traditional tools can make it easy for small businesses to communicate their branding message to current and potential customers.

To learn more, visit www.Staples.com/copyandprint.

Disaster Readiness Means Smart Business

Posted: 12/21/2011

Being properly prepared can help your company overcome disasters, natural or man-made.

(NAPSI)—Disasters, whether physical (hurricane, flood) or virtual (network breach), can occur anywhere and can paralyze, even destroy a business—but there are ways a firm can protect itself. Businesses located in disaster-prone areas might maintain a plan for disaster readiness but businesses everywhere should also be prepared, because virtual disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates more than 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a disaster. Of the remaining companies, at least 25 percent will close in two years.

Having a disaster preparedness plan in place can go a long way toward ensuring that your business doesn’t meet this fate. The following tips will help you assemble a virtual business “go bag”:

• Use cloud-based software for storage and more—Cloud-based software lets you store information in a secure, off-site location and access it from anywhere you have an Internet connection. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), cloud computing solutions can allow employees to access work files and simultaneously edit documents from any location—even if they’re unable to physically make it to the office.

• Keep your technology updated—Maintaining updated technology might prevent a virtual disaster from ever happening in the first place, since updates usually provide security patches and new protective features. Install updates whenever prompted to do so or adjust your PC’s setting to install updates automatically.

• Understand your insurance policies—Many people don’t take the time to read through all the fine print on insurance policies, but you don’t want to find yourself doing so after a disaster strikes. Be sure you completely understand your insurance plans and policies, including which physical disasters are covered, what forms or filings need to be completed after a disaster and so on.

• Get your finances in order—A disaster might disrupt your business operations but rest assured, your financial obligations will hum right along. You’ll still need to pay bills, make payroll and pay suppliers, so be certain you know what (or where) all these accounts are and have contact info for all these parties. Also, check to see that your financial management system is backed up properly.

For more information on helping your business prepare for and withstand the impacts of disaster, visit www.MicrosoftBusinessHub.com, where you’ll find “Disasters happen. Is your business ready?”—a handy e-guide for SMBs.

Using Government Resources To Grow Your Business

Posted: 12/21/2011

Many businesses may get loans and guarantees from more resources than they realize.

(NAPSI)—Although capital access is a hurdle even for elite entrepreneurs and can dampen the growth of successful companies, some smaller firms are finding they can get the financing they need.

To help educate entrepreneurs on available capital resources, the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and the Staples Foundation have compiled a short guide for CEOs about federally funded capital access programs.

• SBA 7(a) Loan Program: The SBA’s 7(a) loan program is the largest government-backed loan program for entrepreneurs and is designed to encourage lenders to work with companies they might otherwise consider too risky. The 7(a) loan program can help finance up to $5 million, which can be used to buy a business, for long-term working capital or to purchase equipment.

Depending on the size of the loan, the SBA generally guarantees from 75 to 85 percent of the total loan amount. The caveat is that SBA loans can come with hefty fees—In a sense, the business owner is buying insurance on the loan. Such fees currently start at 3.5 percent of the guaranteed amount of the loan and can be financed as part of the loan. Learn more at www.sba.gov.

• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI): CDFIs are financial institutions that support the economic revitalization of low-income communities, including the businesses there. Banks, credit unions and venture funds may all be certified as CDFIs and use federal funds to invest in businesses or real estate, to make consumer loans or to provide other services in communities that lack them. Entrepreneurs who have worked with CDFIs describe the due diligence process as being more intensive than that used by most banks but often say they get a valuable mentoring relationship—in addition to cash—in return. The availability of CDFI financing varies greatly. You can learn about this resource at www.cdfifund.gov/.

• New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC): This program is designed to encourage investment in low-income areas. Investments in qualifying projects can get a 39 percent tax credit taken over seven years. More than $25 billion in tax credits has already been granted. NMTC money is chiefly used for real estate, with about 82 percent being used this way. Entrepreneurs of all kinds can also benefit from the program, using it to build new physical locations. For more information, visit www.icic.org.

How Managed Services Can Benefit Your Business

Posted: 12/8/2011

A managed services solution can play an important role in the growth plans of a small to mid-sized company.

(NAPSI)—Here’s a question asked repeatedly by small-business owners: “Where do I spend the money to improve my business?”

A challenge many small and middle market−business (SMB) owners face is that they recognize the need to grow—whether it’s products or services—yet their funds are in short supply.

Managed Services

One option that owners can consider is managed services, where a third party provides support ranging anywhere from the procurement and installation of IT equipment and hardware, all the way to network management and monitoring.

Unfortunately, value added resellers (VARs) who sell services to SMBs estimate that more than 60 percent of SMBs don’t understand the benefits of managed services, according to a Technology Channel Outlook study conducted by CIT in association with Forbes Insights.

This study suggests that SMBs could benefit by asking more questions about managed services—what the various components are and how they apply to their particular business.

The Benefits

Some of the benefits that managed services offer include:

• Access to the latest technology

• Lower costs

• Increased available resources

• Reduced IT head count.

Managed services could potentially turn a fixed expense into a variable expense and allow an SMB to redeploy expense savings into the business for future growth.

Another Way To Save

Given the current uncertainty in the global economy, many businesses—especially SMBs—are greatly concerned about capital expenditures on equipment. Leasing is an option that can help address these concerns. Leasing equipment, point out the experts at CIT, not only provides a way to procure the equipment and pay for it over time, but also the flexibility to upgrade it, which is particularly important in the technology sector, where life cycles are often shorter than for some other types of equipment.

Free Report

For more information or to download the full study for free, go to www.cit.com/managed-services or call 800-245-0506.

Tips On Using Email Marketing Effectively

Posted: 12/8/2011

A process called segmenting allows a business to target its e-mail marketing campaigns using information such as age range, buying patterns and location.

(NAPSI)—Many retailers have found that, in times of economic uncertainty, email marketing can be an excellent way to reach potential customers.

There are many reasons why email marketing has proven to be a successful sales tactic for retailers. A few are:

• Email marketing offers practical, cost-effective and results-driven solutions that enable retailers to promote merchandise and hot sales.

• The ability to segment a list enables a business to target its email marketing campaigns by key demographics, including age, buying patterns and location.

• Email marketing allows for campaign optimization and increased efficiencies by testing the effectiveness of an email distribution mid-campaign and making corrections as needed.

Campaigner®, a popular email marketing service that offers segmenting and a user-friendly interface, suggests the following tips to retailers who would like to try email marketing but don’t know where to begin:

• Target your customers. A good email service can segment your list by past purchases to match your subject line and product links to what the customer wants to buy.

• Segment your lists. Segmenting a customer list based on typical order size can help you create targeted emails for low, average and high spenders.

Using these sublists can help you personalize offers for each group with the right incentives to entice potential customers to fill their carts a bit fuller this year.

• Make geography an asset. If you’re near a college campus, sort your list by state or zip code to identify customers who are out of the area. For example, by segmenting the list, you can target students with “move-in” specials for dorm room essentials and parents for hotels and restaurants.

• Connect with your customers. Identify the most loyal customers and personalize campaigns to make them aware of your latest offers. For example, you can include a loyalty promotion, like free shipping or presale notices.

• Keep it simple. Skip the need to learn layout and photo manipulation software by using a service like Campaigner that offers a complete, user-friendly interface and good back-end reporting.

Keep in mind, these tips can work throughout the year. Done correctly, email marketing allows you to become (and remain) visible to customers and prospects with highly targeted messages, at a minimal cost, that deliver measurable results.

To learn more, visit www.campaigner.com.

Giving Your Business A Needed Tune-up

Posted: 12/8/2011

Giving your small business a “tune-up” can help you lower the cost to do what you do while at the same time expanding your ability to deliver more to your customers.

(NAPSI)—Just as you’d change the plugs and filters to increase fuel efficiency and have your car run at peak performance, you can tune up your business to run better in any economy.

For one thing, you can tune in to the advantages of cloud computing and VoIP with a service especially for small-business success.

With just a broadband connection and a computer—equipment you probably already have—you can now sound, react and run your business communications with the efficacy of a Fortune 500 firm.

What You Can Have

Your phone system can feature such services as:

• Auto Attendant

• Voicemail-to-text

• A dashboard to show workers real-time status

• Integration with your company calendar

• Reports for all incoming and outgoing calls in the system

• The ability to literally link dozens of phones in dozens of places

• A dial-by-name directory

• Command and control functionality from your smartphone

• Ability to pick your phones, then plug and play with confidence.

• You can even take things one step further and let your business phone service integrate with existing software to control your inventory and sales force.

The startup costs are low and the monthly fees are reasonable and there’s never a contract to sign. All this can be done with help from a company called Vocalocity. Unlike most VoIP suppliers, it specializes in small businesses: Most of its customers have 25 employees or less and it’s entirely focused on helping small businesses succeed and grow. It has no residential accounts. The startup costs are low and the monthly fees are both reasonable and predictable. There’s no long-term contract.

The company’s Hosted PBX solution is simple and easy to set up. In fact, you can be up and running in about 15 minutes after receiving your phones.

More Ways To Grow

Eight other things you can do to help your company grow, the experts at the Small Business Administration advise, include:

1. Open at another location.

2. Offer your business as a franchise or business opportunity.

3. License your product.

4. Form an alliance with a similar type of business.

5. Diversify to have multiple streams of income that can fill seasonal voids.

6. Sell complementary products or services.

7. Import or export your or others’ products.

8. Get a government contract.

Free Information And Advice

You can learn more and get a free quote at www.vocalocity.com or by calling (877) VOCALOCITY.

Innovation Reigns When Times Get Tough

Posted: 11/16/2011

A solid foundation in service and innovation is a winning formula for many companies.

(NewsUSA) - When people see closed storefronts in the neighborhoods where they live and work, they're reminded that the toll this economy has taken on businesses affects their own lives. And yet some companies -- faced with the same adverse headwinds -- seem to rise to the challenge and go on to prosper as never before.

Why is that? And could there even be a lesson to be learned here if you're thinking of starting your own business as a result of either being unemployed or just plain fed up with your current job?

The "i-word" keeps popping up among experts as the answer to that question. "The whole engine that drives any economy is innovation," says Stephen Gnass, executive director of the National Congress of Inventor Organizations, a non-profit for inventors and inventor groups.

Take IBM, for example. It practically reinvented itself years ago -- going from a stodgy seller of large, pricey computers to a global software and consulting giant -- and just recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. And then there's the more under-the-radar case of New Jersey-based GAF.

North America's largest roofing and ventilation manufacturer is celebrating its own anniversary this year -- 25 years longer in business than IBM, but who's counting? -- and one way it got there is by coming up with unique answers to consumers' and businesses' desires to go green. In fact, it made quite a splash last summer when it teamed up with New York City's Department of Buildings to paint 1 million square feet of roofs white -- GAF supplied the reflective paint for one of the many projects of the initiative, as well as materials and labor -- as a way of cutting the city's energy costs.

To GAF's CEO, Bob Tafaro, that kind of nimbleness is key. "When you put customers first by ensuring that they get quality products and service, and when you keep your employees focused on innovation, you've got the formula for surviving long term and throughout even the toughest economic times."

The company's commitment to service and innovation has actually produced a number of "firsts," including: the first ready-to-lay asphalt roofing, the first to use color granules in roofing materials, and the first to offer a lifetime shingle warranty. And, oh yes, for those concerned about the outsourcing of American jobs, everything's made in America. For more information, visit www.GAF.com.

Companies Seek Happy Employees

Posted: 11/16/2011

Acknowledging employees improves morale.

(NewsUSA) - Today's economy isn't just frustrating for those without jobs -; limited budgets can do a number on employed workers' morale as well. Exemplary employees might not be awarded with raises, no matter how much effort they put into their projects. Employers unable to afford larger salaries may see their best employees looking elsewhere.

But some companies are finding way to keep employees happy by cultivating employee-friendly office cultures. For example, in the fall of 2010, Washington, D.C.'s Office of the Chief Technology Officer implemented a Results Only Work Policy (ROWE), which pays employees for results, not the hours that they work. This means that employees are able to work when or wherever they want, so long as their work gets done. In places where it has been tried, ROWE not only boosts morale and retention, but also improves output.

Of course, not every company is willing to redo its entire work structure. That doesn't mean that they can't find less drastic ways to boost morale. Here are some of the many ways that companies can make the workplace more attractive for employees:

* Acknowledge employees' contributions. Employees who work hard without recognition are likely to lose morale. Even if a company can't provide raises, managers can give out certificates or plaques acknowledging an employee's accomplishments or designating an employee of the month. Plaquemaker Plus, a company that offers many personalized trophies, plaques and frames, offers laser-engraved and full-color plaques that can be used to give hard-working employees a boost. Visit their website at www.PlaquemakerPlus.com or call 1-800-367-5556.

* Celebrate birthdays. Acknowledging employees' personal lives will make them feel like valuable team members, rather than replaceable automatons.

* Communicate. Unhappy employees are less productive, so managers should take time to speak with them about questions or concerns. An anonymous employee survey can also help employers determine where they need improvement.

Guaranteed Media for Companies in Need

Posted: 11/16/2011

Lincoln Center Capital provides quality marketing and media services.

(NewsUSA) - In these challenging economic times, growing companies are caught between a rock and hard place. They are required to grow sales, but with a limited marketing budget. To exasperate the situation, marketing can feel like throwing money into a fire because it's often impossible to judge the results. In 2010, over $131 billion was spent on advertising in the U.S., often with poor results for the companies left with massive advertising bills.

Rather than rushing to buy expensive newspaper advertisements or sponsorships, many companies are placing a premium on reliability, seeking marketing and advertising methods they can count on for quality and value. These companies tend to seek investments from companies such as Lincoln Center Capital (LCC), the national leading private equity firm that invests in media and media services in exchange for equity in private and public corporations. LCC has developed a technologically advanced platform that guarantees not only traditional media via print and radio, but online and social media as well. LCC provides guaranteed quantifiable results and 24/7 metrics of the value of its media program.

LCC's media platform is so successful that rather than receiving cash, LCC invests equity. LCC's clients like that the company takes equity risk and puts its money where its mouth is. As can be expected, growing companies seeking an investment from LCC must meet their comprehensive due diligence requirements. In addition, LCC helps companies preserve cash and utilize it to further maximize value for their shareholders and corporate objectives.

This platform has been effectively utilized by such corporate giants as Apple, AOL and, more recently, Groupon. LCC guarantees that every media release it creates and distributes for its clients will generate a minimum of $25,000 in advertisement value. Furthermore, social media releases that focus on distribution through Facebook, Twitter and other online websites are guaranteed a viewership of at least 30 million people per release.

"Many companies do not know how to effectively maximize their marketing dollars to grow their businesses," stated Jake Shapiro, president of Lincoln Center Capital. "Not only do we work closely with our companies to make sure the right message is being delivered to the right consumers or B2B buyers, but we guarantee total and complete satisfaction for each and every media release."

In a world where growing companies are spending millions of dollars on marketing and advertising, at least there is one area where shareholders can find a dependable and demonstrable solution.

For more information, visit www.lincolncentercapital.com.

5 Free Ways to Work and Collaborate

Posted: 11/16/2011

Software like Skype and join.me make it easy to collaborate.

(NewsUSA) - You don't have to be a tech geek to work smarter in and out of the office; there are some straightforward, free software programs that will help you connect with colleagues for conversation and collaboration.

Let technology simplify your work life with these free software programs. Each offers the ability to get work done on your own time and from anywhere.

* Skype. Sign up for a free Skype account, then send instant messages or make calls from your computer. It helps if you have a microphone and video camera connected to your computer. Try it out at www.skype.com.

* join.me. This program lets you share your desktop. Once you sign up for the free account, you can send up to 250 colleagues to http://join.me. After they enter the nine-digit code that you provide, they can see your desktop and files. This is great for meeting, training and group editing.

* Open Office. Build documents, spreadsheets and presentations without the expense or megabit-girth of Microsoft Office. Download Open Office onto your computer, and use the free suite of open-source software as if it were Office. It can save and open Office files, so no one will know the difference. More details are at http://openoffice.org.

* Google Docs. Google Docs allows you to host documents for free, so everyone can have a look. Go to http://docs.google.com to download your file, then share it as a link or send an e-mail to collaborators. You can change the settings to allow users to edit the document (you can track changes) or limit them to viewing only. You do not need to have Gmail, though you will need to create a free Google account.

* Tungle.me. Among Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar and iCal, you might have trouble sorting through your date book. Tungle.me lets you sync these calendars and provides a place where people can schedule time with you -- without your involvement. Go to http://tungle.me for more information.

How Social Media Can Grow Your Company

Posted: 11/16/2011

Social media provides an innovative way to reach consumers across the country. Social media provides an innovative way to reach consumers across the country.

(NewsUSA) - As the economy continues to slowly expand, businesses are seeking new media to reach their customers. In addition to traditional print, radio and online advertising, marketing directors are often required to create and implement a social media strategy. According to Forrester Research, three out of four Americans currently use social media. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have become incredible success stories, but more importantly they've evolved into tools to grow sales and profits. As a result, the management of many small- to medium-sized companies are struggling to find the right balance to effectively communicate and grow their businesses in the Internet age.

Luckily, some media businesses are finding innovative ways to market and inform consumers and help companies expand their brands and sales on a national basis. Many companies are turning to Lincoln Center Capital (LCC), the national leading private equity firm that invests media and media services in exchange for equity in private and public corporations. Through a targeted multi-platform approach of print, radio, online and social media, LCC facilitates significant brand and corporate awareness programs to a widespread audience of Consumer and B2B Buyers. However, since LCC invests equity in its portfolio companies, it has strict due diligence requirements and only partners with high-quality growth companies seeking to improve their message and brand to customers. LCC guarantees its clients that for each of its social media releases, websites with a minimum of 30 million active viewers will be reached with their brand message and information.

"Creating social media solutions enables companies to reach the consumers in a format they are comfortable with, allowing businesses to develop strong, untapped revenue growth," says Jake Shapiro, president of Lincoln Center Capital. "Businesses cannot expect to compete successfully in today's crowded marketplace without a strong comprehensive social media strategy."

By partnering with companies such as Lincoln Center Capital, businesses can reach for widespread consumer and B2B sales using technology to achieve their goals. For more information, visit www.lincolncentercapital.com.

Making Meetings More Efficient And Effective

Posted: 10/18/2011

A big help for small to medium-size businesses is an ability to attend meetings from anywhere via iPhone and iPad.

(NAPSI)—If you’re like many people in business these days, an ability to be in two places at once would do a lot for your bottom line.

While you can’t quite achieve that, today’s technology does make it at least partly possible. That’s because Web conferencing lets you meet with anyone, anywhere, in real time from your computer or your mobile device—wherever you happen to be. It combines desktop sharing through a Web browser with phone conferencing and video, so everyone sees each other and sees the same thing—it’s just like you’re all in the same room.

What The Research Reveals

A study by Outsource Research found half of all meetings are spontaneous and mostly in the main workplace. With Web conferencing, people in remote offices, traveling or working at home can all still join in easily and instantly—even if the meeting is ad hoc.

You can even schedule, host and attend meetings right from your iPhone, BlackBerry or any other Wi-Fi or 3G-enabled mobile device. All your meeting participants need is the app on their device and they can join your online meeting. And as the host, you give anyone the presenter role anytime you like. You can even transfer the meeting from your phone to your desktop with a flick of your wrist.

A full portfolio of Web conferencing solutions can take you from an occasional one-on-one meeting to a webinar or an online event with 5,000 participants.

What You Get

Web conferencing lets you:

• Meet with everyone you need, wherever they are;

• Share PowerPoint, Excel and Word documents or draw on a virtual whiteboard;

• Give product demos and share information;

• Record meetings, so even if someone can’t make the meeting, he or she doesn’t miss a thing.

Peace Of Mind Included

You and your company can save time, trouble and money and even help the environment because you can cut down on travel.

You can count on the highest levels of performance and security because every meeting is delivered over a highly secure, scalable and available meeting network. Plus, you have a variety of security options—such as meeting password protection—to control who attends and ensure that all your data is safe, every time. Upgrades and patches are automatic.

Because WebEx is Web conferencing software as a service (SaaS), there’s no complicated hardware installation or software maintenance.

What Else To Get

Other types of business technology you may consider, the experts at the U.S. Small Business Administration say, include:

Accounting software. Even if you have an accountant, it can help you see your profits and losses at a glance and design and maintain a budget.

Planning software. A calendar system can help you keep organized.

Time-tracking software. It can help you determine what tasks can be eliminated, outsourced or improved.

Learn More

You can find more information online at www.webx.com or call (877) 509-3239.

This Franchise Is A Favorite

Posted: 10/18/2011

Many people have discovered running a campground—with help from a major franchisor—can be a great way to be in business for themselves.

(NAPSI)—As more and more people see the current economy as an opportunity to go into business for themselves, franchising is becoming an increasingly popular way to go about it. Currently, there are more than 75,000 different franchises in the U.S. and Canada. All franchisors, however, are not alike.

Sign of Quality

“Franchisee satisfaction is the most critical factor for any prospective franchisee to consider before investing in any franchise opportunity,” explains Eric Stites, president of Franchise Business Review. “Even during challenging economic times, the very best franchise businesses maintain high franchisee satisfaction. This year’s award-winning franchises are in that elite group and represent the very best franchise opportunity investments in the marketplace today.”

Now in its sixth year, the Franchise Business Review awards begin with in-depth research on more than 500 franchises that include more than 100,000 franchisees. Survey questions cover everything from training and support, system quality issues, franchisor relationship, and financial opportunity to overall satisfaction.

A Leader in its Field

One of the more popular franchisors is Kampgrounds of America, the first choice of North American families when it comes to camping and the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world. In fact, it has just been ranked 10th in the list of Top 50 Franchises by Franchise Business Review.

One reason the company stays popular may be an annual effort to survey hundreds of thousands of campers immediately following their KOA stay. KOA immediately finds out what campers liked—and didn’t like—about their camping trip, and is able to provide immediate feedback to KOA owners.

The largest system of family campgrounds in North America, it has been in business for nearly 50 years and has more than 475 locations around the U.S. and Canada—though there’s plenty of room for more.

Learn More

If all this has inspired you to own your own KOA, go to www.ownakoa.com or call (800) 548-7239 for more information.

A Big Help For Small Businesses

Posted: 9/21/2011

Legislators are trying to close a tax loophole that economists believe puts many neighborhood merchants in danger.

(NAPSI)—Your ability to shop where and when you want may be boosted by Congress passing legislation known as the Main Street Fairness Act. Under the bill, sales tax collection is applied evenly for Internet retailers and community merchants alike. The proposal modernizes the current system to keep pace with a changing marketplace that includes both online and brick-and-mortar retailers.

Right now, all purchases made online are subject to the same sales tax as those made in neighborhood stores; however, when an online retailer fails to collect the sales tax, it falls to the buyer to report it. This poses a confusing and unnecessary burden on consumers. Advocates for change say a sale is a sale—whether it takes place on the Internet or at a local store—and the same rules should apply, with certain exemptions for the smallest sellers.

What We Have Now

Some economists believe the current situation threatens economic development in communities across the country and impacts consumers, retailers and state governments.

The buyer has an unmet tax liability that could result in an audit and penalty.

Brick-and-mortar businesses that must collect the tax are at a competitive disadvantage to online-only retailers that do not. This tax loophole negatively impacts local businesses’ bottom line and, increasingly, has forced many of these businesses to close—depriving communities of the choice and convenience they’ve long enjoyed.

States are losing critical funding—as much as $33.7 billion a year—which is needed now more than ever to close growing budget gaps, pay down debt and finance vital services such as schools, law enforcement and emergency personnel. Meanwhile, businesses and residents face increased corporate, income and property taxes to make up the shortfall.

What The Act Will Do

The Main Street Fairness Act is designed to:

• Give states the option to set up a simple, fair system to collect taxes on remote sales;

• Allow states to collect revenue at every point of purchase;

• Protect the consumer against onerous tax liability and infringement of privacy.

The software and Web applications necessary to collect sales tax exist now and are already in use by numerous retailers that choose to follow the law.

“Brick-and-mortar stores are the backbone of this country, investing in their communities and ensuring the places we call home are vibrant and welcoming,” said Michael Kercheval, president and CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.icsc.org/mainstreetfairness or call (202) 626-1400.

New Way To Boost Your Business

Posted: 9/21/2011

Online faxing enables companies to cut the cord to the outdated fax machine.

(NAPSI)—Even in the age of online messaging, emails and PDFs, faxing remains an important part of business—as contracts still need to be signed, legal documents still require hand notations and signatures, files must be transmitted securely, and purchase orders must be signed before goods or services are shipped. And a faxed document (because of the time stamp on the send and receive end) is considered as good as the original when presented as evidence in a court of law.

Faxing remains a vital tool for many businesses, but you no longer need to have an actual fax machine or phone line to send and receive faxes. Businesses and individuals are discovering that it is far more efficient and cost effective to use an Internet fax service.

There are several advantages to faxing online. To begin with, it can make a business greener by eliminating the need to ever print received, sent or signed docs. It also saves money as it eliminates fax equipment and supplies, extra phone lines, upkeep and paper costs.

Getting rid of the finicky fax machine creates room in the office by reducing physical cabinet space. And online faxing makes document management a snap as important faxes can be stored “in the cloud,” then searched and retrieved using keywords and/or tags. Companies like eFax® offer unlimited storage of sent and received faxes, providing an excellent online backup solution for important documents.

And now, a digitized signature can be used to sign and authorize a document without ever having to put pen to paper. Digitized signatures will save costs while eliminating the time involved in printing, signing, scanning and sending. All you need is a computer or smartphone and an Internet connection.

An online fax service enables companies and individuals to cut the cord to the fax machine by allowing faxes to be sent and received via email, anywhere an Internet connection exists. Some companies, like eFax, offer an iPhone app that uses the iPhone’s built-in camera and wireless connection to point, shoot and fax.

“eFax makes faxing move as smoothly as email. It’s simple, easy to manage our workflow, saves us time and, most importantly, doesn’t let anything fall through the cracks,” said Todd Morris, CEO, BrickHouse Security, New York City.

eFax is a registered trademark of j2 Global Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:JCOM). You can go to www.eFax.com and sign up for a free 30-day trial.

Highway Bill Could Speed Up Economy

Posted: 9/21/2011

The nation needs to make elements of the surface transportation system a top priority, say the experts.

(NAPSI)—The next time you take to the road for a business trip or vacation, you may remember how important it is for Congress to adequately fund transportation-and consider letting them know how you feel about it.

“It’s a pivotal time to remind our federal elected officials of the importance and urgency of finding solutions to the dire situation the construction industry and our highways are facing,” says Gerald F. Voigt, P.E., president and CEO of the American Concrete Pavement Association.

Congress needs to do the right thing by making highways and other elements of the surface transportation system a top priority, said Voigt.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the signing of the most recent highway bill, which, since its expiration, has been extended seven times.

Extensions make it difficult for businesses to invest in the future, and not having a clear timeline for the next transportation bill will continue to jeopardize the economic vitality of companies—and the nation.

The ability to move people and goods is critical to the nation’s economy.

When the federal government under invests in transportation infrastructure, it’s easier for the nation to fall behind in the global marketplace.

“China, India and other developing nations understand the value of infrastructure development and the critical link between infrastructure, commerce, personal mobility and safety,” said Voigt. “Why are those issues any less important in the U.S. than in other nations?”

Fuel prices are rising at an alarming rate, and with widespread speculation that motorists might pay $5 per gallon for gasoline, motorists can scarcely afford to waste fuel because of the inefficiency and disrepair of the nation’s highways.

As the nation’s economy continues to falter, said Voigt, unemployment remains high in the construction industry. Passage of a new highway bill would create and sustain well-paying, long-term jobs for people who want to work and need to work.

“Talk to your neighbors, your colleagues, your employees and everyone you know who has the power of the vote and urge them to take a stand; to tell their elected officials to find and invest the funds to repair and preserve the nation’s highways,” said Voigt.

You can let your elected officials know how you feel about this and any other issue. For more information, visit www.acpa.org or www.pavements4life.com.

Meeting And Exceeding Client Demands In A Digital World

Posted: 9/7/2011

Companies of any size can now easily and securely transfer files from one place to another without clogging in-boxes.

(NAPSI)—Deliverables: Every business has them, especially in small agencies, where several assignments are juggled at once and multiple projects are due to clients daily. Most are managed online or over e-mail. Take a creative professional at a design shop, for example, who is reconstructing a client’s entire website. Prototypes and mock-ups are drafted and numerous versions are exchanged constantly until the final is complete and the website goes live. Take the tax accountant during tax season, who sends many sensitive documents back and forth to clients for signatures, clarification on details and background. Bottom line: Everyone has important information that get sent often.

For example, global communications firm Big Sky Communications often manages multiple projects at one time and relies on rapid content sharing to meet changing client requests. “The content we create is integral to our clients’ marketing and sales programs, so it’s vital that every last detail is perfect and final materials are delivered on time,” says Colleen Padnos of Big Sky Communications. With the massive amount of e-mails and attachments being sent around the Internet these days, however, businesses are vulnerable to the technical difficulties that come with “information overload,” which could prevent their hard work from being delivered on time.

In fact, recent research by Plantronics shows that the use of e-mail by professionals has increased 78 percent over the past five years, nearly 83 percent use e-mail as a primary communication tool for business—and nearly 57 percent say they’re overwhelmed by the volume. It seems pretty clear that the variety and rate at which people share and send information is not slowing down and that the volume and variety of content in businesses continue to explode as organizations create documents, e-mails, Web content, rich media assets and corporate records.

Fortunately, there may be a way for businesses to send digital content easily while collaborating better internally, meet the high demands of clients and not get bogged down by the amount of information. The creator of Acrobat and Reader offers a new way to securely transfer files from one place to another without clogging in-boxes or sending extraneous messages back and forth to check on the status of a sent file. With the latest upgrades to its file transfer service, Adobe SendNow, users can send, view and securely access a variety of file types from anywhere. As Padnos says, “With Adobe SendNow, we have an easy, reliable way to manage, share and collaborate on large files with clients everywhere.”

These days, transferring documents is just the start. This is an age of sharing—no matter what device (mobile, tablet, desktop or laptop computer) or format (photos, video or audio) you’re using, your client, boss, even your mother expects it can get done and get done quickly. SendNow offers these capabilities and more. “We constantly develop a variety of video and multimedia content for our clients—anything from three-minute customer videos to interactive presentations and in-depth customer success stories,” says Padnos. “We use Adobe SendNow to reliably share large files, having confidence that our clients always have easy access to project content when and where they need it. We can quickly and cost effectively deliver up-to-date content to project teams for review and accelerate finalizing content to meet our clients’ tight deadlines.”

Deliverables in the Digital Age should be nothing short of simple. With the right technology in place, small businesses, professionals and everyday users have the ability to transfer information in less time and avoid the challenges that come with sending large files—all with little or no cost.

Choosing A Startup Or Small-Business Phone System

Posted: 9/7/2011

Cloud computing can make a small business work and sound like a finely tuned corporation—for half the cost.

(NAPSI)—If the thought of saving time, trouble and money on your company’s phone service rings the bell for you, technology may bring you good news.

You can act, sound and function more like a future Fortune 500 business using the equipment you have—better.

How To Do It

For one thing, you can wed your phone system to software that helps you care for customers and empower your sales team. It can also provide sophisticated auto attendant on-hold music or messaging, record a call on demand and send you your voice mails transcribed in an e-mail.

How It Works

That’s because cloud computing can eliminate hardware and its headaches. The cloud is simply computers connected through the Internet or an intranet with the ability to reach out and retrieve data processed elsewhere by supercomputers. It’s now possible to add business voice service to the cloud—especially when it’s fine-tuned for quality and ease of use. It’s even possible to create different greetings according to the time of day and the day of week.

It works through “VoIP,” which stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol.” In other words, your phone system works over the Internet rather than over traditional phone lines.

What You Get

Other features include:

• Reports for all incoming and outgoing calls in the system

• The ability to literally link dozens of phones in dozens of places

• A dashboard that shows real-time status of co-workers

• Integration with Outlook or other calendaring

• A dial-by-name directory

• Command and control functionality from your smartphone

• You pick your phones, then plug and play with confidence.

What Others Say

In a recent Microsoft survey, 50 percent of small businesses using the cloud say it improved their bottom line.

It’s all available, without a contract, from Vocalocity.

What Else To Do

Other technologies to consider, say the experts at the U.S. Small Business Administration, include:

• Accounting software. It lets you see profits and losses at a glance and can help you design and maintain a budget.

• A calendar system

• Time-tracking software. It can help you determine which tasks result in profit and which don’t.

• E-mail management. Streamlining all your e-mails to one account can help you stay organized.

Free Information And Advice

You can learn more and get a free quote at www.vocalocity.com or call 877-VOCALOCITY.

Fitch boosts SMUD’s bond rating

Posted: 8/13/2011

Fitch, one of the nation’s leading credit-rating agencies, is upgrading its opinion of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) credit worthiness, raising the utility’s rating from ‘A’ to ‘A+’. The upgrade is particularly noteworthy considering the current economy and the falling ratings of other entities.

The rating upgrade, as detailed by Fitch, reflects operational improvement and financial improvement achieved over the past two years. Fitch noted that SMUD has increased its debt service coverage, boosted liquidity and placed itself on a much sounder financial footing to face the renewable and green house gas mandates in California.

The boost in SMUD’s credit rating should give investors added confidence when they consider buying SMUD bonds, and as a result SMUD could pay lower interest rates, which directly benefits SMUD customers. SMUD currently has an ‘A+’ rating from Standard & Poor’s and an ‘A1’ rating from Moody’s.

As the nation’s sixth largest publicly owned utility, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for 65 years to Sacramento County and a small portion of Placer County. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. For more information, visit smud.org.

Enough About Health Care -- Let's Focus on Health

By Chris Viehbacher
Posted: 8/2/2011

Every parent knows how heartbreaking it can be when a child gets sick. The feelings of anxiety, helplessness and a desire to "fix" what's wrong. Parents have the right instincts.

New research from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) suggests that failing to get ill children the medical treatment they need doesn't just prolong that physical damage and emotional trauma in the here and now -- it also raises the risk they'll suffer poor health in adulthood.

The NBER compared the incidence of childhood and adult illnesses in America and England and found that American children are more likely to develop chronic diseases later in life because illnesses go undetected or untreated when they're young.

That makes sense. Under most Western healthcare models, we tend not to address a person's health problems until it's too late. So many adults in poor health started out as kids in poor health.

This is yet another reason preventative care needs to be improved in this country. If not, chronic conditions will continue to hurt the economy and cause untold suffering for tens of millions of Americans.

Currently, chronic diseases cost the economy $1 trillion every year, when one factors the costs of treatment, lowered work productivity, and elevated rates of sick leave. That figure could reach $6 trillion by the middle of the century, according to a 2007 report by the Milken Institute.

Diabetes, hypertension and stroke alone cost the country $277 billion. And obesity costs private employers $73.1 billion -- and the U.S. economy $99.2 billion.

Of course, the costs of chronic diseases don't simply break down to dollars and cents. Patients with these conditions have a marked drop in quality of life. Obese patients, for instance, have to suffer social stigmas and often can't participate in physical activity. And there's the psychological toll taken on friends and family.

Diabetes can have a particularly devastating effect on the day-to-day life of patients. Every year, over 80,000 Americans have non-traumatic lower-limb amputations as a result of complications from this disease. And every day, 60 go blind because of the consequences of progressive type-2 diabetes.

Losing a leg or sight is clearly devastating. And the ultimate tragedy is that we already have the tools, resources, and know-how to prevent these conditions from getting to such an extreme -- we just don't apply them.

We need to broaden our thinking to focus on health, not just health care. The Milken report finds that "reasonable improvements in health-related behavior and treatment" could cut treatment costs by $217 billion by 2021.

But what are these "reasonable improvements?" And what kind of wellness and prevention programs can encourage Americans to make them?

A handful of employers and municipalities are already showing how.

In 2005, grocery chain Safeway began offering a healthcare plan based on the auto-insurance model. Just as safe drivers pay lower premiums, Safeway employees who avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy weight, or keep their blood pressure or cholesterol levels under control receive discounts on their insurance.

From 2005 to 2009, Safeway managed to keep its per capita healthcare costs flat, while costs for most American companies increased 38 percent. The number of sick days taken by diabetic employees dropped by 50 percent, from more than 12 days per year to six. Asthma patients took eight fewer sick days per year.

Obesity and smoking rates in Safeway's workforce are now about 30 percent lower than the national average.

The mailing-services firm Pitney Bowes is another company that has successfully incorporated wellness into its benefits program. The firm has established eight on-site medical clinics and an on-site pharmacy at its facilities. And it provides employees access to fitness centers and healthy food in company cafeterias.

My company, Sanofi, is offer many similar preventative services. Our wellness programs -- including dietary guidance, blood pressure screenings, diabetes screenings, a mammogram program and flu vaccinations -- have proven popular, and our goal is to demonstrate improved health.

Corporations aren't alone in setting a new standard for preventative care. The city of Asheville, North Carolina, launched a program in 1997 that encouraged citizens to meet regularly with pharmacists and other medical personnel. Average annual medical expenses for diabetic patients dropped 40 percent in the first year of the program. Today, they're nearly 60 percent lower than the national average.

These success stories show how we can make preventative care work in this country.

Too often, the national healthcare conversation has focused exclusively on improving access to medical services. But initiatives that promote prevention and wellness are equally important. Such programs have already shown promise in lowering costs for employers and governments -- and improving health and happiness for patients.

Chris Viehbacher is the CEO of Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company. He is also the board chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Board of Equalization Approves Plan for New Use Tax Nexus Law

ABx1 28 May Create Nexus for Many Out-Of-State Online Retailers
Posted: 7/26/2011

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE), announced that the Board agreed today on a three to two vote to commence a process to discuss with interested parties the implementation of the provisions of ABx1 28 (Stats. 2011, Ch. 7), the measure that imposes use tax collection obligations on out-of-state retailers who meet certain criteria. The Board also directed staff to obtain an opinion from the Attorney General related to how the referendum process may affect the effectiveness of ABx1 28.

The changes made by ABx1 28 expand the use tax registration requirements so that they apply to some out-of-state retailers that were previously not required to collect use tax on sales to California customers. Transactions subject to use tax are generally conducted either through mail order, telephone orders or via the Internet.

ABx1 28 provides that large out-of-state retailers that pay in-state affiliates commissions for sales completed after clicking through a link on the affiliate’s website must collect California use tax.

This measure also makes it clear that out-of-state retailers have to start collecting tax if they receive the benefit of services in California through certain related companies that enable the retailers to establish and maintain a market for selling tangible personal property in California. The Board will be identifying further examples through its public process.

ABx1 28 was signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on June 28, 2011. The Board will now initiate a public process to consider amending Sales and Use Tax Regulation 1684, Collection of California Use Tax by Retailers. The first interested parties meeting will be likely be held some time in October, following the development of an initial discussion paper.

The public meeting process offers interested parties the opportunity to provide input regarding formulation or amendment of rules and regulations administered by the Board. Interested parties may subscribe to receive notices and agendas for proposed rules and regulations announcements by signing up for email notifications at www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/boardcomm.htm.

California and non-California retailers with questions regarding their registration requirements or California nexus are encouraged to contact the Board of Equalization’s Out-of-State Field Office in Sacramento at 916-227-6600.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $48 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.

USDA Forest Service Awards Nearly $3 Million for Renewable Energy Projects

Federal grants support the development of clean renewable energy, help reduce the risk of wildfire and provide economic opportunities to rural communities
Posted: 6/25/2011

WASHINGTON -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of nearly $3 million in grants to 17 small businesses and community groups to develop wood-to-energy projects that require engineering services and will help expand regional economies and create new jobs.

"Biomass is a vital part of America's clean energy future as we work to decrease our dependence on foreign oil," said Vilsack. "Projects like these will help grow regional economies, create new jobs, and improve and protect our environment. We will need architects and engineers to design these plants, skilled laborers to build them and well-trained technicians to operate them."

These projects will use woody material removed from forests during projects such as wildfire prevention, and that woody biomass will be processed in bioenergy facilities to produce green energy for heating and electricity. The awardees will use funds from the Woody Biomass Utilization Grant program to further the planning of such facilities by funding the engineering services necessary for final design, permitting and cost analysis.

Examples of possible projects include the engineering design of a woody biomass boiler for steam at a sawmill, a non-pressurized hot water system for a hospital or school, and a biomass-power generation facility. The grant program helps applicants complete the necessary design work needed to secure public or private investment for construction.

The Forest Service Woody Biomass Utilization grant program has been in effect since 2005 and has provided more than $33 million toward various projects, ranging from biomass boilers for schools and prisons, to helping businesses acquire equipment that improves processing efficiencies. During this time period, 140 grants have been awarded to small businesses, non-profits, tribes and local state agencies to improve forest health, while creating jobs, green energy and healthy communities.

The Forest Service selected 17 small businesses and community groups as grant recipients for these awards. According to the requirements, all 17 recipients provided at least 20 percent of the total project cost. Non-federal matching funds total nearly $8 million.

The Forest Service's State and Private Forestry, Technology Marketing Unit, at the agency's Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wis. administers the grant program. The recipients were chosen from 34 applications.

SCOTT VANDENBERG NAMED GENERAL MANAGER, HYATT REGENCY SACRAMENTO

Posted: 6/14/2011

Sacramento, CA – A seasoned Hyatt veteran with over 33 years of experience, Scott VandenBerg has been named General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 1209 L Street (in downtown Sacramento, across from the State Capitol).

Most recently, VandenBerg served as general manager of Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. A native of Holland, Michigan, VandenBerg began his career in the hospitality industry as a 16 year old working at the local Holiday Inn. Finding the experience rewarding, he opted to pursue a career in hospitality and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Business and a concentration in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management.

VandenBerg began his tenure with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as a Corporate Management Trainee and made several stops across North America, simultaneously moving up the career ladder and becoming a decorated Hyatt employee. In the position of General Manager, VendeBerg blazed a trail beginning with the Hyatt Westlake Plaza in California, Hyatt Regency Islandia in San Diego and then the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, before returning to California and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in 2008.

During his career, Scott VandenBerg has been recognized as Hospitality Person of the Year, by the San Diego Hotel & Motel Association, Manchester’s Who’s Who in 2005 and American Register’s Who’s Who in 2006. He was twice awarded Manager of the Year at hotels he way employed in and has been nominated for General Manager of the Year by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in 2001.

In Sacramento, VandenBerg will lead Hyatt Regency Sacramento through its Stage II multi-million dollar renovation that begins this summer and concludes in the fall. The renovation includes the lobby floor, second floor meeting space and Capitol View, 15th floor levels. In addition, he will develop his community outreach profile with active participation in Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sacramento Hotel Association, among others.

VandenBerg replaces long time General Manager, Ulrich Samietz who has been with the Hyatt Sacramento since late 2006. Samietz departs to take on the role of General Manager at Hyatt Regency Vancouver.

Located across the street from the California State Capitol and adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center, the 15-story, Mediterranean-designed, Hyatt Regency Sacramento offers 503 guestrooms on 12 floors, 28,000 square feet of function space, two floors of meeting space, and a roof top banquet room with spectacular views of the city as well as two award-winning restaurants—Dawson’s and Vines Cafe—all designed to meet the needs of the convention, business and leisure traveler.

Greeted with civic fanfare when it was built in 1988, the Hyatt Regency Sacramento was considered an important investment in the redevelopment of the central downtown business community and a critical partner in the future of the local convention and tourism industry.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites® brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of September 30, 2010, the company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 447 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

George Runner Announces Annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearings

Posted: 6/14/2011

Providing a forum for business and property taxpayers to present ideas for improving the Board of Equalization’s administration of its tax programs, annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings will be held June 21 in Culver City and September 20 at the BOE’s headquarters building in Sacramento, Second District BOE Member Senator George Runner announced today.

"I strongly encourage taxpayers to come and give us their honest feedback on how we can serve them better," said Runner. "As a newly elected board member, my number one priority is to attract more job creators to our state. To accomplish this goal, we must start by making California's tax agencies more friendly to taxpayers."

Each year the elected Members of the Board of Equalization hold public hearings in Sacramento and Culver City, at which taxpayers are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns related to BOE’s administration or oversight of business taxes and property tax. In addition to safeguarding the rights, privacy, and property of taxpayers, BOE Members are interested in discussing ways they can help taxpayers better understand California’s tax laws.

Event: Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Time: Approximately 1:30 P.M.
Place: Board of Equalization Capitol Square Building
1st Floor Board Room, Room 121
450 N Street, Sacramento

The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearing in Culver City and Sacramento will be webcast live at www.boe.ca.gov. Taxpayers or others interested in making a presentation at the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Hearings are invited to contact the BOE Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office by calling 888-324-2798, or inquiring via email at www.boe.ca.gov/info/emailtra.htm. More information about the annual hearings is available online at www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/heartra.htm.

Enacted in January 1989, the Harris-Katz California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Law requires that the BOE ensure that the rights of California taxpayers are protected during the assessment and collection of sales and use taxes. The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights was expanded in 1993 to include special tax programs such as excise, fuel, and alcohol taxes, and the Morgan Property Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights was added in 1994. The BOE is required by law to conduct public Bill of Rights hearings annually.

Elected in November 2010, taxpayer advocate George Runner represents the Second District of the Board of Equalization. Runner was sworn in as Second District Board Member on January 3, 2011. Prior to his election to the Board, Runner served twelve years in the State Legislature. As a thoughtful conservative, his legislative priorities included improving the economy, business growth, education excellence, and public safety for all Californians. As a member of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, Runner consistently led the fight against tax increases and supported tax relief for families and businesses.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $48 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.

Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office: www.boe.ca.gov/tra/tra.htm

Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s 2009-10 Annual Report: http://www.boe.ca.gov/tra/tra0910.pdf

Publication 70, Understanding Your Rights as a California Taxpayer: www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub70.pdf

Taxes and Fees Administered by the Board of Equalization: http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub41.pdf

Big Banks' Price-Fixing Scheme

By Jerry Rogers
Posted: 6/14/2011

Today, every time a consumer swipes a debit card, the business pays a fee of 1 to 3 percent to the bank that issued the card. These fees average 44 cents per transaction -- but on July 21, a new policy will go into effect limiting them to 12 cents for big banks.

As one might expect, banks have cried foul. And they recently recruited Sens. Bob Corker (R.-Tenn.) and Jon Tester (D.-Mont) to try to pass an amendment that would have delayed this new fee limit.

Fortunately, last Wednesday, the Senate struck the Corker-Tester proposal down. This is a big win for Americans. Exorbitantly high swipe fees have been driving up the price of basic goods and services. Capping them will lead to lower prices for everyday purchases.

It's imperative that Congress keep steady and avoid delaying the implementation of this much needed-reform.

Conservative critics of this cap do have one thing right: The business world tends to correct itself without government involvement. Most of the time, if a company jacks up its prices for no reason, consumers will go elsewhere.

I am a conservative, so I'm sympathetic to this line of reasoning. But that is not how swipe fees work. There is no market force keeping them in check. That's why a bank can charge 44 cents on average for a service the Fed has determined actually costs 4 cents on average to perform, without being put out of business by a lower-priced competitor.

Essentially, banks have banded together to fix prices. They do this by routing their debit-card transactions through the electronic "interchanges" run by credit-card companies. Two companies -- Visa and Mastercard -- control 80 percent of debit cards, and they set the fees, even though it's the banks that receive the money. Banks don't have to compete with each other.

So what happens when, say, Visa decides to jack up debit-card rates -- as it has done repeatedly in recent years? The banks hardly mind, because they get more money, which encourages them to issue more cards, which is good for Visa.

Businesses have next to no recourse. They can stop accepting Visa debit and credit cards entirely -- under the Honor All Cards rule, if you accept one Visa card, you have to accept all of them.

But given how many consumers use Visa, that's not really an option. True, thanks to a recent settlement in an antitrust suit, retailers can offer customers a discount for using lower-fee cards like Discover, but such discrimination is confusing and consumer-unfriendly.

Of course, retailers don't just eat the swipe fees. Rather, they pass the costs to their customers, at a yearly average of $427 per household. If you have a rewards program, you can get some of that back. If you don't have a rewards program -- or if you're poor and don't have a bank -- you're just out the money.

Certainly, banks will make less money from swipe fees after this 12-cent cap goes into effect. Some customers might switch to credit cards, which aren't covered, to preserve access to rewards programs if debit cards start dropping rewards.

According to one line of argument, banks will try to make up the lost revenue by increasing other fees, such as for overdrafts. This is probably an empty threat. Before Visa took over the market in the '90s, banks offered debit cards with no swipe fees whatsoever, and at that time, other fees were lower, too. After Australia reformed debit-card swipe fees, usage of debit cards grew faster than usage of credit cards, banks did not increase other fees, and retailers passed the savings on to their customers.

Swipe fees present us with a rare situation in which the market itself does not force corrective action. Let's not give big banks another bailout by allowing this to continue.

IRS Identifies Organizations that Have Lost Tax-Exempt Status; Announces Special Steps to Help Revoked Organizations

275,000 Revoked Organizations Nationwide with Nearly 34,000 in California
Posted: 6/10/2011

OAKLAND –– The Internal Revenue Service announced this week that approximately 275,000 organizations under the law have automatically lost their tax-exempt status because they did not file legally required annual reports for three consecutive years. The list includes more than 33,700 organizations located in California. The IRS believes the vast majority of these organizations are defunct, but it also announced special steps to help any existing organizations to apply for reinstatement of their tax-exempt status.

Congress passed the Pension Protection Act (PPA) in 2006, requiring most tax-exempt organizations to file an annual information return or notice with the IRS. For small organizations, the law imposed a filing requirement for the first time in 2007. In addition, the law automatically revokes the tax-exempt status of any organization that does not file required returns or notices for three consecutive years.

For several years, the IRS has made an extensive effort to inform organizations of the changes in the law through multiple outreach and education avenues, including mailing more than 1 million notices to organizations that had not filed. In addition, last year the IRS published a list of at-risk groups and gave smaller organizations an additional five months to file required notices and come into compliance. About 50,000 organizations filed during this extension period. Overall, the IRS believes the vast majority of small tax-exempt organizations are now in compliance with the 2006 law.

“During the past several years, the IRS has gone the extra mile to help make tax-exempt groups aware of their legal filing requirement and allow them additional time to file,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “Still, we realize there may be some legitimate organizations, especially very small ones that were unaware of their new filing requirement. We are taking additional steps for these groups to maintain their tax-exempt status without jeopardizing their operations or harming their donors.”

As part of this, the IRS also issued guidance on how organizations can apply for reinstatement of their tax-exempt status, including retroactive reinstatement. In addition, the IRS announced transition relief for certain small tax-exempt organizations – those with annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less for 2010 – that were made subject to the new "postcard" filing under the PPA. The relief allows eligible small organizations to regain their tax-exempt status retroactive to the date of revocation and pay a reduced application fee of $100 rather than the typical $400 or $850 fee. Full details are available in Notice 2011-43, Notice 2011-44 and in Revenue Procedure 2011-36.

If an organization appears on the list of organizations whose tax-exempt status has been automatically revoked it is because IRS records indicate the organization had a filing requirement and did not file the required returns or notices for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The list of organizations whose tax-exempt status has been revoked for failing to meet their filing requirement, which will be available on the IRS website at www.IRS.gov, includes each organization’s name, Employer Identification Number (EIN) and last known address. It is searchable by state. It also includes the effective date of the automatic revocation and the date it was Posted: to the list. The IRS will update the list monthly to include additional organizations that lose their tax-exempt status.

The vast majority of tax-exempt groups file their required returns and are unaffected by the revocation listing. In addition, the IRS believes the vast majority of the newly revoked groups are no longer in existence and need to be removed from the tax-exempt listing as the 2006 law requires.

This listing should have little, if any, impact on donors who previously made deductible contributions to auto-revoked organizations because donations made prior to the publication of an organization’s name on the list remain tax-deductible. Going forward, however, organizations that are on the auto-revocation list that do not receive reinstatement are no longer eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, and any income they receive may be taxable.

Publication on the list of organizations whose tax-exempt status has been revoked serves as notice to donors and others that they may no longer rely on a prior listing in IRS Publication 78, Cumulative List of Organizations, as an indication of an organization’s tax-exempt status or its eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions. An updated version of Publication 78 with current listings will be published on the IRS website later this week. Nor can donors rely on an IRS determination letter issued prior to the date of automatic revocation.

Existing organizations that seek to have their tax-exempt status reinstated must complete an application and pay a user fee regardless of whether they were originally required to file such an application. More information on the reinstatement process, including retroactive reinstatement, can be found on IRS.gov.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN GAINES HONORS ROSEVILLE’S AUTOGATOR AS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Posted: 6/10/2011

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, R—Roseville, today honored AutoGator, a small business leader in the automotive recycling industry, as “California Small Business of the Year” for the 4th Assembly District. “I am proud to recognize Owner Ron Dumas and his company, AutoGator, for exemplifying the contributions California’s small businesses make to our economy,” Gaines said. “Small business is our most valuable asset, generating more than 80 percent of the economy in our district alone.”

Ron Dumas has been in the auto recycling business for more than 30 years. In 1994, he was recognized by Sacramento County for his efforts in implementing pollution prevention practices.

In 2000, Dumas’ assistance in developing a program called “Partners in the Solution” helped lead to a state program that applied pro-business solutions while adhering to California’s stringent environmental mandates. The program later received the prestigious Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award. Today, AutoGator’s Roseville location has 18 employees.

Gaines presented the award at the annual California Small Business Day in Sacramento, where Dumas joined a crowd of 500 business leaders, legislators, corporate partners, and small business dignitaries to celebrate small businesses of the year identified in more than 70 state legislative districts. Dumas was also joined by his wife, Linda Dumas and business partner, Liza March.

“We, as legislative leaders, need to be doing all we can to promote and protect businesses like Ron’s so that others will be encouraged to build and expand their businesses here,” Gaines said. “These businesses are the backbone of our state and I am privileged to honor Ron for the significant contributions he has made to benefit California’s economy.”

Assemblywoman Beth Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine counties.

Ten Tips to Keep Your Business Open and Operating

Posted: 6/7/2011

Sacramento Region – We independent owners provide jobs for more than 50% of working American. We develop nerves of steel. We drive a major part of the economy. It’s important, then, on a lot of levels, that we keep doing what we’re doing.

So here’s to you, business owners, for your perseverance, your contributions, and all the jobs you’ve created.

Here’s my contribution to you: A list that will help keep you operating:

1) Think in multiples. Why do a sales presentation to one or two people, when you can give a speech and get in front of hundreds?

2) Learn when and how to say no. It’s politically correct to say yes to everything, but that doesn’t pay the mortgage. The earlier you learn to say no nicely, the more time and money you’ll save.

3) Too many owners invoice late, too seldom, or not at all. Clean up your billing cycle, even splitting the alphabet in half and billing your A-L clients the first of the month and the M-Z clients on the 15th. One of the ways I improve small company’s bottom lines is by cleaning up the billing, and it always works to create an influx of cash.

4) Learn to fire clients. Stop living for hope. People who show signs of stiffing you, being unable to pay the tab, arguing too much, asking for too many extras, or skating in any number of other ways are always more trouble than they’re worth.

5) Have at least three levels of products or services for your customers to buy, with at least three prices, and make it easy for people to buy from you three ways, not just one.

6) The reason people pay more is for perceived added value. Figure out the market’s perception, and you’ll add handsomely to your bottom line. Adding hours alone will never get you to your goal.M

7) Develop a brand (not just an image or logo,) and carry it forward consistently with matching themes, colors, fonts, etc., until people recognize your brand and buy or refer when they see it.

8) Learn the difference between shortcuts that truly save money and time, and shortcuts that cost more than they’re worth.

9) Learn to delegate instead of doing everything yourself.

10) Get, and keep, referrals from everyone. Get their permission, and use them in writing.

Liz’s track record in increasing her client’s income ranges from 8% in 45 days, to a record of 700% in 8 months. If you’re a decision-maker and want to increase your income, call Liz at (916) 899-8285 or go to MizLizOnBiz.com.

California American Water’s Rosemont Service Area Selected For ‘Blue Thumb Neighbors’ Project

Regional Water Authority and River Friendly Landscaping Coalition To Provide Training and Materials for Sustainable Landscapes
Posted: 6/2/2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif – California American Water is pleased to announce that its Sacramento Rosemont service area has been selected to participate in “Blue Thumb Neighbors,” a free program sponsored by the Regional Water Authority and River Friendly Landscaping Coalition.

The project will teach residents there how to create healthy, beautiful sustainable landscapes that compliment their homes and neighborhood.

Each participating household will receive a free at-home consultation on efficient watering and training from landscape and irrigation experts at educational workshops along with literature and tips.

“When we first heard of this program, we immediately thought of our Rosemont customers,” said California American Water Northern Division General Manager Andy Soule. “Their collective efforts to improve their water efficiency are clearly evident by their active participation in our own conservation and rebate programs. Through this program our Rosemont customers will have the opportunity to pair their already admirable outdoor conservation practices with expert guidance and advice.”

Neighborhoods from throughout Sacramento County were nominated for the program and then evaluated according to 13 criteria, which included whether the neighborhood is metered and representative of other communities in the Sacramento region. After interviews with leaders at top-ranked neighborhoods, program sponsors selected Rosemont.

"We were impressed with Rosemont's sense of community pride, existing system of communication via their community association Web site, neighborhood watch networks, and other outreach avenues, as well as enthusiasm of community leaders for the program," said Regional Water Efficiency Program Manager Linda Yager.

Rosemont, which was nominated by California American Water, was the only neighborhood selected in unincorporated Sacramento County for the 2011 Blue Thumb Neighbors program.

Program sponsors include the Regional Water Authority, which represents more than 20 water providers in the greater Sacramento area, and the River Friendly Landscaping Coalition, a collaboration between public agencies, non-profit organizations, designers, private landscape architects and contractors in the greater Sacramento region. The Blue Thumb Neighbors program is funded through a 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Showcase Communities Grant. One program goal is to reduce participant’s outdoor water use by 20 percent, which can help reduce green house gas emissions.

Program participants will first receive an at-home consultation on efficient watering, sponsored by California American Water, and then education on sustainable landscape design, efficient irrigation, and proper plant selection. One lucky participant will earn a weather-based irrigation controller donated by California American Water. The two-month program will conclude at the end of June.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

RWA is a joint powers authority representing 21 water providers in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources

CALIFORNIA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR RETIRED LICENSE STATUS

Votes to eliminate fees for maintaining retired license
Posted: 5/26/2011

(Sacramento, CA) – As AB 431, the California Board of Accountancy’s “retired license” bill, heads for the Senate the CBA is laying the groundwork to establish regulations that will accommodate California CPAs deciding to retire.

At its May 19 - 20 meeting in Burlingame, the CBA voted to approve several proposals that provide a picture of what the requirements for acquiring and maintaining a retired status CPA license might be should AB 431 become law.

The bill’s author, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, also attended the meeting and took part in the discussion.

Notably, the CBA voted to propose that CPAs choosing to retire must renew their retired license every two years, though unlike active and inactive licenses, the retired CPA would not have to pay renewal fees. There would be an intitial $100 fee for changing a license status to the retired designation.

If AB 431 becomes law, the CBA would need to initiate a rulemaking to adopt these proposals as minimum requirements for acquiring and maintaining a retired status. The CBA will continue to develop policies to implement a retired license status in order to be prepared to begin the rulemaking process upon passage of AB 431. AB 431 is expected to be considered by the Senate Business and Professions Committee in June.Created by statute in 1901, the CBA’s mandate ensures protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the California Board of Accountancy in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. The CBA currently regulates more than 85, 000 licensees, the largest group of licensed accounting professionals in the nation, including individuals, partnerships, and corporations.

More information about the California Board of Accountancy is available at www.cba.ca.gov

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NFIB Releases Statement in Response to Brown’s Budget

Posted: 5/18/2011

The National Federation of Independent Business/California, America’s leading small business association, released the following statement today in response to Governor Brown’s May Revise.

“Governor Brown’s May Revise is one that has good and bad news for California’s small employers”, said John Kabateck, NFIB/CA executive director. “The good news includes state sales tax exclusions for business equipment purchases beginning in 2012, which would be especially helpful for new start-up businesses, and expanding the small business new hire tax credit to employers with up to 50 employees would encourage more small employers to hire.”

“We also appreciate Governor Brown shrinking the size of government by eliminating 43 state boards and commissions. “

“Having said that, the bad news is that the Governor still proposes extending taxes for five years–now it will be an “increase” which will add up to a $55-60 billion dollar tax increase over five years. Small employers simply cannot continue to absorb more costs from Sacramento”, Kabateck said. “Our recession reduced our state’s revenue base by 30%, so it will take a lot of work to make up for the losses. The only way to fix this is to enable businesses to put people back to work so that they are expanding the tax base.”

The Misguided War on Insurance Agents

By Janet Trautwein
Posted: 5/11/2011

The federal government recently announced that unemployment has barely budged in the last two months. More than 13 million people remain out of work. Yet several self-proclaimed "consumer advocates" are leading the charge in support of a provision of the federal health care law that could eliminate jobs throughout the country.

At issue is the law's "medical loss ratio" (MLR), which requires insurers to spend 80 to 85 percent of premiums on claims. Fortunately, several lawmakers and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners are considering a job-saving tweak to the health care law that would exclude brokers' commissions when calculating the MLR.

Without it, thousands of insurance agents and those who work at their agencies would be consigned to the unemployment lines -- thereby depriving consumers of valuable advocates in the health care marketplace.

The MLR requirement is unpopular. Eight states have requested waivers from the new rules; Maine just received one. These states are concerned that the regulations will drive small insurers who can't afford to comply out of business.

In Maine, one of the state's three active insurers threatened to pull out of the market unless the state received a waiver. This would've left Mainers with just two choices for insurance -- and by reducing competition, would've driven up prices.

The MLR rules may also disrupt state insurance markets by depriving consumers of access to agents and brokers.

Some insurers are starting to reduce agents' commissions. According to a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of agents have reported reductions in their income because of the MLRs. More than a fifth of brokers have eliminated jobs at their agencies. A quarter have reduced services for their clients to make ends meet.

That's bad news for small businesses, who depend on agents to take care of their health insurance needs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that agents and brokers often "handle the responsibilities that larger firms generally delegate to their human resources departments -- such as finding plans and negotiating premiums, providing information about the selected plans, and processing enrollees."

Small firms also count on brokers to keep them in compliance with state and federal laws and informed of any opportunities to save money on their plans.

Individual consumers will also suffer if they lose access to agents. Most consumers are unfamiliar with the jargon in their policies -- and thus rely on brokers to explain their benefits and serve as advocates should problems arise.

Proponents of the reform law's MLR rules argue that broker commissions should count as administrative costs because they aren't medical spending. But the truth is more complicated.

Broker commissions are separate from an insurance premium. They're not revenue for an insurance company, as they simply pass through the insurer and go directly back to the agent. It's a matter of convenience. Rather than writing two checks -- one to the insurer and one to the agent -- a person or firm writes just one.

Many lawmakers recognize that the MLR rules must be fixed. Reps. John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) have introduced a bill that would leave commissions out of the calculation. Their measure has attracted support from Republicans and Democrats.

The Obama Administration has called small business "the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our communities." But the MLR rules undermine that claim. By driving scores of insurance agencies to the brink of bankruptcy -- and killing small-business jobs in the process -- the MLRs are making the health insurance marketplace even less accessible for everyone.

Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Board of Equalization Releases Ecommerce Analysis

Posted: 5/11/2011

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) today released a staff analysis of ecommerce buyers and sellers. The May edition of the Economic Perspective, produced by BOE research staff, summarizes that, “Internet sales are highly concentrated in large sellers. These online sales and their associated use tax payments vary greatly according to household income group.”

Use tax is the equivalent of sales tax and applies to purchases from retailers who are not required to report and pay sales or use tax in California. Out-of-state Internet sellers (or other out-of-state retailers) that do not have any physical presence in California are not required to collect California tax. Therefore, individuals or businesses that purchase items from out-of-state retailers that do not collect California tax are required to pay the use tax directly to the state.

The BOE report released today points to many factors related to Internet sales:

• The top 10 ecommerce firms of the top 500 largest retail websites, ranked by annual sales, account for 48 percent of all ecommerce sales made


• Sales made by ecommerce retailers average about $660 per U.S. household with an Internet connection


• The average sale is $210 per transaction


• Households with incomes between $60,000 and $100,000 account for about one third of all Top 500 ecommerce retailers’ sales


• Households with greater than $100,000 incomes account for 27 percent of purchases


• Low income households spend proportionately similar percentages of their incomes online as middle and upper middle class households (about 1.5 percent)


• The highest income group spends proportionately much less of their income online (0.6 percent)


• Taxpayers are paying an average of about 1.4 percent of the total use tax liabilities they owe


• High income taxpayers paid an average of four percent of their liabilities


• Compliance is less than one percent of liabilities for all household income groups other than the highest earning group

BOE’s most recent estimate is that about $1.1 billion in use tax due goes uncollected each year.

The Economic Perspective newsletter is a quarterly publication produced by the BOE that looks at economic factors of interest or that influence California economic activity.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $48 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.

The newly redesigned site will make it easier to access information that can help small businesses grow.

Helping Small Businesses Succeed

Posted: 2/4/2011

(NAPSI) - Small businesses may soon find it easier to get the help they need from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The SBA recently updated its site to provide easier access to information about ways to start up, succeed and grow.

With the new and improved SBA.gov, business owners can access the answers they need specific to their business profile.

While the site features a variety of enhancements including a full redesign, new content and improved navigation, the centerpiece is a dynamic web tool called SBA Direct.

Using SBA Direct, visitors to the site can personalize their browsing experience according to business type, geography and needs.

The Web tool will then deliver relevant and targeted information on all aspects of running a business, such as the steps involved in getting started, business growth strategies and how to stay compliant with the laws. It also provides information on available SBA programs that can help businesses succeed, such as financial assistance, exporting and government contracting opportunities, counseling and training.

“Transforming the SBA into a proactive, responsive and ‘customer-centric’ organization that better serves the needs of small businesses is an exciting yet enormous effort,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We’ve made demonstrable progress and the new site is just one example among many, including record growth capital financing, expedited loan approvals and the acceleration of disaster assistance resources and funds.”

New features on the site include:

• A small-business search that improves the accuracy and relevancy of search results-saving time and frustration

• Improved navigation that gives users one-click access to the information they need

• Integration of Business.gov content including a variety of guides and tools that collate information from across government agencies.

The SBA has also increased its presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

For more information, visit www.SBA.gov.

More than just a pretty place-the state of Idaho has been found to be the perfect location for Lucky Bums, which makes outdoor gear for kids.

Finding A Natural Fit For Your Location

Posted: 1/7/2011

(NAPSI) - For many manufacturers and entrepreneurs, finding the right location for their business means more than square footage and reasonable costs. It’s about location—literally—because the location is a natural fit for their business.

For Mark Coffman, president of Lucky Bums, which makes technical and functional gear for kids, the state of Idaho is a perfect location for his business. “We can field-test the ski clothing with our own kids on a day trip to the ski resort or hiking and camping gear in the mountains and rivers just a few minutes from our headquarters,” said Coffman, whose company is based in Boise. “Here, you get urban efficiency with rural lifestyle.”

Some companies need to consider whether their location is a natural fit for the type of products they produce. Surfboards designed in China, for instance, wouldn’t have the credibility among aficionados that a label from Maui would have.

A number of outdoor-oriented companies have located in the northwestern state because of the variety of its terrain and outdoor culture. Everything from fly-fishing poles to ski goggles are designed, tested and manufactured there, taking advantage of the natural laboratory.

When does location matter? Outdoor equipment manufacturers in Idaho cite these advantages to matching their product to their company’s location:

• Credibility. The Scott Company, makers of ski equipment, started in Sun Valley, the legendary ski resort known for its luxury, killer slopes and its appeal to the rich and famous. The company was launched in 1958 by Ed Scott, a ski racer and engineer. While the company has grown enormously with operations around the world, it maintains its headquarters in Sun Valley.

• Natural laboratory. SJX Jetboats in Lewiston finds having the Snake River right outside its office door a benefit. The company can easily test its equipment on a river that offers both turbulent whitewater and shallow drafts.

• Knowledgeable labor force. At Lucky Bums, employees live the outdoor life, so they are familiar with how the products will be used. Employees will understand customer needs on a personal level, so they can be a more valuable resource to the company.

• Lower costs. Business costs can drop dramatically in a more rural setting, depending on the needs of the company. Buck Knives moved from San Diego to Post Falls, Idaho—a move that enabled the company to move manufacturing back to the United States from China.

To learn more about finding the right business location, visit www.commerce.idaho.gov/building-your-business.