Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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Small business: The key to economic recovery

by Cinda Baxter on October 21, 2009

in Economy, Media

cbs_news_logoFrom tonight’s CBS Evening News:

Small businesses have created nearly two thirds of all the new jobs over the past decade and a half. In other words, we can’t have a recovery without them.

This means you, local, independent brick and mortars. Whether a design firm in a converted warehouse or an upscale boutique downtown, you’re the ones who employee the masses, funneling payroll tax money back into the system. You contribute to the local economy by way of commercial property tax-—something home based businesses don’t do. Every dime spent on utilities at work is in addition to what you also pay for the house. You’re the little engine that could…and does.

I’m thrilled to hear someone in the national media take note of the fact. Finally.

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Is AmEx about to lower the boom on cardholders?

by Cinda Baxter on October 21, 2009

in Economy, Independent Retailers, News, Retail

amex_plat1From an interview with AmEx CEO, Kenneth Chenault, in the current issue of Fortune Magazine:

We’re doing a “back to the future” on the charge card. That’s our pay-in-full product at the end of 30 days. Consumers want discipline, and if we can bring that discipline of paying in full at the end of the month along with the service levels that we provide, plus the rewards and other programs we have, we think that’s a tremendous opportunity for us to grow.

Yes, it would be a tremendous opportunity for AmEx to grow, but what about small business? What about all those “Shine a Light” brick and mortars that have been so highly touted in the recent AmEx/Universal advertising campaign? What about you and your business? [click here to continue…]

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