A survey of Pennsylvania small business owners indicates they are cautiously optimistic about the future.
According to the poll by the trade association, SMC Business Councils, 28% of respondents expect to increase employment while 65% anticipate no change in their workforce levels, and 6% will lay off employees. Tom Henschke, president of the organization, says 56% expect revenues to grow; 30% see revenues remaining the same, and 14% think their revenues will drop.
"This survey shows some increased optimism from small business in the form of same or slightly increasing sales, same or slightly better profit margin. However, it's not necessarily leading to new hiring, capital investments, expansion. It's still a sign to us that there's a tremendous amount of uncertainty."
The small business owners indicated the cost of the Affordable Health Care Act as far and away the top business challenge. 88% of SMC members listed it as one of their top business challenges, including the cost of complying with the taxes, new benefits and mandates that go along with it. Nearly six in 10 -- 58% -- consider the health laws to be a severe challenge to their businesses.
However, a report issued last week by Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers, indicates 161,000 small businesses in Pennsylvania, 4 million nationwide, with fewer than 25 employees are eligible for a tax credit to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for their workers.
Business owners also listed the economy (34%), the cost of doing business (27%), taxes (38%), regulations (34%), and the cost of energy (23%) as other challenges to their success and ability to add workers.
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Free Session on Funding Tech Companies
Small businesses and university researchers can get some help in obtaining federal funding to grow their high tech companies and develop new ideas. The first of the free information sessions hosted by the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University is Tuesday, March 22nd, followed by three daylong programs.
Cynthia Laurash, Consulting Manager at the Small Business Development Center, says the money is made available through the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research program (STTR). "So 11 federal agencies participate in these programs and they are required by law to share part of their R&D funds each year to solicit programs and research requests from small businesses."
Laurash says that both programs are under continuing authorization from Congress through the end of May. She says she believes Congress will work out a deal to keep the programs funded through the next 8-10 years because of their helpfulness to businesses.
Cynthia Laurash, Consulting Manager at the Small Business Development Center, says the money is made available through the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research program (STTR). "So 11 federal agencies participate in these programs and they are required by law to share part of their R&D funds each year to solicit programs and research requests from small businesses."
Laurash says that both programs are under continuing authorization from Congress through the end of May. She says she believes Congress will work out a deal to keep the programs funded through the next 8-10 years because of their helpfulness to businesses.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Multicultural Diversity Symposium
The Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative hosted a workshop this morning at the City-County Building to provide guidelines on how to communicate successfully in the ever more common multicultural workplace.
Linda Stucky is president of ClearlySpeaking, employed by corporations to work one-on-one with non-native employees. She says native speakers have more than a passive role to play and can enhance understanding with compassion and patience.
People coming here to work or study are dealing not only with a new language, but with cultural differences, says Stucky.
Helping non-native speakers encompasses the rhythm, rate and melody of English, says Stucky, as well as pronunciation of sounds and overcoming accents that are hard to understand.
The goal of the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative is to attract, retain and hire a diverse workforce.
Linda Stucky is president of ClearlySpeaking, employed by corporations to work one-on-one with non-native employees. She says native speakers have more than a passive role to play and can enhance understanding with compassion and patience.
People coming here to work or study are dealing not only with a new language, but with cultural differences, says Stucky.
Helping non-native speakers encompasses the rhythm, rate and melody of English, says Stucky, as well as pronunciation of sounds and overcoming accents that are hard to understand.
The goal of the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative is to attract, retain and hire a diverse workforce.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Private Sector Disaster Preparedness
The University of Pittsburgh is hosting a lecture today on disaster preparedness for businesses, nonprofits and other institutions.
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation President Brent Woodworth is an organizer for several disaster responses such as the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, the September 11 World Trade Center attack, and Hurricane Katrina.
Woodworth says he hopes to share several ideas to improve Pittsburgh’s disaster resiliency, which includes increasing communication and cooperation between city government and private sector entities.
He says for example, although Starbucks usually charges for its wireless Internet service in Southern California, the company allows free access in times of emergency.
Technology is always improving, says Woodworth, and keeping up-to-date with communication systems is also very important for a disaster response.
The talk, titled “Metropolitan Regions at Risk: The Role and Responsibility of the Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction,” is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Pitt’s Posvar Hall.
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation President Brent Woodworth is an organizer for several disaster responses such as the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, the September 11 World Trade Center attack, and Hurricane Katrina.
Woodworth says he hopes to share several ideas to improve Pittsburgh’s disaster resiliency, which includes increasing communication and cooperation between city government and private sector entities.
He says for example, although Starbucks usually charges for its wireless Internet service in Southern California, the company allows free access in times of emergency.
Technology is always improving, says Woodworth, and keeping up-to-date with communication systems is also very important for a disaster response.
The talk, titled “Metropolitan Regions at Risk: The Role and Responsibility of the Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction,” is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Pitt’s Posvar Hall.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Pittsburgh Hosts Eurasians for Business Conference
The City of Pittsburgh is hosting 18 executives and professionals from many former Soviet satellite nations as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s "Special American Business Internship Training" (SABIT) Program. Each year the Commerce Department selects cities to host these delegates, and Philip Cynar, spokesman for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, says this time Pittsburgh was picked for its global attention the past couple of years.
President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Barbara McNees says Pittsburgh was a good choice “because of the [city’s] economic transformation story,” along with “similarities to these countries being industrial and having to make some transformation around their economy.”
The SABIT program builds relationships between foreign not-for-profit businessmen and helps teach American business and management practices.
“What they are really looking for from us is to hear about our public/private partnership, how we put our organization together, how we function,” McNees says. “They’re really looking at organization structure so that they can go back to their communities as business leaders and make that model work for them.”
As part of the trip, delegates from Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine also met in Washington, D.C. and Raleigh. The delegates arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday and remain until Thursday. McNees says they will learn business practices from the Pittsburgh Executives Association, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.
President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Barbara McNees says Pittsburgh was a good choice “because of the [city’s] economic transformation story,” along with “similarities to these countries being industrial and having to make some transformation around their economy.”
The SABIT program builds relationships between foreign not-for-profit businessmen and helps teach American business and management practices.
“What they are really looking for from us is to hear about our public/private partnership, how we put our organization together, how we function,” McNees says. “They’re really looking at organization structure so that they can go back to their communities as business leaders and make that model work for them.”
As part of the trip, delegates from Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine also met in Washington, D.C. and Raleigh. The delegates arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday and remain until Thursday. McNees says they will learn business practices from the Pittsburgh Executives Association, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.
Monday, February 14, 2011
State Senator Would Halt Tax Code Change
A measure in the Pennsylvania Senate would stop a 2009 business tax code amendment before it goes into effect.
The upcoming change to the state’s Sales and Use Tax would double the amount of business tax collections in a year, requiring businesses to file for taxes twice a month.
Senator Jim Ferlo says while that’s not a problem for big companies with plenty of resources, small companies that do their own accounting will see a sharp rise in “administrative costs.”
Ferlo says his new bill to stop this change would maintain the current method of filing taxes once a month.
“It does mean that the Revenue Department has to wait longer, longer being a month’s period of time, in order to receive the receipts of that revenue for investment and for obligations the state has incurred,” says Ferlo. “We are continuing to be in a financial dilemma, but I don’t know that that burden should rest solely on the shoulders of the small business community.”
The Highland Park Democrat says he’s heard outcry from several small businesses in his district, like The Original Mattress Factory and 43rd Street Concrete. His bill is currently in committee.
The upcoming change to the state’s Sales and Use Tax would double the amount of business tax collections in a year, requiring businesses to file for taxes twice a month.
Senator Jim Ferlo says while that’s not a problem for big companies with plenty of resources, small companies that do their own accounting will see a sharp rise in “administrative costs.”
Ferlo says his new bill to stop this change would maintain the current method of filing taxes once a month.
“It does mean that the Revenue Department has to wait longer, longer being a month’s period of time, in order to receive the receipts of that revenue for investment and for obligations the state has incurred,” says Ferlo. “We are continuing to be in a financial dilemma, but I don’t know that that burden should rest solely on the shoulders of the small business community.”
The Highland Park Democrat says he’s heard outcry from several small businesses in his district, like The Original Mattress Factory and 43rd Street Concrete. His bill is currently in committee.
New Survey Reports Optimism from Businesses
A recent survey of Pennsylvania business leaders says that almost half expect improved profitability in 2011. The annual poll, conducted by First Niagara Financial Group, includes responses from 872 executives from private businesses throughout Pennsylvania.
Dr. George Evans, research analyst at First Niagara, says that there are significant changes in the report. He says that in Western Pennsylvania 51% of leaders predicted increasing revenues compared to 38% last year.
Evans says that this was the first time they asked business leaders their opinion on government aid and intervention. "Companies said 'look', and this is in the responses, 'we can't rely on government to assist us.' They're not that confident in government assistance at the state and federal levels....The lifeguard of of the businesses happens to be themselves and it's not going to be the state or government."
Evans says that while optimism increased, the survey reported that only half of business leaders are ready to commit to hiring more workers. In Western Pennsylvania only 25% of businesses are planning on increasing their labor force. He says this is because leaders would like to get their companies back on a more stable track before making the commitment to hire people.
Dr. George Evans, research analyst at First Niagara, says that there are significant changes in the report. He says that in Western Pennsylvania 51% of leaders predicted increasing revenues compared to 38% last year.
Evans says that this was the first time they asked business leaders their opinion on government aid and intervention. "Companies said 'look', and this is in the responses, 'we can't rely on government to assist us.' They're not that confident in government assistance at the state and federal levels....The lifeguard of of the businesses happens to be themselves and it's not going to be the state or government."
Evans says that while optimism increased, the survey reported that only half of business leaders are ready to commit to hiring more workers. In Western Pennsylvania only 25% of businesses are planning on increasing their labor force. He says this is because leaders would like to get their companies back on a more stable track before making the commitment to hire people.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
New Corporate Class Would Allow More Options
A bill in the Pennsylvania Senate would allow certain corporations to sacrifice some profit in order to do social good, an avenue currently barred by corporate law. These businesses would be in a class of their own.
Senator Daylin Leach wants corporations to have the freedom to benefit their community, the environment or any other cause they see fit without fearing lawsuits from investors. Under corporate law in Pennsylvania, investors can sue a company when its board of directors knowingly makes a decision to sacrifice profits to do good.
Leach says these “Benefit-” or “B-Corporations” would be required to have a Director of Benefits to report additional information about the company’s not-for-profit decisions.
The Montgomery County Democrat says B-Corporations wouldn’t get any financial incentives.
“Once we start providing specific financial benefits, then we have to get into the sort of messy business of deciding what is good and what is not good. Some people think reducing poverty is good. Some people think reducing abortions is good, or whatever it is. The state shouldn’t be involved in deciding what is good; we let the investors and the corporations decide.”
Leach says he’s hopeful the bill will be passed swiftly because of its bipartisan support. He says liberals like the bill because it encourages corporations to support social justice, while conservatives like it because it would make the free market even more open.
The option to become a B-Corporation would be open to any company, but the government could not require a group to do so. Likewise, investors would only invest in the B-Corporation if they supported its not-for-profit ventures.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
International Business Experts to Visit Pittsburgh
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh is hosting internationally renowned business experts to conduct workshops and programs for entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh area.
The annual program starts tomorrow with Erik Qualman of Boston who will present "Socialnomics: The New Reality for Building Your Business and Your Brand" at the Rivers Club at One Oxford Center.
The annual program starts tomorrow with Erik Qualman of Boston who will present "Socialnomics: The New Reality for Building Your Business and Your Brand" at the Rivers Club at One Oxford Center.
"Our guest speakers are dynamic, creative business advisers who travel all over the country and the world to help entrepreneurs tackle today's most pressing business challenges," says Amy Dugan, founder and associate dean of the Institute.
Also at the Rivers Club on March 25 will be Bob Hogan of Seattle presenting "Cha-Ching! Unlock Your Business' True Profit Potential."
Mike Lehman, Director of Marketing for the Institute, says that there are a couple things that differentiate the programs for this year with those from previous years.
"This year we've really been working on topics that address things that the entrepreneurs may not quite be comfortable with, but need to know more about," he says.
Those "things" include the growing social media aspect of business and preparing future generations in family owned businesses. Lehman also says that they are focusing on follow-up programs for the businessmen and women so that they can apply what they learned during the presentations by incorporating peer forums and a one-on-one consulting service.
"It's not just an isolated educational program. It has a follow-up infrastructure," Lehman says.
Other presenters include Ken Maer of San Diego, Jayne Pearl of Amherst, Charlie and Lori Lenzner of the Institute, Rick Tifone, Andrew Hayes, and David Blair of Pittsburgh, John Krahe of Erie, Rich Sorenson and Harry McNeely of St. Thomas, Mary Kay Plantes of Boston and Rabbi Steven Z. Leder of Los Angeles
There will be about one or two presentations each month and the program will conclude in December with the Members' Winter Social.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wine Kiosks Start Trial Run
Five self-serve wine kiosks went back online this week after thirty kiosks were shut down. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB) closed the kiosks after they started experiencing mechanical trouble before the holidays.
Stacy Kriedeman, spokeswoman for the LCB, says that the kiosks were not operating up to standards. "There were some systemic problems. Mostly they had to do with people not getting the product that they paid for. And that may have been because the turn style didn't turn, or the door didn't lock, perhaps the screen froze up, but most of the issues that we saw had to do with people not getting the bottle that they paid for."
Kriedman says that there are currently three operating kiosks in the Pittsburgh area and two in the Philadelphia area. The remaining machines might go online in the next few weeks.
Stacy Kriedeman, spokeswoman for the LCB, says that the kiosks were not operating up to standards. "There were some systemic problems. Mostly they had to do with people not getting the product that they paid for. And that may have been because the turn style didn't turn, or the door didn't lock, perhaps the screen froze up, but most of the issues that we saw had to do with people not getting the bottle that they paid for."
Kriedman says that there are currently three operating kiosks in the Pittsburgh area and two in the Philadelphia area. The remaining machines might go online in the next few weeks.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pgh Tech Council Will Do Business in China
The Pittsburgh Technology Council plans to lead a business mission to China in May of 2011.
Technology Council President Audrey Russo says the group will probably be only about 15 people, so the Council can focus on forging relationships between specific businesses.
Russo says given the United States’ current investment levels in technology companies and China’s position in the world economy, now is a great time to visit the country on a business mission.
But Russo says China isn’t the only place of interest for the Technology Council...
"We've talked about India. We've been approached about doing business in South Africa. We get a lot of people with interests in the Middle East. We have the Middle East Institute here that has helped in establishing relationships in Amman, Abu Dhabi, places like that. This is really our first attempt to sort of get on the ground."
The PTC President says after the 2009 G20 Summit and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s October 2010 visit to China, Pittsburgh is beginning to capitalize on the global exposure it’s received.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Business Leadership in Managing Energy Usage"
A workshop at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens tomorrow morning will highlight businesses that have lowered costs and increased profits through energy efficiency.
Local and international businesses will share their experiences. Matthew Mehalik, Program Manager for Sustainable Pittsburgh, says specific strategies depend on the type of business. Alcoa's, and Bayer's, may concern how things are made; BNY Mellon's savings opportunities are more apt to involve buildings and office environments.
The event is designed to inspire businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania and teach them how to adopt techniques that will increase their own profitability as they reduce energy consumption. Mehalik says businesses wishing to implement such strategies will learn how to overcome barriers like capacity and accounting practices. After presentations to the group at large, there will be opportunities for questions and small group workshops.
Co-hosts are Sustainable Pittsburgh, the Business Climate Coalition, and the Pittsburgh Climate Coalition.
Local and international businesses will share their experiences. Matthew Mehalik, Program Manager for Sustainable Pittsburgh, says specific strategies depend on the type of business. Alcoa's, and Bayer's, may concern how things are made; BNY Mellon's savings opportunities are more apt to involve buildings and office environments.
The event is designed to inspire businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania and teach them how to adopt techniques that will increase their own profitability as they reduce energy consumption. Mehalik says businesses wishing to implement such strategies will learn how to overcome barriers like capacity and accounting practices. After presentations to the group at large, there will be opportunities for questions and small group workshops.
Co-hosts are Sustainable Pittsburgh, the Business Climate Coalition, and the Pittsburgh Climate Coalition.
Monday, September 27, 2010
PA International Week
Pennsylvania trade officials are trying to connect regional business leaders in the state with international representatives in an effort to increase Pennsylvania exports, attract international investments and create jobs for state residents.
Pennsylvania International Week is being held in Philadelphia this week and trade representatives from 30 countries from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America will be on hand to help businesses in the Commonwealth successfully export their products around the world. State Senator Andy Dinniman of Chester County says this event is an incredible opportunity for companies to learn about new markets and potential clients.....
"Business owners and representatives will be able to meet one on one with trade representatives from around the world. This event could make the difference between a struggling domestic business and a thriving international one."
Pennsylvania International Week is being held in Philadelphia this week and trade representatives from 30 countries from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America will be on hand to help businesses in the Commonwealth successfully export their products around the world. State Senator Andy Dinniman of Chester County says this event is an incredible opportunity for companies to learn about new markets and potential clients.....
"Business owners and representatives will be able to meet one on one with trade representatives from around the world. This event could make the difference between a struggling domestic business and a thriving international one."
Pennsylvania exports fell 18% between 2008 and 2009 but jumped 17 percent in the first quarter of 2010, as compared to the same quarter of 2009. Exports of manufactured goods rose by 16% compared to the first quarter of 2009. The leading goods being sent overseas include chemicals, primary metals, machinery, computer and electronic products, and transportation equipment. During the first quarter of this year, the industry that saw the largest growth in dollars was pharmaceuticals and medicines, up $632 million, or 101 percent.
Pennsylvania's top trading partners are Canada, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom and Japan.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Foreign Economy Experts Advise PA Businesses
International trade consultants are meeting with Pennsylvania businesses to promote foreign commerce this March.
Next Wednesday’s Pittsburgh meeting is part of a string of Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) conventions comprising 14 Asian, Australian and European trade envoys with Pennsylvania businesses. The consultants are hired by the state to inform the companies of exportation opportunities overseas.
Pennsylvania Center for Trade Development Executive Director Peter O’Neil says the meetings will build a “comfort level” between the delegates and state companies.
“They will share information with each other in the process of qualifying this foreign market,” says O’Neil, “and really [accept] the advice and the counsel of our trade consultants overseas so that they can reliably, quickly, and with little risk explore and take advantage of a market opportunity that our consultants bring to them.”
O’Neil says in the past, the program has been directly responsible for the exportation of $450 million in state goods and services. He says it’s nationally recognized as the largest and most progressive effort of its kind.
O’Neil says the ultimate goal of the program is to create jobs in the state by producing a global demand for Pennsylvania goods and services.
Next Wednesday’s Pittsburgh meeting is part of a string of Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) conventions comprising 14 Asian, Australian and European trade envoys with Pennsylvania businesses. The consultants are hired by the state to inform the companies of exportation opportunities overseas.
Pennsylvania Center for Trade Development Executive Director Peter O’Neil says the meetings will build a “comfort level” between the delegates and state companies.
“They will share information with each other in the process of qualifying this foreign market,” says O’Neil, “and really [accept] the advice and the counsel of our trade consultants overseas so that they can reliably, quickly, and with little risk explore and take advantage of a market opportunity that our consultants bring to them.”
O’Neil says in the past, the program has been directly responsible for the exportation of $450 million in state goods and services. He says it’s nationally recognized as the largest and most progressive effort of its kind.
O’Neil says the ultimate goal of the program is to create jobs in the state by producing a global demand for Pennsylvania goods and services.
Friday, January 29, 2010
"Women, Money and Opportunity" Seminar
Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob Mc Cord hosted a seminar at the Rivers Club today to provide resources for women entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand their businesses. Topics of discussion included competing for government contracts, securing diverse revenue streams, and forging strategic relationships.
McCord sees his top priority as economic security for every Pennsylvanian, and he says women need special attention because they are at risk for poverty to a much greater extent than men. Women are much more likely than men to interrupt their careers to care for children, and this has a lasting impact on their earning potential and/or entrepreneurial success. Women's achievement will enhance economic prosperity and competition for all, according to McCord.
Fifteen local organizations contributed to the program and offer resources for women entrepreneurs: African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, PowerLink, E-Magnify at Seton Hill University, Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University, Executive Women's Council of Greater Pittsburgh, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Professional Women, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Diversity Business Resource Center, Women's Small Business Association, Women's Independent Press, Women's Business Enterprise Council of PA.
McCord sees his top priority as economic security for every Pennsylvanian, and he says women need special attention because they are at risk for poverty to a much greater extent than men. Women are much more likely than men to interrupt their careers to care for children, and this has a lasting impact on their earning potential and/or entrepreneurial success. Women's achievement will enhance economic prosperity and competition for all, according to McCord.
Fifteen local organizations contributed to the program and offer resources for women entrepreneurs: African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, PowerLink, E-Magnify at Seton Hill University, Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University, Executive Women's Council of Greater Pittsburgh, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Professional Women, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Diversity Business Resource Center, Women's Small Business Association, Women's Independent Press, Women's Business Enterprise Council of PA.
Monday, November 30, 2009
"Cyber Monday"
Today is “Cyber Monday”—a designation originating a few years ago when consumers returning after Thanksgiving to their speedy work computers caused a huge spike in online holiday sales.
Actually, according to Duquesne University Marketing Professor Audrey Guskey, online shopping will be pretty steady from now on, but the busiest days will be from December 5th through the 14th, when there's still plenty of time to receive delivery before Christmas. And "Black Friday" is not usually the biggest day for traditional retailers--instead, the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas see the highest sales volumes.
Guskey says more than half of online retailers expect their holiday numbers to be up at least 15% this year—the one bright spot in a landscape where brick and mortar sales are expected to be either flat or slightly down.
Even with the huge growth in e-commerce, Guskey says it’s only 8% of holiday sales—most shopping is still done in stores where decorations, music and crowds contribute to the holiday mood.
Actually, according to Duquesne University Marketing Professor Audrey Guskey, online shopping will be pretty steady from now on, but the busiest days will be from December 5th through the 14th, when there's still plenty of time to receive delivery before Christmas. And "Black Friday" is not usually the biggest day for traditional retailers--instead, the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas see the highest sales volumes.
Guskey says more than half of online retailers expect their holiday numbers to be up at least 15% this year—the one bright spot in a landscape where brick and mortar sales are expected to be either flat or slightly down.
Even with the huge growth in e-commerce, Guskey says it’s only 8% of holiday sales—most shopping is still done in stores where decorations, music and crowds contribute to the holiday mood.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Steel Day 2009
Today marks a national celebration of the structural steel industry. In Pittsburgh, there will be a walk from the Marriott City Centre Hotel to look at new and important steel structures. Highlights will include the U.S. Steel Building, the new bus station, the convention center and the view from there of the stadiums and the three sisters bridges, a look at the August Wilson Center, Mellon Arena, and the Consol Energy Building under construction.
Preston Gibson, Vice President of the walk host, Steel Business Briefing, says steel is still important in peoples’ lives, even though Pittsburgh is down to one carbon mill and some stainless steel operations, with most of the manufacturing moved to Chicago or Gary, Indiana.
Almost half the steel companies in the U.S. are now foreign-owned, according to Gibson, with India owning the most and Russian companies also owners. A German company is opening a brand new integrated steel mill in Mobile, Alabama--the first in 20 or 25 years.
According to Gibson, the small number of steel companies remaining after consolidation enabled the industry to scale back production by 46% within weeks of the economic downturn last October and will enable a rapid rise when demand picks up.
Preston Gibson, Vice President of the walk host, Steel Business Briefing, says steel is still important in peoples’ lives, even though Pittsburgh is down to one carbon mill and some stainless steel operations, with most of the manufacturing moved to Chicago or Gary, Indiana.
Almost half the steel companies in the U.S. are now foreign-owned, according to Gibson, with India owning the most and Russian companies also owners. A German company is opening a brand new integrated steel mill in Mobile, Alabama--the first in 20 or 25 years.
According to Gibson, the small number of steel companies remaining after consolidation enabled the industry to scale back production by 46% within weeks of the economic downturn last October and will enable a rapid rise when demand picks up.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Seminar in Preparation of G20 Trade Expo
A small business development organization is giving local businesses the opportunity to meet representatives from G20 countries. Mary McKinney, Director of the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center, says business owners can learn whether there products are appropriate to export elsewhere, and if so, learn how to do it. She says there are also opportunities for businesses that already actively export goods. An information seminar will be held on August 6 at 9:00 AM at Rockwell Hall on the Duquesne campus for more information about the expo, which takes place on September 22. McKinney says it's a great opportunity to establish long-term ties with other countries.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Survey says CVS Pharmacies in 9 States Sell Expired Products
Surveyors affiliated with Change to Win recently visited 310 CVS Pharmacies in nine states, and found that almost 60 percent of those stores were selling expired items, including milk, allergy medicine and products for infants and children. In the Pittsburgh region, 20 out of 30 CVS stores had found this problem.
Ken Love, Pastor of Kerr Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, spoke at a downtown protest in front of the Smithfield Street CVS store. He finds the news to be appalling. He says this issue is something the public needs to know about, and he wants the Allegheny County Health Department to do something about it. Some stores, like the Smithfield Street location, have more of this issue than stores in Upper Saint Clair or Mt. Lebanon. There is a trend that more of these products sold after the expiration dates occur in poorer neighborhoods, and Love says he blames corporate greed.
It's important that pharmacies sell up-to-date products, because over time, medications can lose potency after an expiration date, or sometimes gain potency, says Hal Sanders, of the Western Pennsylvania Single-Payer Health Care organization. It is a hazard for consumers.
Nettie Pelton was personally affected by the situation. She says she bought an allergy product at the downtown pharmacy a few weeks ago, and it had been stamped months past its expiration date. The product was not as strong as it should of been, and she now keeps an eye out for such issues.
Calls made to the CVS District Manager in Pittsburgh have not been returned.
Ken Love, Pastor of Kerr Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, spoke at a downtown protest in front of the Smithfield Street CVS store. He finds the news to be appalling. He says this issue is something the public needs to know about, and he wants the Allegheny County Health Department to do something about it. Some stores, like the Smithfield Street location, have more of this issue than stores in Upper Saint Clair or Mt. Lebanon. There is a trend that more of these products sold after the expiration dates occur in poorer neighborhoods, and Love says he blames corporate greed.
It's important that pharmacies sell up-to-date products, because over time, medications can lose potency after an expiration date, or sometimes gain potency, says Hal Sanders, of the Western Pennsylvania Single-Payer Health Care organization. It is a hazard for consumers.
Nettie Pelton was personally affected by the situation. She says she bought an allergy product at the downtown pharmacy a few weeks ago, and it had been stamped months past its expiration date. The product was not as strong as it should of been, and she now keeps an eye out for such issues.
Calls made to the CVS District Manager in Pittsburgh have not been returned.
Monday, April 20, 2009
"Ethics, Regulation and Risk Management" Financial Symposium
On Tuesday, April 21st, Duquesne University is hosting a gathering to discuss future directions in the financial services industry.
The loss of the trust essential to a well-functioning economy has shut down financial activity and will almost certainly result in the sort of legislation and regulation that follow major crises, according to Pitt Prof. Bradley Agle, who also says it would be much better and less burdensome if businesses invested in doing business ethically. One practice that works, says Agle, is to make ethics a part of employee performance evaluations--sending the message from the top that cutting corners will not be rewarded. Another is to incorporate hypothetical situations into training, with management presenting scenarios and explaining what responses would embody the company's value system.
Agle says some people will always behave ethically; some will always push the limits, and the great number in the middle will react to the climate they work in.
The loss of the trust essential to a well-functioning economy has shut down financial activity and will almost certainly result in the sort of legislation and regulation that follow major crises, according to Pitt Prof. Bradley Agle, who also says it would be much better and less burdensome if businesses invested in doing business ethically. One practice that works, says Agle, is to make ethics a part of employee performance evaluations--sending the message from the top that cutting corners will not be rewarded. Another is to incorporate hypothetical situations into training, with management presenting scenarios and explaining what responses would embody the company's value system.
Agle says some people will always behave ethically; some will always push the limits, and the great number in the middle will react to the climate they work in.
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