Employee Free Choice Act impacts employment

April 1, 2009  |  Management

What would this legislation mean to small businesses? By Patrick W. Hayes In 2007, the U.S. Senate narrowly failed to pass legislation that would have changed labor union organizing rules. This same issue was supported by President Obama in his recent presidential campaign, and likely will resurface…
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Winning government contracts

April 1, 2009  |  Management, Marketing

The U.S. government is big business and contracts for thousands of products. How-to advice helps businesses take advantage of these opportunities. By Teresa Bouchonnet On January 9, 2009, the U.S. government’s Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia (DSCP) awarded each of four different firms a …
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Schmieler creates customized cost accounting system

April 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Marketing, Perspective

Greg Schmieler’s system maximizes profit for his awning business. By Sigrid Tornquist “Creating a cost accounting system changed my whole career life,” says Greg Schmieler, vice president of Laurel Awning Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa. “It changed the way the company is run. We now know what our…
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Social media increases business

April 1, 2009  |  Marketing

Can businesses find success in social media marketing in today’s economy? Yes, they can. By Janice Kleinschmidt Take a page from the high-end playbook: President Barack Obama used social media to build a base of enthusiastic supporters who carried him to the White House. “Instead of aski…
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Health Savings Accounts benefit small businesses

March 1, 2009  |  Management

Health Savings Accounts are an increasingly popular option, especially for smaller businesses. By Mark E. Battersby How many small businesses can afford to offer fringe benefits, let alone good health insurance, to keep or attract good workers? Why, especially in these troubled economic times, are t…
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Innovation helps fabrics industry expand

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Management

Processes that spark innovation are just good business By Barb Ernster Most people agree that innovation is the key to growth and expansion, but some innovative business practices are truly inspired in their creativity and utility. Innovation is a widely used term, but not readily understood, says L…
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Hendee finds new market opportunities

March 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Demand and supply: Chuck Hendee creates products to meet customer needs. By Sigrid Tornquist “In general, I don’t think we’ve ever developed a product—or spent any money to develop one—where there wasn’t an existing demand,” says Chuck Hendee, IFM, MFC, president of Hendee Enterprises …
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Maintaining quality standards in a tough economy

February 1, 2009  |  Business, Marketing

Times are tough, so should you cut corners to compete? “No!” is the adamant response from quality advocates. By Marc Hequet So you’re known for your quality…Great! But how are you supposed to sell quality in this economy? That’s the challenge manufacturers face: persua…
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Banking strategies save money

February 1, 2009  |  Management

How to boost your bottom line at your bank’s expense. By William J. Lynott The upheaval in our current economy is forcing banks to find new ways to strengthen their bottom lines—and much of their success in that effort is coming at the expense of their small business customers. New servi…
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