Posts Tagged ‘business solutions

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12
Dec
11

Christmas Business Chronicles Feature Fleur Decor

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.  This year we are kicking off a new strategy called Christmas Chronicles to help promote Shop Longview and support our local retail base. 

This week’s business feature is on Fleur Décor  owned by Emily Thomas.  We asked Emily what she believes is unique about her business.    Fleur Décor features one of a kind wall art, hand painted furniture, and unique home accessories.

 Diana Northcutt asked Emily why did she join the Chamber?   My step dad, Tim Vaughn, has been involved with the Chamber for several years and most recently served as your Advocacy Chair.  After listening to him explain the Chamber’s role in protecting business with government, I now know who has my back.

Diana also asked Emily what tips would she give entrepreneurs who have opened a business? Emily explained it is important to know yourself!  Your personality must be one that wants to work.  You have to be goal driven and learn not to expect a paycheck every two weeks.  It’s great if you have family support.  Without the support of Emily’s family, she believes she would not be able to run her business.

What did you do to prepare yourself?  First step was to secure financial backing and understand the basics of how to run a business.  I learned these skill sets by taking the Small Business Course at the Small Business Development Center.

What are some of your best business practices?  Developing a social media strategy has proven to be very important.  I use Facebook regularly to showcase new inventory.  But, more importantly, I know what will catch people’s attention.   My mom actually came up with one of the best ideas so far, a progressive open house.    She shops with a local boutique that has a clientele that is the perfect prospective customer for Fleur Décor.  I contacted the boutique and fortunately the owner loved the idea.  We hosted our first progressive open house this month and the response was fantastic.  We will continue to develop this concept and test it out with other businesses that have similar clienteles.

Fleur Décor opened in the summer of 2011.  If you have not checked them out, please do so.  They can be found in downtown Longview on Tyler Street.

Fleur Decor
121 E Tyler St
Longview, TX 75601

01
Dec
11

irs announces new settlement …read now!

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 4 Comments
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership, The Business View and Uncategorized
Tags: , , , ,

90% off

  The IRS has a new settlement program that allows businesses to voluntarily reclassify their workers as employees and avoid 90% of the normal taxes and penalties. 

This is a very important issue because the federal government loses $2.7 billion annually over misclassification – and there is significant pressure to balance the government budget by closing these loopholes (so we can avoid raising taxes and/or avoid reducing federal and state services).

The IRS is giving businesses an opportunity to voluntarily reclassify and only pay 10% of the taxes that would normally be owed.

We have prepared a 9-minute video that explains how to use independent contractors correctly and the IRS settlement program if they are unable to comply with the rules.  

 

  Watch this 9-minute video

For more informatino please visit with your tax advisor before taking any action.

07
Nov
11

Senate Moves Forward on Removing 3% Tax Withholding

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 4 Comments
Categories: Advocacy, Chamber of Commerce and Uncategorized
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2011
Contact:        Rob Sawicki, (202) 224-5175

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, made the following comments after the Senate voted to begin debate on H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act.  On October 27, 2011, the House of Representatives voted 405-16 to repeal the tax withholding requirement.

“I was pleased to see that the IRS began halting the implementation of this burdensome requirement six months ago,” Senator Landrieu said.  “Tonight, I am even happier that the Senate is taking steps to do away with it completely.  With tonight’s vote, the Senate is closing in on righting the wrongs of this provision in the 2005 Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act.  Our small businesses need to be compensated fully for their work in a timely manner.  In today’s economy, we do not need to constrict any revenue from those struggling to keep their doors open or prevent plans of expansion and hiring new workers.” 

The law mandates that federal, state and local governments, with expenditures of more than $100 million, withhold 3 percent of payments for products and services worth more than $10,000, including non-confidential or classified contracts, grants to for-profit companies and farm and Medicare payments.  The requirement was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011, but was delayed a year in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. On May 5, 2011, the IRS issued regulations that further delayed the implementation of the withholding provision until January 1, 2013.  On September 12, 2011, President Obama proposed the American Jobs Act of 2011, which included a section that would delay implementation of the withholding provision until after December 31, 2013.

22
Sep
11

Maximizing LinkedIn for Your Biz! Register Today…

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
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Benefits:

In this is live training session for beginner and intermediate users, you will learn what the LinkedIn social network is and how it can benefit you and your business.

Summary:

LinkedIn is the largest and fastest growing social network for business people. There are currently over  101 million users and it is growing every day.  It is a great platform to: find new employees, find a job, build your professional reputation and find business partners.

Join us to see a live demonstration of:

  1. Creating an account on LinkedIn
  2. Finding business connections
  3. Join groups
  4. Participating in Question and Answer forums

How do I make LinkedIn work for me?

  1. Give and Ask for Recommendations
  2. Join or Create Groups
  3. Participate in Question and Answer forums
  4. Applications – add interaction to your profile
  5. Add your profile to Facebook

Instructor:

Chamber member Rod Arnold is the Programs Director and Social Media Manager for Complete Business Systems, and he’s also the ‘go to’ social media expert in East Texas. Rod boasts a connection to well over 15 million people on LinkedIn, has been featured in Ricoh’s “Convergence” magazine, and is the author of “The Social Biz Buzz.” Search for any one of several different positions on LinkedIn and you will find him at the top of the pack. Let him show you how to leverage the power of social media to grow your business connections on LinkedIn as well.

 

How to Register:        Online (www.longviewchamber.com ) or via phone (903.237.4000)

Cost:                                   $15.00 per person – MC/VISA/AM EX/Discover accepted

Cancellations:            Reservations require payment unless cancelled by September 27, 2011.

19
Aug
11

Chamber Products that can Benefit Your Bottom Line!

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 5 Comments
Categories: Advocacy, Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
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On February 1, 2009 the Longview Chamber in conjunction with Jackson-Lloyd Insurance Management launched “Sensible Solution”.   “Sensible Solution” was designed to protect the business interests of the membership by providing real occupational health insurance protection in an affordable way to any size business.  “Sensible Solution” has become one of two GREAT benefits offered to members. 

The second insurance plan launched on July 1, 2010, “ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan”.  Chamber members with 1-99 employees now has access to several differentUnitedHealthcare health plan options – at prices that fit most budgets.  In addition, businesses that enroll withUnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for saving 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans.  Plus, businesses and employees who enroll in the ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access toUnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 600,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,000 hospitals.

With both insurance plans, businesses have the ability to choose their desired level of coverage.  The goal of The Longview Chamber is to provide members with insurance choices that helps their bottom line with lower premium payments as well as a vehicle for controlling claims costs.  Most especially, the members have asked for and will now receive a product that will reduce their operating costs while protecting the Longview economic base.   

“Sensible Solutions” and “ChamberChoice” are products which provide members with a superior options to protect and retain employees.  Plus, these tools keeps our healthcare treatment at home while providing quality care and convenience and keeping our dollars local!

For more information about these programs you can visit http://www.longviewchamber.com or contact Kelly Hall at  the Chamber, 903-237-4004 or president@longviewtx.com.

 

 

 

17
Jun
11

Economic Indicators remain strong for Longview TX

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Advocacy, Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership and Promoting Longview
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Cautious optimism remains in place for the Longview economy as unemployment numbers continue to be below state and national averages coupled with another strong monthly sales tax report from the State Comptroller’s office.   Yesterday, the Texas Labor Market Information services released their latest report for the Longview MSA.  Unemployment is at 6.7% compared to the State ’s 7.9% and US’s 8.7%.  Mining, Logging and Construction experienced a 9.4% growth rate compared to the same time last year.  Manufacturing reflected a 3.8% increase with Professional and Business Services at 3.7%.

The Longview Chamber builds hundreds of relocation packet for member companies to aid in their recruitment process stated Kelly Hall, President/CEO.   Over the past 60  days we have seen the volume of relocation packets  increase immensely compared to the same time last year.  HR teams from several sectors have requested high volumes of relo packets for their recruitment efforts.

Additional good news comes from WIRED Magazine.  Adam Davidson did an article recently on “The Emerging Epicenters of High Tech Industry”.   He created a map utilizing the Cluster Mapping Project at  Harvard Business School. The  provides the top 20 job-creating areas for the following fields: Plastics, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace vehicles, Information technology, Biopharma, Metal manufacturing, Communication technology, Medical technology, Analytical instruments, and Electrical equipment.  Eastman Chemical of Longview Texas is spotlighted at http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/05/ff_jobsclustermap/.  Davidson reports Eastman dominates the chemical industry in Longview, an area spread over 3 counties in East Texas.  The company produces more than 40 products but ethyl acetate NF – solvent also used in pharmaceutical production and cosmetics – is as Longview specialty (even comes in kosher variety).

Longview Texas economic recovery continues to outpace the state and country.  If you would like to share more good news about your companies growth patterns in Longview  please contact Kelly Hall at president@longviewtx.com.

08
Jun
11

HHS Issues Final Rule to Control Premium Increases

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Advocacy and Chamber of Commerce
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final regulation aimed at controlling large health insurance premium increases. The rule, which was issued on May 19, 2011, provides that:

  • Rate increases of 10 percent or more by insurers in the small group and individual markets must be reviewed by state or federal officials.
  • Insurance companies will be required to justify significant rate increases and provide information to consumers about the reasons for the increases.
  • Grandfathered plans and excepted benefits (such as separate dental-only and vision-only plans) do not have to meet these requirements.

This The Ward Agency Legislative Brief provides a summary of the HHS final rule, which is effective Sept. 1, 2011. For a copy of the rule, see www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-12631_PI.pdf.

BACKGROUND

Under health care reform, HHS was required to establish a process for the annual review of “unreasonable increases in premiums for health insurance coverage.” The reform statute provides that the process must require health insurance issuers to submit justifications for unreasonable premium increases to HHS and the applicable state prior to the implementation of the increases.

The final rule implements section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), which was added by section 1003 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

It establishes the requirements for health insurance issuers offering health insurance coverage in the small group or individual markets to report information concerning unreasonable rate increases to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It also sets the process for determining whether the rate increases are unreasonable.

FINAL RULE

Applicability

The final rule regarding rate increases applies to insurers in the small group and individual markets. However, it does not apply to grandfathered health plan coverage or to excepted benefits. Excepted benefits include things like liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, limited scope dental or vision benefits, long-term care or nursing home benefits and hospital indemnity insurance.

Source: The Ward Agency

06
Jun
11

Man Talk June 14th! Topic: obtaining success in business?

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
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The Longview Chamber is proud to announce they are working with “Longview Community Men” and hosting Man Talk on June 14th at 7:00pm.  The topic is: Obtaining Success in Business.  Discussion items will include:

  • Have you discovered what does it take to have a successful business?
  • Do you know what a business must do to gain support from the community it is attempting to serve? 
  • Do you understand what are successful practices a business must have to survive in the world today? 
  • Did you realize how important  networking is to grow your business?

On Tuesday, June 14th, the Longview Community Men will host its monthly MAN TALK.  The panel participating in Man Talk will reflect the community of Longview and will discuss why it is important to work together and what are ssome of the barriers and how the community should rise to the occassion for the sake of the children and the future of the city as a whole.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Longview Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is located at 410 N. Center., Longview, Texas. A small meal will be served at 6:30 p.m.

We are challenging the men of Longview to show up and represent their home, family and community at this Man Talk. If you know of men that have a business or want to start a business,this would be a great session for them to attend.  Encourage the young men to attend as well because there is a need for young entrepreneurs in the area.  DO NOT miss this opportunity to network and bring your business cards as well!!!!!!!!!!!

For more information contact Branden Johnson at brandendjohnson@live.com.

29
Apr
11

4 Area High School Students to be recognized with the Spirit of Entrepreneurs Award!

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
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SwiftSharing Team Leaders

The Longview Chamber is proud to showcase a new recognition award – “The Spirit of Entrepreneurs” at the upcoming small business celebration luncheon on Tuesday, May 3rd.  Recently, TexasWideOpenForBusiness.com reported small firms are attractive destinations for elite inventors, plus small businesses employ 40 percent of U.S. high tech workers. So when chamber staff learned of a young dynamic team who had developed and launched SwiftSharing they thought these entrepreneurs need to be spotlighted amongst our community business leaders in the hopes to spawn more entrepreneur activity.

Entrepreneurship, defined as the ability to marshal resources in order to seize new business opportunities which have uncertain outcomes, has gained renewed importance. It has become central to economic growth in light of the rapid advancement of information technology and growing importance of knowledge.  Alaxic Smith and Paul Henry exemplify this definition.  They embraced an innovative idea and took the initiative to explore Facebook as a method of sign-up and “like” our Facebook Fan Page!  The team quickly grew from (2) two to (4) four when Spencer Smith and Magan Tyler joined their team. After a few attempts of launching other programs SwiftSharing was birthed.  Currently, there are (6) six team members including Nickson Ariemba and Neil Parikh.

 SwiftSharing officially debuted as a beta on January 11, 2011. SwiftSharing is a categorization concept which integrates with Facebook.  Facebook is setup where one sees a wall post in a news feed format while SwiftSharing allows sharing by default categories such as of movies, photos, games, videos etc.   The organized manner in which the platform is designed has attracted well over 9,000 sign ups with nearly 7,000 verified members.

The team’s goal is to be out of beta testing by the end of summer with 100,000 verified members.  Realizing this is a large task they are willing to take risk to grow their business. Their business plan also includes securing investors over the next several months.  They have plans to visit with potential investors in California this summer.

For more information about the small business celebration luncheon please contact 903.237.4000 or visit www.longviewchamber.com.

29
Apr
11

Edible Art Specialty Cakes and Cookies name 2011 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership and Networking Events
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Edible Art Specialty Cakes & Cookies

The Longview Chamber will be recognizing  Edible Art Leaders Debbie Fontaine and Joyce Yuen the 2011 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year on Tuesday, May 3rd, during the Chamber’s small business celebration luncheon. 

Edible Art Specialty Cakes & Cookies, LLC is focused on keeping clients coming back for their one-of-a kind products that taste as good as they look.  Edible Art Leaders Debbie Fontaine and Joyce Yuen have led their business for four years. They are committed to constantly strive towards providing uniquely designed specialty cakes, cupcakes, and cookies packaged in a manner that brings pure joy to their customers.

Debbie and Joyce believe their success is due to the “Edible Art Experience”.  Their specialized service requires a meeting with each customer to sketch out their customized order to ensure specific design elements are incorporated into the clients dreams.  Creating the “Edible Art Experience” has created a niche market with a boutique bakery offering like no other in East Texas.  

Success has not been an easy task for these entrepreneurs during these rocky economic times. However, their commitment to exceeding customer expectations has allowed them to grow their business and become debt free as well as being able to employ several “Confection Designers” to meet customer requests. 

Giving back to the community is important to Edible Art Leaders Fontaine and Yuen.  Their community involvement includes LISD’s Technical Students Association, LISD Orchestra Booster Club, Longview youth Symphony, church, Partners in Prevention Steering Committee, and Culture Arts Advisory Commission.

 “Many small businesses within the Longview area are worthy of this award. We at Edible Art are honored to have been chosen among this deserving group of businesses. We take pride in working with other organizations in our community, and accept this award knowing that we would not be successful without our customers. Our goal is to continue to strive for excellence while expanding our products and services and creating new jobs.”

- Joyce Yuen – Edible Art Leader

For more information about the membership luncheon contact the Chamber at 903.237.4000 or visit www.longviewchamber.com.

 

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