Good morning #ChamberWorld! Have a GREAT Memorial Day weekend!
U.S. Chamber: Antitrust Bill Would Irreparably Harm Our Economy
This week, a revised version of the antitrust bill, the "American Innovation and Choice Online Act," was introduced to the Senate.
Why it matters: This legislation would irreparably harm the American economy and innovation. It fails to address bipartisan concerns that it would undermine our national security, cybersecurity, privacy, and international competitiveness—and harm consumers.
Such an approach will fuel further inflation, limit choices, and undermine investment in innovation by injecting regulatory uncertainty into the marketplace at the worst possible time.
Be smart: The bill’s sponsors have rushed ahead intentionally avoiding any hearings to thoughtfully evaluate the bill. American innovators and businesses of all sizes deserve better.
The legislation is too consequential to not have been properly vetted as it seeks to remake an entire tech ecosystem that has made the United States the envy of the world.
Bottom line: This bill won’t just impact the tech sector—it seeks to upend the role of antitrust to give government sweeping authority to regulate entire industries and micro-manage our economy.
ICYMI:
Antitrust Bills: A Trojan Horse That Will Radically Alter Our Free Market Economy
The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce named the recipients of the 2022 Small Business of the Year Awards at a program held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rib Mountain on Tuesday, May 10. Eleven businesses and organizations had been named as finalists in two categories.
The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes business growth, community involvement and innovative efforts in the Wausau region and is a part of the Chamber’s annual Business Week. Neena Pacholke of WAOW served as the emcee for the event.
The 2022 Small Business of the Year Award recipients were Lamb’s Fresh Market in the Business-to-Consumer category and the Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) in the Charitable Non-Profit category.
“Being nominated and selected for this award is such an honor and one that we as an organization are so proud of.” said Ron Lamb, CEO of Lamb’s Fresh Market. “It is a privilege to be included with all of the outstanding businesses that have received this award and we will use this award as constant reminder of what it takes to be recognized in this way. Serving the greater Wausau area and the people in it is certainly a blessing to our organization.” Read more: Wausau Pilot and Review
Kentucky SBA: You have questions... we have answers!
Did you miss Q&A with SBA?
Here is a quick recap of some of the questions asked:
- I’ve been told that my COVID-19 EIDL loan was funded. However, my bank returned the funds. Are those funds still earmarked for me?
Yes, they are but it may take longer for you to receive the funds. Check your email frequently.
- I was not able to electronically sign my EIDL. I’m told I must manually sign but no one has told me how.
- Proceed: PDC.AccountsCOVIDLoanClosing@sba.gov
- Cancel: PDC.AccountsCovidEIDLCancellationRequests@sba.gov
- Questions: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- What exactly is a grant and how do they work?
- Grants can come from many sources including all levels of government and foundations. However, our experience has been that there are very few grants available directly to businesses for startup or expansion.
- I have an oil change business in an area with a lot of public/government vehicles. I’d like to get some of this local business, but I’m told I must accept credit cards. True or false?
True, the government pays for services with: - EFT Electronic Funds Transfer
- Credit Card (micro purchases)
- I would like to start a business, but don’t know where to begin. How can SBA help me?
SBA has excellent online resources. Check the Business Guide tab on the sba.gov website. There's also a Learning Platform. SBA Resource Partners provide no-fee, high quality business counseling. Many resource partners can meet virtually. Find your Resource Partners under the Local Assistance tab at sba.gov.
- I have a business in my current state and would like to expand in a different state. What is the best way to start that process?
Make sure you register your new business with the right agencies. - Licenses and permits
- Foreign qualifications
- New state and localities taxes
- How do I certify my business with the SBA?
SBA is the gatekeeper to small business certifications when it comes to doing work for and with the federal government. - WOSB Woman Owned Small Business
- 8(a) Program 8(a) Business Development Program
- HUBZone Historically Underutilized Business Zone
- Vets First Verification Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business (moving to SBA in 2023)
- My bank turned me down for a business loan. What are some alternate sources of funding?
The federal government supports several non-bank business funding sources like Community Development Financial Institutions and Microloan entities.
- How can a home-based business use my Google Business Profile page? I have a family and don’t want to share my personal address.
If you don't serve customers at your business address, leave the business location blank. However, you should identify your service area AND follow all recommendations to strengthen your listing. Click here for information from our Resource Partners at SCORE.
- Does SBA do anything else I may not know about? That is, other than access to capital, government contracting and counseling services?Yes, SBA works to support small businesses through many different avenues such as:
- National Small Business Week
- Small Business success stories
- Small Business research
- Visit www.sba.gov for more information
Town Square Publications Membership Directories, Maps, Quarterly Magazines, Digital Directory and Community Profiles: The no cost, no risk BEST Chamber Publishing Partner in North America!
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Publication Proposal Requested. Thank you!
