Recently in the Jobs Category

The SBA Jobs Act Tour is a remarkable occasion to meet with leaders from the SBA and other small business owners. During this event you will have the opportunity to give your input on new regulations and take advantage of new business tools. Representatives from the SBA will be present to explain how your business may acquire an SBA loan, how to compete for federal contracts, tips on finding a mentor, and more!  
 
When the Small Business Jobs Act was signed into law last year, WIPP provided its members with the following summary highlighting the specific provisions benefiting small businesses. To review the WIPP summary on the Jobs Act, click here.

Please click here to visit the SBA Jobs Act Tour webpage and RSVP. Dates and locations for the tour are as follows:
 
Miami - March 28
Columbus - March 28
Atlanta - March 30
New York - March 30
Boston - April 1
San Antonio - April 1
San Diego - April 11
Albuquerque - April 11
Denver - April 13
Seattle - April 13
Chicago - April 15
Huntsville - April 15
Washington, DC - TBD

Special Guest Blog by Julie Reiser, President/CEO, Made in USA Certified, Inc.

I am embarrassed to admit this but, I had no idea until today that December is National Made in America Month!  How huge is that? December!  How come no one ever talks about that? The biggest retail shopping month of the entire year!

How could we have all missed this all these years?

So, I went right to the internet to find out more about who proclaimed it, when & why!  After doing so- I felt strongly that it is really important for EVERY American to understand the background of the proclamation and the best way to do that is to hear from the man himself--our late, great, President Ronald Reagan who coined the phrase, "Trust but Verify"! (Our company slogan is "Trust but Certify!"- and we have a special place in our hearts for the 40th President of the United States.)

So, let's take a look back together--shall we?

Read it Here: Proclamation 5587 -- Made in America Month, 1986
December 8, 1986 - By the President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan

This proclamation written on December 8th, 1986 is even MORE relevant today in December 2010- than ever before in our nations history. After over 2 decades of outsourcing our jobs, our factories, our businesses and money- this National Made in America Month takes on a truly more urgent and profound meaning!

I am so inspired that President Reagan felt so strongly about this issue - that he proclaimed December ( the busiest shopping month of the whole year)--National Made in America Month!  I don't see that as an accident or coincidence. He was actively seeking to bring awareness to consumers and encourage patriotic spending to fuel American business, growth and jobs to combat the massive amount of money spent on imports. Exactly what we needed then and what we so desperately need today!

President Ronald Reagan stated, "I invite the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to celebrate the excellence of American products."

Now, the fact that none of us really know this and there is no pomp and circumstance, celebrations, ceremonies or activities around this--appears to be again, no accident. Most of the real money--is in Corporate America, big business--and lets face it, they are all really in it for the profits and import the heck out of everything!  They just care about their bottom lines and their bonuses - they don't care about us. That is the cold, hard, truth!

We care about us- notice us- is U.S. without the periods? We are all on the front lines of this economic recession that never seems to end- and WE CAN make a difference. WE are not insignificant and your choices everyday do matter. So, given the choice -support your U.S.A manufacturers, their families, their employees and their families- and lets put America back to work. December is THE perfect month to be National Made in America Month!

So, please this Holiday Season- forget big importing corporate America- and let's stand together and support America!  Buy American--Buy Made in U.S.A. - shop your main streets, you local businesses, and lets keep our neighbors, our communities and this country in business!

This is NATIONAL MADE IN AMERICA MONTH-- so, America - get ready to Buy American and look for that "Made in USA" Label / "Made in USA Certified" Seal this Holiday Season!!

And again, as Reagan stated way back in 1986, "Now is the time, therefore, for consumers both here and abroad to take a fresh look at what America has to offer. American technology and management are second to none, and the skill and resourcefulness of the American worker are the envy of the world. Not only does "Made in the U.S.A." symbolize excellence of quality and design, but our products are now available at more competitive prices."

God Bless Our Beautiful Country!

Julie Reiser is a WIPP Advocacy Partner and the President/CEO of Made in USA Certified, Inc., a 3rd party verification company that provides 3rd party assurance and Seal. To learn more about her company, please visit www.usa-c.com.  

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced the most recent data on women-owned businesses, and the results are eye-opening. The data was collected as part of the 2007 Survey of Business Owners (SBO). Although the full report is not expected to be released until later this year, these preliminary findings offer valuable input on the status of women-owned businesses.
 
The data shows the growth and strength of women-owned businesses, and their contribution to the U.S. economy. Here are some key numbers:
 
·        Between 2002 and 2007, the number of women-owned businesses (51% or more owned by women) has increased by 20.1% since 2002.

·        The total number of women-owned, nonfarm businesses is 7.8 million.

·        Women-owned businesses accounted for 28.7% of all nonfarm businesses in the U.S.

·        Women-owned businesses employ 6.4% of the total U.S. workforce.