Small Business News from SMC Business Councils: The Voice of Pennsylvania Business

OSHA Aims To Protect Workers During Winter Storms

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a web page to help protect workers from hazards they may face during winter storm response and recovery operations.

The Web page provides guidance on how employers and workers involved in cleanup and recovery operations can recognize snow storm-related hazards and the necessary steps that employers must take to keep workers safe while working in these conditions. The page includes guidance for workers clearing heavy snow in front of workplaces and from rooftops, workers encountering downed power lines or traveling on icy roads, and utility workers restoring power after winter storms.

To read more about protecting your workers during a winter storm, read the full article in SMC’s HRM Update at: http://www.smc.org/sites/default/files/January%202012.pdf

High School Diploma As Pre-requisite To Employment May Violate The ADA

The following article was published in SMC’s January Issue of the  HRM Update Newsletter.  to read the entire newsletter, go to: http://www.smc.org/sites/default/files/January%202012.pdf On December 2, 2011, the EEOC posted an ―informal discussion letter‖ on its website. The letter was in response to an issue involving individuals who are unable to earn a high school diploma…

President Signs Into Law The ‘VOW To Hire Heroes Act Of 2011’

On November 21, President Obama signed into law the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-56); legislation to encourage the hiring of military veterans. SHRM and other organizations have advocated for several of the changes to the various programs supporting veterans’ employment that were included in the legislation. Key provisions of interest to…

Google Goes After Your Local Small Business

According to an article published on Fast Company’s website, three years ago, only 54% of small businesses had websites. Now 82% do. And according to the findings, many of the new website owners have no idea how to use Google’s most valuable ad tool. Google has decided to help … it has recently launched a slew of…

Last Chance to Register for “Listen to Your Business” Workshop!

SMC Member Bill Ringle, from The Callidus Group, and the Kaufmann Foundation of Kansas City will be presenting a workshop entitled “Listening to Your Business” on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the SMC Headquarters, Churchill, PA from 8:00 – 12:00 noon.  “Listen to Your Business” is a half-day workshop designed to assist existing entrepreneurs to develop…

House Frowns on Debt Limit Increase

The House last week approved a joint resolution expressing disapproval of a $1.2 trillion increase in the federal debt limit. Additionally, a conference committee will be working in coming weeks on a full-year extension of the Medicare physician payment fix and other business left over from 2011.

Check Out the Photos from the Annual Legislative Reception

If you missed the opportunity to attend the 2012 Annual Legislative Reception or attended and would like to see the many pictures that were taken that night, they have been posted to Facebook for your viewing.  Please click on the following link to view all photos … from the Manufacturers Council Meeting earlier in the…

New GAP Program Provides Matching Funds to Help PA Companies Export

The Pennsylvania Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies to increase export sales. GAP is a valuable tool available to qualifying companies seeking financial assistance and foreign market entry support. GAP will provide up to $5,000 in 1:1 matching funds per year to qualifying Pennsylvania companies…

Tech-Sector Job Cuts Fall To Record Low

The following employment information came to SMC Business Councils from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.   It is very interesting and worth the read if you are in the HR or tech fields.  12-MONTH TECH LAYOFFS SINK 21% TO 37,038 Despite a surge in tech-sector downsizing in the second half of 2011, the number of job…

Purchase SMC’s Recently Released 2011 Compensation Survey Report

Do you know how much to pay your employees?  Do you need assistance with budgeting?  Are you hiring the right person for the job at the right salary?  SMC Business Councils can help!  We recently concluded the 2011 SMC Compensation Survey Report and the results are in.  The comprehensive information we learned is available for purchase by our…

Photos from SMC’s 2012 Annual Legislative Reception Posted

If you missed the opportunity to attend the 2012 Annual Legislative Reception or attended and would like to see the many pictures that were taken that night, they have been posted to Facebook for your viewing.  Please click on the following link to view all photos … from the Manufacturers Council Meeting earlier in the…

SMC Members: Our 2011 Compensation Survey Report Is Out & Ready for Purchase!

Do you know how much to pay your employees?  Do you need assistance with budgeting?  Are you hiring the right person for the job at the right salary?  SMC Business Councils can help!  We recently concluded the 2011 SMC Compensation Survey Report and the results are in.  The comprehensive information we learned is available for purchase by our…

“Listen to Your Business” Workshop Filling Up! Register Today!

SMC Member Bill Ringle, from The Callidus Group, and the Kaufmann Foundation of Kansas City will be presenting a workshop entitled “Listening to Your Business” on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the SMC Headquarters, Churchill, PA from 8:00 – 12:00 noon.  “Listen to Your Business” is a half-day workshop designed to assist existing entrepreneurs to develop…

SMC’s Annual Legislative Reception Is Tomorrow Night!

For those who have register … We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night at SMC’s Annual Legislative Reception. Response from SMC Members has been outstanding! More than 40 elected officials or their representatives are scheduled to attend, as well as special dignitaries, including the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Pennsylvania Auditor General and the Director of the Governor’s Office…

Bring a Guest for FREE to the Annual Legislative Reception … But Hurry Register Now!

Join us for a relaxed, social evening with good food, spirits and company at the Annual Legislative Reception at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square on January 12, 2012 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Take this opportunity to speak with the elected officials who make the laws and regulations that directly impact your businesses. If they don’t hear…

Former SMC Chairwoman Cookie Driscoll Featured on NPR

Cookie Driscoll, former SMC Chairwoman, was recently featured on National Public Radio, speaking out about how the tightening of credit has effected her small business.  Listen to the interview here: http://www.marketplace.org/topics/business/b-tightens-credit-some-small-businesses

We Need You … Show Your SMC Support & Attend the Annual Legislative Reception!

Join us for a relaxed, social evening with good food, spirits and company at the Annual Legislative Reception at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square on January 12, 2012 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Take this opportunity to speak with the elected officials who make the laws and regulations that directly impact your businesses. If they don’t hear…

Just Out … 2012’s Top 10 Energy Questions, From Politico.com

The following survey information was provided to SMC from ERG’s Alternative Energy Report.  Thank you to ERG for the pertenent information.  1) What’s the call on Keystone XL? Under last month’s payroll tax extension bill, President Barack Obama and his team have until Feb. 21 to approve or deny a permit for the oil sands…

State to Expand Natural Gas Fleet Fueling Infrastructure

 As part of a nationwide effort to open 150 natural gas fueling stations over the next two to three years, plans have been announced by Clean Energy Fuels Corp. to build three or more natural gas fueling stations in Pennsylvania. Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a company backed by Texas oil and gas mogul T. Boone…

Senate Hopeful Marcellus Agreement Can be Reached Soon

 This week, Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said he wants the House and Senate to come to an agreement on the Marcellus Shale drilling policy prior to Governor Corbett’s budget address, which is slated for early February. The legislature returns to the Capitol on Jan. 17, which allows just over one week for an…