What Higher Wages Mean for Small Business
from SmartMoney's Small Biz
Many of the nation's small-business owners are about to see their labor costs rise, but that's not entirely a bad thing. Thanks to a three-tiered federal minimum wage-hike that Congress approved two years ago, starting Friday employers are required to pay hourly workers at least $7.25 per hour. This third and final rate hike – the last in a three-stage process - represents a 70-cent jump from $6.55 per hour. Here's the good news and the bad news for small-business owners facing a new higher minimum wage. More

Nine Ways to Cut Energy Costs
from Inc.
You changed the light bulbs and lowered the thermostat and for a long time, that was enough. But energy costs have been rising in recent years and new taxes are on the horizon, so every business has a reason to become more efficient. Here's how. More

Choosing a Business Credit Card
from Business Week
As small business lending has dried up, small business owners are increasingly relying on business - and personal - credit cards to finance their operations. The issuance of new credit cards was also down early this year over last year, but if you have established credit cards, make your payments on time, and have a decent personal credit score, you should not have difficulty getting a business credit card. More

Why Should Your Employees Like You?
from Entrepreneur
Managing employees isn't a popularity contest, but if your workers like and respect you as a person, your company's bottom line is likely to show it. Handling problems gently is one way to build positive relationships with employees, who in turn can help your business grow. More

Jim Howell: August 3, 1946 – June 30, 2009
from WWPIA
Jim Howell passed away on June 30th. He had just returned from the hospital, after suffering a heart attack and was preparing to go through cancer treatments. He was only home for a few hours- where he wanted to be, when he suffered a massive heart attack. Jim was a man of faith, and he is now at home with his best friend, Jesus. Over the past 40+ years in the Pet Industry, Jim made many friends and touched the hearts of so many people. He will be greatly missed. The Howell family thanks each and and every one of you who contributed so much to Jim’s life. Jim started a ministry with his family, Eagles Wings. If you would like to support this ministry on behalf of Jim, the family has asked that donations be made through the website at www.eagles-wings-ministry.com. More

Delaware Shifts Dog Licensing to Counties: Pet Store Requirements Proposed
from PIJAC
Delaware House Bill 233 shifts dog licensing management from the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control to the counties in which retail dog outlets and kennels are located. Another bill, House Bill 293, sets forth amendments to current law on facility standards and tethering. More

Oregon Passes Bill Impacting Dog Dealers and Pet Stores
from PIJAC
Legislation has been enacted in Oregon impacting dog breeders, pet stores and anyone who qualifies as a pet breeder. Persons are now prohibited from having more than 50 adult intact dogs at a time, and anyone purchasing a dog in the state is entitled to warranty terms. More

House Judiciary to Consider Python Ban
from PIJAC
Representative Kendrick Meek (D-FL) has introduced H.R. 2811 (the House version of Senator Nelson’s Senate Bill S.373). As drafted, it would amend the Lacey Act to add "the constrictor snake of the species Python genera" as an injurious species that would be "prohibited from being shipped or imported into the United States." More

Two Groups Stick Up for Spot Ons
from Pet Age
The Companion Animal Parasite Council and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have joined the chatter about the potential dangers of spot-on flea/tick treatments - and they contend that the products are generally safe when used according to labeling instructions. More

Koi Herpes Outbreak Reported in Belgium
from Pet Product News
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported July 24 that two outbreaks of koi herpes virus disease had occured in Belgium. The OIE considers the cases resolved, despite gaps in information provided by Belgium veterinary officials, including the number of cases, the source of the outbreak, and the morbidity, mortality and fatality rates. More