http://cal-exec.com/rssfeed.aspxCredible Authoritative Trustworthyhttp://cal-exec.com/images/smalllogo.gifhttp://cal-exec.comhttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2590 April 23, 2009<br /> The allure of working for oneself is stronger than ever, but self-employed individuals do not enjoy the same tax benefits as corporations that offer health insurance to their employees. A bill in Congress may change all of that. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:55:17 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2592 April 23, 2009<br />Given the increasing popularity of e-commerce and the budget deficits of a growing number of states, perhaps most notably that of California, lawmakers may be reconsidering the moratorium on taxes for Internet-based transactions. Ironically, the very same companies that argued for the moratorium when they were new are now flexing their lobbying muscles to drop it. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:41:22 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2586 April 16, 2009<br />That’s right. Becoming more efficient is not just the right thing to do, but a great way to save money as well. The federal government’s Energy Star program provides some free resources to help you get started. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:27:38 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2584 April 16, 2009<br />U.S. households spent more than $2.5 billion on food gardening last year, a figure that is expected to rise significantly in 2009. And where there’s money, there’s opportunity. Today’s “victory garden” movement is sprouting a new entrepreneurial spirit while boosting the garden industry as a whole. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:27:36 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2578 April 10, 2009<br />It’s a tough time for all small businesses, and those lucky few VC-backed startups will just have to wait a little longer before hitting the stock exchange or getting snapped up by deeper pockets. Here’s a breakdown of the first quarter’s dismal show for venture-backed exits. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:32:28 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2576 April 10, 2009<br />Employers have the option to allow alternatives to the standard 9 to 5 grind without incurring overtime, but they must clear several tricky hurdles first. The hurdles remain, but the passage of a bill amending the state Labor Code just might lower them a tad. Find out how the rules may benefit your workplace before they go into effect next month. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:32:24 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2572 April 02, 2009<br />Rules governing how non-exempt employees arrange their workweek are about to get a lot more flexible. Read this primer for a brief explanation. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:52:47 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2570 April 02, 2009<br />Microenterprise is a term reserved for the financing of typically modest, one-person business ventures needing relatively tiny amounts of cash to get started (think taco vender or a seamstress). But these days, small businesses and budding entrepreneurs who may have once sought a bank loan or even angel investing are securing microloans. Here’s what you need to know. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:52:45 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2566 March 27, 2009<br />As promised, the DOL has released four separate templates to help employers comply with the new provisions intended to help laid-off workers pay for extended health care coverage under COBRA. Forms can be downloaded here. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:00:24 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2564 March 27, 2009<br />In the past year, a staggering 59% of laid-off workers took company data on their way out the door, according to one survey. It may not tell the whole story, but the point is that employers must actively protect their trade secrets, especially during this period of economic hardship and desperation. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:00:20 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2552 March 19, 2009<br />As if taking a cue from Facebook and LinkedIn, the Small Business Administration has launched its own “Web 2.0” resource. It won’t speed the delivery of much-needed capital to small businesses, but the free service might be worth checking out. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:33:25 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2550 March 19, 2009<br />Speaking in support of “the heart of the American economy,” President Obama announced plans to use federal funds to buy up SBA-backed loans on the secondary market. While some are encouraged, others remain underwhelmed. What’s in it – or not – for you? Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:33:22 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2546 March 17, 2009<br />Claims of age discrimination are rising, along with many other categories tracked by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. But determining the cause of the spike is difficult to pin down. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:52:49 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2544 March 17, 2009<br />As part of the massive economic stimulus bill signed into law last month, laid-off employees will be eligible for a 65% subsidy on COBRA health insurance continuation. But there’s a catch, and not understanding the subsidy could be hazardous to your business. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:52:47 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2540 March 05, 2009<br />State officials have released a table to help employers figure out how to properly comply with both California and federal family and medical leave laws. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:10:44 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2538 March 05, 2009<br />This handy table, published by the Fair Employment and Housing Commission, compares state and federal disability laws – ADA (plus its 2008 amendments) and FEHA. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:10:42 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2536 March 05, 2009<br />College students who also play varsity sports put in long hours, juggle competing time demands, work well within a team and are fiercely competitive. Sound like qualities you’d like in your office? Unfortunately, most scholar athletes are difficult to find on campus and don’t have time to attend job fairs, while nearly all of them will not go pro. But some say the extra effort it takes to find these individuals is well worth it. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:10:40 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2524 March 03, 2009<br /> A number of small business owners have expressed frustration for what they believe is an unfair system, but securing any kind of loan nowadays is no simple feat. Changes are underway at the U.S. Small Business Administration, as part of the recent stimulus package, to boost its loan activity. But will they work? Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:26:55 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2528 March 03, 2009<br />Here’s a taste of the good and the bad, the new and old. Some legislation introduced so far should give small employers some hope, while other bills may leave them rolling their eyes. And this is just a smattering. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:10:50 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2526 March 03, 2009<br />While it might be helpful to see a snapshot of a prospective new hire’s predisposition for anger or workplace injuries, federal law bans employers from basing such decisions on genetic information. Read the newly proposed guidelines for how this law will be enforced and make your voice heard. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:10:48 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2520 February 26, 2009<br />Your days of explaining to nonexempt employees why they can’t work four 10-hour days instead of the standard nine-to-five may be coming to a close. Read about revisions to a state bill that seeks to loosen restrictions on workweek arrangements. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:34:50 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2518 February 26, 2009<br />So says private company consultant Ken Esch, a partner with the firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. But instead of sticking one’s head in the sand, he suggests a more intelligent and nuanced approach to cutting costs while preparing for a recovery. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:34:48 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2516 February 26, 2009<br />If you’re a small business owner, probably not a whole lot. The $787 billion economic stimulus package passed last week contains tax cuts and spending initiatives, with varying levels of support and criticism from the small business community, but one unanimous refrain is the desperate pleading to make our financial system functional again. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:34:46 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2508 February 24, 2009<br /> Unions typically stay away from small businesses, simply because there are bigger fish to fry. But the notorious Employee Free Choice Act could make them union targets with one stroke of the pen. Traditionally insulated from union activity, small businesses may want to get up to speed as the divisive bill moves through Capitol Hill. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:10:00 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2512 February 24, 2009<br />The recently enacted stimulus package makes it tougher to hire foreign workers, as it stakes its claim on creating jobs for displaced U.S. workers. Get up to speed on the new regulation in this brief. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:46:33 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2510 February 24, 2009<br />Penalties for non-payment of federal taxes are always stiff, but the IRS has stated its intention of going after employers that owe payroll taxes. Consider yourself warned! Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:46:30 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2502 February 19, 2009<br /> Legislators are still trying to score the elusive final vote to close California’s $42 billion budget gap. But will small employers be celebrating? Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:15:53 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2504 February 19, 2009<br />An employee who had difficulty walking, but no formal disability, sued his employer under the state’s FEHA disability laws anyway. Even though the employee did not go through the formal process for disability-related accommodations, an appellate court had some tough words for employers. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:49:34 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2500 February 19, 2009<br /> Executives and senior managers can brainstorm all they want – they simply will not save as much money as they could if they don’t include rank-and-file employees in the process. Consultants and executives discuss ways to empower employees to help trim the fat that otherwise goes unnoticed. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:49:27 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2498 February 17, 2009<br /> The economic stimulus bill scheduled to be signed into law today is not without fierce criticism. But one measure that rankled employers and civil liberties groups alike did not make it to the final draft. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:05:57 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2496 February 17, 2009<br />President Obama made it clear that labor unions would play a different role in his administration. Three executive orders made within the second week of his oath, summarized in this brief report, add some clarity to his promise. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:05:54 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2494 February 17, 2009<br />A federal appeals court in California ruled an important case that clarifies how employees with type-2 (also referred to as “adult-onset”) diabetes are treated under U.S. disability law. The opinion also sheds some light on how the new ADA amendments will affect such employees. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:05:52 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2492 February 17, 2009<br />In lieu of the stick, proposed legislation extends a carrot to employers to encourage compliance. But the bill faces resistance from organized labor, which collectively believes the state lacks resources for such a move. Read about the proposed legislation here. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:05:49 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2484 February 12, 2009<br />A stalled bill passed by the House two years ago has a new lease on life. Dubbed the RESPECT Act, it would radically increase the number of employees eligible for union representation and could cause other disruptions to the balance between employee and management interests. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:50:16 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2488 February 12, 2009<br />As the global economic situation grows ever darker, California’s budget deficit remains unresolved. No solution will please all stakeholders, but proposals to increase taxes and fees will hit the pocketbooks of virtually everyone in the state. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:01:58 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2486 February 12, 2009<br />The amount of money in the economic stimulus bill set aside to help struggling small businesses is arguably just a drop in the ocean. But the House and Senate bills offer contrasting perspectives on how to make SBA-backed loans more accessible to small businesses. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:01:54 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2480 February 10, 2009<br /> Job losses continue to plague the economy, with no sign of letting up any time soon, but have impacted small businesses the most. A new employment report gauges the pace of layoffs at smaller firms. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:48:57 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2478 February 10, 2009<br />Several prominent small business advocacy organizations say the economic stimulus bill nearing passage in Washington does too little for the little guys. A sampling of the criticism decries a dearth of short-term measures, as federal lawmakers grapple with the sheer magnitude of a nearly $1 trillion package. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:48:56 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2476 February 10, 2009<br />As uncertainty leads to panic and fear, some boards of directors are brazenly taking over the controls of the companies they’re supposed to advise. Read about the latest development in response to the economic slump in the board rooms of America. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:48:53 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2462 February 03, 2009<br />A new law reverses a Supreme Court decision that denied a claim by a woman who was willfully discriminated against because of her gender. While it sounds good and fair on the surface, employment attorneys are very concerned about its breadth and scope. Click here to get up to speed and prepared. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:10:56 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2468 February 05, 2009<br />Sure, plenty of talented folks are hungry for a job right now. Rising unemployment means greater options for those that are hiring, but it also requires more elbow grease and a smart approach. Read about some ways to cut through the noise and find the right person for the job. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:03:18 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2472 February 05, 2009<br />Returning to work with a disability is stressful not only for the employee, but also employers that must accommodate specific restrictions. It doesn’t always go smoothly, but a recent appellate case shows what employers must do to avoid liability. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:39:23 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2470 February 05, 2009<br />Nothing’s set in stone, as U.S. lawmakers debate the details of the $819 billion economic stimulus, but one provision would pay most of the COBRA premiums for those left jobless during the recession. As it’s currently written, more than 15% of the package would go toward health care. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:39:21 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2466 February 03, 2009<br />When a company is too small for venture capital or not credit-worthy enough for a bank loan, they often seek out financing from the Small Business Administration. Now SBA loans are drying up as well. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:59:26 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2464 February 03, 2009<br />A data security firm that annually calculates the average cost of a data breach released its report for 2008. Exposing customer data, then notifying victims as required by state law, can cost organizations millions. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:59:24 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2458 January 30, 2009<br />In response to heavy criticism, a rule that would have required federal government contractors to use E-Verify, which some say is inaccurate, was pushed back. The General Services Administration has now set a new date for compliance. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:58:00 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2456 January 30, 2009<br />It’s too early to tell what lawmakers will do in the area of health care reform. But if a new study by the National Federation of Independent Business is accurate, employer-mandated coverage could be a very bitter pill to swallow. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:57:56 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2454 January 30, 2009<br />It makes sense for some businesses to scale up to a nationwide or even global presence in order to reap the benefits of large volume. But one Lake Tahoe-area startup, caught in the crossfire of the financial meltdown, discovered it might eventually realize its nationwide ambitions by starting off with a much smaller footprint. Read about the lessons learned by two young entrepreneurs in their quest for funding, which leads not to money but reality. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:57:52 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2448 January 27, 2009<br />Sure, LinkedIn and Facebook are all the rage among Internet-savvy business networkers. But actually shaking hands with someone in the real world can never be replaced. Businesspeople and networking experts share their tips on how to best leverage good old fashioned, in-person networking in a time of uncertainty. Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:43:05 GMThttp://cal-exec.com/Article.aspx?id=2452 January 27, 2009<br />The nation’s highest court handed down a ruling that answers the question of whether witnesses in company investigations are protected against retaliation. The unanimous decision clears up a gray area of federal labor law. Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:01:11 GMT