Tuesday, June 23, 2009

IRS Releases Guidance and Allocations for New Recovery Zone Bonds

Two new bond programs were approved by the federal government last week to help encourage economic development in distressed areas. The programs are available for use until January, 2011. Read more at: http://www.dickinsonwright.com/.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Upcoming Chamber Events

Look what’s happening at your Chamber this week:

Wednesday, June 24th: Lunch & Learn: Topic – Mandatory Sprinkler Systems
hosted by HBA of Mecosta County. Lee Schwartz, speaker. Falcon
Head Golf Club in Big Rapids, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Open to the
public. $5 lunch for non HBA members. RSVP to Chamber (231)
796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com.

Thursday, June 25th: Rise ‘n’ Shine Mecosta @ VanDrie Home Furnishings in Big
Rapids, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. RSVP to Chamber (231) 796-7649
or email events@mecostacounty.com.

Your Chamber thrives to provide you and your employees with educational workshops and great networking opportunities. We hope you can attend! Please RSVP if
attending by calling (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

From The US Chamber of Commerce

Obama's Financial Regulation Reform:

7 Things You Need To KnowThe U.S. News and World ReportEver since the credit markets began seizing up in the late summer of 2007, the federal government has worked franticly to prevent a full-scale financial meltdown. The Fed has slashed its benchmark interest rate to as low as zero percent and has welcomed dodgy assets onto its balance sheet. The Treasury Department, meanwhile, has taken the once-unthinkable step of buying large ownership stakes in some of the nation's biggest banks. But now, as the financial system begins to stabilize, President Barack Obama faces a second -- but equally imposing -- task: preventing the next banking crisis from ever occurring. To that end, the administration has pledged to overhaul the nation's outdated financial regulatory structure, which has been blamed for failing to prevent the reckless risk-taking that helped trigger the whole mess."It is an indisputable fact that one of the most significant contributors to our economic downturn was a unraveling of major financial institutions and the lack of adequate regulatory structures to prevent abuse and excess," Obama said Wednesday, as he unveiled his much-anticipated blueprint for regulatory reform. "A regulatory regime basically crafted in the wake of a 20th century economic crisis -- the Great Depression -- was overwhelmed by the speed, scope, and sophistication of a 21st century global economy."

From the US Chamber of Commerce

Chamber's Josten Weighs In On Senate Health Care Associated Press

Hoping to make history, the Senate set off on its major overhaul of the nation's health care system Wednesday, but its first steps were quickly overtaken by fresh cost concerns and partisan anger. An ambitious timetable that called for completing committee action in early summer seemed in danger of slipping away.The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee began work on a bill encompassing President Barack Obama's top legislative priority. It marked the first time since President Bill Clinton's ill-starred attempt in the early 1990s that Congress was tackling such a broad overhaul.

For full article http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/news/

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

BBB Advertising Reminder

The challenging economy prompts the BBB to remind all businesses to "advertise with integrity". A "Sale" should really be for a limited time offering a real discount.

For advice see the BBB's Code of Advertising at www.bbb.org. Honest ads will always win in the long run.

Ken Vander Meeden, President
BBB of Western Michigan
Michigan Business Tax (MBT) Penalty Amnesty

On April 2, 2009, Gov. Granholm authorized an amnesty from penalties for a business that underpays MBT quarterly estimated tax payments by 25 percent or less during its first filing year.

For additional questions or assistance, please contact Bethanie Pollock at bpollock@gabridgeco.com.

MBT Surcharge & the Small Business Credit TrapThe MBT surcharge is getting the attention of large taxpayers and Michigan Congressmen. However, many small taxpayers are finding themselves subject to the current 21.99% surcharge calculated on MBT liability. Insurance companies and taxpayers that are eligible for the Small Business Credit are excluded from the surcharge. Many taxpayers that are expecting a Small Business Credit may be disqualified due to officers' compensation or distributive share business income. In addition, these "small businesses" are no longer exempt from the MBT surcharge. The House is currently reviewing a bill that will reduce the surcharge in 2009.

Please contact Jessica Dean at jdean@gabridgeco.com for additional information.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Rise 'n' Shine Mecosta

Join other Chamber colleagues at Rise 'n' Shine Mecosta on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at VanDrie Home Furnishings in Big Rapids. Meet the professional staff of VanDrie while checking out their showroom 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. RSVP events@mecostacounty.com.

Business After Hours

Join us at the Tullymore Clubhouse for Business After Hours ! See their exciting new additions, tour their beautiful brand new models, enjoy great food and network with other Chamber members 5pm - 6:30 pm. RSVP to your Chamber events@mecostacounty.com. Hope you can join us!

Looking for artists for annual art show

The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking artists, crafters and antique sellers/appraisers for its annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival.

For more information visit our web-site http://www.labordayarts.com/