Business Leadership

Government could be your next best customer
With the economy slowing, a small business's next best customer may be the federal government -- the world's largest supplier of goods and services. A Massachusetts company that sells and services big rigs sold $1.2 million in truck parts last year to the government after hiring a consultant to help with the complicated bidding process. Reuters (2/4)

Column: Super Bowl underscores need to know competition
Small businesses can take a lesson from the surprising loss the Patriots took in Sunday's Super Bowl, writes Steve Strauss, columnist at USA TODAY. Strauss offers four tips for besting a personal Super Small Business Bowl: Stay competitive, focus on your core competency, be skeptical of hype and avoid Hail Mary desperation by making a business plan and following it. USA TODAY (2/4)

Some high-tech solutions make shops work more efficiently
Business Week columnist Gene Marks offers a primer on several technologies that consistently help small businesses work "quicker and better." Among them: Microsoft Windows Terminal Server, desktop-sharing applications, free conference calling, e-mail marketing services and Google applications. BusinessWeek (2/5)

Free online energy analysis points to savings measures
DTE Energy is offering a free online energy analysis to help small businesses and individuals realize how they use energy and how they can cut costs on it. MyEnergy Analyzer users provide e-mail addresses and ZIP codes, answer questions about the building they are using, their heating and cooling systems and often-used appliances. The online tool then offers suggestions on reducing costs and estimates potential savings. Detroit Free Press/Associated Press (2/4)

Startups urged to heed warnings posted by failed companies
More than 70% of small businesses fail within five years of starting, so entrepreneurs have many examples of failures to show them what not to do. Experts say many businesses grow or expand too rapidly, fail to plan realistically for cash flow, borrow too much money or buy too much inventory. Financial Post (Canada) (2/4)

Quick Poll

Poll: Does the government play a major role in your organization's survival?
 Yes, my success relies heavily on government sales.
 A bit, although the majority of my earnings come from nongovernment sources.
 No, my organization doesn't rely on the government at all.

CEO Update

CEO search

CEO searches under way at these organizations: Finishing Contractors Association, National Guard Youth Foundation, National Parent Teacher Association. More information at CEO Update.

Nonprofit Recruiting Fact: What compensation levels of CEO hiring involve executive recruiters? Find out here.

Chamber Spotlight

New Jersey Chamber endorses highway toll plan
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is endorsing a highway toll plan proposed by Gov. Jon S. Corzine, despite opposition from some Republicans. "The bottom line is this: Gov. Corzine has a plan," Chamber Vice President Jim Leonard said. "The Chamber will be happy to review other plans, but right now his is the only one to be presented. If we're going to get this state on better financial footing, both parties need to work together on a solution and not use this as an opportunity for political gain." Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.)/Associated Press (2/4)

Study: People with disabilities perform equally well
Employees with disabilities and only minimal accommodations perform as well as those without additional supervision, according to a three-year Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Disabilityworks report. The average accommodation cost is $313. Chicago Tribune (1/28)

Association Watch

Groups call for globally competitive U.S.-based mutual fund
Fund flows in Asia are forecast to skyrocket in the next five years, forcing U.S. firms and groups to take note and start lobbying for a U.S.-based mutual fund that is competitive internationally. Some may be surprised by the need for a more global product as foreign fund flows were tiny until recently. Steve Bartlett, president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, says arrogance has prevented the U.S. from focusing on the issue. "We're the United States and we've always been bigger than everybody else, and now we're not," Bartlett said. Financial Times (free content) (2/4)

Opinion: Solution to congestion remains with air traffic control
The U.S. should take steps to adopt a new, satellite-based air traffic control system to ease congestion and delays, Air Transport Association President James C. May writes in USA TODAY. The system should be funded on a "fair and equitable cost-sharing basis." He notes that a DOT plan establishing congestion pricing is bad for consumers and funds would not be spent on much-needed airspace modernization. USA TODAY (1/29)

U.S. Chamber News

Teleconference examines prospects for U.S. environmental firms in Vietnam
Vietnam is Asia's second-fastest-growing economy and is being called the next frontier for U.S. business in Asia. The U.S. Commerce Department's Foreign Commercial Service in Vietnam and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in a briefing on the "Top Prospects for U.S. Environmental Firms" from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 21. This live teleconference/Web seminar will focus on export opportunities in Vietnam in the environmental sector. To participate, visit here and register before Feb. 14.

Attend the premier corporate citizenship conference this spring
The BCLC National Conference on Corporate Community Investment is being held April 27 to 29 at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa featuring businesses and other innovators looking to shape the future of their communities through their contributions. Increasingly, companies are seeking new ways to align their corporate citizenship activities with the future competitiveness of the regions, cities and towns in which they do business. The national conference will provide an environment aimed at helping businesses set and achieve their community investment goals. For more information or to register for the discount before Feb. 22, visit www.uschamber.com/bclc/events.

U.S. Chamber Member Benefits

U.S. Chamber Members Save on NEW FedEx Discounts
Members save up to 21% on select FedEx Express® services, up to 12% on select FedEx Ground® services and up to 20% on select FedEx Kinko's® services. Plus save an additional 5% when you process eligible FedEx Express shipments using FedEx Ship Managers at fedex.com and other FedEx automated shipping solutions. Call 800-345-6227 and mention code 14 or click here.

Editor's Note

Poll results: Would you consider using peer-to-peer funding to help your organization?

Last week's poll question asked readers if they would use peer-to-peer funding.

• 38% said yes, its convenience far outweighs its higher interest rates. 
• 48% said perhaps, but I would seek traditional funding first.
• 14% said no, I would only use funds from an established financial institution.

SmartQuote

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