Business Columns
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For small businesses, these are the 3 economic metrics that really matter in 2025May 22, 2025 3:20 pm - In the 20+ years I’ve been running my business, I’ve learned from some very smart leaders which economic metrics they follow. These metrics change each year, depending on circumstances. This year, these three are the ones they’re closely watching.
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Turn mental health awareness into action in the workplaceMay 21, 2025 9:29 am - This year has gotten off to a tumultuous start for Americans. It is easy to understand why people are having trouble going about their normal business with a positive mindset. Fortunately, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme for 2025 is “Turn Awareness into Action.”
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Illinois’ motor fuel tax is working as intended: Fixing roads and keeping up with costsMay 17, 2025 1:28 pm - Every July 1 since 2019, Illinois’ motor fuel tax ticks upward with the rate of inflation. And every year, the same talking heads emerge attacking it as some evidence of broken government.
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Leveraging local: How to build a brand that belongsMay 14, 2025 10:04 am - In a retail and service world filled with Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart and other massive, multinational companies, there still remains a surprising amount of space for local business.
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Opinion: Crypto industry comes with great opportunity, great riskMay 13, 2025 1:08 pm - The whole digital assets industry, commonly called “Crypto,” is booming in Illinois and in our country.
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Illinoisans are sick of new taxes; reject payroll taxMay 09, 2025 11:37 am - As new tariffs threaten to push up prices, Illinois’ punishing tax climate already is stretching many residents’ and businesses’ budgets.
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Restaurants are a business, just not YOUR businessMay 07, 2025 8:34 am - As long as I have been in the hospitality industry, I have never understood the guest who comes to a restaurant and then insists on ordering an item that’s not on the menu.
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Small Business Week is a perfect time to engage with policymakersMay 03, 2025 1:24 pm - Every day can seem like an adventure for small businesses, as they face unforeseen challenges and embrace new opportunities.
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For Small Business Week, Better Business Bureau reveals top scams targeting business ownersMay 03, 2025 1:07 pm - No business is immune to scams — but small businesses, in particular, can be easy targets. Staying informed is your best defense.
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Small business advocates make their voices heard in SpringfieldApr 26, 2025 12:50 pm - Things were buzzing during our 2025 Advocacy Day in Springfield. Indeed, the hallways were packed as advocacy groups navigated their way into meeting rooms to press for ...