09/02/2008
Save the date: Immigration reform, what the new law requires from business owners
As a business owner, it is critical that you understand your obligations under the new immigration reform law in South Carolina. Led by immigration attorney Lee Depret-Bixio, this seminar will include topics to include a new legislation overview, deadlines, penalties, steps to compliance and E-Verify.
The dates and cities are as follows:
If you would like to attend, or if you have questions, contact South Region Member Support Manager Katie Jones at 404-876-8516.
Legislative news
Congress began its annual summer recess Aug. 8. When Congress reconvenes on Sept. 8, there likely will be a vote on offshore drilling. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced recently that expanded offshore drilling will be a part of the new energy bill. NFIB is seriously considering key voting this issue. Please be sure to check out the latest addition to the Issues Spotlight titled NFIB Members Share their Energy Struggles. The article profiles several members and how they are coping with the rising energy costs and it highlights how two of those members have become NFIB spokespersons on this issue.
Get a Dose of Healthcare Education has been updated online. This handy healthcare briefing now includes a comprehensive overview of the healthcare legislation NFIB supports, as well as the status of each bill.
Action opportunities
- Member Ballot: At any given time in South Carolina, there are hundreds of pieces of state legislation being considered that could directly affect your ability to operate and profit from your business. The NFIB/South Carolina Member Ballot lets members like you tell Governor Sanford and the members of the South Carolina General Assembly where small business stands on those issues. NFIB/South Carolina is currently working on our next ballot. We are looking for issues that concern you. If you have any suggestions, please contact Wendy Homeyer or Katie Jones.
- Tom Shannon of the Tom Shannon Show in Columbia welcomes partnership opportunities for his weekly radio talk show to be aired on Sunday afternoons from 1-2 p.m. WOIC-1230 AM. The show will focus on local small businesses, small business opportunities and issues that affect business owners. Tom has asked us for help in finding small business owners and experts interested in serving as co-host, appearing as a regular "expert" guest or simply sponsoring the show. If interested, please contact Wendy Homeyer.
- Congress is poised to expand the Americans with Disabilities Act. The NFIB Legal Foundation is looking for members who are willing to share their personal stories of how this law poses significant burdens on their small business. Please contact Wendy Homeyer if you may be willing to come forward on this issue.
- The Federal Public Policy team is looking to find member stories about how paid sick leave legislation hurts small business. Please contact Wendy Homeyer if you are willing to share your story with members of Congress or the media.
- NFIB Tax Attorney Bill Rys is looking to identify members who are affected by confusing IRS regulations that fail to allow employers to clearly make the distinction between independent contractors and employees. Please contact Wendy Homeyer if you are willing to share your story.
Election 2008
Please check out the "September Advocacy Tip." This month's tip reiterates the significant implications the upcoming November elections will have on small business and urges members to volunteer for a political campaign. By donating even just a small amount of time, you can play a valuable role in helping pro-small business candidates get elected.
NFIB members and small business are well represented at both political conventions:
- Texas state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte co-chaired the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. Her husband, Pete Van de Putte, is a long-time NFIB member and past member of our board of directors.
- NFIB will have two speakers at this week's Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. NFIB national board member Ruth Novodor and NFIB/Virginia member Christy Swanson of CKB Swanson. NFIB/South Carolina member and Speaker of the South Carolina House Bobby Harrell will also be attending the Republican National Convention.
Plus, NFIB and small business are well represented. We have a significant number of members and other small business owners who are delegates to both conventions. Keep up-to-date on the latest political headlines that matter to small business.
In the news
Inc. Magazine: 2008 Inc. 5000 Top 100 Lists: Ponds & Sons Construction Company has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the United States. On the list of the top 100 fastest growing construction companies, Ponds & Sons is number 18. Check it out: Ponds & Sons #407 in Inc. 500. Congratulations!The State (Columbia, S.C.): Op-Ed: What Small Business Really Wants (Guest Columnist: Wendy Homeyer)BtoB: NFIB report says inflation is No. 1 concern of small business ownersThe Times Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C.): Fix healthcare for small business to fix it for U.S.South Carolina Department of Commerce: Israel Trade and Investment Mission Offered in November
Your feedback is requested and appreciated. Please contact Wendy Homeyer and let her know what other type of information would be useful to include in this Update.
