In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, Congress’ post-election session is slated to address a myriad of major issues, ranging from avoiding automatic cuts set in motion after the failure of the Supercommittee to preventing a major tax increase on millions of Americans and businesses when the existing individual rates expire on Dec. […]
Category: The Independent Perspective
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Online Learning for Independents
Now launching: The N.G.A. Online Training and Education Center With a highly competitive marketplace, small staffs, tight budgets and high turnover with a relatively inexperienced workforce, retailers have some challenges in training in-store team members. Bringing store-level personnel into classrooms or sending them to meetings can be expensive, time-consuming and impractical. And while webinars or […]
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Invest in Your Future
Every leader is aware of the value of a well-defined business strategy. Few, however, truly give thought to the leadership required to implement those strategies, especially ones that call for changes in the direction or capabilities of an organization. Having sufficient talent to fill key leadership roles is imperative for a successful and growing independent […]
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When a Recess May Not Really Be a Recess: An Argument That Can Only Happen in Washington
On Dec. 23, 2011, President Obama and Congress finally departed Washington, D.C., for the holidays after a bruising battle over extending a payroll tax cut for employees. Although Congress was not in town, the House and Senate were technically not in recess but rather remained in a “pro-forma” session to prevent President Obama from making […]
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The $1.5 Trillion Question: What Happens Nov. 23?
Come Nov. 23, most grocers will have little on their minds besides serving holiday shoppers and maximizing the end-of-Thanksgiving sales. Meanwhile, in Washington, thoughts of drumsticks and stuffing will have to take a back seat as the primary focus will be on the 12-member deficit reduction commission which must produce at least $1.5 trillion in […]
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12 Members of Congress Who Could Have a Profound Impact
Back in early August, right before members of Congress hightailed it back to their districts for the August recess period, the Administration and Congress finally came to an agreement at the 11th hour to raise the nation’s debt limit. A major part of that agreement was the creation of a new 12-member “super committee”—formally known […]
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Debit Swipe Fee Reforms: What Does it All Mean for Your Business?
For nearly a decade merchants have been fighting to level the playing field and bring about reforms of debit and credit card interchange fees (often referred to as swipe fees)—fees that total over $50 billion a year. A little over a year ago merchants and consumers scored a major victory when an amendment authored by […]
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Grocers Take Notice: U.S. DOL Focuses on Supermarket Industry
Hilda Solis, secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), famously proclaimed at the beginning of her term that “there is a new sheriff at the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business.” The department has significantly increased its enforcement action in a number of areas, including OSHA and […]