Tag Archive for Business

Michigan, Opinion, Philosophy

Truth and Charity

by Jason • December 1, 2015 • 1 Comment

'Giving Tuesday' finds a surprising headline.

I have never been a fan of pressured giving.

It’s giving Tuesday, and one might wonder if the United Way is, or ever was an organization that speaks to our collective benevolence in conscience. We might ask what joy is there in supporting organizations that encourage business to round up it’s employees and make them actively acknowledge that they are “not giving today, thank you.”

As an employee of UPS in Traverse City a couple of decades ago, I attended the Friday morning Charity of the week sessions where United Way sent representatives to talk about the good it was doing with our pulled-from-the-paycheck donations. We stood around for a half hour (paid by UPS) listening to the mandatory presentation on why we should continue giving. I Didn’t much care for that; I was there to work.

Cronyism, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Philosophy, Republicans

Just STOP Already!

by Jason • September 29, 2015 • 2 Comments

Government simply has no idea when its time to quit tampering.

In a move to further justify the existence of the MEDC, there is yet another mechanism to interfere with your life

Yes “your life,” through your community, tampering with local politics, issues and governance. The increasingly progressive left ‘Republican’ governor Rick Snyder has once again created a new ‘tool’ for communities to manage job creation and success. Usurping the GOP theme of lifting all boats to sell big government, the die is set for more interference.

“We can collaborate with communities to help develop the tools to advance a strong economic vision and create new career opportunities for residents,” Snyder said. “This program will help economically challenged communities be better positioned for redevelopment opportunities. “

The new effort, known as Rising Tide, is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development and will provide communities with the tools they need to design and build a solid planning, zoning and economic development foundation to attract new businesses and help existing employers to grow.

“As the saying goes, a Rising Tide lifts all boats,” said Steve Arwood, TED Director and Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO. “Through this initiative, the TED team will work closely with local leaders as they create vibrant and thriving communities across Michigan.”

And if there isn’t a ring of familiarity to this, you may not have been watching your local government create those helpful little ‘authorities’ which rob your township and municipal treasuries under the auspices of creating value.

Michigan, Opinion

Get Out Of The Mall

by Jason • November 29, 2014 • 3 Comments

Mall says: "Open on holiday or pay a penalty"

And stay clear of the DDA zones as well.

The holidays are here! Black Friday has been extended into your family time, and store owners are learning a lesson; When you have your business in someone else’s house, you had best be prepared to live by their rules. Of course that may include opening when you have no reason to open. From MLive:

“TRAVERSE CITY, MI — If the Regis salon had its choice, the store in the Grand Traverse Mall would not have opened its doors on Thanksgiving.

But the alternative was to pay the mall a fine of around $500, the salon’s manager told MLive and The Grand Rapids Press.”

Not unlike government, which zones your options away, the Malls have expectations apparently enforced by contract.

In the meantime, just go ahead and keep ignoring the encroachment on your private property rights, allow government to dictate the deviants you hire, which days you can operate, and what goes on in your business.

And then double down with a move into the local mall where you can be subjected to the landlord’s rules as well.

You Betcha!

(12)Nuh Uh.

(2)

Conservative News, Cronyism, Democrats, Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Philosophy, Republicans

Minimum Wage Insanity Passes GOP ‘Firewall’

by Jason • May 28, 2014 • 21 Comments

Sausage Grinding In All Its Glory. Minimum Wage Today, Higher Gas Taxes Tomorrow.

In a move reportedly designed to head off a ballot initiative, a higher minimum wage was passed and signed by Governor Rick Snyder.

Snyder yesterday signed ‘bipartisan’ legislation raising Michigan’s minimum wage by September to $8.15, and to $9.25 an hour by 2018, a move he said “will help hard-working residents without hindering the state’s improving economy.” SB 934 is now Public Act 138 of 2014.

Oh, and by the way; It should be noted that a majority of the House Republicans voted NO on this. (albeit a small one)

We support those voting no, including one of our Northern Michigan legislators who gets it. Greg MacMaster (R-105) says

Michigan

PPT ACTION ALERT TODAY MUST-DO

by Jason • February 10, 2014 • 1 Comment

If you own a business and are paying personal property tax on fixtures, electronics, etc and the aggregate value for those is $80,000 or less, you need to File this no later than TODAY