the north texas journal v23n49

8/8/2019 The North Texas Journal v23n49

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WEEKLY Volume 23, Number 49 - Dec. 10, 2


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*Finance oer subject to credit approval, applies to purchases o new Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs & Scooters made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account rom 7/1/10-9contract length is 24 months and maximum length is 36 months. Minimum amount fnanced is $5,000. Fixed APR o 3.99%, 5.99%, 8.99%, or 14.99% will be assigned based ocriteria. Monthly payments per $1,000 fnanced based on 36 month term are $29.52 at 3.99%, $30.42 at 5.99%, $31.80 at 8.99%, and $34.66 at 14.99%. **Customer Cash oe2010 (and prior year) models between 6/1/10-9/30/10.Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Proessional riders with advanced skills on closed courshown with optional accessories. Dress properly or your ride with a helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha andSaety Foundation encourage you to ride saely and respect the environment. For urther inormation regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ATVs with enginare recommended or use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For saety and training inormationor call the ATV Saety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your saety: Always avoid paved suraces. Never ride on public roads. Always weprotection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs dont mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careul on

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Five Ways Recent Small Business Legislation Can Help Entrepreneu

(ARA) - Anyone thinking about starting a business, and en-

trepreneurs already running their own small business, face

new opportunities, thanks to recent changes in legislation.

If youve been dreaming of opening your own business, fol-

lowing that dream into 2011 will allow you to capitalize on

these new opportunities. Many of these legislative acts have

an expiration date, while some offer advantages many yearsinto the future.

BizFilings points out that implementing these ve important

takeaways will save you money and help position your busi-

ness for success.

1. Hiring in 2010 can lead to a tax break and tax credit

Employers hiring workers who have been unemployed at

least 60 days are not only helping to reduce the unemploy-

ment rate, they may also qualify for an exemption from the

6.2 percent employer portion of the Social Security tax aspart of the HIRE Act. The exemption applies to wages paid

to any qualied employee hired after March 17, 2010. The

value of this tax relief (per employee) can range from hun-

dreds to thousands of dollars. The act also makes available

an additional general business tax credit of up to $1,000 for

each qualied employee hired in 2010 who is retained for a

full year.

2. Elimination of capital gains tax provides incorporation

benets

The Small Business Jobs Act includes a special provision

that eliminates the capital gains tax. This provision applies

only to C corporations. Through the end of 2010, non-cor-

porate investors, such as individuals or partnerships, who

invest in the stock of a qualied small business corporation

and who hold that stock for at least ve years can exclude

100 percent of the gain from their income.

Incorporating your small business into a formal entity, like

a C corporation or limited-liability company, does more than

offer limited-liability protection by separating the ownerand the business, says Karen Kobelski, general manager

of BizFilings, a full-service, online incorporation provider.

Incorporation lends credibility to the business operations

whether interacting with banking ofcials, equipment resell-

ers or potential investors. If your business isnt already a C

corporation, it is easy to make it one by incorporating online.

3. Giving small business owners and employees health in-

surance has benets for the future

Offering employees health insurance has not always b

an option for every small business. With the new Afford

Health Care Act, this grim reality may be a thing of the p

Small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time emplo

are eligible for a tax credit for up to 35 percent (increa

to 50 percent in 2014) of premiums paid for employee he

insurance. Businesses with average employee annual wof $50,000 or less can qualify for the credit. This credit h

minimize the burden of providing health insurance for

ployees. The Small Business Jobs Act makes it possible

more people to have health insurance. A provision in

act allows business owners to deduct the cost of health

surance in calculating their 2010 self-employment ta

Health insurance that covers business owners families

also be deducted.

4. Additional opportunities to obtain small business l

permit future lendingBased on the new law that is part of the Small Business

Act, not only are more businesses eligible to apply for

guarantees, but the loan amounts are higher, as well.

maximum loan amount available under the Small Busi

Administrations 7(a) loan program and 504 loan prog

has increased from $2 million to $5 million. The maxim

loan amount available under the SBAs Express Loan

gram has increased from $350,000 to $1 million. The

crease in available loans may make it possible for s

small businesses to get the support they need to succeed

5. The cost of acquiring capital assets has been lowered

Businesses that invest in equipment and other assets

take advantage of the 50 percent bonus depreciation

duction until the end of 2010, thanks to the Small Busi

Jobs Act. New businesses can also deduct more money

recoup start-up costs up front, with the allowable am

of start-up cost deductions rising to $10,000 in 2010. In

dition, the expensing election has been extended thro

2011; the allowable amount has been increased to $500

and the investment limit to $2 million - the highest amoever permitted. Businesses can elect to expense costs in

ther year that best ts within these new increases and t

budgets.

These new laws are positively impacting Americas en

preneurs and their nancial futures. Position your busi

for success at the end of 2010, and start 2011 off on the r

foot by taking advantage of these tax breaks, benets

deductions.


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Winning Ways To Sharpen Your Career Search In A Challenging Econom

ARA) - Five unemployed people are competing for every

ob opening in the country, according to the U.S. Depart-

ment of Labor. At the beginning of the recession in De-

ember 2007, there were less than two people vying for

ach vacancy.

With more candidates going head-to-head for jobs, orga-

nizations can be very selective in nding the ideal em-ployee - someone who ts all of the positions qualica-

ions or even goes beyond the requirements.

How can talented workers stand out from the competi-

ion?

More than ever, job seekers need to proactively man-

ge their job search with precision and focus to help them

tand out from others, says Mark Gasche, vice president

of career services for Colorado Technical University, aeading provider of education for career-motivated stu-

dents. Its all about targeting your search, doing your

homework, and leaving the best impression - on paper and

n person.

For those looking for smarter and more effective ways

o differentiate themselves in a challenging job market

where supply continues to outstrip demand, Gasche offers

hese tips:

Customize every cover letter and resume. When it comeso a cover letter and resume, one size doesnt t all. Job

postings always include specic qualications or respon-

ibilities. A cover letter should be just as specic (and

rror-free), with each job requirement addressed point by

point with your relevant experience and skills.

Recruiters and human resources professionals can quickly

weed out cover letters and resumes that are generic versus

hose in which applicants took the time to thoughtfully

demonstrate how they meet the criteria. In many cases,

youll need to apply via an online database, where theres

lower likelihood of being identied through this elec-

ronic screening process. Increase your chances by being

esourceful and proactive in nding and applying directly

o people who have the power to hire you.

Take ve: Get to know the organization from the inside

out. Beyond researching the organization on the Internet,

onduct ve brief interviews with current employees at

the company. You can nd them through your social

working channels, referrals or colleagues. Ask them ab

the corporate culture and what it means to be an effec

employee at their organization. This will give you v

able insights into the company, helping you persona

both your cover letter and resume while being better

pared than most candidates for a future interview.

* Nail the interview. Your preparation doesnt stop w

you land an interview. In interviewing and coaching h

dreds of job applicants, Gasche says the questions

candidates ask - or dont ask - demonstrate their leve

enthusiasm and initiative.

Your questions during an interview reveal how

youre prepared and how much you sincerely want

position, Gasche says. You should run out of time in

interview before you run out of questions.

A good question for interviewees to ask: What does

cess look like in this position and how will it be measu

over time? Other questions should dig deeper into to

discussed during the interview, a direct reection of y

listening skills and level of engagement in the conve

tion.

* Identify and ll education gaps. During the job sea

networking and interview processes, you may disco

that further education is needed for your chosen prosion or that you want to pursue new career opportun

that go beyond your current skill set. This may lead yo

weigh the time, costs and benets of going back to sch

If so, one option to consider is attending a career-focu

college such as Colorado Technical University, which

fers online classes that make higher education access

anytime and anywhere for those juggling work, fam

commitments and managing a career.

* Turn a negative into a positive. If youre not hired a

an interview, consider it an opportunity to follow up w

the interviewer and seek constructive feedback to ap

to your ongoing job search. Ask if he or she is ope

providing any advice on what you can do to impro

whether on your resume, interview techniques or ove

skills. It also gives you the chance to show your contin

interest in the organization should further positions ar


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Consumer Sentiment, Trade Signal Firmer Recover

By Edward Krudy and Doug Palmer

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON

Reuters) - A rise in U.S. consumer condence to its high-

st level in six months and a much bigger-than-expected

ontraction in the countrys trade decit pointed to a rmerconomic recovery on Friday.

The boost in consumer condence on the back of an im-

proving jobs outlook was another indication consumers are

willing to spend over the holidays while a rise in exports

ooks set to lift economic growth this quarter.

The data ts into a pattern of an economy that is gaining

raction after a slowdown in the summer and is likely to in-

ensify the debate over whether the Federal Reserve needs

o keep stimulating the economy through asset purchases.

We are in the gradual recovery camp and are denitely on

he upper side of that now, said Pierre Ellis, senior global

conomist at Decision Economics in New York. It adds to

growing number of economic indicators that are looking

better-than-expected.

Consumer sentiment in December rose to its highest level

ince June and was at its third-highest since the start of 2008

ccording to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan

urvey. Government data showed U.S. exports in October

ose a robust 3.2 percent while imports declined slightly.

U.S. stock indexes were marginally higher after the reports,

hovering close to new recent highs. U.S. Treasury bond

prices added to losses while the dollar gained.

The surveys preliminary December reading for consumer

entiment came in at 74.2, up from 71.6 in November. That

was above the median forecast of 72.5 among economists

polled by Reuters.

Consumers cited a more favorable jobs outlook, chiming

with recent data pointing to some improvement in the labor

market. But slow jobs growth and high unemployment is

till one of the biggest impediments to the recovery.

Although the unemployment rate edged up to 9.8 percent

n November, new claims for unemployment benets fell

more than expected last week and the four-week moving

average slipped to a fresh two-year low.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has hinted

the central bank may increase its $600 billion bond

chasing program if unemployment continues to stay hi

The sentiment surveys barometer of current econo

conditions rose to its highest reading since January 20

just after the economic downturn began. The index for

cember came in at 85.7, up from 82.1 in November

above a forecast of 83.1.

Meanwhile, the U.S. trade decit for October totaled $

billion, down from a revised estimate of $44.6 billion

September. Analysts surveyed before the report had exp

ed the decit to narrow just slightly to about $43.60 bill

Record exports to China and Mexico in October he

push the overall export tally to $158.7 billion, the h

est since August 2008. Exports to the European Union

Japan also grew.

Despite record exports to China in October, the U.S. tr

decit with that country in the rst 10 months of 2010

$226.8 billion, up 20.3 percent from the year-earlier per

The sharp rise is likely to keep Chinas trade and curre

policies on the minds of U.S. lawmakers in 2011.

The smaller-than-expected trade decit could boost

mates for U.S. fourth-quarter economic growth becau

implies a larger share of U.S. demand is being met by

mestic production.

This suggests that the economy is accelerating, said N

Dutta, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lync

New York, raising his forecast of fourth-quarter econo

growth to about 3.0 percent.

On an annual basis, the trade decit has widened sha

this year and could surpass $500 billion when nal g

for 2010 are available. Last year, in the midst of the gl

nancial crisis which put a squeeze on world trade, the U

trade gap narrowed about 46 percent to $374.9 billion.


10/24Page 10


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How To Keep Those Healthy Eating Resolutions - In January And Beyon

ARA) - For many of us, the season of gluttony begins

with candy-laden Halloween, continues through boun-

iful Thanksgiving and festive Christmas, and wraps

up with party-time New Years Eve. January hopefully

epresents a clean slate and, for many people, a cleaner

plate.

While lifestyle and diet resolutions are not new, the newyear is still a welcome and opportune time to make a

resh start in healthy eating, including developing better

nacking habits.

ndeed, nding snacks that t into a resolved new way

of eating is not always easy, especially when snacks

have long been viewed as an indulgent reward. The

good news for those intent on starting 2011 with a dif-

erent snacking mindset is that a wider array of better-

or-you products are available and the overall approacho eating better is more focused on sensibility than on

eeting fads.

Here are some tips for following up seasons greetings

with more reasoned eatings:

Think big picture. Many diet and health experts agree

hat a more general, practical approach to snacking is

asier to adhere to than a specic and often rigid diet.

Balance and moderation may not be the most buzzwor-

hy terms, but they are the basis of success.

Follow your natural instincts. As more people resolve to

at green and clean, especially at the start of another year,

growing number of organic and natural food products are

vailable at their supermarket. Snyders of Hanovers pop-

ular line of organic snack foods, for instance, includes Or-

ganic Pretzel Sticks, available in honey wheat, multi-grain

nd 8 grains and seeds varieties.

Pack some extra nutrient punch. If you are going to snack,

why not add some other healthy ingredients? Try multi-

grain snack foods, for instance, to inject some ber into

your daily diet.

Remember, restricted diets dont mean restricted taste. If

you, like millions of Americans, are looking for gluten-free

products, you can nd many more choices on todays gro-

ery shelves. All kinds of your favorite snacks, from cook-

es to chips to pretzels, are easier to nd than ever before

Snyders of Hanover, for example, now offers Gluten Free

Sticks. These treats can be enjoyed by those who must

low gluten-free diets on a doctors recommendation -

those who just want to try something different.

Crunch it up. Studies have shown that snacks with a cru

provide a more satisfying snacking experience. Keep

this in mind, make sure to stock your pantry with a var

of crunchy apples, carrots, and pretzels to keep you f

reaching for that sugary donut instead.

Gain some (portion) control. Like moderation and bala

watching ones portions isnt a trendy notion, but it

tried-and-true approach to healthy snacking. Sitting d

at the computer or in front or the television with pre-p

aged 100-calorie snack packs of popular treats like S

ders of Hanover pretzels, ensures that you wont go o

board - or over recommended portion sizes.

Add some avor. Take advantage of the many avors av

able in todays snack foods that can satisfy your crav


12/24

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and allow you to savor what youre eating. Snackers crav-

ing some heat might enjoy spicy varieties like buffalo wing

and jalapeno avored pretzel pieces, while those with a

sweet tooth can get their x with choices like honey-tinged

or cinnamon-dusted snacks.

Indulge just enough. Watching what you eat doesnt mean

you have to swear off everything tasty that you love - even

chocolate. A handful of chocolate covered pretzels are still

a good choice compared to other high fat, high caloriechocolate snacks.

Balance eating with moving. Again, its not a news ash

that exercise is important to the bodys metabolism and to

overall health and wellness, but taking time to engage in

some extra physical activity (it could be treadmill tim

even opting for the stairs instead of the elevator) ma

snacking all the much more satisfying, and less guil

ducing. Plus, if youre used to just doing cardio now is

time to amp up your routine with weights and resista

training and see results much faster.

Ultimately, improving your eating and lifestyle ha

doesnt have to mean radical change. From shedding th

extra pounds that crept up during the fall and early wiholidays, to pledging to eat in a more organic, natura

sustainable way, resolutions dont have to be so daunt

And by the time next January rolls around, you may

even need to make such resolutions in the rst place.


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15/24Page 15

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