Commentary: Business is Personal
For Businesses, Every Day is Election Day
Remember the Beacon story that talked about Kalispell School District 5's failed levy?
Just in case you missed it, here's the reason why your tax dollars were well invested...
Small-town culture kept payment system alive during credit craze
With Less Credit, Layaway Makes a Comeback
Heidi Marcum, left, checks out clothing at Rocky Mountain Outfitter with help from employee Jandy Cox in Kalispell. Businesses like RMO have traditionally used layaway programs while larger national chains are only beginning to do it again because of the economy. – Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Layaway’s return to prominence is significant, as it represents a shift away from the credit-driven consumer philosophy that has taken part of the blame for the nation’s economic woes. Instead of shoppers getting what they want now and dealing with payments later, more are buying what their current budget allows and exhibiting patience. Credit cards, of course, will still be popular during the holiday season.
Unemployment Insurance
State Raising Unemployment Insurance Premiums
Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly says the contribution rates in 2010 will average 1.92 percent of wages paid, up from 1.12 percent in 2009. Employers will receive notice of their 2010 rates in mid-December.
Dems and GOP split
Illinois Leaders Split on Taking Guantánamo Detainees
To overcome a congressional ban on detaining the suspects on US soil, local support for the move would likely be key – a hurdle helped over the weekend by strong backing from Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) and Sen. Richard Durbin (D). Both touted the idea as a rare opportunity to bring some 3,000 jobs and up to $1 billion over four years to a part of the state in desperate need of an economic jolt.
Semitool
Applied Materials to Acquire Semitool for $364 Million
Boxes of wafers are seen stacked in a room where customer demos are completed at Semitool in Kalispell. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Applied Materials CEO Mike Splinter said the acquisition will help the company tap the growing market for semiconductors that go into mobile gadgets including "smart" phones and notebook computers.
health care reform
POLL: Tax the Rich to Pay for Health Bill
That finding from a new Associated Press poll will be welcome news for House Democrats, who proposed doing just that in their sweeping remake of the U.S. medical system, which passed earlier this month and would extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.
Embezzle
Prosecutors say Missoula Woman Embezzled Nearly $240K
Fifty-year-old Linda Faye Harris appeared in Missoula County Justice Court on Monday with her attorney, Phillip O'Connell. She's accused of embezzling nearly $240,000 from the firm between 2001 and 2009.
Montana Rail Lawsuit
Bullock Sues BNSF to Cover Some Montana Rail Costs
BNSF had agreed to pay a state-designated rail operator for each carload of grain shipped between Geraldine and Lewistown.