Business

Department of Commerce warns consumers to take caution when shopping online for payday loans

Friday, 08 March 2013 16:41

Payday lending, short-term consumer loans have nearly doubled in the past five years, reaching a high of 350,000 in 2011. Minnesotans may turn to payday-lending companies to make ends meet during difficult economic times, the Department of Commerce urges consumers to beware if committing to a payday loan online.

Study links hiring difficulties to 45 percent of job vacancies

Thursday, 07 March 2013 11:22

A new study found that 45 percent of job vacancies in select occupations in Minnesota were considered by employers to be difficult to fill because of skills mismatches, demand-side issues such as unattractive wages, hours or location, or a combination of the two, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

BBB small business advice: Your company’s identity at risk

Monday, 04 March 2013 15:55

Everyone is aware of the threat of personal identity theft, but identity thieves are now also preying on businesses. This scam has evolved from targeting individuals, and now the most sophisticated identity thieves are pursuing even bigger potential payoffs by targeting businesses. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is offering advice on how to avoid the different forms of business ID theft, as well as guidance for small business owners if their company’s identity has been compromised.

FUNdraising Good Times Team building: A secret to fundraisings success

Monday, 04 March 2013 14:23 Mel and Pearl Shaw, Part one of a two-part series

Will hiring a fundraising professional solve your fundraising challenges? Is it your secret wish that someone will take care of fundraising so you can focus on the “more important” work of your nonprofit? Perhaps you seek a million dollar bequest from an unknown admirer.

What does a tax return have to do with health care? H&R Block knows

Wednesday, 27 February 2013 12:43

Company launches free tools and services, highlights 2012 income tax return as central to determining health insurance eligibility

Don’t let an “authorization hold” hold you hostage

Wednesday, 27 February 2013 12:40

Credit is a convenience; it allows you to charge a meal on your credit card, pay for an appliance with an installment plan, or take out a loan to buy a house. However, when dining out at a fancy restaurant or spending the night away in a hotel, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) says it’s important to take notice of what the banking industry calls an “authorization hold.”

Fundraising Good Times: UNCF telethon, a black history game changer

Tuesday, 26 February 2013 13:10 Mel and Pearl Shaw

Lights, camera, action. In 1980 the United Negro College Fund, UNCF, launched the Parade of Stars telethon. It became a nationwide fundraising program raising millions of dollars for generations of students, and support for historically black colleges and universities. It became the largest one-day African American special event in the country. It changed black history – and American history – creating an acknowledged culture of fundraising in the African American community. America's largest corporations became engaged. Small churches, teachers, sororities and fraternities became engaged. Donors and volunteers from across the country organized to support UNCF and celebrate black philanthropy.