From our Friends at the U.S. Chamber
Keeping Up the Economic Momentum in 2019
2018 was a standout year for business. Tax reform and regulatory relief drove stronger growth in the economy than we’ve seen in over a decade. Job creation shattered expectations, wages continued to climb steadily, and unemployment dipped to record lows. 

As a result, optimism in the business community is high. Our challenge for the new year will be to maintain the momentum that has buoyed businesses large and small, ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve greater prosperity.

At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual  State of American Business  event, we outlined our vision for the year ahead and the policies we will advance to continue economic growth. In this new season of divided government, we will seize opportunities for bipartisan progress.

Infrastructure is a good place to start. Our highways, bridges, ports, and waterways are the arteries of American commerce. Through them flows the lifeblood of our economy — the people, energy, and resources that drive free enterprise. We want to keep it that way. That’s why we must act urgently to modernize the physical platform of our economy, much of which has already outlived its lifespan. The more we delay, the more businesses will suffer, which is why we call on our leaders to move this year on legislation to revitalize our nation’s infrastructure. 

On workforce and immigration, we can also find common ground. We face the twin challenge of people without jobs and jobs without people. The Chamber is at the center of this complex issue, working with all stakeholders to address talent shortages and better equip workers for 21st century jobs.

We must also fix our broken immigration system so that our country can attract talented and hardworking people from all over the world. Immigration reform is a politically fraught issue requiring give and take from both sides. We believe that lawmakers should start with a commonsense compromise: providing protection for the Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status individuals and the resources necessary to secure the border. 

Trade is also essential to our continued growth. We’re urging Congress to swiftly approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the administration to lift tariffs on Canada and Mexico. And we will urge a better approach to dealing with China than an escalating trade war waged through tariffs. Tariffs are nothing more than taxes paid for by American families and businesses. 

These are just a few of the policy priorities we’ll be focusing on. We look forward to working with all our leaders to keep our country on the path to greater prosperity in 2019 and beyond.
U.S. Chamber Citizenship Center
Companies Working to Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Companies such as Aramark, The Coca-Cola Company, and McDonald's are setting sustainability goals to help drive real change to reduce single-use plastics and minimize their environmental impact. For example, Aramark’s mission includes the reduction of nearly 100 million plastic straws annually in the United States.

Happenings   

Only a few spots left! Submit your application today.

January 24, 2019, Washington, DC

March 6-7, 2019, Washington, DC

May 2, 2019, Washington, DC

June 26-27, 2019, Washington, DC

July 23-24, 2019, Washington, DC

September 25-26, 2019, Washington, DC
On March 6 and 7, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Department of State will host the  2019 International Women’s Day Forum: The Equality Opportunity , in Washington, D.C. This event will convene the business community, civil society, and government representatives to advance progress, partnerships, and prosperity through gender equality around the globe.

Here are five reasons you should register to attend the 2019 International Women’s Day Forum, including one reason why you should register today!

1. Expand Your Professional Network

Gather with 300+ private and public sector leaders all in one room to share ideas and collaborate to form long-term partnerships with purpose. Get connected with like-minded individuals who are all working to achieve the same goal. Facilitated networking opportunities will be available before, during, and after the forum, so there will be ample time to meet new faces and strengthen relationships.

2. Get Inspired

Our entire program is designed to inspire action and spark innovative ideas that will help drive gender equality in the workplace, community, and marketplace. Attendees will leave feeling motivated and inspired to achieve greater change within their organizations and communities.

3. Learn from Incredible Speakers

Hear from some of the best speakers in the industry as they share real-life examples of how they are working to achieve gender quality within their workplaces and communities across the globe. Featured speakers have included senior level professionals from leading companies such as Walmart, Abbott, PwC, IBM, Qualcomm, PIMCO, Southwest Airlines, International Finance Corporation, Arconic, and many more.

4. Curated Content to Help Grow Your Work and Have Greater Impact

This year’s event will focus on the innovations and cross-sector collaborations that will enhance opportunities for equality in workplaces and communities around the world. Main stage speakers, working sessions, and field trips will cover a wide range of gender issues, such as:

  • Workforce & Skills
  • Leadership
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Access to Capital
  • Financial Inclusion
  • Women & Risk Taking
  • Health and Education
  • Gender Data
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Value Chain
  • Girl’s Education
  • Women & Political Power
  • Enabling Infrastructures
  • STEM
  • Uncommon Alliances

Bring valuable nuggets of knowledge back to your organization and gain the tools and resources needed to achieve progress toward full gender equality. 

5. For a Limited Time, Save 20% on Registration!

Early Bird rates are available between now and February 1 ! Don’t miss the chance to get 20% off your ticket price. Register yourself and your colleagues before time runs out.  Click here to save your spot . 
Top Stories
State of American Business : Last Thursday, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue delivered his 20th State of American Business address  ( you can watch here ), touching on everything from the government shutdown to how businesses can lead the way in a society that nurtures aspiration, achievement, and innovation along with  the Chamber's 2019 policy priorities . 

Tweetchat : The U.S. Chamber’s chief policy officer Neil Bradley took part in a Tweet Chat following the speech. Search for  #USChamberChat  to see the questions--a number from small business leaders from across the country-- and Neil's answers.

Big Moves in the Small Business Senate Committee : Sen. Marco Rubio was elected last week as the new Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee. Here’s  what he thinks Congress should do to help small businesses and entrepreneurs  succeed.

‘ This is ridiculous ’:  The government shutdown is  making it harder for small business owners to get loans.

Social entrepreneurs:  CEOs are dipping their toes into social issues like never before.   Here are some issues that may come up in 2019.

The downside of viral:  Along with the increased attention and sales comes higher pressure to perform at a new level. It can be terrifying says Kristen Tomlin, the founderand CEO of a viral cookie dough company called DO. T ake a listen to her story.

“Don’t let this moment define you”:  That’s what Ryan Speedo Green-- once a violent youth locked in solitary confinement-- told himself.   Now he’s a powerhouse on the global opera stage. Check out this beautiful story of hard work, redemption, and the power of never giving up on yourself.

Small business hiring : Small business optimism looks poised to spill over into the new year  as small business hiring surged at year-end  in the biggest gains of the year.  

State of small business : 2018 is over.  Here’s an interesting report on how American small businesses and entrepreneurs fared -   and what they can look forward to in 2019.

The government shutdown and small business : The partial government shutdown  is likely to affect millions of small businesses. Here's how. 

Hurricane assistance : The Small Business Administration is extending its deadline to apply for Hurricane Florence survivors. For more information, visit the  SBA's website  or call 1-800-659-2955.

Last year's lessons : What did we learn last year? Turns out, quite a lot. Check out these  18 Striking Findings From 2018

Those who build : Entrepreneurs in the construction industry are increasingly turning to technology to solve problems.  Here's what we learned.

The biggest tech trends of 2019 : Next year’s AI, AR, and 5G tech  may set the stage for some massive tectonic shifts in tech and culture.


Bonus:  Nutella, the chocolate-hazelnut spread, has become a global phenomenon.   Here’s the fascinating and unexpected history on how it did it.

Helpful Hints
How do they do it?  10 self-employed women share  what they do every day for work-life balance .

Create a happier workplace for free : By taking  small steps to create a cheerful and motivated work environment , there are likely to be fewer work-related conflicts, lesser absenteeism, and more productivity.

Need a reminder to get in the gym?  Research has proven that  exercising first thing in the morning—that is, before you head off to work—can set you up for a variety of perks you tend to miss out on if you exercise later.

Workspace hacking : Follow these two essential steps to  change your productivity, performance, satisfaction, and mood.

A guide to building your side hustle : Month by month, roadblock by roadblock, milestone by milestone:  Here’s how you start building your empire in 2019.

Watch for these 5 hiring trends in 2019 :  As we head into a new year, check out these predictions  on hiring trends  if you are looking to fill a job.


Small business accounting : Here’s an insightful story on  the 5 most important accounting reports for your small business.

Sir Richard Branson has some advice : If you haven't finalized your New Year's resolutions yet, billionaire adventurer Richard Branson has a simple recommendation for you:  get out there and try something new.

Break bad management habits : Companies are counting on their future leaders to manage with more speed, flexibility, and trust than ever before.  Here's an interesting way to think about management habits.

Get feedback : Not all feedback is good feedback, but it is all valuable.  Here are 7 ways customer feedback can grow your small business.

Party like it's 1999 : Small business guru Rhonda Abrams dusted off her small business resolutions list from  the turn of the century. What she found was incredibly poignant. 

Get smarter : Here are 3 New Year's resolutions  for workplace learning and development.
This week in Washington
The 116th Congress has come to order, and by many accounts, it  may be the most diverse in history.   And lawmakers have their work cut out for them. The government is  still shut down.  The December 21 deadline for funding a portion of the government — including the State Department, the Justice Department, the Transportation Department, the Agriculture Department, and the Department of the Interior— has long come and gone, and lawmakers are still trying to figure out some kind of deal.

It’s poised to be a busy week for small business in the House of Representatives. On Tuesday the House will meet and discuss small business participation in category management, the Incentivizing Fairness in Subcontracting Act and the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act. On Wednesday the House will discuss the Encouraging Small Business Innovators Act as well as the Expanding Contract Opportunities for Small Businesses Act.

Well, the government is  still shut down.  The December 21 deadline for funding a portion of the government — including the State Department, the Justice Department, the Transportation Department, the Agriculture Department, and the Department of the Interior— has long come and gone, and lawmakers are still trying to figure out some kind of deal.

To help small businesses and homeowners better recover from a natural disaster, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) have introduced H.R. 277, the “Access to Sufficient Capital for Everyone in Natural Disaster Areas Act of 2019” (ASCEND Act) on Jan. 9. By increasing the minimum amount for which the Small Business Administration (SBA) may require collateral on disaster loans, this legislation will help ensure victims have access to the funds they need to quickly rebuild.  Here's where you can go for more information.
Check out  the Chamber's new scorecard that will help keep lawmakers accountable  on tracking leadership on key issues, not just votes.
The Big Number
Diverse organizations are likely to outperform their peers on profitability by 33%. Diverse teams help solve complex problems, and entrepreneurs from different backgrounds can show us unique and new experiences that lead to innovation.

U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue, during his annual State of American Business, stated "Selling Made in America goods and services to the 95% of the world’s consumers who live outside the U.S. is absolutely fundamental to our growth and prosperity as a nation. In fact, 49 of every 50 U.S. companies that sells goods overseas are small businesses—many of them could not survive without trade, especially in America’s heartland."

"Trade also supports some 35 million American jobs—a number that could dramatically grow, or shrink, based on our nation’s trade policies."
Maine Small Business Administration
New Business Plan Guide, a Step-by-Step Guide for Success
Maine SBDC has created this guide to help you create your business plan. The layout is simple, concise, and includes information on each of the most important elements of a business plan. Whether you are writing your plan for operational purposes or to obtain financing, this guide can help! It includes helpful information on areas such as what you need to include in your business plan, what lenders are looking for and tricks of the trade!

Online Seminars to help you Prepare for Your Next Trade Show
In partnership with  the New England Made Shows...

Learn how to make the most of your next trade show at one (or both!) of our upcoming  online seminars :
February 11, 2019
12-2 pm

This online workshop will go through many wholesale terms, including effective wholesale pricing, credit and shipping policies.

February 12, 2019
12-2 pm

This online workshop will cover pre-show planning, booth design, conduct at the show, common forms and brochures, and after show practices.
Maine State Chamber of Commerce
Don't miss The Legislative Week Ahead this week!

A new episode of our Legislative Week Ahead is now posted online at  www.mainechamber.org/legweekahead.php . This video snapshot of our most critical legislative issues provides our members with a weekly video forecast of the wide variety of issues facing lawmakers in Augusta during the upcoming week. Our Advocacy team breaks down the issues and what they mean to your business.

New episodes are posted weekly during the legislative session. View the Legislative Week Ahead by clicking the link above, or see past videos by visiting the Legislative Week Ahead Archive online at  www.mainechamber.org/legweekaheadarchive.php .
Maine Tourism Association
National Plan For Vacation Day
Join us on January 29, 2019 and help get Americans to commit their time off for the rest of the year at the start of the year. Regardless of travel style, our country offers something for everyone.
Last year more than 705 million vacation days went unused. How can we help America put those vacation days to use? By encouraging them to plan. Research shows that individuals who plan are more likely to use all of their time off, take more vacation days at once and report greater levels of happiness at work and at home. 

Use this toolkit to engage with your audience and spread the word.

State Visitor Information Centers-Traffic Figures for December
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Get Ready campaign — take steps now for 2019 tax filing season
There are important changes that you need to know before the 2019 filing season begins. The IRS is launching the fall series of "Get Ready" communications and outreach messages to help you take action to file your tax returns timely and accurately next year.

IRS.gov/getready provides information about issues and actions you can take now to be ready to file your 2018 tax return and avoid tax surprises. In addition to news releases that will be issued through the end of the year, IRS developed a new Publication 5307, Tax Reform Basics for Individuals and Families. It’s available on IRS.gov/getready to help you learn about how tax reform may affect your tax return.

In addition to lowering the tax rates, some of the changes in the law that affect individual taxpayers, like you and your family, include: • increasing the standard deduction, • suspending personal exemptions, • increasing the child tax credit, • adding a new credit for other dependents and • limiting or discontinuing certain deductions.

The Get Ready campaign covers several key areas in addition to tax reform that affect different taxpayer groups. Some taxpayers must renew an expiring Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. And, if you are using a tax software product for the first time you will need your adjusted gross income from your 2017 tax return to validate an electronically filed tax return.

Additionally, if you claim and qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you may experience a refund hold. By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February for tax returns claiming EITC or the ACTC. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits.

You may receive a smaller refund - or even owe an unexpected tax bill – when you file your 2018 tax return next year, especially if you did not adjust your withholding this year after the withholding tables changed. Perform a paycheck checkup to avoid an unwelcome surprise at tax time. For more information on making estimated or additional tax payments, visit the Pay As You Go, So You Won’t Owe webpage.

IRS.gov/getready and Publication 5307 have more information about how tax reform may affect you and your family so you can “Get Ready” to file next year.
Maine Department of Labor
Department of Labor Offers Course on Minors in the Workforce
Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS) is hosting Minors in the Workforce, a no-cost class that helps attendees learn the work-permit process and rights for youth in the workplace. The class is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30, 9 to 11 a.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta.

Minors in the Workforce, designed for business owners, parents, and superintendents and their issuing officers, covers how to apply for a work permit, how many hours a minor can work, and hazards in the work place. Attendees will learn about wage and hour laws, youth employment, including work permits, allowable work hours, and hazardous occupations. It also touches on minimum wage, required posters, and break requirements, and addresses commonly asked child labor-related questions.

Visit the class registration page at  www.safetyworksmaine.gov  or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register. 

About BLS

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine’s regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maine's workforce. Learn more at  www.maine.gov/labor/bls .