New year, new burdens for small businesses

[Source: Press-Telegram] Small business owners must be diligent to comply with slew of new laws and regulations. The California Legislature enacted a dizzying array of new bills last year — with Gov. Jerry Brown signing more than 900 into law. With job growth stagnant and small business optimism unclear here in California, hundreds of new Read More…

Trump admin orders EPA contract freeze and media blackout

[Source: Associated Press] The Trump administration has instituted what it described as a temporary media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed specific prohibitions banning press releases, Read More…

Regulators reach tentative deal to cut toxic emissions at Paramount company

[Source: Long Beach Press Telegram] One of two metal-processing facilities agreed Wednesday to sharply reduce toxic emissions or shut down parts of its operation. The South Coast Air Quality Management District and Aerocraft Heat Treating came to an agreement ahead of an administrative hearing held Wednesday to consider regulators’ request that the businesses sharply reduce Read More…

Small business owners’ optimism skyrockets following Trump victory

[Source: Bloomberg Markets] Small businesses seem to like a unified Republican government. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections is a giant leap for small businesses, according to a survey of their owners. The November reading of the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ small business optimism index jumped to 98.4 from 94.9 — its Read More…