Recently, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in Dallas blocked a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule aimed at banning non-compete agreements that employees typically sign. Judge Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to eliminate practices it considers unfair competition through broad regulations. This decision follows a temporary ban imposed in July while she…
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As a small business owner or team leader, mentoring high achievers within your team can significantly enhance their potential and ultimately drive your business forward. A recent article in Harvard Business Review by leadership experts Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata highlights the necessity of sophisticated mentoring for high achievers, offering three effective strategies to ensure top performers…
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The FTC Ban on Fake Reviews and the Use of Bots: Implications for Small Businesses The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made an important move to ensure transparency and honesty in online reviews by banning deceptive practices that manipulate consumer opinions. This ban focuses on fake reviews and the use of bots to create…
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The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce was honored to attend today’s groundbreaking event for the $16 million Weatherwood Park and Municipal Complex in Hempfield Township! A huge congratulations to Hempfield Township Leadership Doug Weimer, Bill Bretz, Jay Anderson, and Aaron Siko for advancing this incredible project. The park will feature a splash pad, playground, outdoor…
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Testimony given on August 21, 2024 Good morning. My name is Dan DeBone, President/CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. I want to begin by thanking Majority Chair Ed Nelson, Minority Chair Kerry Benninghoff, and Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll for the opportunity to share my thoughts on how we can move Pennsylvania forward…
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The Risks of Announcing Changes: Why Businesses Should Think Twice In the business world, change is constant-whether it’s operating hours, pricing, or staffing. For some businesses, changes might feel significant, especially if they occur infrequently. For instance, if your restaurant decides to close on Mondays to capitalize on busier weekends, it likely reflects that Mondays…
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The Critical Role of Child Care in Boosting Economic Development and Supporting Small Business Employment Access to quality child care is a significant yet often overlooked factor that influences economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses. For small business owners and employers, understanding the vital role that reliable childcare services play in the workforce…
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The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving workplace, the role of dynamic leadership is critical. A key quality that sets apart successful leaders is emotional intelligence (EQ). Leaders with high EQ can effectively manage relationships, team dynamics, and face challenges head-on. Read on to learn why emotional intelligence matters…
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Supercharge Your Small Business Growth with Smart Acquisitions In the quest for growth, small business owners and entrepreneurs often focus on organic strategies like marketing, sales, and product development. But there’s another powerful strategy that can catapult your business to the next level-acquisitions. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of…
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Summer Brings Progress: A Note from the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce on the 2024-2025 State Budget As the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce approaches the summer months, the anticipation of a completed state budget around July 1st is always an interesting, albeit at times nail-biting, experience. Although this year’s budget wasn’t finalized until the…
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