Free Tax Seminars for Small Businesses
A new joint program by the N.C. Department of Revenue and the N.C. Community College System has been launched to provide tools for small business owners regarding interpretation of North Carolina tax issues. Tax experts from the N.C. Department of Revenue will provide information about a variety of tax laws and the requirements businesses must meet at the seminars. The free tax seminars will be held at 43 of the community colleges before the end of 2008 and the remaining community colleges by the end of 2009. Click here to learn more.
RSM McGladrey Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution Survey Yields Enlightening Results
On July 9, RSM McGladrey released its third annual Manufacturing & Wholesale Distribution Survey of executives across the U.S. More than 960 executives – representing 911 companies – responded to questions on current business conditions, growth strategies, innovation, cost management, technology initiatives, operations, and globalization.
RSM McGladrey's 2008 survey results in many ways mirror results from our Chamber's 2008 Manufacturing Competitiveness Survey, a poll of 300 NC manufacturing CEOs.
The North Carolina Chamber, the state's official manufacturing association (state affiliate of NAM), is committed to advancing the priorities of NC manufacturers in the seventh largest manufacturing state in America.
Highlights from the RSM McGladrey survey:
> 80% of companies expect cost increases exceeding 6% in energy, raw materials, operating labor, freight and benefits.
> Companies with foreign operations are hiring U.S. workers at nearly twice the rate of their domestic-only counterparts.
> Respondents moving production or services offshore since 2007 have declined 20%.
> Companies that indicated they are pursuing a global strategy (45%) report a 4% higher gross margin than those with no global strategy.
> 46% of businesses have adopted at least one "green" initiative.
> More than 75% of respondents do not take advantage of any government programs.
Press Release
Survey
Rankings for North Carolina
The 2008 State Liability Systems Ranking Study has been released by the U.S. Chamber and North Carolina has dropped in the national ranking for the second year in a row. In 2007 North Carolina was ranked No.16 among states, down from No.10 in 2006. Now in 2008, North Carolina ranks No.21, dropping an additional 5 spots. Click here to read more.
NC ranked #1 on Top 10 Pro Business States. Click here to see the Executive Summary.
Forbes ranks NC 3rd among best states for business. Click here to see the chart.
NC Ranked at Top Again by
Site Selection Magazine
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NC Ranked No. 40 for the 3rd year in a row in Tax Foundation's "2008 States Business Tax Climate Index."
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NC Ranked No. 26 on the "2007 State New Economy Index."
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NC Ranked No. 31 in the Milken Institute "2007-Cost-of-Doing Business Index."
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