Image: 2014 Independent Business Survey Cover
6 Feb 2014

New Survey: Independent Businesses Report Growing Public Support, Call for Policies to Level the Playing Field

by | Date: 6 Feb 2014 | posted in: Press Release, Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 6, 2014) — A survey of 2,602 independent business owners across the U.S. has found that the Buy Local message is boosting customer traffic and improving the outlook on Main Street. But entrepreneurs also say policymakers need to do more to create a level playing field and ensure that small local businesses have an equal opportunity to compete.

The survey was conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) in partnership with the Advocates for Independent Business (AIB) coalition.… Read More

Logo: E-Fairness
29 Aug 2013

ILSR Joins Trade Associations in Urging House to Hold Sales Tax Fairness Hearing

by | Date: 29 Aug 2013 | posted in: Press Release, Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

This week, ILSR joined a coalition of 18 independent business trade associations, led by the American Booksellers Association (ABA), in urging the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on the Judiciary to hold a hearing on sales tax fairness. In the following letter, addressed to Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), the associations wrote … Read More
13 May 2013

After 20 Years, Congress May Finally Pass Internet Sales Tax. Is it Too Late?

by | Date: 13 May 2013 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Not having to charge sales tax fueled Amazon’s growth for nearly 20 years. While it’s impossible not to see the company as a horse that’s already out the barn door, there’s still good reason to believe that the Marketplace Fairness Act will slow Amazon’s consolidation of retailing and provide benefit to independent businesses.… Read More
22 Oct 2012

Six Small Business Issues at Stake in this Election

by | Date: 22 Oct 2012 | posted in: Retail | 3 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Here’s a look at six small business issues at stake in next month’s federal and state elections, including bank reform, corporate tax advantages, getting corporate money out of politics, capping credit card fees, and creating preferences for local businesses in government purchasing. … Read More
5 Jun 2012

Amazon Infographic: How a Single Company Gained a Stranglehold over Online Shopping and the Future of Retail

by | Date: 5 Jun 2012 | posted in: Retail | 19 Facebooktwitterredditmail

This infographic tracks how Amazon bullied and swindled its way to becoming one of the most powerful retailers on the planet. On pace to be bigger than Walmart by decade’s end, Amazon already controls more than one-third of online shopping and is growing four times faster than e-commerce overall. … Read More

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