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Recent Press Releases (U.S. and international) for magazine issues and staff changes may be found below. Please note that for many issues there exists only a highlights sheet, while for others there may also be a full press release. The cover of FSB's current issue is pictured at right. Please contact the appropriate communications staff member with any questions.
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Highlights of the March 2008 Issue of FSB: FORTUNE Small Business
COVER STORY: Stop Overpaying the IRS, by Justin Martin, page 64 With the economy slowing and Washington threatening to boost audits of small businesses, it's time to rethink your tax strategy. Here are some commonly overlooked moves that could save you thousands. To help you make the most of your tax-saving opportunities, FSB spoke with some of the nation's top experts on small-business tax issues, who offered smart moves that are often overlooked even by sophisticated entrepreneurs: under-the-rug tax credits, record-keeping tips, audit red flags, and more. Areas of focus include:
Are Women Still 'Disadvantaged'?, by Peter Galuszka, page 14 The SBA says yes, but only in four industries — including kitchen cabinet making. The U.S. Small Business Administration, responding to decade-old orders from Congress, announced in December a set-aside program that would reserve a portion of federal contracts for woman-owned companies. But instead of offering a buffet of opportunities, the SBA limited the program to four relatively narrow — and puzzling — sectors: national security and international affairs; furniture building and kitchen-cabinet making; printing and engraving such items as plates to print money; and sales of motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. The proposal stunned major women's business organizations as it excluded most of the entrepreneurs it was distinctively created to help. As a practical matter, women entrepreneurs are getting better results by focusing on private opportunities rather than seeking help from a foot-dragging SBA, whose exertions in any case touch only a tiny proportion of American entrepreneurs — male or female.
Lipstick on a Pig?, by Ian Mount, page 19 A Denver man has spent the past 18 months filing civil rights complaints against Denver bars and clubs that offer ladies' night discounts. And he's been winning: The Colorado Civil Rights Commission issued a resolution discouraging — if not banning — the promotions, and in two cases a judge awarded the Denver man $182 and $141. Still, Denver's entrepreneurs are proving to be endlessly adaptive.
Slump Busters, by Ian Mount, page 24 These small businesses are prepared to thrive — even if recession strikes. With meager cash reserves and credit, little fat to cut, and a dearth of geographic and industry diversification, small businesses are typically hit harder by a slowing economy than are large corporations. But today, as in past downturns, some small-business owners are nimble and savvy enough to thrive. Where others see only calamity, they see cheap credit, bargains on equipment and property, and new opportunities to hire topflight employees. FSB investigates some of these companies and reports on what they are doing to prepare for a recession.
Out Sick, by Neil Demause, page 17 Washington, D.C. is close to becoming the second U.S. city to mandate paid sick leave. Another nine states are expected to debate similar laws this year, and Congress is set to consider the Healthy Families Act, which would set a federal standard of seven days of paid leave for all employees of businesses with 15 or more workers. If D.C.'s mayor signs the bill later this month, it could go into effect by the end of the year.
Super Slices, by Brandi Stewart, page 28 These caped crusaders are making Minneapolis safe for green pizza. The delivery drivers of Galactic Pizza dress as superheroes and are dispatched all over Minneapolis in electric cars. The idea has proved so popular that in 2007 Galactic Pizza hit $800,000 in revenues, up from $680,000 the year before, and averaged 75 delivery orders a day.
A Buzz About Honey, by Jamie Carroll, page 76 A disabled son's obsession spawns a thriving family business. Tony and Terri Schwager used to worry about how they would take care of their disabled son, Anthony, after they retired. Anthony begged his parents to add bees to the small farm they kept on the side for fun. He was obsessed, not only with bees but with the honey. After just a couple of years of selling honey, the Schwagers began to see the business, Anthony's Beehive, as an opportunity for Anthony to support himself and enrolled him in an entrepreneurship course sponsored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas. These days Anthony's Beehive products fill a table eight feet long, as well as a tent at a local farmers' market, and have garnered an online following in addition to being sold in local stores.
Climbing the Amazon, by Mina Kimes, page 80 An intrepid tree lover leads adventure travelers high above the Brazilian rain forest. Recreational tree climbing has an impeccable safety record: Tree Climbers International (TCI), the sport's flagship organization and first for-profit school, has facilitated lessons for more than 100,000 climbers since 1983 without any fatal accidents. Tim Kovar, one of only six TCI-certified instructors in the United States, has guided more than 3,000 students into the trees since 1993. He runs his own school, Tree Climbing Northwest, in Grants Pass, Ore. FSB ventures into the Amazon for its own tree climbing expedition with Kovar.
Little Orlando, by Ingrid Tharasook, page 88 Unique places to eat, sleep, and play. Corporate theme parks aren't the only game in Orlando. Sophisticated business travelers can find several independently run options including:
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