Business – Page 10

Attitudes About Local Economy Improve

July 26, 2011 Whittney Evans

Utahns are more optimistic about the local economy this month, despite the federal government’s debt crisis. The Zions Bank Consumer Attitude Index for Utah rose three points from June to July, compared to a 1.9-point increase nationally in the Consumer Confidence Index. Randy Shumway, CEO of the Cicero group, says Utah businesses are putting their houses in order, and waiting for the federal government to do the same.

Local News

Politics Up Close: SLC Council Candidate Tracey Harty

July 22, 2011 Jeff Robinson

The race is on for Salt Lake City Council District Six, representing the east side. We were joined by Tracey Harty. The longtime resident of District Six has been active in the neighborhood’s historic preservation efforts, and lists planning, open space, arts and culture, and dogs among her interests in the race. We asked her about the ideas she brings to the election, and how she’ll distinguish herself from the other two candidates.

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Local News

Web Merchants Fight States Efforts to Tax Out-of-State Purchases

July 21, 2011 Whittney Evans

A war is raging over whether states can force out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by their residents. For years, shoppers have been able to buy products out of state, whether through catalog or online merchants like Amazon, without paying sales tax. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, some states and brick-and-mortar businesses are saying that’s not fair, calling on online merchants to pay up.

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Legislative Coverage

Report Says State Didn’t Lose Money Closing Main Street Liquor Store

July 19, 2011 Whittney Evans

A report introduced to state lawmakers Tuesday shows closing the Main Street liquor store in Salt Lake City did not cost the state money. Fiscal analysts told the Executive Appropriations Committee consumers have transferred their shopping to the Sugar House and Avenues liquor stores. Senate President Michael Waddoups says this goes against projections that the state was going to lose $100,000 to $130,000 annually by closing the Main Street store. In fact, he says it increased revenue by $47,000 from April through June.

Local News

Wimmer Calls for Public Sector Labor Negotiations to be Public

July 18, 2011 Whittney Evans

A state lawmaker who plans to run for Congress wants to open public sector employee labor negotiations to the public through a bill he’s just opened. Republican Representative Carl Wimmer says when taxpayer money is involved, so should the taxpayers. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, an attorney who represents some of those unions and the Utah Education Association say they’re confused as to why he thinks it’s necessary.

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City Beat

Ice Cream Vendor Says City is Hampering his Business Again

June 23, 2011 Whittney Evans

Bret Cali, the owner of a small business that sells ice cream from bicycles, says Salt Lake City is again waging war on ice cream. Cali says he was kicked out of Liberty Park a few days ago by police officers even though he has a vendors permit. Last year, he had the same problem when a Liberty Park concessions owner complained to the city, but Cali says after heated controversy, he received a wink and a nod from city officials who told him he could continue operating his business.

Local News

Utah Arts Festival Bigger Than Ever in Its 35th Year

June 23, 2011 Whittney Evans

Get your hands on art, feast your ears on music and your eyes on all of the attractions at the 35th annual Utah Arts Festival in downtown Salt Lake City that kicks off today. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the festival continues to grow bigger and more hands on every year.

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Local News

City Seeks Public Input on Mobile Food Truck Ordinance Changes

June 21, 2011 Whittney Evans

Salt Lake City is proposing to amend a zoning ordinance to give mobile businesses more flexibility. Unlike food carts, food trucks aren’t allowed on public property and can’t set up shop for more than two hours. The proposed change would allow them to operate for up to 24 hours, give more options for private property use and public right of way, and considers mobile food courts, where multiple trucks could operate in one location.

Local News

Commerce Dept. Warns of Common Contractor Scam

June 16, 2011 Jessica Gail

Warmer weather means summertime scams are on the rise, according to the Utah Department of Commerce. Mark Steinagel, Director of the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, says his department is already getting calls from victims reporting a scam that hits Utahns year after year.

Local News

Lawmaker Says Public Child Care Stomps Out Private Competition

June 15, 2011 Whittney Evans

One state lawmaker who owns and operates a private childcare business says publicly funded childcare providers are stomping out private sector competition by avoiding taxes and regulations required of private businesses. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, several community advocates and public childcare providers made a case for the necessity of such programs yesterday.

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