Wednesday, January 15, 2014
January 2014 Newsletter
February Networking Event
Tuesday, February 4 - 4:30-6:30 PM
Hosted by:
Intelligent Nutrients
Horst & Friends Salon
983 E. Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, 55414
612-617-2011
www.horstandfriends.com
Networking Events are held the first Tuesday of the month at member businesses around the cities.
Please check our website for upcoming times and locations.
No RSVP required. Guests welcome.
Micro Biz Forum with Congressman Keith Ellison
Do you own a small business with 1-5 employees? Are you considering working independently or do you want to start a business in Minnesota? Join us for this event at which Representative Ellison and a representative from the Small Business Administration will be on hand to take your input and answer questions.
Thursday, January 23
2:30-4:00 PM
Open Arms of Minnesota
2500 Bloomington Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Enjoy the Benefits of Membership!
MetroIBA is pleased to announce that we now have a monthly auto renew payment option for our business members. If your membership is due for renewal, you now have a choice!
Business memberships are still just $150/ year ($50 for each additional storefront). If you prefer, you can opt to pay $15 per month. This new option helps to maintain consistent cash flow and alleviates the administrative costs of tracking renewals.
If you have recently received notice that your membership is about to lapse, simply go to buylocaltwincities.com/join and renew online. Or, you can mail payment to:
MetroIBA
2190 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Thank you all for your ongoing support of MetroIBA.
Business memberships start at just $150.
Receive a packet with discounts to other member businesses.
Be listed on our member directory.
Join our members only list serv discussion group.
Expand your online presence through Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
Attend free monthly networking events.
….and much more!
Go to buylocaltwincities.com and click on the JOIN button. You can renew your membership there too!
Letter From The President
When is the last time you attended one of MetroIBA's networking evenings?
Networking is more than just getting together to socialize and chat about the events of the day – much more! In the years that FirstTech has been a member of MetroIBA, I have attended these regularly. My business provides product and services to both consumers and businesses, and I have to say that the greatest benefit for my business and me has been the great vendors and service providers I have been able to engage for the benefit of my company. Over the years I have acquired a credit card processor, a payroll service, a cleaning service, an office products supplier – even a company that provides ice melt for our sidewalks! Our banker was a member before we joined. Each one has provided great service to us and I get to check in with them regularly at our networking events.
So, there is something for everyone at our monthly networking events – whether you have something to sell or have a need for your business. It doesn’t happen overnight, but coming regularly is the key. That way people get to know you and you get to know your potential vendors and base your decision on the relationship you have been able to develop – in addition to the quality of service they might have to offer. And if you want to just come and socialize, we are a fun and interesting group. All you need to do is put the first Tuesday of each month on your annual calendar and join us.
The next networking event will be on Tuesday, February 4, 4:30-6:30 pm at Intelligent Nutrients. I hope you can be there.
Welcome Casey Heibling to our Board
We are so pleased that Casey Helbling has agreed to join our leadership team for 2014.
Casey is a web application architect with almost 15 years experience in design, development and implementation of web-based software systems. He earned a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology. In 2003 he founded Clear Consulting, a web development firm focused on delivering successful projects through effective communication. In 2010 he rebranded the company Software for Good, a Minneapolis-based design-driven engineering team creating complete digital solutions for progressive and forward-thinking companies.
Committee News
Also donating time and talent…we are grateful for two new committee chairs.
Nathalie Wilson, Founder of Zydeco Design and Emily Robertson, Robertson Law will be guiding Marketing and Membership respectively.
Now Available
Reusable shopping bags are available from Metro IBA member Esse Reusable Bags.
Go to buylocaltwincities.com/join and become a citizen member, or donate and receive this handy, high-quality bag made from recycled material and window clings donated by Printz.
AMIBA Conference in Minneapolis!
2014 National American Independent Business Alliance Conference will be held May 8-11 at The Radisson Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
Show your indie pride by becoming a sponsor of the conference. Following are the available sponsorship levels. Please contact mary@metroiba.org for more information on additional ways you can get involved.
Phalen $250
Be our guest (with a guest of your own) at our
pre-conference social
Listing in program and on conference website
Nokomis $750
Be our guest (with a guest of your own) at our
pre-conference social
Single-day conference entry to day of your choice
Listing in program and on conference website
Opportunity to include an item in conference totebag
Harriet $1250
One complimentary conference registration (or single day attendance for two)
Business card ad in conference program
Company banner in main conference room or inclusion on video screen rotation
Opportunity to include an item in conference tote bag
Button ad on conference website and on MetroIBA website
Minnetonka $2500
Two complimentary conference registrations
Display table space for company material throughout conference (may be staffed)
Quarter-page ad in conference program
Company banner in main conference room or inclusion on video screen rotation
Opportunity to include an item in conference tote bag
Banner ad on conference website and on MetroIBA website
Exclusive sponsor of one of the conference events, with opportunity to greet attendees
Annual Post Holiday ILSR Survey
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is once again planning to conduct a national survey of independent businesses.
Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014-Indie-Survey by January 21 to complete this important survey. Last year, over 2000 small businesses participated in the survey. In addition to giving us data on national trends, we in the Twin Cities will receive information specific to our area on how our Buy Local efforts are working.
Click here to view the results of last year’s survey.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee Statues - Does Your Choice Matter?
Part 1 of 3 in a series from guest columnist, Hilary Bullock, Metro Payroll
If you own a small business that requires more than your efforts alone, hiring employees or Independent Subcontractors is an important part of your business plan. While it may be tempting to designate the people who work for you as Independent Contractors, there are risks involved, so careful consideration is warranted.
Independent Contractor status is not determined by a written agreement. This means that you can’t simply decide that the person working for you fits this category. In fact, their legal status is determined solely by the degree and control you have over their manner and means of work.
Short-term savings may result in long-term pain. It’s true that paying an Independent Contractor can save you money. Their hourly rate may be higher, but you will see a reduction in costs over time. This includes the fact that you aren’t providing benefits and training, or paying workers compensation or payroll taxes. However, if the IRS determines that your workers have been misclassified, the consequences are severe. Companies that classify workers as Independent Contractors are more likely to be audited.
Up-front savings could result in the demise of your company. Misclassifying workers means you may be required to reimburse them for wages you should have paid, including overtime and minimum wage. You will also pay back taxes plus penalties (Federal and State), Social Security, Medicare and Unemployment. In addition, should a misclassified worker be injured on a job site, you may be liable for worker’s compensation benefits. If you can’t prove that your Independent Contractors paid their own income taxes, you may be required to pay them as well. In some cases you’ll need to provide employee benefits including health insurance and retirement.
What about the people who work for you? Classifying workers as Independent Contractors, when they are really employees denies them basic rights and protections, and reduces funds going to national programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment Insurance. Many are hesitant to stand up for their rights in this tough job market - they have families to support. This can foster an awkward power dynamic and culture in the work environment.
In the end, as a business owner, it is well worth your time to understand the difference between Employee and Independent Contractor status, and select the proper category for your company. Then you can rest assured that your hiring plan is based on sound principles and follows legal guidelines. Plus, your budget and projections will reflect the revenues and profit margin your company must generate to employ the type of worker you require.
Upcoming articles:
What’s In It For Me: Pros and Cons of Hiring a Sub-Contractor vs. an Employee
It’s a Fine Line: Understanding the difference between Independent Subcontractors and Employees
Useful Links:
Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Seven Tips for Business Owners
IRS 20 Factors and 3 Categories of Control
Metro Payroll is a family-owned, local provider of outsourcing solutions for payroll and scheduling, and a proud member of MetroIBA.
Member News
Our members really are the BEST:
Congratulations to Foxglove Market & Studio on Grand Avenue for your designation as the best new store by Mpls St Paul Magazine.
Kudos to Sisu in Woodbury on being named the one of the best new Twin Cities boutiques of 2013 bytwincites.com.
The 10th annual AM950 Blue State Ball is coming fast!
This year will feature Stephanie Miller, Mike Malloy, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, Senator Al Franken, Congressman Rick Nolan and even MORE to be announced!
At the VIP pre-reception you’ll be able to take photos with our talk show hosts, enjoy appetizers and complimentary beer and wine!
With a general admission ticket you’ll enjoy entertainment by our talk show hosts and remarks by our progressive politicians. Plus complimentary snacks, cash bar and dancing to music by Buffaloaf.
When: Friday, January 17th, 2014
VIP Reception 7 – 8 pm.
General Admission Event 8 pm-11 pm
Where:
Aria at Jeune Lune
105 N 1st Street
Minneapolis
Cost:
VIP Pre-reception $75 ($100 at the door)
General Reception: $25 ($30 at the door)
Register here.
Not that WE needed convincing . . .
A December 20th MinnPost Community Voices article by Rita Kovtun titled Why go local? Independent bookstores offer personalized hospitality, handwritten advice sings the praised of indie bookstores. Well worth the read!
HCAMn 100x100 Petition Campaign
As we reported in out December newsletter MetroIBA has joined Health Care For All Minnesota as a coalition partner. HCAMn is currently conducting a campaign which aims to educate and organize new supporters from across the state and make elected officials know that we want universal health care: a single payer system. If you agree we need truly universal health care coverage in MN, please sign this petition.
Thank you Volunteers
Hilary Bullock~Metro Payroll
Nicki Jones~Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul
Mary Jo Koplos~Postal Dispatch Business Center
Ruth Welezcki~Park Bugle
Welcome New Members
Best Price Receipt Rolls
Brushed Monkey
French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
Glimpses of Soul Photography
North Loop Wines and Spirits
Point Acupuncture
Premise Concepts
Sandra Jones Healing
Spruce Linen
Merritt Clapp-Smith
Catherine Reid Day
Thank You Renewing Members
Bibelot Shops
Carter Avenue Frame Shop
Christianson & Co.
Contemplat8 T-Shirts
Kort Sign Design
Mid City Services
Monkey Island
Postal Dispatch Business Center
Printz
Spectrum Financial
©2014 MetroIBA, 2190 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.
Member AMIBA - Member ASBC
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