Ten cities with something in common

The ten poorest cities in the United States and the percentage of people living under the poverty level are: Detroit, 32.5%; Buffalo, 29.9%; Cincinnati, 27.8%; Cleveland, 27.0%; Miami, 26.9%; St. Louis, 26.8%; El Paso, 26.4%; Milwaukee, 26.2%; Philadelphia , 25.1% and Newark, 24.2%.

Here's something they all have in common. Detroit hasn't had a Republican mayor since '61. Buffalo hasn't had a Republican mayor since '54. Cincinnati hasn't had a Republican mayor since '84. Cleveland hasn't had a Republican mayor since '89. Miami has never had a Republican mayor.

St. Louis hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 1949. El Paso, Texas has never had a Republican mayor. Milwaukee hasn't had a Republican mayor since 1908. Philadelphia, "The City of Brotherly Love," hasn't had a Republican mayor since 1952. Newark hasn't had a Republican mayor since 1907.

"You can't help the poor by destroying the rich. You can't bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You can't build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You can't help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should be doing for themselves." Abraham Lincoln (a Republican)

Disclaimer: I can talk about politics because I'm not a member of any "organized" political party..... I'm a conservative.

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DIY carpet cleaning

The in-house commercial carpet cleaning market consistently has the most cleaning related complaints. Many building managers have poorly trained staffs and it's a common practice to buy the cheapest equipment and chemicals available. Sometimes they even hire totally inept day-labor to do the job.

Most building managers won't budget for professional maintenance, but when they do contract service from an outside source the majority use the bid method. Low bid gets the job. With this mentality is it any wonder they're not happy with the cleaning results? Sadly, most of them blame it on the carpet, too.

Lew Migliorie, a complaint troubleshooter who lives and works in Dalton, says carpet mills have laid off many employees and some have even cut the budget for their commercial technical services. Lew thinks this mistake will come back to bite them because people who knew these things are being laid off. Mill claims and losses will probably go up.

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Employers have rights, too!

On Labor Day, I wrote about the mandate from the Obama administration that employers must post a notice about the National Labor Relations Act in a prominent place. I gave some of the details of what is required. There are a lot more. The National Labor Relations Board web site will tell you specifically what must be posted.

But did you know that employers can post their own notice right next to it? Following are some details that can be included in an employer's notice:

Unions can't restrain or coerce employees...

... to join their union.

... to select a union to represent them.

Employees have the right to ...

... choose to remain union free.

... refuse to sign union election petitions.

... refuse to sign union membership or authorization cards.

... discuss the advantages and disadvantages of union representation.

... discuss union membership with their supervisor and management.

It's a good idea to speak with your attorney about it, too.

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Taking a chance

Writing or speaking about politics and/or religion is strictly taboo in business. I've written many articles on the subject and it's discouraged among our own employees. But politics and banks are seriously affecting our industry because of the difficulty small businesses have in getting reasonable bank loans for new equipment. So, I've broken our own rule and have written lately about politics and especially the Federal Reserve Bank.

The e-mail responses have been much heavier than I anticipated and I've answered every single one. To my surprise, here's the breakdown on how I stand with my readers: Totally agree with my political comments, 74%; Agree somewhat, 17%; Disagree somewhat, 7%; Totally disagree, 2%. Those who disagreed were respectful, but one of the e-mails from those who totally disagree with my views was a real scorcher. It involved one of my articles on the Federal Reserve and the banking industry. In my answer, I suggested that he read Shadows of Power by James Perloff.

Last week he sent this e-mail: Bill, I got the book you suggested, I read it and now I think I understand the federal reserve system, its origin, the bailout debacle and stimulus fiascos. I'd like to offer my most sincere apology for the hateful things I said to you and urge you to continue writing about the politics that hurts our business.

It takes a real man to admit he's wrong and the encouragement to continue to make political comments is especially heart-warming. To paraphrase the old after-shave commercial, "Thanks Steve, I needed that!" Next time you're in town let's have lunch at Murphy's.

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A boss's prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to accept people as they are, and not yearn for perfect creatures which do not exist.

Dear Lord, please help me to recognize ability and encourage it, and to understand shortcomings and make allowances for them.

Dear Lord, please help me to work for improvement and not expect too much too quickly, and to appreciate what people do right and not just criticize what they do wrong.

Dear Lord, please help me to be slow to anger and hard to discourage, and to have the hide of an elephant and the patience of Job.

Dear Lord, please help me to be a good boss!

anonymous author

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A bad time?

Our week-long school began on September 12th. The prior week had been punctuated with warnings from Homeland Security and news reports about possible terrorist attacks using airplanes on the 11th. On Sunday, the 11th, there were two airline incidents where fighters were scrambled. I fully expected to see an empty classroom on Monday morning. Instead I was greeted by an enthusiastic audience.

Folks came from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia and even a local from Greenwood. These brave people traveled on a weekend when news and hyperbole were at ridiculous levels and only one person who was registered didn't make it. Thanks to everyone who attended. You're a very special, brave and dedicated group.

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Media charades

On September 1st, the previous week's new unemployment numbers were announced. There were 409,000 new applications for unemployment compensation. The previous weekly number had been 412,000 newly unemployed if my memory serves me.

That same evening, I was watching an NBC local affiliate weather forecast and the following statement scrolled across the bottom of the screen. "Unemployment claims lessen which means the economy is improving. Are they kidding?

The unvarnished truth is that nearly a half million people are filing new claims for unemployment compensation every week. Do you think the media is trying to influence voter's thinking? We've got a whole year of media charades to look forward to until the election is finally over.

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Innovator

Carpet installers usually wear knee pads, but a Pennsylvania carpet installer turned inventor has taken it a step further. Mark Legenstein, who installed carpet for years, invented "Knee Blades" to make the job easier for anyone that works on all fours.

"Knee Blades" allows them to roll easily on their knees. Legenstein said it was a dream that took 50 prototypes and plenty of hard work. Mark's invention can be found at some Lowe's stores, but call first to make sure your local store stocks it.

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Hello Washington

Beaulieu of America, one of the world's largest carpet makers, instituted a 10% pay cut from top to bottom for its 5,200 employees. This is how a business deals with a deficit. “We felt that was a better thing for us to do with everybody company wide versus us deciding to lay off another 400 to 500,” said Jeff Meadows, a Beaulieu spokesperson.

Meadows went on to say, “Over the last five years, the industry has probably closed at least 90 (plants). Basically our demand level wouldn’t warrant us to close any additional facilities, but at the same time because of the weak demand and very high raw material costs for carpet this year this move was necessary.”

That means even the president of Beaulieu gets a haircut like everyone else. Has anyone in Washington thought about cutting all of those fat government salaries and fringe benefits? Everyone who works for the government from the president to the janitor in the embassy in Ecuador should take a pay cut until our country is out of debt.

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Watch out

E-mail scams are dangerous. These e-mails arrive at least once or twice a week. One of the links marked "Report" is underlined so you can click on it. Don't do it!

The ACT transaction (ID: 6997783978839), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Canceled transfer

Transaction ID: 6997783978839
Reason for rejection See details in the report below
Transaction Report report.pdf.exe (self extracting archive, Adobe PDF)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100 Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 561 1100

2011 NACHA The Electronic Payments Association

And here's another one...

Dear Customer

Your package has been returned to the DHL office
The reason of the return is : Incorrect delivery address of the package
Attached to the letter mailing label contains the details of the package delivery
You have to print mailing label, and come in the DHL office in order to receive the packages.

Thank you,
DHL Express Delivery

Don't open the attachment!

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What does it take?

Some people think all that's necessary to be successful in our business is to buy some cheap equipment and stick "quicky-print" flyers under windshield wipers on church parking lots to advertise for customers.

Consumers expect a clean carpet, floor or furniture when they hire us. We're supposed to have the expertise to do the job, but they also want to be treated with respect. Manners, appearance, sales techniques, training, ethics and honesty are all elements that help form a consumer's perception and definition of a good service.

It takes more than cheap equipment and flyers under windshield wipers to make it in this business. Sign up for classes at Bane-Clene® Institute and learn how to be productive and successful from a company with 50 years experience. We know what it takes!

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Just in time for Labor Day

An e-mail from a lawyer reminds employers covered by the NLRA (National Labor Relations Act) , which is most employers, of a new federal government rule. Business owners must post a notice informing employees of their rights to organize, discuss wages, benefits and other terms and condition of their employment and to strike or picket.

Effective November 14, 2011, the notice must have information about the NLRA. If 20% or more of employees speak other than English, the notice must be in the language spoken. Failure to post the notice will be subject to an unfair labor practice charge through the administrative processes of the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board.)

Does it seem like the feds are getting more intrusive in every day business?

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Quote of the year

"If the US Government was a family, they would make $58,000 a year, spend $75,000 a year, and have $327,000 in credit card debt. They are currently proposing “BIG” spending cuts to reduce their spending to $72,000 a year. These are the actual proportions of the federal budget and debt, reduced to a level that we can understand."

Dave Ramsey

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