Advocacy & Policy
Archived Posts from this Category
Sunday 13 Mar 2011
OMLF 2011 Manifesto
Here’s the first draft of the OMLF 2011 Small Business Manifesto, presented at the February 2011 OMLF meeting.
Wednesday 07 Apr 2010
2009 State of the City Report
“Bucking the recession, in 2009 Oakland joined the ranks of the nation’s
culinary destinations with more than 30 major restaurant openings citywide
and impressive reviews in the regional, national and industry press. An exciting array of new establishments such as Ozumo, Mua, Pican, Lake Chalet, Marzano, Camino, Chop House, Bocanova, Adesso and others enlivened several of Oakland’s neighborhoods, generated considerable sales tax revenue and brought jobs for local residents. Also this year, Oakland earned its first-ever coveted Michelin star for Commis on Piedmont Avenue just three months after the restaurant opened!”*
* 2009 State of the City Report - Mayor Dellums Click here to read the whole report.
0 comments OMLF | Merchant Resources, Advocacy & Policy, News
Tuesday 30 Mar 2010
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
Small Business Majority published a fact sheet talking about the key facts of the new health care tax credit for small businesses.
Key Facts about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
• The tax credit, which is effective immediately, can cover up to 35 percent of the premiums a small business pays to cover its workers. In 2014, the rate will increase to 50 percent.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the tax credit will save small businesses $40 billion by 2019.
• Both small for‐profit businesses and small not‐for‐profit organizations are eligible.
Thursday 25 Feb 2010
New Small Business Monthly
EAST BAY EXPRESS: To view the Small Business Monthly click here.
More than 99 percent of all US companies are small businesses, and more
than half of all American workers work for one. In California, women own
or co-own more than 44 percent of them, and members of a minority group
own more than one third. Small businesses play a vital role in the
economy and the lives of tens of millions of Americans. So why is it so
hard to find news coverage about them? There is much fine reporting
coverage in the Bay Area, but also way too much coverage of Apple,
Google, Apple, Facebook, Apple, Twitter, and Apple. Small businesses
touch far more lives than the iPhone, government, crime, Lindsay Lohan,
or the Oakland Raiders, but try finding evidence of that in the local
media.
Starting with this week’s issue of the East Bay Express, we will be Continue Reading »
Friday 12 Feb 2010
Cash for Employers - AC Hire - Subsidized Employment Program
“As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the Alameda County Social Services Agency and its partners are able to offer you a unique opportunity to either fill an existing opening or expand your current workforce.”
Reimbursement of 80% of the employee’s wage from the date of hire until September 30, 2010. This program ends September 30, 2010.
Alameda County Hire - Subsidized Employment Program.
Subsidized Employment Program - Fact Sheet
Eligibility Determination Form
SAMPLE - Subsidized Employment Program Employer Agreement - p1
Sample - Subsidized Employment Program Employer Agreement - p2
Sample - Subsidized Employment Program Employer Agreement - p3
0 comments OMLF | Merchant Resources, Advocacy & Policy, Retail News
Friday 05 Feb 2010
2010 Forum Topics
Date Topic Speakers
January 20, 2010 Cash for Employers Program
February 17, 2010 Oakland Grown Presentation Erin Kilmer Neel
Bus Rapid Transit Project Bruce Williams
March 10, 2010
Facade Improvements Stephanie Floyd Johnson
City Auditors Report Ruby Courtney
April 28, 2010
National Night Out for Commercial Districts Felecia Verdin, NSC officer
May 26, 2010
Business Preparation for Emergency/Disaster Gail Hutchens, Office of Emergency Services.
June 23, 2010 Parking Noel Pinto, Parking Enforcement
July 28, 2010 Merchant Safety and the Merchants Police Chief Batts
August 25, 2010 Holiday Planning & On-line marketing CANCELED
September 22, 2010 Grants & Financing CANCELED
October 27, 2010 Filling Commercial Vacancies Aziz Khatri, Retail Lease information Green, Socially Responsible Businesses CANCELED
November 24, 2010 Shopping/Party CANCELED
December 22, 2010 No Forum
All forums will be held at City Hall, hearing room 4, from 8:00 am-10:00 am.
Please contact me if you have any questions or topic suggestions. Topics are subject to change without notice. Please join our mailing list for announcements of the forums.
Shari Godinez
Shari@omlf.org
(510) 663-0653
Monday 07 Dec 2009
Cost of Health Care for the Small Business Owner
The Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum would like to encourage you to participate in a statewide conference call being organized for the week of December 14th, 2009 by Small Business Majority. A number of speakers will be explaining the House and Senate bills from a small business perspective. This will be a great opportunity to both educate yourself on the bills as well as ask questions on healthcare reform that directly concern you. Make sure the voice of the small business owner is heard by the California Policy makers.
For more information contact:
John Karatzas
State Outreach Director, Small Business Majority
jkaratzas@smallbusinessmajority.org
415-887-9861
www.smallbusinessmajority.org
John will be able to give you an exact day/time/call-in number.
Click here for a one page summary of the Report.
Click here for the full Report.
Click here for facts about Small Business Majority.
Click here for facts on Small Businesses and the Health Crisis.
To read more, click on “continue reading.”
Continue Reading »
Wednesday 14 Oct 2009
Neighborhood Shops Host OPEN HOUSE-Oct. 23
On Friday, Oct. 23rd, many of the local shops and restaurants will stay open late to celebrate local businesses. Support your local neighborhood commercial district by strolling, shopping or dining between 6-8 pm on Friday, Oct. 23rd. We are asking businesses to participate by staying open until 8 pm.
If you need a poster for your window contact Pamela Drake at (510) 593-3721
There will be a space for you to cut and paste any info specific to your area, like Welcome to Piedmont Avenue, etc.
0 comments OMLF | Merchant Resources, Advocacy & Policy, Parking
Tuesday 25 Aug 2009
Stopwaste - Special Events Recycling Guide
Reduce waste at special events by simply planning ahead. Click here for a Special Events Best Practice Guide published by Stopwaste.org. Recycling at events is required by State law. This guide explains the requirements of the law and offers tips for recycling and tools for recording the waste generated and recycled at the event.
Technical assistance and some tools are available from the City of Oakland by calling the recycling hotline at (510) 238-SAVE (7283) or by email at recycling@oaklandnet.com.
0 comments OMLF | Merchant Resources, City Services, Marketing, Advocacy & Policy
Thursday 02 Jul 2009
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WORKSHOP
Meeting Date and Location:
JULY 22, 2009
Wednesday 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 4 (2nd fl)
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, at 12th Street BART
Please join us at a workshop to discuss zoning issues in the City’s commercial corridors and districts. The meeting will be held following the Oakland Merchants’ Leadership Forum.
The City of Oakland is updating its zoning regulations, which govern the physical development of land. Zoning regulations affect many people doing business and shopping in Oakland.
Here is your chance to learn how the zoning update process might help your business!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Zoning Update Website
www.oaklandnet.com/zoningupdate
Zoning Update Telephone Message Line
(510) 238-7299
Zoning Update Email
zoningupdate@oaklandnet.com
Click here for flyer.
Please alert other merchants in your district.
0 comments OMLF | Merchant Resources, Calendar Events, Advocacy & Policy
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