Recently there has been an increase in crime here in Columbus, GA. According to the 2009 Columbus Police Department annual report, burglaries showed an increase of 8%. A more recent report provided to the FBI show a decrease in burglaries down 2%. This same report indicates that robberies are down 17%. Even with this reported decrease, with the current recession in full swing, criminals are becoming more desperate to make ends meet. As a small business owner, it is imperative that you protect your business from crime. The following are four key points to consider that will help you in protecting your most important asset, your small business.

Read the entire article by viewing the E-edition here.

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The Role and Relevance of Small Business – Georgia Brown

As we travel around Columbus, whether working, running errands or pursuing personal pastimes, we may not often notice the number and variety of businesses here. The Columbus Consolidated government issues or renews approximately  8200 business licensees each year, but doesn’t keep a record of how many are considered small businesses.

As a rule of thumb, small business is defined as under 500 employees. However, Greater Columbus Chamber of   Commerce consultant Ron Hinze caveats, “That’s more narrowly defined in that some industries, such as transportation, warehousing, construction and others, are categorized otherwise by revenue volume. There are gray   areas and the law is complex.”

A telephone inquiry to the US Small Business Administration Department of Advocacy querying small business employment statistics was returned within the hour. Specialist Brian Head advised that 2008 statistics (the most recent complete year available) are that of a public sector workforce of 120,000,000, 59.7 million were employed by small business. He also confirmed Mr. Hinze’s observations.

Read the entire article by viewing the E-edition here.

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Welcome to the inaugural issue of Connections Small Business Journal(CSBJ)! Connections is an innovative new small business journal located in Columbus, GA that focuses on local and regional small business.

Readers will journey into topics that are pertinent to small business owners, and those that desire and have aspirations of entering into business for themselves. Readers will also find local, regional and even national resources that have been compiled to provide them with information that is necessary to own and operate a successful business.

We invite you to read a note from the publisher here for additional information.

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