Posts for February 1, 2011

ON THE HILL:

HB-61 - Home Business Worker’s Compensation Amendments – Would exempt from workers compensation coverage home based businesses where the owner hires a spouse or dependent children to do non-hazardous tasks. It was heard in the House Business and Labor Committee this afternoon but was held after UMA testified that they have concerns about expanding exemptions to WC coverage.

FLSA: ABSENCES DUE TO "ACTS OF GOD"

Employers Council

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), under the Fair Labor Standards Act if an exempt employee is absent on a day due to an "Act of God" (e.g., bad weather), the employee's salary may be reduced for the absence only if the business remains open and the employee is absent for the entire day. That DOL position, as stated in official opinion letters FLSA2005-
41 and FLSA2005-46, is outlined below:

1. If the business (e.g., a hospital) remains open, the absence is considered "for personal reasons." If the employee is absent the entire day, the salary may be reduced by a full day for the absence. If the employee is absent for less than a day, however, the employee's salary may not be reduced for the absence. The employee may be required to use accrued paid time off (PTO), if any, and/or a negative PTO balance may result.

2. On the other hand, if the business closes, the employee's salary may not be reduced for the absence – which is considered "occasioned by the employer or by the operating requirements of the business." The employee may be required to use accrued PTO, if any, and/or a negative PTO balance may result.

UTAH GOVERNOR HERBERT'S CHINA TRADE MISSION

UB Daily

Governor Herbert announced his upcoming trade mission to the People’s Republic of China, April 11-15, 2011. The trade mission will help Utah businesses increase their competitiveness and grow their exports in China’s dynamic and growing market. It will focus on matching Utah businesses with businesses in China, promoting Utah’s tourism offerings, and showcasing our state’s business friendly environment. View Full Article

PROSPERITY 2020: EDUCATION BUILDS THE ECONOMY

EDCUtah

By national standards they are young and they are smart. "They" are the individuals that make up Utah's workforce. They are also Utah's greatest strength and most competitive advantage in terms of economic development. Could that strength one day become the state's Achilles' heel?
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NATIONWIDE SURVEY SHOWS 'LOCAL FIRST' EFFORTS ARE INCREASING REVENUE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

EDCUtah

For the fourth year in a row, a national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with active Buy Independent/Buy Local (BIBL) campaigns experienced markedly stronger sales growth compared to those located in areas without such a campaign.
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CALIF. SPENT $46M ON FAILED GLOBAL WARMING MEASURE

Today in Manufacturing

More than $46 million was spent for and against a failed November ballot measure that would have suspended California's landmark global warming law ... continue

CHINA'S MANUFACTURING EASES ON TIGHTER CREDIT

Today in Manufacturing

China's manufacturing boom eased further in January as authorities tightened controls on credit, though inflationary pressures continued to rise ... continue

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES NEW ENERGY ADVISOR

The Governor’s Office announced Friday that the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s executive director now will serve double duty as Gov. Gary Herbert’s energy adviser.
Herbert appointed Amanda Smith to replace Dianne Nielson, who resigned last month after serving as full-time energy adviser since the Huntsman administration.

“Amanda brings a wealth of experience in the areas of energy development, natural resources, economic development and water and land issues,” Herbert said in a news release.

Smith has led DEQ since May 2009. Previously she worked as government relations director for The Nature Conservancy and then as legislative director for then Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. She has a political science degree from the University of Utah and a law degree from Gonzaga University.

U.S. MANUFACTURING EXPANDS AT RECORD PACE

Today in Manufacturing

Factory activity expanded in January at the fastest pace in nearly seven years, as America's manufacturers reported a sharp jump in new orders ... continue

US STEEL EXPECTS MARKETS TO IMPROVE

Today in Manufacturing

U.S. Steel Corp. cautiously expects business to improve in the first three months of this year after a rough second half of 2010 ... continue

PRESIDENT'S FOCUS ON COMPETITIVENESS IS ENCOURAGING, BUT NEEDS TO GO FURTHER SAYS INDUSTRY GROUP

Quick Manufacturing News

NAM says 'we cannot continue to place costly, unnecessary burdens on businesses and put them on an uneven playing field with our global competitors.' Click to continue