Alternative fuel firms to accelerate sales this year
Renewable energy companies in the Tri-Counties are counting on two things to pull them through 2009 – the deals they executed in 2008, and President-elect Barack Obama. “We’re seeing that even in light of reduced oil prices, the Obama team is looking to a green energy economy as well as green energy for its own Read More →
Clean air a fresh priority – New regulations will curtail pollution statewide
State officials took the first step Dec. 11 toward implementing AB 32 and SB 375 – a sweeping set of greenhouse gas emissions rules that legal experts say will be the most significant environmental regulations in California since the Coastal Commission Act. So far, the state has approved a scoping plan for AB 32 that Read More →
Successful niche firms will help economy rebound
When the American economy does turn around, presumably at some point next year, one aspect of that recovery will be very easy to forecast. I can say with absolute certainty that the vast majority of private sector jobs created in the rebound will come from small business. That’s because small businesses, particularly niche companies that Read More →
Oprah a role model for neighborhood celebrities
Until just a few days before Christmas, Oprah Winfrey’s presence in the Tri-Counties was much like any of the other dozen or so members of the entertainment and business elite. Her semi-secluded life included social events held in tents on a lawn adjacent to her Montecito estate. Her purchases put smiles on the faces of Read More →
Jingle bells rock but wine gifts are smashing
Every holiday shopping list includes at least one person for whom it is nearly impossible to find the right gift. You could buy them a bottle of wine, but let’s be honest — it usually isn’t the most unique gift in the world unless you’ve made it yourself. And I say this as your wine Read More →
Year-end perspectives on the economy
How amazing is it to wake up morning after morning to headlines telling us that what was unthinkable yesterday has happened today. To punctuate a remarkable four-month period in the history of the markets, the Federal Reserve set a target for short-term interest rates at as close to zero as you can get. A $50 Read More →
