Just getting back from South Korea has made me realize how amazing it is that we live in a world sustained by global trade. The stark difference between North and South Korea prompts a lot of reflection about the benefits of global trade. America’s longest-serving Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, reportedly said, “If goods cannot cross borders, armies will.” But business faces its own struggles in its own trenches trying to make goods cross borders, whether these are company, state or international borders. Here is a list of 10 challenges businesses face today in trying to make trade work better. more

With high unemployment rates, employers are receiving more applications than ever before in an attempt to fill what limited job openings they have with the most qualified candidates. When reviewing applications, employers should be aware of the new federal protections in place for criminal ex-offenders. more

Health care reform promises to change the way Ocean State citizens access and pay for health services. But it also is going to change dramatically Rhode Island’s delivery infrastructure. more

When the Supreme Court upheld the health care-reform law on federal tax grounds, it restoked a housing issue that had been relatively quiet for the past year: The alleged 3.8 percent “real estate tax” on home sales beginning in 2013 that is buried away in the legislation. more

The first quarter of 2012 was a record-breaking one for the financial markets. The S&P 500 gained more in one quarter than it has since 1998 and the NASDAQ had the best quarter in its history, though still below its all-time high of 5,000. more

Supporting Rhode Island’s creative economy has long been an important part of the state’s self-image – the creation of arts districts in 1998 is only the most obvious example. more

Innovation is one of today’s most popular business buzzwords. Most small and growing businesses – and especially startups – say they want to innovate. But most never get there because they are focused only on cost and efficiency, and not creativity, leaving little room for fresh ideas. In fact, many businesses today are actually anti-innovation without even knowing it, says Ed Hess, a business professor at University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. more

Lawsuits filed by disgruntled employees or independent contractors against small businesses are one of the most vexing problems that business owners continue to face. Many are constantly on edge, fearing frivolous legal actions that can ruin the business even if the complaint has no merit. more

Everyone needs sales and personal-development training. Even you. The challenge is how much and what kind. more

Since many boats have automotive-type engines in them, it would seem to make sense to have them repaired at a garage that services, well … automotive engines. Such was the case with the owner of an inboard-outboard boat who wasn’t happy with the engine work being done by his boat dealer and who chose instead to have his boat tuned up by his local auto-service station. After all, they had done great work on his cars, so why not? more