by Charlene Crowell
For New Pittsburgh Courier

(NNPA)—For most Americans, the Better Business Bureau is the private sector’s gold standard of objectivity and fairness. Founded in 1912, this nonprofit organization today has 123 offices in the United States and Canada that monitor more than four million local and national businesses and charities.

So when this advocate for fairness and transparency issues a written warning against deceitful activity, it is time to take note. After receiving a deluge of complaints, the BBB recently told buyers to beware. The warning also came following an independent investigation and lawsuit by the West Virginia attorney general.

Doris Carson Williams, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania said at least one city of Pittsburgh department is limiting access to contracts for Minority- Women- and Disabled-Business Enterprises by bundling contracts.

DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS

“Bundling several contracts into a package and awarding it to one large firm retards economic development, job creation and retention,” she said. “It all but eliminates small firms, not to mention MBE firms.”

Brown bag lunch

MARCH 10—Volunteers of American will host their Brown Bag Lunch and Disability Resource Breakfast from 12-1 p.m. at 1650 Main St., Sharpsburg. This is for new and existing business owners who are looking to expand their business. The topic is “Taking Emotions Out of Your Financial Decisions.” Lee Wagner of Waddell and Reed Financial Advisors, will discuss his personal mission to help people navigate the frustrating path to financial literacy and will motivate attendees to become educated and change their behavior in a positive manner. They will leave with a better understanding  of the financial planning needs of the average American. For more information, call 412-782-5344 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Joined by several local state representatives at Borders Books in East Liberty, Gov. Edward G. Rendell put forth five proposals he said would head off the bulk of a looming budget crisis that could leave the state with a $5.6 billion deficit in two years.

“There is a storm coming,” he said. “Only about $5 billion in the $26 billion budget is discretionary spending. The rest, including Medicaid, pensions and corrections cost, we’re mandated to pay. In 2012, we’re going to have another $2 billion in pension costs and another 62,000 people eligible for Medicaid.”

NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL—Joined by state Rep. Joe Preston, D-East Liberty, Governor Edward G. Rendell pushes for lower business and sales tax rates and fewer tax exemptions to head of a projected $5 billion deficit in 2012.