Last year Kevin McNellis was trying to sell Buicks, Hyundais and GMC trucks in Elkhart, Ind. ...more

April 1, 2009

Don't Forget Merchants Funny, we hear so much about the big corporations hurting from this economy yet very little is mentioned about small business owners (though my chiropractor did ask me if I was going to Washington to ask for a bailout for my company). Other than that, not many are calling to ask how I am surviving the recession as a small business owner. ...more

January 12, 2009

A group of Brandon and Valrico residents met Dec. 20 at the Bloomingdale Regional Library for a public meeting to discuss health care reform. ...more

January 7, 2009

As a small business owner in Highlands County and an advertiser in Highlands Today, I was saddened by the way in which your paper has taken aim at a small business owner in this county. Small businesses are closing at an unprecedented rate all over the country, why is the Highlands Today making this unfortunate mistake front-page news? ...more

November 28, 2008

Judging from the debates leading up to the presidential election, America is a country made up of men who are beer-drinking plumbers and women who spend their days driving people to and from sporting events. But we are far more than Joe the Plumber, Joe Six-pack, Soccer Mom and Hockey Mom - with or without the lipstick. ...more

October 25, 2008

The Suncoast News' recommendation of Pasco County Commission District 3 incumbent Ann Hildebrand, based on her "involvement on numerous public and private boards" is commendable but not a basis for her continuing for a seventh term, opponent Wil Nickerson responses. ...more

August 23, 2008

Independent Family Businesses Need Support ...more

August 2, 2008

SEBRING – James K. "Jim" Otterman was appointed the next executive director of Florida's Heartland Rural Economic Development Initiative Inc (FHREDI) effective July 1. Otterman began his career selling residential real estate in 1985. Since that time, his career included all aspects of real estate sales, marketing and management. He was selected to instruct real estate courses for South Florida Community College in 1988, which led to the opening of his own real estate school four years later. ...more

June 23, 2008

One writer, apparently not a fan, asked about Senator Clinton's early years. A good question because many believe that academic success, high intellect and early leadership roles are essential foundations for the demanding position of president. A brief Internet search provides concise background information on all candidates. Hillary Rodham, daughter of a small business owner, had a Midwest Ozzie and Harriet childhood. Hillary was student body president of her public high school, graduated in the top five of her class and was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. She majored in political science at prestigious Wellesley College, where she was president of the Young Republican's Club (yes Republican), graduated with honors and was the first student in the school's history to deliver a commencement address. The latter was covered in Life Magazine. She went on to Yale Law School, served on the Law Review Board and received her L.L.D. Interviews with former Wellesley students state that Hillary was an inspirational student leader who was always prepared, charismatic and very effective. She was viewed by many at the time as a future senator or even the first woman president. ...more

February 19, 2008

The presidential race isn't the only upcoming election that will be of interest to Hillsborough County voters. Three county commission seats, two elected by district and one countywide, are up for grabs, including a possible contest between incumbent Brian Blair and Mons Venus owner Joe Redner. Party nominees will be chosen in an Aug. 26 primary. The general election will be Nov. 4. Here's a look at seven candidates who have filed their intent to run and several who said they are seriously thinking of running. ...more

February 17, 2008