Mr. President, Is It Main Street's Turn Yet?
Donna Maria asks President Obama when it will be time to address the needs of “real” small business owners.
My Question For SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills
Donna Maria shares the question she asked of Karen Mills, the administrator of the US Small Business Administration.
My Meeting With Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine
Donna Maria shares what she learned in her meeting with Tim Kaine and several influential political bloggers.
My Visit With Small Business Administration Officials
Donna Maria shares what she learned in her meeting with officials from the US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
Podcast: My Interview With Dan Marshall: How Small Business Owners Can Influence Public Policy
Donna Maria’s interview with Dan Marshall, discussing how small and independent business owners can positively impact public policy.
The New Consumer Business Owner: Are You One?
Donna Maria coins “consumer business owner,” a term describing a new type of American entrepreneur.
Indie Beauty Network Opposes H.R. 5786 Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010
As the founder and CEO of the Indie Beauty Network, I am confirming that IBN opposes the bill named, “H.R. 5786: The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (SCA or H.R. 5786). If you have not already done so, please read and sign our petition opposing the bill. As of the publication of this post, over…
Announcing the Oppose The Safe Cosmetics Act Website
Donna Maria announces the new collaborative small business website: Oppose The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010!
Links to Text of Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010
This is a link to the printer friendly version of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. This is a link to the PDF version of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.
The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 Has Been Introduced
The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 Has Been Introduced Yesterday, I told you in this post to brace yourself for the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics’s (CFSC) latest effort to scare everyone into thinking that cosmetics are contaminating them with cancer causing chemicals. As I suspected, the video they are circulating today is filled with misinformation…
Campaign For Safe Cosmetics To Release New Cosmetics Video
Earlier today, I told you about the Personal Care Products Council’s newly announced proposed cosmetics legislation. This post shares a teaser for a video entitled, “The Story Of Cosmetics,” that is slated to be released tomorrow by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. As you watch this teaser, and the full-length video that will be released…
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Donna Maria shares commentary on the contributions of industry trade groups, and how the smallest companies benefit from representation geared specifically toward them.
Building A Business With Talent, Guts and Common Sense
Donna Maria shares the story of how one determined mother provided for her children one day, and ended up starting a business.
The Things We Make, Make Us
Donna Maria borrows a few lines from a Jeep Cherokee commercial to underscore the need for laws that enable America’s small and family businesses to thrive and grow on a level playing field.
The Hypocrisy Of Using Scare Tactics To Impact Public Policy
Donna Maria shares thoughtful commentary on the Environmental Working Groups efforts to use scare tactics to affect public policy in the cosmetics industry.
Personal Care Truth Launches!
Donna Maria shares the launch of Personal Care Truth.com!
Small Business Owners: Embrace Your Legislative Advocacy Power!
For those who may be new here, I am the president of the Indie Beauty Network, a trade organization representing small manufacturers of soaps, cosmetics, candles, fragrances and aromatherapy products. IBN members also make confectionery products and jewelry, and many members provide services to the companies that make products. I am an attorney (though not…
Bad Science and Bad Public Policy Combine to Defeat Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act
Today, I listened to the live testimony given in support of and in opposition to the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act (HB 10-1248). I am told that an audio recording of the testimony will be made publicly available by the Colorado legislature and if so, I will post it when it becomes available. Although…
Colorado Cosmetics: Template Letter You Can Edit And Use
As you know, I have been blogging the past few days in my capacity as the leader of IBN about the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act. Below is the text of a draft template you can use to send a letter to the Colorado legislature voicing your opposition to the Colorado Safe Personal Care…
Costly Confusion in Colorado: The Bubble Bill
A few days ago, I told you about the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, which purports to seek to protect people in Colorado from substances in cosmetics that “cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” I do not like cancer and I do not want children, born or unborn, to be subject to unnecessary hazards. But…
Oppose the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act
In November, I shared my views as leader of IBN on the FDA Globalization Act of 2009. This post was followed by a second trip to Washington, DC to meet with Food & Drug Administration (FDA) officials and staffers in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I have also shared my views on President Obama’s…