| Foreign workers worldwide send billions home
Every month, in its own modest way, an unassuming Sacramento shop called Punjab International takes part in a global enterprise that, according to the findings of a new report, moves hundreds of billions of dollars around the world. The phenomenon begins with the labor of migrant and immigrant workers scattered around the world. In 2006, it resulted in the transfer of an estimated $301 billion from workers back to families and accounts in the developing world. The magnitude of these transfers, or remittances, far exceeded the largesse of richer countries last year, which, by comparison, donated $104 billion in foreign aid to the developing world. .
Businesses fight plan for paid leave
TRENTON -- Lauren Agoratus admits she and her husband were unique. They had neither credit card debt nor car loans and their student loans were paid. But that changed in 1992, when their daughter Stephanie was born with a kidney disease that left her in a hospital and needing intensive care for months. .
Madigan's proposal would overhaul Gaming Board
SPRINGFIELD - Riverboat gambling is big business in Illinois, and it soon could get much bigger - a major expansion could put the state in the company of Nevada and New Jersey as the nation's major gambling destinations. Before that happens, House Speaker Michael Madigan said the obscure board that regulates the casino industry needs an overhaul. Madigan wants to revamp the Illinois Gaming Board with five new members vetted by a blue-ribbon panel, separate the board from the state agency that oversees it and hire a gaming enforcement director and inspector general to root out state gaming and ethics law violations. "There's nothing wrong with the current Gaming Board. They've done a good job," Madigan said at a recent news conference in Chicago announcing his proposal.
Kyl looks to move up Senate leadership ranks
U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., is looking to move up the Senate leadership ladder following Monday's announcement by U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., that he would not seek another term. Lott is the Senate minority whip -- the No. 2 ranking Republican in the chamber behind Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. A Kyl spokesman confirmed the Arizona senator is running for Lott's spot but declined further comment. Kyl -- a conservative and ally of the Bush administration -- currently serves as Republican Conference chairman, the No. 3 leadership spot. A Monday article on Politco.com also lists GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee as possibly running for the whip position. .
Sustainability Coach Takes Her Expertise to Market
Big business's decision to jump on the green bandwagon has created a host of opportunities for consultants with environmental expertise. Jennifer Woofter recognized the possibilities six years ago, when she was a research analyst for Calvert Group, one of the country's largest families of socially responsible mutual funds. She judged companies on whether they met Calvert's standards for social and environmental performance, looking at their energy and water use, recycling numbers, workplace diversity and human rights records. .
BizBits for Nov. 21
A weekly roundup of area business news of interest in the Northwest.New HiresJim Kaiser joined NOVA Home Loans as vice president and senior loan officer at the Oro Valley office, 10355 N. Oracle Road. Kaiser previously worked for Pinnacle Mortgage and Bank of America. Evie Coakley has joined T.L. Roof and Associates Construction Company as a project manager. Coakley brings more than 20 years of construction experience to the company. Vicki Cox Golder will be installed as the 2008 first vice president of the National Association of Realtors on Dec. 6. Golder previously served as president of the Arizona Association of Realtors and the Tucson Association of Realtors. Donald Philips has joined T.L. Roof and Associates Construction Company as a project superintendent. Philips has been in the construction industry for seven years and previously worked as a wireman for an electrical contractor.
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