Independent stores nationwide seem to have done as well or better than the chain-dominated retail industry during the 2009 holidays, according to a survey issued recently.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance in Washington, D.C., said sales were up 2.2 percent in November and December versus the same period in 2008 a.m.ong roughly 1,800 independent businesses nationwide that took part in its survey. read more »

The Washington State Health Care Authority announced the award of Community Health Care Collaborative grants totaling $450,000 to six non-profit, community-based health care organizations. The competitive grants, authorized by the 2009 Legislature, range from $50,000 to $100,000 for a two-year cycle that runs through June 30, 2011. Successful recipients are required to leverage state dollars by spending $2.00 in matching funds for every grant dollar received. read more »

Our country may be struggling to compete economically with China, India and other rapidly developing nations, but when disaster strikes, America still leads the world in caring. read more »

Five years after hedge-fund billionaire Edward S. Lampert brashly merged Sears and Kmart, the storied merchants keep shrinking.

So on the fourth floor of its grand Chicago flagship that epitomizes the 20th-century approach to shopping, a team of 180 e-commerce whizzes is searching for fresh ways to sell Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools in an age of iPhone apps and Twitter. read more »

The office supplies retailer is launching a new brand campaign, its first since 2004, under the banner “Good News for Business.” The comprehensive effort represents Office Max’s biggest marketing investment in four years, said Bob Thacker, senior VP-marketing and advertising.

“It’s substantial,” said Mr. Thacker. “We feel it’s time to start focusing on the 90 percent of the population that is working. That’s not to minimize the 10 percent that aren’t. But for business to thrive, we have to get beyond fear and focus on hope.” read more »

The Department of Revenue has published a tax reference manual on its web site. Last revised in 2009, the 225-page report provides an overview of Washington’s tax system and summarizes state and local taxes. It cites their purpose, history, rate changes, and revenue produced from each tax over the past decade. read more »

Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business, released the following statement regarding the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget for the Small Business Administration (SBA):

“In the State of the Union address, President Obama made clear the importance of small businesses to our economic recovery. Given the pivotal role small businesses play in job creation read more »

Sterling Financial Corp. announced a fourth-quarter loss attributable to common shareholders of $333.1 million, or a loss of $6.41 per share, which compares with a fourth-quarter loss of $356.3 million, or $6.87 per share a year earlier.

The latest quarter includes a $340.3 million charge that the Spokane bank company (NASDAQ: STSA), which owns Sterling Savings Bank and Golf Savings Bank, set aside as an allowance for credit losses. read more »