-
Recent Posts
Categories
Recent Comments
Archives
- August 2016
- June 2016
- November 2015
- September 2015
- May 2014
- March 2014
- November 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- February 2012
- November 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
Blogroll
Meta
Author Archives: Tom Bengtson
Chesterton Academy is response to Kelly’s call-to-action
I have been a fan of Matthew Kelly for a few years. In preparation for a book study group I am going to begin leading at my parish next month, I just finished rereading his best-seller “Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual … Continue reading
Posted in education
224 Comments
Hire for success
Walter Bond is a former NBA basketball player who speaks to groups about what it takes to succeed on the court and in the office. When Bond played college ball at the University of Minnesota, he won the most improved … Continue reading
Posted in business
60 Comments
Note to Minnesota lawmakers: Business-to-business tax proposal should be dropped
As the legislature considers a variety of tax reform options, I urge lawmakers to reject the implementation of a business-to-business sales tax. In his tax reform proposal, Gov. Dayton advocates for a reduction in the state sales tax rate but … Continue reading
Posted in business, government
34 Comments
Dad shows one person can make a big difference
2012 was a year of many blessings but I will remember is as the year my father passed away on June 7. In December, television typically offers “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a film that means a little bit more to … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, memories, reflection
38 Comments
Micobusiness entrepreneurship is key to job growth
The “micro” end of the small business sector offers valuable opportunity for employment growth; policymakers interested in expanding employment in Minnesota should do everything they can to encourage microbusinesses, also called SOHO (small office/home office) businesses. Use the term “small … Continue reading
Posted in business, government
39 Comments
Speaker shares leadership message: engage those around you
My professional colleague and friend Rich Chapman delivered an excellent leadership message to a group of managers I recently brought together. Rich is a consultant with an investment banking firm that does a lot of work with churches and non-profit … Continue reading
Posted in business, Inspiration
6 Comments
Take time to live in the present
One of the things I have always appreciated about privately-held or family-owned businesses is that their management can think long term. They don’t have quite the earnings pressure which managers at publically held firms face. When your stock is widely … Continue reading
Posted in business, reflection
47 Comments
Amendment to determine who gets to vote on marriage question
The outcome of the Nov. 6 vote won’t stop the debate over the legal definition of marriage in Minnesota. Importantly, however, it will determine which Minnesotans get a meaningful voice in that debate. If the “vote no” side wins, only … Continue reading
Posted in government, State law
49 Comments
Tax policy clarity would give economy a boost
Planning is essential to good business management, but lately it has become very difficult for most business owners to plan out very far. I am convinced the inability to plan is preventing many small business owners from expanding. Economic, political … Continue reading
Posted in business, government
956 Comments
Lessons from Steve Jobs
“Steve Jobs,” the biography by Walter Isaacson, is a remarkable treatise on leadership. Quirky and sometimes cruel, Jobs wasn’t much of a manager but he was a tremendous leader. Anyone who runs a business can learn from him. Here’s what … Continue reading
Posted in business
8 Comments