Business columns & opinions from Boise, ID

Business Columnists

Better Business by Robb Hicken: Hire the right real estate agent to sell your home

The National Association of Realtors' quarterly report shows current pending home sales increased in the first quarter of 2013. But in the West, supply is holding sales back.

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Archive by category ''Business Columnists

David Staats

BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Protect Your Assets by Neal B. Custer: Dumpz and fullz: Inside the credit-card scam business

Shopping has never been as fast or as efficient as it is today. In a store, simply scan your products through the self checkout machine, swipe your credit card, type in your PIN and walk out with your new purchase. Online shopping is equally simple - all a person needs to do is enter a bit of personal...
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Small Business byn Donald A. Smith: Consultants, new employees can show what insiders miss

I remember the first time I heard a consultant describe what he did using the watch analogy. I asked him what line of work he was in and he said, "I'm a consultant. I tell people what time it is by using their watches."
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Idaho Technology by Jim Gasaway: How develop.idaho 2013 helped our software sector

Because technology evolves rapidly, Idaho software professionals need to stay on the cutting edge of new industry trends. The Idaho Technology Council wants Idaho tech companies to stay competitive in the global economy, which is why we recognize the importance of providing educational opportunities...
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

The Economy by Peter R. Crabb: Fed's excessive interventioncontributes to uncertainty

Speaking about the Great Depression and its effect on citizen morale, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Today, the Federal Reserve is creating fear in the markets.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Boise State on Business by Nancy Napier: Stars and rocks help teach us to consider the long term

I stood outside recently on one of those Boise nights that people in Columbus or Houston or London probably never see. I didn't think it was particularly clear at first, but when I looked up and squinted, I could see chunks of the Milky Way, great swaths of stars crossing the sky. I nearly tripped...
DAVID STAATS

From the Editor by David Staats: Reporting for multiple readerships

When we cover an event, we try to serve people who get news on their electronic devices and people who take time once a day to read the print edition. We aim to report with both immediacy and depth.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

The Core by Bessie Katsilometes: Planned ISU-Meridian lab to have cadavers, virtual tech

Thanks to the generosity and vision of private donors and the leadership of Gov. Butch Otter, the Legislature and the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council, our state has dramatically deepened its core competency in health care and health-related research through approval of the Treasure Valley...
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Boise State on Business by Gundars Kaupins: The bike that knew too much: New tech can tell on you

Jill's bike monitored her heart rate as she raced up to Castle Rock in the Boise Foothills. The bike told her that her back tire was a bit low. It also tracked her speed, location, the force she was using to pedal and the height of her seat. The bicycle warned her not to turn right at the fork in...
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Valley View by David C. Pate: Navigating the health law: One big employer's advice

There is plenty for everyone to dislike about the health care reform law, but businesses no longer have the luxury of debate. They must figure out how to comply and make decisions about how to control health care costs while ensuring the best possible health and productivity for their employees.
BUSINESS COLUMNISTS

Small Business by C. Norman Beckert: Why you should determine what your business is worth

Might you want to know the value of your business? The answer should be yes.