Marketplace News Headlines - Yahoo! News

National League of Cities Responds to Members of Congress Opposing Marketplace Fairness Act

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:30:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director Clarence Anthony responds to today's news conference by members of Congress opposing of the Marketplace Fairness Act:(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081022/NLCLOGO)This week our country celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week. How ironic that during this week, those who should help promote local businesses are calling for the House to reject legislation to put main street retailers on an equal footing with internet sellers. ...

Microsoft’s Xbox One indie games policy baffles developer

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:30:36 -0400

In addition to all the other controversies surrounding the Xbox One, we’re now hearing grumblings from independent developers who are unhappy that Microsoft is telling them that they need to have a publisher to sell their games on the Xbox One marketplace. Eurogamer last week talked with Lorne Lanning, the head of independent game developer Oddworld Inhabitants, who said that Microsoft’s new restrictions on independent studios mean that his company won’t release any new games for the Xbox One or the Xbox 360. “Why do we need a publisher when we self-finance our games, we build our own IP, we manage our own IP and we’ve turned nearly two million units online as indie publishers sold — not free downloads?” Lanning asked rhetorically,

US-INDUSTRY Summary

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:08:32 -0400

Broadcast Music Inc sues Pandora over license fees (Reuters) - Broadcast Music Inc (BMI), a songwriters' rights organization, is suing Pandora Media after the Internet radio company rejected a request to pay a higher license fee for playing songs across various devices, including mobile phones. In a lawsuit filed with the Manhattan federal court on Thursday, BMI said it had proposed an increase in Pandora's fees "consistent with market rates to reflect the explosive growth of the Internet music streaming marketplace. ...

Broadcast Music Inc sues Pandora over license fees

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 02:15:03 -0400

(Reuters) - Broadcast Music Inc (BMI), a songwriters' rights organization, is suing Pandora Media after the Internet radio company rejected a request to pay a higher license fee for playing songs across various devices, including mobile phones. In a lawsuit filed with the Manhattan federal court on Thursday, BMI said it had proposed an increase in Pandora's fees "consistent with market rates to reflect the explosive growth of the Internet music streaming marketplace. ...

Exxon CEO says delays in gas export permits hurt U.S.

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:14:44 -0400

By Ayesha Rascoe and Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Delays in approval of more natural gas export projects are costing U.S. companies millions of dollars a day and giving a leg up to rival countries also looking to boost exports, the chief of Exxon Mobil Corp said on Thursday. The comments by Exxon's Rex Tillerson came hours after new U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz told lawmakers he hopes to "expeditiously" begin evaluating the more than a dozen applications awaiting approval to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). "It's a very competitive marketplace. ...

UL Environment Leads and Educates Marketplace with Zero Waste Validation

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:15:00 -0400

MARIETTA, Ga., June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), announced today that it has collaborated with a number of organizations to co-promote its landfill waste diversion claim validation and to educate the marketplace on more sustainable methods for waste diversion, globally.(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120209/MM50987LOGO)UL has developed working relationships with the Green Manufacturer Network, Waste Management, and Waste Cost Reduction Services (WCRS) in the UK. ...

Analysis: This time, bond investors think a Fed pullback is real

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:07:02 -0400

By Karen Brettell NEW YORK (Reuters) - This time, the Fed is serious. That's the judgment of U.S. government bond investors who believe the Federal Reserve is close to paring back its $2.5 trillion, 4-1/2-year bond purchase program, and it's causing turmoil in the U.S. Treasury market. Trading in Treasuries has turned notably more volatile in recent days and volatility may continue as traders try to adjust to a marketplace in flux. In the last six weeks, benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields have surged to 2.19 percent, from 1.60 percent at the beginning of May. ...

Association of Independent Doctors (AID) Announces Its Formation

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:39:00 -0400

WINTER PARK, Fla. and WASHINGTON, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Independent Doctors (AID) has announced its formation. AID is a national trade association established to serve the interests of independent doctors.In every industry, competition is an important check against higher prices, diminished quality, and loss of consumer choice. Independent doctors have a critical role in our nation's ability to sustain affordable and high quality care, preserve patient choice, create jobs, impact the economy, and maintain a competitive marketplace. ...

Minn. health insurance call center opens in Sept.

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:13:20 -0400

The call center for Minnesota's new health insurance marketplace will be operational Sept. 3 to help prepare consumers for buying coverage when open enrollment begins a month later, officials said Wednesday. ...

Canada names interim boss Pecman to head competition watchdog

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:27:45 -0400

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's competition watchdog got a new chief on Wednesday, with the government choosing an internal candidate who has signaled a tougher stance on forcing companies to hand over information when they are being investigated for abuses. John Pecman was named Commissioner of Competition for a five-year term, nearly a year after he stepped into the role as interim head of the country's Competition Bureau. The bureau is an independent law enforcement agency tasked with ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. ...

MNsure board to hear from future customers

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:48:53 -0400

The board in charge of Minnesota's new health insurance marketplace will begin hearing regular presentations from its future customers. The MNsure board holds its second meeting Wednesday. On the agenda ...

U.S. Travel Association Selects Washington, DC as Host City for IPW 2017

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:15:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, joined the U.S. Travel Association today to announce that Washington, DC has been selected as the host city for International Pow Wow (IPW), the travel industry's premier international event, in 2017. The four-day global marketplace for buyers and suppliers of travel products and services is expected to attract more than 5,500 delegates to Washington, DC, June 3-7, 2017. ...

U.S. Travel Association's IPW Event Sets Attendance Records

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:55:00 -0400

LAS VEGAS, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Travel Association announced record-setting attendance at the IPW (International Pow Wow) marketplace taking place here this week, with more than 6,000 delegates from the U.S. and 70 other countries, 1,300 exhibitor booths, 1,300 international and domestic buyers and nearly 500 media. The event is expected to generate over $3.5 billion in future travel to the U.S., and tens of millions in economic impact for Las Vegas as the host city. ...

Hawaii health insurance exchange moves forward

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:23:17 -0400

The federal government is approving technical designs for a new online health insurance marketplace Hawaii is setting up under the Obama administration's health care reform law. Gov. Neil Abercrombie's ...

CompTIA Small Business Spotlight: IT SMBs Face New Interstate Tax Compliance Burdens

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:15:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Marketplace Fairness Act (MFA) of 2013 would require businesses to collect and remit state sales taxes on sales of goods and services made into other states. While the Act contains a "small seller" exemption, this approach does not address the real concerns of small IT companies, according to CompTIA, the non-profit association for the IT industry.(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire. ...

New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council 2013 Business Opportunity Expo June 19-20 in New York City

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:00:00 -0400

NEW YORK, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council's 2013 Business Opportunity Expo, considered New York City's top conference on corporations outsourcing to multicultural businesses, will be held from June 19-20 at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway in Manhattan.The Expo's theme, The Minority-Majority: A New Value Proposition, explores the impact of a multicultural America on minority business development. It reflects the changing demographics in America and the influence this population on the consumer marketplace. ...

Facing Mounting Pressure from Youth Activists, Congress Kills Internet Tax

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:17:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), who was Facebook bombed by over 3,000 young activists in recent days, announced this morning that his committee would not take up Senate-passed legislation to collect taxes on Internet sales. Goodlatte's statement effectively kills the bill, deceptively labeled the "Marketplace Fairness Act."(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130606/DC27767) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire. ...

Illinois-run insurance marketplace stalls again

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:55:44 -0400

Federal officials could end up overseeing the new Illinois health insurance marketplace for years to come after lawmakers in Springfield balked again at a full embrace of President Barack Obama's health ...

Amazon launches "marketplace model" in India

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 01:33:36 -0400

(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc has launched its "marketplace model" in India, a country that has big potential for online retailing. Starting with books, movies and TV shows video products, Amazon will include mobile phones and cameras in the coming weeks, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Under the marketplace model, the U.S. company will offer a platform for third parties and consumers to sell and buy products. Foreign companies are currently not allowed to directly offer online retailing in India. Amazon already runs a price comparison portal, junglee.com, in India. ...

4 insurance companies interested in Ark. exchange

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:34:31 -0400

Four insurance companies plan to sell their policies to more than 500,000 Arkansas residents through an online marketplace created under the federal health care law, the state Insurance Department announced ...

Food And Beverage Companies Surpass 2015 Goal Of Reducing Calories In The U.S. Three Years Ahead Of Schedule

Thu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today announced that America's top food and beverage companies have exceeded their goal of reducing 1.5 trillion calories in the marketplace in the United States. This announcement comes three years after a 2010 commitment by the HWCF, and its 16 food and beverage corporate partners, to the First Lady's Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) to reduce calories by 1.5 trillion by 2015. To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu. ...

Internet sales tax may help U.S. state, local governments: S&P

Wed, 29 May 2013 16:03:49 -0400

(Reuters) - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said on Wednesday the Marketplace Fairness Act bill passed by the U.S. Senate in early May to allow states to collect sales taxes from on-line purchases could help state and local governments stave off some revenue losses. The legislation has been decades in the making, and is currently being considered by the House of Representatives, where it will likely face some opposition. Nonetheless, many states are hoping it will pass, saying an Internet sales tax will allow them to bring in much-needed revenue. ...

Ark. lawmakers approve $16.5 million for exchange

Tue, 28 May 2013 14:39:13 -0400

Arkansas lawmakers on Tuesday approved spending nearly $16.5 million in federal funds to continue setting up a marketplace where more than 500,000 people can shop for insurance under the health care law. ...

AARP Applauds Senate Passage Of Key Health Insurance Bill, Urges House To Follow

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:21:00 -0400

House Bill 3227 Will Help over 1 Million Illinoisans Have Access to Healthcare PlansSPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of Illinois citizens do not have access to basic health and dental care even when employed. But today's State Senate passage of a key legislative measure means critical help is on the way through the establishment of the state's first Health Insurance Marketplace. House Bill 3227 today passed the Senate by a vote of 39-19 and is on its way to the State House. AARP is urging State Representatives to vote Yes on this urgently-needed legislation. ...

L.A. Care Selected For Participation In California's Health Benefit Exchange

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:13:00 -0400

LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, is pleased to announce its selection as a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) by Covered California, the state's health benefit exchange.Established by the passage of federal health care reform, Covered California is creating a new insurance marketplace that will provide individuals and small business throughout the state with greater access to and choices in health coverage. ...

Consumers Union Praises Covered California's Release of Plans and Proposed Rates as Important Milestone for Implementing the Affordable Care Act

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:55:00 -0400

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Covered California, the new statewide marketplace for private health insurance, announced today the health plans that have been chosen to participate, along with their proposed rates. The announcement is an important milestone in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, according to Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports. "Cost is crucial for consumers trying to decide on a health plan that is right for them," said Betsy Imholz, Special Projects Director for Consumers Union. ...

TMA Launches Physician Services Organization for Patient Care

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:34:00 -0400

AUSTIN, Texas, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Texas' premier physician associations today announced the establishment of an organization to deliver doctors the survival tools they need to provide demonstrably better and more efficient patient care and compete in today's health care marketplace."I am confident the Physician Services Organization for Patient Care will save local practices," said Stephen L. Brotherton, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA). "Texas doctors are determined to make health care better and more affordable for Texans. ...

Afghanistan: Suicide bomb kills anti-Taliban elder

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:08:27 -0400

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A suicide bomber on foot killed an anti-Taliban village elder and at least three other people in a busy marketplace Wednesday in central Afghanistan, the latest in a wave of assassinations and bombings.

NM changing its plans for health exchange

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:38:49 -0400

New Mexico is switching gears on its plan for a health insurance exchange and initially will partner with the federal government for computer services needed for an online insurance marketplace. The state ...

3 companies to offer insurance in MT marketplace

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:27:30 -0400

Three health insurance companies plan to sell health insurance through the federal insurance marketplace in Montana. Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen says Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, ...

Confused By Health Care Marketplaces? Help Is Coming

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:43:58 -0400

Under the Affordable Care Act, people and small businesses will be able to purchase insurance through a Marketplace.

Apple’s App Store surpasses 50 billion downloads

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:15:08 -0400

The countdown on Apple’s website stopped late Wednesday indicating that the company’s App Store has surpassed 50 billion downloads. The milestone comes just 14 months after Apple announced 25 billion apps had been downloaded from its popular marketplace. Apple launched the App Store in July 2008 and downloads have increased steadily over the past five years. The company’s first milestone came in January 2011 when the store surpassed 10 billion downloads, followed by 25 billion last March. Apple will reward the individual who downloaded the 50 billionth application with a $10,000 App Store gift card and 50 runners-up will each receive a $500 card.

Analysis: For all the debt, there's a shortage of bonds

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:58:03 -0400

By Mike Dolan LONDON (Reuters) - Debt may be everywhere but there's a scarcity of bonds. With governments awash with debt and furiously selling new securities to fund bloated budget deficits, the idea of a bond shortage on the marketplace may sound puzzling. Yet not only is "quantitative easing" by the world's major central banks sucking benchmark bonds out of the system, new regulations to strengthen banks and derivatives markets that effectively ring-fence bond holdings at commercial banks has raised concerns about a lack of bonds to lubricate the system. ...

Nokia marketing boss admits missing apps on Windows Phone is a big problem

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:55:57 -0400

The Windows Phone platform is in serious need of high-quality applications. Microsoft recently announced that its Windows Phone app store is home to nearly 150,000 applications, however the operating system is still lacking fan favorites such as Instagram, Dropbox and HBO GO. Windows Phone devices released by Nokia and HTC have been well received by critics, but most reviews share one common complaint — not enough good apps. Vesa Jutila, Nokia’s global head of smartphone marketing, admitted in an interview with Engadget that “the biggest complaint is that customers are missing the apps they want.” The executive noted that there were some significant gaps in the marketplace, although he claims Nokia is “addressing this very strongly” with help from Microsoft.

Microsoft reveals only 145,000 apps in Windows Phone Store

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:15:24 -0400

The lack of applications on the Windows Phone platform is a serious problem Microsoft must fix if it wants to be a viable alternative to Android and the iPhone. The company on Friday revealed that the Windows Phone Store is now home to 145,000 apps and games, significantly less than Google and Apple’s offerings, and only slightly more than BlackBerry. It appears that developer interest for Microsoft’s mobile platform has slowed as well. Last June, the Windows Phone Store saw tremendous growth, doubling the number of apps in a six-month period to total 100,000. In the past 11 months, however, less than 45,000 new applications were added to the marketplace.

New Mexico exchange subject to sunshine laws

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:43:57 -0400

New Mexico's open government laws will apply to a state-run health insurance exchange that will serve as a marketplace for the uninsured to buy medical coverage. Legislation enacted this year makes clear ...

Nev. group hails US Senate passage of Internet tax

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:18:46 -0400

The Retail Association of Nevada is hailing U.S. Senate passage of a bill that would allow states to collect tax on Internet sales. The Senate on Monday approved the Marketplace Fairness Act on a vote ...

Internet Sales Tax Passes in the Senate But That Was the Easy Part

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:50:07 -0400

A battle royale is brewing on Capitol Hill after a bipartisan coalition in the Senate handily passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, the controversial bill that would impose a sales tax on Internet purchases.

U.S. Conference Of Mayors President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Applauds Senate Passage Of Marketplace Fairness Act

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:33:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Conference of Mayors President Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued the following statement today after the Marketplace Fairness Act was approved in the U.S. Senate:(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110125/MM36443LOGO)"Today's passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act is a win for local governments and for businesses everywhere. It is the first critical step towards final passage, and our hope now is that the House will also approve it, so President Obama can sign it into law. ...

Senate Passage of Marketplace Fairness Act is Only First Step

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:44:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director Clarence Anthony responds to the Senate passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act today:(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081022/NLCLOGO)"We applaud and thank the Senators who voted today in favor of the Marketplace Fairness Act. And while today's Senate victory is momentous, the fight is not over and our advocacy efforts to see this bill signed in law will continue. ...