Northwest Chamber of Commerce

If you are looking to market or network in the northwest area the North West Chamber of Commerce is place to do so. Here is the last meeting of the NWCC networking luncheon. Here business professionals meet to discuss possible sales opportunities and possibly pass referrals. This group had grown significantly since it started just a few months ago and there have been several success stories. I am very proud of it's progress and look forward to seeing what the future holds. If you are interested in attending a meeting you do not have to be a member to do so. This group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday's of the month from 11:30am-12:30pm at Syberg's restaurant on Dorsett. You can rsvp your spot by email Amy at amy@favazzacpa.com

Sorry the photo is a little blurry. Someone else took the photo.

Here is Amy Smith along with our clients Dwight Alberhasky and Ron Rendleman of Money Mailer at the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon. They sell advertising from business to consumer via the Money mailer packet that you probably receive in your mail box. It offers discounts to local restaurants, retail stores, and service providers in your area. Money Mailer is a great way to advertise is the consumer is your target market because they can help establish a targeting market list for your business as well as manage it for you. They do postcard advertising as well and will even provide the service of developing the art work.

If you are interested in advertising with Money Mailer or finding out more about how they can help your business call them at (636) 447-5555 or email dalberhasky@moneymailer.com you can also visit their website at http://www.moneymailerstl.com/

Cash for Clunkers

The Car Allowance Rebate System -- better known as CARS Act or "Cash for Clunkers" program -- is a new subsidy designed to help you trade in an old gas guzzler for a new, fuel-efficient vehicle. But is it really all it promises to be?

Or is it a lemon of a bill with little real value for most Americans?

Your car is an official "clunker" if:

It's not more than 25 years old.

Your combined city/highway mileage is 18 miles/gallon or less.

It's in driveable condition.

You can show that you've had it continuously registered and insured for at least a year. (That's to keep scammers from buying junk cars and trading them in.)

Your new car can cost up to $45,000. You can buy it or lease it. The combined fuel economy has to be 18 miles/gallon or more for trucks, or 22 miles/gallon or more for cars.So -- if you meet those requirements, and if you choose to participate, the dealer will credit you the the scrap value of the car, and the government will give the dealer a voucher to bring the trade-in price up to $3,500 (if the new vehicles combined fuel economy is 4-10 miles/gallon greater than your trade-in) or $4,500 (if your new vehicle's combined fuel economy is 10 or more miles/gallon greater than your trade-in). (There are different, less restrictive rules for trucks and SUVs.)

Notice I just said the government will give the a voucher. You don't actually get the cash -- the dealer gets the cash, so you don't have to finance as much, which makes it easier for you to qualify for the new car.But -- as dealers love to tell you -- this is a limited offer! Some dealers have already started ofering the vouchers, but the program ends on November 1, 2009.There are also strict dollar limits on subsidies for trucks -- just 7.5% of the total amount available under the bill. Once those subsidies are gone, they're gone!Want some good news?

The CARS Act specifically provides that the subsidy is not taxable income. And you can combine the "Cash for Clunkers" subsidy with other government programs, like the credit for hybrid vehicles and the new deduction for sales tax.In the end, the "Cash for Clunkers" program probably won't mean much for you. But buying or leasing a new car is an important financial decision, especially if you use it for your trade or business. So be sure to call us with your car and truck questions before you make an expensive mistake!