Amazon has been lobbying heavily for an internet sales tax in the United States. The tax Was supposed “hurt” big companies like Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other large internet sales companies, but instead it hurts the small business. It puts a much higher burden on the little companies who can’t afford to have thousands of accountants on the payroll. It would help the larger companies stay on top and nearly eliminate any prospect of a small business moving up in to one of the top spots, and becoming a major player in the market.

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021778597_amazonlobbyingxml.html

GM is currently working on an electric car that can go 200 miles per charge, Similar to Tesla’s Model S, according to a top executive. GM plans to sell it for cheaper; however, at around $30,000 USD compared to the $71,000 USD. It is not expected to emerge any time soon, it is a long term project and no dates or comments on if such a vehicle will even be built have been given by the Vice President Doug Parks.

A car like this could revolutionize the auto industry. Affordable at purchase, environmentally-friendly, and also affordable in the long-term, it fills the needs and wants of so many people.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/09/16/gm-general-motors-electric-car/2823601/

Dell recently decided to go private after a shareholder vote earlier this year. The company is supposed to be worth about $24.9 billion, and is the largest company ever to remove itself from the public stock market. They have been planning the switch for months and were only able recently to strike up the deal. They have no major plans on changing their current business model. They will still be in the PC market, although they are looking into expanding into tablets, and other electronic devices.

It is interesting to see social media companies like Facebook and Twitter opening up IPOs, while a company that manufactures computers decides to go private. People don’t need computers anymore to do everyday things like check email, browse the internet, or play games. Smartphones and tablets are gaining more functionality everyday, and it appears they are slowly beginning to phase out the personal computer.

http://www.zdnet.com/dell-cleared-to-go-private-for-24-9b-after-shareholders-vote-in-favor-of-deal-7000020611/

In recent years sustainability and green issues have become much more pronounced, and many companies have started promoting much more ethical business models. However, the question arises, do these corporations really care about the issues at hand, or are they just “green washing”, using them to garner media attention and publicity? Some people might argue that it doesn’t really matter, as long as they are acting responsibly, but how can we really tell?

There are many different lists and awards for ranking ethical companies, some with very strict and others more stingy criteria, resulting in enormous variations with regards to where corporations place on these lists. Kellogg’s and Pepsi, for example, had a rather low score on “Oxfam’s Behind the Brand” particularly on commitment to improving the rights of women and farmers. On Ethisphere’s list; however, they were ranked as the two most ethical companies in the world.

It is very important to keep in mind that the main priority for these companies is profit. They will strive to win any type of award that will bring them more business. The companies giving out the awards will also benefit from giving a good ranking to a large corporation, because it will direct more traffic, views, and subscriptions to their site. Just remember to do research for yourself. You never know what you might dig up.

http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/blog/ethical-awards-green-wash-sustainability

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