by J.W. Elphinstone
Associated Press

American entrepreneurial spirit

More than eight out of ten Americans consider themselves “entrepreneurial,” and one quarter dream of owning their own business, a new Ace Hardware survey shows.

But to get their business off the ground, 71 percent said they need financial support, while 42 percent would like mentoring from successful entrepreneurs. Ace polled 1,059 adults in December.

“Entrepreneurship is what made this country great, but so many people are afraid to fail and don’t even try to start their own business even if they want to,” said Bill Rancic, the first winner of the television show “The Apprentice” and spokesman for Ace’s “Dream Ace” contest.

Eight years ago, Rancic launched a successful company called cigarsaroundtheworld.com from his studio apartment. Rancic offers the following tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:

· Around‑the‑clock work: If you’re looking for more free time and extra money, starting your own business is not for you. “Running your own business is like a baby. It requires a lot of attention in the beginning, but as it grows, it needs less and less,” Rancic said.

· Lower lofty goals: If you set your goals too high in the beginning, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Maintain realistic expectations and manage those expectations as your business grows.

· Stay agile: If the world changes around you, don’t be afraid to change your business plan to fit the new environment.

Couples grow together as financial teams  

Last year saw more men and women tackling household finances together than in 2005, according to a recent survey from OppenheimerFunds.

Forty percent of male and female respondents reported that they manage the household budget, update their wills, and teach their children about money with their spouse, up from 30 percent the year before.

Additionally, half said they share retirement saving and investing responsibilities, while eight in ten think it’s important to discuss investment decisions with their spouse.

“While overall results for these categories showed that the majority of women are still in charge of the financial ‘chores’ around the house, the needle is moving in the right direction,” said Lauren Coulston of OppenheimerFunds.

“We are particularly pleased to learn that women are moving beyond tasks such as balancing the checkbook and increasing their role in saving and investing in retirement,” Coulston said.

The survey also found that 37 percent of women maintain a separate checking or brokerage account from their spouse.

OppenheimerFunds surveyed 500 female and 500 male investors last year.

Out of the cube and in the cell

It’s Monday morning and, while you’re checking your e‑mail, you get a call from one of your employees. Surprise: he’s in the slammer. What do you do?

“This is a situation in which employers need to make a decision, and if they act purely on instinct, they may be making the wrong decision,” said Sean McDevitt, a partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP in Washington, D.C.

McDevitt offers the following advice when an employee gets arrested:

· Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney to sort through employees’ rights and any employment agreements or union contracts. Making a hasty decision could result in a lawsuit or disgruntled employees.

· Stay mum: Don’t talk to the media, especially if your company is a large, recognizable brand. Also, avoid discussions with non‑management employees.

· How offensive? Find out what the alleged offense is. If it’s minor, some companies may be willing to overlook the infraction.

· Fair treatment: Make sure to gauge how other co‑workers and customers may feel working with this employee if he returns. Also stay cognizant that staff members are watching how management handles this case and could affect their feelings toward the company.

North Phoenix business network seeking members

A new networking group is forming. The North Phoenix Business Network offers an informal weekly gathering at 7 a.m. every Tuesday at the Allstate offices of Amy Lindsey in Tramonto. The office is located at 3134 W. Carefree Hwy. just east of Interstate 17. Meetings with local business professionals last for about one hour. Business owners are encouraged to share leads and get leads from other members. Discussion of business situations for further education and input is a regular part of meetings. The group will be limited to one person from each major industry and require regular participation. There are no dues at this time. For more information, call Amy Lindsey at (623) 979‑7028 or Tom Buckhardt at (480) 560‑7841.

Maricopa County wages up, more than 95,000 jobs added

Wages in Maricopa County are were up in the second quarter of 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last week.

From June 2005 to June 2006, the average weekly wages in the county rose to $794, representing a 4.5 percent increase.

That increase is slightly higher than the national average of $784, a 4.4 percent increase.

“New York County, N.Y., held the top position among the highest‑paid large counties with an average weekly wage of $1,453. Santa Clara, Calif., was second with an average weekly wage of $1,386, followed by Arlington, Va. ($1,335), Washington, D.C. ($1,300), and Somerset, N.J. ($1,242),” the Bureau reported.

In terms of new jobs, Maricopa County added 95,800 positions jobs, outpacing Los Angeles, Calif., which added 80,700 jobs.

Local Pilates studio moves to new location

Erica Kristin‑Zappattini has recently moved her Pilates studio from Scottsdale to Carefree at 99 Easy Street in Los Portales Mall. Pilates‑Fit offers a wide range of plans and an inviting studio atmosphere in which to train. It is the only Pilates studio in Carefree. Erica can be reached at (480) 488‑3625.

Helicopter maker wins $469.8 million defense contract

The U.S. Department of Defense announced last week that is has awarded Mesa‑based McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co. a $469,835,948 contract for the Extended Block II remanufacture program for the Apache Longbow Advanced Attack Helicopter. The work will be performed in Mesa and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.