Last week, the International Trade Administration (ITA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, published a blog post discussing the benefits that await U.S. businesses that participate in the global marketplace. The ITA has been tasked with strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements.
Last week, Congressman Tom Marino joined San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber at eBay Inc. headquarters to see the latest in commerce innovation. As a strong leader on policy issues important to eBay Inc., such as patent reform and intellectual property, Congressman Marino also took time with eBay Inc.
eBay Inc. was honored to host Congressman John Shimkus (IL-16) at eBay Inc. headquarters in San Jose this week. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of its Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, the Government Relations team was pleased to demonstrate the innovation taking place at eBay Inc. and how the company's platforms are enabling growth for large and small merchants in the 16th District of Illinois.
Late last week, Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the importance of keeping the Internet sales tax bill off of the important Internet Tax Freedom Act. The Internet Tax Freedom Act protects consumers from the increased costs in accessing and using the Internet and prevents multiple and discriminatory taxation of Internet sales.
Tracy was raised on the premise that creating your own destiny is possible and not living a cookie-cutter life is important. Following in the footsteps of his father, Tracy’s entrepreneurial spirit exhibited itself early on in his life, as he would buy and sell video games to make extra cash. When his wife began having health problems Tracy decided to give up ownership of his convenience stores to be more available for his family. eBay allowed him to do just that. Since 2004, Tracy has been successfully selling body jewelry and hair care products online.
As early as he can remember, Mac has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He dabbled in selling a variety of items from leather gloves to artwork, but it wasn’t until 2000 that Mac came across eBay as a platform for a profitable venture. With a background in computer science, Mac left his full-time job in 2002, to open an eBay store specializing in the sale of computer/networking equipment and software. Over the years he has also auctioned off a number of unique items including a six-foot long kitchen sink and an FBI camera able to slide under a door.
Tony Kornrumpf has been in the business of selling PC software and anti-virus programs for over 14 years. Prior to starting his own business Tony was a schoolteacher who taught computer classes. The administration asked him to deal with a new program called “Microsoft Office.” Tony knows that was a great day, because that’s when he started to become increasingly familiar with different computer products and in the last 6 years he’s taken his venture full-time.
John’s business of selling new and used restaurant equipment began with his father Bill Stack in 1973. The businesses thrived through the 70s and 80s when John Stack decided to commit full-time to the family business. In 1999, sales were falling fast as demand in their area decreased. John came up with the idea to expand his area of distribution by selling on the up-and-coming website called eBay. The experiment took off and A City Discount was revived on thriving online sales.
Hal Stevens is CEO of NetworkEquipment.net, an Authorized Reseller and Partner for the top wired, wireless and network security brands in the carrier class, enterprise and SMB markets. These brands include HP Networking, Aruba Networks, Ruckus Wireless, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks and Juniper Networks.