Business

We’re guessing they are shell company upon shell company upon shell company. The Hill reports: Donald Trump revealed on Friday that he has nearly 400 business entities registered in the state of Delaware, a state that has received renewed scrutiny in the wake of the Panama Papers leak as a domestic tax haven. During a campaign rally in Harrington, Delaware, …

This brings the total to more than 20 lost conventions. Via the Charlotte News & Observer: Another group has canceled an upcoming event in Charlotte because it opposes North Carolina’s new LGBT law. The National Organization for Victim Assistance was supposed to have its 42nd annual training event at Sheraton Charlotte Hotel-Le Meridien Aug. 21-24. About 1,200 were scheduled to …

This WAS expected. Via press release: The American Family Association is calling for a boycott of Target after the retail giant said it would allow men to use the women’s restrooms and dressing rooms in their stores. On its web site this week, Target announced, “[W]e welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility …

Posted yesterday to Target’s corporate blog: Recent debate around proposed laws in several states has reignited a national conversation around inclusivity. So earlier this week, we reiterated with our team members where Target stands and how our beliefs are brought to life in how we serve our guests. Inclusivity is a core belief at Target. It’s something we celebrate. We …

Via press release: The North Carolina Democratic Party today launched a website to highlight how Gov. Pat McCrory’s job-killing discrimination law, HB2, is hurting North Carolina’s economy. The site lists the more than 400 businesses and organizations that oppose HB2 and spotlights the many good-paying jobs put at risk by this bill. “Governor McCrory’s decision is costing our state good-paying …

The Hill reports: The insurer UnitedHealth is pulling out of the ObamaCare marketplaces in all but a “handful” of states in 2017, the company announced Tuesday. The announcement, made my CEO Stephen Hemsley on an earnings call, follows up on the company’s statement in November that it was considering dropping out completely due to financial losses. The Obama administration argues …

Fortune reports: CEOs from hundreds of companies including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s had planned to meet in North Carolina this October to talk about using business for social good. Now, they’re not coming. In response to a controversial new state law aimed at gay and transgender people, a group of firms designated as “Certified B” ethical corporations say they …

But it’s not dead yet. The Kansas City Star reports: Late into the night Tuesday, supporters and opponents of a proposed “religious freedom” amendment sparred over its potential impact.  On one side, religious leaders and Republican elected officials implored the House Emerging Issues Committee to approve the amendment as is and place it on the ballot for Missouri voters to …

You’ll like this. From Durham’s ABC affiliate: A group of North Carolina craft breweries is teaming up to make a special beer that will be sold to raise money to fight the state’s new House Bill 2 law. The News and Observer reports more than 30 breweries are taking part. They’re calling the project the Don’t Be Mean to People: …

The Kansas City Star reports: Businesses from around Missouri announced the formation a coalition Tuesday designed to stop a “religious freedom” amendment to the state’s constitution currently making its way through the Missouri Legislature. Members of the coalition, called Missouri Competes, have agreed to sign a pledge stating that the proposed amendment “does not represent our values as Missourians, and …

Reuters reports: Deutsche Bank is freezing plans to create 250 new jobs at its Cary, North Carolina, location after the state passed a controversial law targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens. “We take our commitment to building inclusive work environments seriously,” John Cryan, the chief executive of Germany’s largest lender, said in a statement on Tuesday. North Carolina …

The right wing group 2nd Vote, whose primary function is to facilitate the boycotts of progressive-minded corporations, has found an alternative to PayPal. They write: In the last few days, our research team has taken a very close look at a payment processing company based in Lehi, Utah called ProPay. This company was of particular interest because, ProPay has made …

JMG reader David points us to today’s poll on the front page of the Denver Post, which only tells a portion of North Carolina’s sweeping anti-LGBT law. Weigh in at this link. The poll is slightly down in the right-hand column.

TIME recaps: This week, Last Week Tonight tackled credit reports, or as John Oliver calls them, “the basis for the single most important three digit number in your whole life other than 311, the Beatles of rap-rock.” Credit reports can affect many aspects of your life, including whether banks will lend you money or whether a landlord will rent you …

Early this month the American Public Transportation Association, which was founded in 1882 and has 1500 member organizations, said they really wish they could cancel their May convention in Charlotte over North Carolina’s hate law, but are unable to nullify their contract. On Friday, the head of Los Angeles Metro announced that his employees are banned from attending. From his …

Two days ago the Colombian Constitutional Court ruled 6-3 to legalize same-sex marriage and while some formalities remain ahead before weddings can commence, Levis yesterday extended their congratulations with a cheeky hanky code image.

The Hill reports: U.S. airlines are in vicious competition for the chance to provide direct service to Cuba, even as the impact of the new business on their bottom lines is unclear. Last month, the Department of Transportation opened bidding from airlines to operate 20 daily round-trip flights to Havana, and 10 flights to nine smaller airports on the island. …

A Mississippi hospitality group with 1400 hotels, restaurants, and shops among its members has a plan to mitigate damage to the state’s reputation. From Jackson’s ABC affiliate: Mike Cashion, executive director of the MHRA, said “when HB 1523 was signed, Mississippi was thrust into the national spotlight. Regardless of its intent, this legislation has created a level of controversy and …

“PayPal gets the hypocrite of the year award! This company says they’re not coming to North Carolina because the legislators and Gov. Pat McCrory have passed a law to protect women and children against sexual predators by not allowing men to use women’s restrooms and locker rooms. “Congressman Robert Pittenger made a great point yesterday: ‘PayPal does business in 25 …

The Associated Press reports: Gov. Tom Wolf says he’ll sign an executive order to prohibit discrimination by state contractors against people who are lesbian, gay or transgender. Wolf told WESA-FM in Pittsburgh on Wednesday that he had hoped the Legislature would pass legislation designed to outlaw discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But he says he’s decided …