From GovTech: The importance of social media

From GovTech: If you’re still debating whether to dive into the social media deep end, heads up: It’s time to swim with the rest of the public-sector fish.

Warm winter weather leaves ski resort sulking

This warm December weather is tough on ski resort businesses. Instead of white slopes, there's only green grass, mud and fog at Liberty Mountain.

From Washington Technology: Who's won the biggest contracts in fiscal 2013 so far?

From Washington Technology: October and November, the beginning months of fiscal 2013, were very active when you look at contract news. Within that time span, we saw a several giants award: three contracts were over a $1 billion and two more that were close to $1 billion.

Is the looming 'fiscal cliff' affecting holiday shopping?

With only 24 days left until the country reaches the so-called "fiscal cliff," ABC7's Mike Conneen talks with shoppers to see if it's having an impact on their holiday shopping decisions.

‘Skins-Ravens preview; CEOs prepare for cliff; Nancy Navarro

Today on NewsTalk, Washington Post reporter Gene Wang previewed Sunday’s clash between the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens.

Jim Dinegar, head of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, talked about the business community’s apprehension about the fiscal cliff talks.

And we talked with Nancy Navarro, newly-elected president of the Montgomery County Council, about the issues the panel will face in the coming year.

Policy maker says big banks still pose big risk

Douglas interview December 5, 2012

Baby recliner deaths prompt recall, lawsuit

The government is taking action against the makers of a portable baby recliner called the Nap Nanny after five infant deaths.

Starbucks plans to add 3,000 more cafes globally

The plan, which would boost the number of Starbucks cafes in the country by about 13 percent, was announced at the company's investor day in New York Wednesday.

Want to show your love for Starbucks in steel?

Bloomberg and the Associated Press report that Starbucks, the mega-chain of coffee shops, will begin selling this week a limited-edition stainless steel gift card for $450 a pop.

Delta buys 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic

Delta Air Lines Inc. is buying almost half of British airline Virgin Atlantic for $360 million as it aims to boost its share of the lucrative New York-to-London market.

Stories you may have missed

You’ve seen the many headlines dealing with the big stories in the business of government such as the sequestration, the CyberSecurity Executive Order and the reform of the EGOV Act. Here are several other stories worth reading you may have missed.

From NextGov: Virtual border fence contract postponed due to fierce competition

From NextGov: A digital border security project slated to replace an aborted $1.5 billion system has been delayed by unexpected competition from vendors that want the wor

Washington Business Report Dec. 9, 2012

This week on Washington Business Report: Barbara Lang, President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, Elana Fine, the executive director of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, and Josh Boak, reporter at The Fiscal Times.

From Federal Times: Senators demand explanation for failed AF logistics system

From Federal Times: In a harshly worded letter, the leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee are asking the Pentagon to explain its handling of a botched $1 billion Air Force logistics management program.

From Federal Times: Senator’s report alleges waste in DHS grant program

From Federal Times: State and local governments have tapped federal homeland security grants to pay for snow cone machines, sports stadium fortifications and a training simulation that highlighted a “zombie apocalypse,” according to a report released Wednesday by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.

Citigroup to cut 11,000 jobs

The bulk of the cuts, about 6,200, will come from Citi's consumer banking unit, which handles everyday functions like branches and checking accounts.

Hiring Our Heroes connects vets with job opportunities

Those who served our country are now getting a chance to find a path outside the military. 

From NextGov: DHS says hackers could manipulate highway sensors

From NextGov: The Homeland Security Department is warning local governments about flaws in a traffic monitoring system that could expose drivers’ travel habits.