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The
Martha's Vineyard Times is a weekly publication.
July 21 - July 27, 2005 Edition
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Briefs July 21, 2005 State senate proposes two-day sales tax holiday Massachusetts shoppers may get an extra day to “shop until they drop,” thanks to a proposal added by the state Senate last week to legislation that would make Aug. 13 and 14 sales tax holidays. The House already voted to make Aug. 13 a sales tax holiday, in response to the success of the first one enjoyed by shoppers last August. When the legislation went to the Senate, another 24 hours was tacked onto it, adding Aug. 14 to the sales-tax-free weekend. The amended proposal will go back to the House for approval before it goes to Gov. Mitt Romney. The two tax-free days would exempt single item purchases of up to $2,500, excluding motor and non-motorized boats, automobiles, and tobacco. Meals and utilities also will not be exempt. However, that leaves plenty of merchandise to choose from, and retailers point to extra sales of $400 million during last year’s tax holiday as evidence of its success. Although the 2004 tax reprieve cost the state about $10.1 million in revenue, that represents only about 0.3 percent of the $3.2 billion in sales tax revenue for the fiscal year, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Supporters of the tax holiday argue that the lost sales tax revenue is offset by taxes generated from extra meals and gasoline purchases made by shoppers, as well as payroll taxes for extra staffing in stores. The tax-free holiday also helps keep shoppers in Massachusetts who might be tempted to spend their dollars shopping in New Hampshire, which has no sales tax. Zonta holds final meeting Zonta of Martha’s Vineyard held its final meeting until the fall on June 2. Zonta is a volunteer organization that consists of professional women who dedicate their time and energy toward local service projects advancing the status of women. The meeting was highlighted by the induction of several new officers. Brenda Lehman was installed as the new president, Dotti Arnold and Ruth Britton were named co-vice presidents, Susan LaPerle is the new treasurer, the new secretary will be Michele Segal. Connie Teixeira is now in charge of membership, and Phyllis Kugler was named the new publicist. For more information regarding Zonta, contact Ms. Kugler at 508-696-7177. Sioux Eagle Designs nominated yet again Sioux Eagle Designs of Vineyard Haven has once again been selected as a nominee for the 2005 Top 100 Retailers of American Craft. NICHE magazine, the exclusive trade publication for retailers of fine American craft, will announce the 100 winners this August. This is the fifth time in 10 years that Sioux Eagle Designs has been nominated. Nominations were made by over 18,000 professionals from the United States and Canada and were based on the following criteria: treating artists with courtesy and respect, paying on time, promoting and marketing American crafts, giving back time and energy to the craft community, mentoring emerging artists, and maintaining an inventory that is at least 85 percent American craft. |
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