By David Borris
Crain's Chicago Business, May 13, 2014
As a caterer, I do a lot of weddings. With another summer season approaching, I can almost hear the wedding bells chime. But when I hear big trade associations usurping the identity of small businesses like mine in order to argue against a minimum wage increase, a different kind of bell goes off in my head: alarm bells.
I own a 29-year-old catering business. I have 25 full-time and 80 part-time and seasonal employees. I pay a starting wage of $10 an hour. And you know what? My business is thriving.
Paying good wages is part of my recipe for success. Contrary to the hype from big-business lobbyists in Springfield and in Washington ... I believe raising the minimum wage is pro-business: It's good policy for local, independent small businesses like mine. ...
David Borris owns Hel's Kitchen Catering in Northbrook. He serves on the national executive committee of the Main Street Alliance small-business network.