Labor & Employment

WASHINGTON — Sears Holdings VP tax James Misplon testified on behalf of the National Retail Federation, urging Congress to focus on jobs and the economy as lawmakers explore options for corporate tax reform.

Misplon testified before the House Ways and Means Committee this morning during a hearing on how corporate tax reform can encourage job creation. Sears Holdings is an NRF member and Misplon chairs the NRF Taxation Committee.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes said Thursday that its first-quarter net income more than quintupled, but its revenue was flat and the profit rise was driven largely by cost cutting.

The CEO sounded a cautious tone for the future, saying the company needs to reignite store traffic and cope with rising cotton costs.

The company, which operates Lane Bryant, Catherines and Fashion Bug stores, said its net income for February through April was $26 million, up from $3.9 million in the same period last year.

Kansas City, Kan. -- A report released Thursday by Compdata Surveys found that although the economy is still struggling to make significant strides towards recovery, small improvements are starting to become more evident.

The 2011 Compensation Data Services survey results found pay increase budgets remained relatively stable at 2.4%, reflecting a slight increase from 2.2% in 2010. Pay increase budgets are projected to continue slowly increasing in 2012 to 2.5%.

Bentonville, Ark. -- A report Thursday by the Associated Press said that Wal-Mart Stores executives met Thursday to discuss the proposed Massmart acquisition, which is expected to close in June.

According to the report, as Wal-Mart expands its international business, the company wants to bring ideas it gains from the South African chain to other markets.

New York City -- South Carolina legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a deal bringing Amazon.com and its promise of 2,000 jobs to the state, the Associated Press reported.

The House voted 90-14 to approve a compromise brokered last week in the Senate, sending the measure to Gov. Nikki Haley's desk.

By George F. Brown Jr. and David G. Hartman

Enjoy the Pack

ELMHURST, Ill. — The Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of access control products, has announced two promotions. Dick Gregory has been promoted to VP Chamberlain retail sales, and Anthony Abate has been appointed marketing channel manager for retail national accounts.

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry said Tuesday that its senior VP operations Brad Williams has decided to leave the company after 13 years.

The c-store operator said it has launched a search for a replacement. In the interim, operations personnel will report to Terry Marks, president and CEO.