Business

Google ad costs, not its alleged monopoly, irks businesses

Published

6 years ago

November 9, 2020

NEW YORK (AP) — When asked about Google, Bryan Clayton voices a familiar lament among small business owners.

“You keep getting squeezed further and further down the search results page,” says Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, a company that operates an app to help homeowners find lawn care. “As a startup, you don’t have a million-dollar advertising budget.”

The Justice Department sued Google on Oct. 20 for anticompetitive behavior, saying the company’s dominance in online search and advertising harms rivals and consumers.

Owners such as Clayton have a different beef. What’s unfair about Google, they say, is the way it gives the greatest prominence in search results to the companies that spend the most on advertising.

Companies covet the top spots in Google search results — the first page of rankings, and the top of subsequent pages. But if too many companies vie for one of these spots, the cost can jump out of reach for a small business, just like the price for prime time TV commercials.

Google controls about 90% of global internet searches. The Justice Department sued Google Tuesday, alleging it uses monopoly power in search to squelch competition. Business owners’ concerns about the cost of advertising aren’t directly related to the government’s lawsuit, although the company’s dominance of the search market has been alleged to be a factor in driving up the price to buy ads in its vast digital marketing network.

But even if prices were lower than they are now, larger companies with more money to spend, in theory, could always outbid smaller businesses vying for the prime advertising spots on Google.

Businesses have two main ways of trying to get their listings high in Google rankings. One is to buy an ad that’s seen at the top of the search result pages; the cost for the ads depends on how often a computer user clicks on the ad and how much a company is willing to pay per click. The more a company can pay, the more likely it will get a prized spot in search results. Google has different types of ads, and whether an ad appears locally or nationally can also affect pricing. So can the time of day an ad appears.

There’s also what’s called paid search, where companies bid on keywords to get a higher ranking. For example, a sporting goods store might bid on words like “baseball” and “hockey” in hopes of landing higher in search results and being more easily seen by customers looking for equipment for those sports. The problem businesses face is they can be outbid by companies with deeper pockets. So the sporting goods store that can only afford to pay $2 a word can lose out to stores able to pay $10.

Mark Aselstine has spent as much as $30,000 a year on Google advertising, but he’s not sure his wine gift basket company will be able to afford Google ads this holiday season. He expects an already competitive time of year to be even more intense as more wine retailers seek customers over the internet due to the coronavirus outbreak and use Google advertising to make themselves more visible.

“I don’t think we’ll run a single Google ad this year. I suspect it will be well out of our price range,” says Aselstine, owner of Uncorked Ventures, based in El Cerrito, California.

If Aselstine can’t afford Google, he has alternatives. Microsoft’s Bing search engine, cheaper but not as popular among computer users, is one. Aselstine can also increase his use of Google’s unpaid search. Like the paid version, he’d seek to use keywords in his ads that prospective customers are likely to search for; depending on the words he chooses, he might get a good ranking, although it will still fall below ads and paid listings.

R.J. Huebert, who buys Google ads on behalf of the law firms, manufacturers and a credit union that are his clients, also sees prices going up because of the competition among advertisers, but the owner of HBT Digital Consulting says, “I think it’s the cost of doing business.”

Huebert, whose company is based in Pittsburgh, sees Google as an important tool for small businesses because of its reach. And when people begin a search on Google, they’re already interested in a product or service; they have what’s known as high intent, a high likelihood that they’re going to make a purchase. And they’re more likely to buy than someone who happens on an ad as they scroll through Facebook.

Aselstine says he’ll advertise on Facebook and Instagram if he can’t afford Google, although he’s likely to get more sales from people who search on Google.

“Those people are more ready to buy that day,” he says.

Clayton, the GreenPal CEO, spends about $100,000 a year on Google advertising. That’s a big number for a small company — GreenPal has 23 employees —but Clayton lists giants Angie’s List and HomeAdviser among his competitors that have much bigger advertising budgets. GreenPal, based in Nashville, Tennessee, and serving homeowners in most of the states, spends about $3 or $4 per click for ads.

But, Clayton says, “it’s getting harder to advertise — the price keeps going up and up.”

Tommy Fang tried Google to advertise his year-old market research company, but the cost far outweighed the business he hoped it would bring in.

“We ran a couple of ads and the economics just didn’t work out for us,” says Fang, co-founder of New York-based Eureka Surveys. The company runs a website where people can take part in surveys.

Fang is looking at other possibilities, such as the advertising Apple sells for mobile devices. However, Fang’s business, which involves finding participants for corporate surveys, is focused on PCs, where he says people prefer to answer survey questions.

Yet some small businesses don’t flinch at the higher prices. Advertising on Google makes sense even for some of Huebert’s law firm clients who often spend between $8 and $12 a click and as much as $35 because they can make the money back from a single case.

But “it you’re selling $5 socks, it doesn’t make sense to pay $35,” he says.

Business

Central Florida Business Leaders Honored at 6th Annual Osceola Stars Awards

Published

15 hours ago

September 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper recognize entrepreneurs, business leaders and community champions at annual awards luncheon

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Central Florida business and community leaders were recognized Thursday at the sixth annual Osceola Stars Awards, celebrating entrepreneurship, leadership and service across Osceola County and the region.

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando hosted the Sept. 3 awards luncheon in partnership with the Osceola Star Newspaper at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Conference Center.

About 200 guests attended the event, which honored individuals and organizations in four categories: Rising Star, Business Star, Community Star and All Star.

Four Osceola Stars Awards Presented

Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, Property Appraiser Katrina Scarborough, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Kelvin Soto and Sheriff Christopher Blackmon presented the awards.

Susana’s Café received the Rising Star Award, recognizing its continued business growth and community involvement.

AcuMed Group Wellness & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics received the Business Star Award for its growth and commitment to community development.

Martin Levert, executive director of Northbridge University, received the Community Star Award for his leadership and community service, particularly during times of need.

Ana Karina Alejo, creative services director at Telemundo 31, received the All Star Award for her public service and work highlighting the contributions of Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

Ana Karina Alejo: Media Can Give Communities a Voice

Alejo said the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.

“Receiving the All Star Award is a deeply meaningful honor because it represents more than a personal achievement, it reflects the relationships, stories and communities that have shaped my career,” Alejo said in a statement.

She said she believes in using media to give a voice to people and organizations making a difference and expressed pride in highlighting Osceola County’s Hispanic community.

“This recognition inspires me to continue building bridges, championing Hispanic voices and using my platform to celebrate the people who make our community stronger,” Alejo said.

Brandon Arrington Highlights Role of Local Businesses

Arrington emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses to Osceola County’s economy and communities.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs are the fabric of Osceola County,” Arrington said. “They are our neighbors, our employers, and the people who invest their time and energy in making our community a better place.”

Arrington highlighted Dr. Cecilia Rusnak of AcuMed Group Wellness Center & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics, saying recognition of Hispanic-owned businesses celebrates entrepreneurship and the role those businesses play in Osceola County’s continued growth.

Central Florida Business and Community Leaders Attend

The luncheon brought together business executives, elected officials and community leaders from throughout Central Florida.

Participants included Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando; Arnaldo Oliveras, chair of the chamber’s executive board; and Yanin Hansen, president and CEO of the Osceola Star Newspaper.

Premier sponsor AdventHealth was represented by Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Celebration. Gold sponsor Orlando Health participated with a special video presentation.

Other sponsors and supporters included Northbridge University, Experience Kissimmee, IKEA and Orlando Venues. Media partners included Norsan Media, Univision Orlando, the Osceola Star Newspaper and WAPA Orlando 26.

Culture and Community Take Center Stage

Puerto Rican journalist and communications professional Neisha Molina, a digital content producer for Entravision US Media at WAPA Orlando 26, served as master of ceremonies.

The program opened with the presentation of colors by a U.S. Army color guard, followed by the national anthem performed by School of Talent LLC.

Guests also watched a performance by Mexico Danza Orlando, adding a cultural component to the business and community celebration.

The event concluded with a concert-ticket raffle.

Celebrating Central Florida’s Growing Hispanic Business Community

The Osceola Stars Awards are designed to recognize more than business growth. This year’s honorees represent entrepreneurship, community service, media leadership and civic engagement — areas that organizers say contribute to Osceola County’s continued economic and community development.

The partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper also places the awards within the broader growth and influence of Central Florida’s Hispanic business community.

Business

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Brings 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth Sept. 14-16

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

FORT WORTH, Texas (FNN NEWS) — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will bring its 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 14-16, 2026, convening Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

The three-day conference will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center and is expected to serve as a major national platform for business development, networking, economic opportunity and deal-making.

Nearly five decades after its launch, the USHCC National Conference has grown into what the organization describes as the nation’s largest gathering of Hispanic business decision-makers.

The selection of Fort Worth highlights the North Texas city’s growing position as a center for business, entrepreneurship and culture while providing a national stage for Hispanic-owned businesses and their economic impact.

Fort Worth Selected to Host 2026 National Conference

USHCC announced Fort Worth as the 2026 host following its 46th Annual National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to bring the USHCC National Conference to Fort Worth in 2026,” said Jackie Puente, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This city showcases the innovation, diversity, and economic impact of Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. At Comcast, we are proud to support the USHCC’s mission of opening doors and creating opportunities for our community to thrive.”

Fort Worth business leaders also welcomed the opportunity to host the national gathering.

“Fort Worth is proud to host the USHCC National Conference in 2026,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This event highlights our city’s vibrant culture and the impact of Hispanic-owned businesses in driving economic growth.”

Connecting Hispanic Businesses With Opportunities

Connection building will be a major focus of the 2026 conference, with programming designed to bring business owners directly together with corporate executives, policymakers, industry leaders and potential partners.

Through curated networking opportunities and informal gatherings, participants will have opportunities to establish relationships that could lead to collaborations, contracts, partnerships and long-term business growth.

The conference also provides companies and organizations seeking to expand their engagement with Hispanic-owned businesses an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and business leaders from markets across the United States.

National Leaders Take the Main Stage

The conference’s main-stage sessions will feature influential leaders and nationally recognized voices discussing major issues affecting business, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

Sessions are expected to provide perspectives on economic trends, public policy, market opportunities and emerging challenges facing businesses.

The discussions are designed to help entrepreneurs and executives better understand changing markets and position their organizations for future opportunities.

Breakout Sessions Focus on Business Growth

Attendees will also have access to industry-focused breakout sessions featuring subject-matter experts addressing specific business challenges and opportunities.

The interactive sessions are designed to provide participants with practical strategies, tools and information they can apply to their companies and organizations.

Topics and speakers for the 2026 conference are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

Hispanic Businesses Take Center Stage in Fort Worth

The conference comes as Hispanic-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development across the United States.

For Fort Worth, hosting the national conference provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s business community while connecting local entrepreneurs with corporate and government decision-makers from across the country.

47th Annual USHCC National Conference
Dates: Sept. 14-16, 2026
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
City: Fort Worth, Texas

Business

Historic Casements to Debut Mateo Blanco’s ‘Rockefeller Flag’ During The American Legacy Exhibition

Published

1 month ago

July 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Casements, the historic Ormond Beach residence where industrialist John D. Rockefeller spent the final years of his life, will host “The American Legacy,” a new exhibition by American artist Mateo Blanco opening Saturday, Aug. 1.

The exhibition brings together painting and photography to explore themes of American history, material, memory, innovation and the ideas that continue to shape the nation’s identity during its Semiquincentennial.

Public Premiere of Rockefeller Flag

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the public debut of “Rockefeller Flag,” a new oil-on-canvas painting created exclusively for The Casements.

Rather than depicting Rockefeller himself, the work examines the relationship between industry, history and artistic tradition. Executed entirely in black oil paint on canvas, Rockefeller Flag draws its conceptual inspiration from petroleum—the natural resource that transformed American industry and helped redefine the modern world.

Blanco notes that petroleum also returns to its artistic origins through oil paint, the medium that has shaped Western painting for more than five centuries, creating an intersection between industrial innovation and artistic expression.

Installed inside Rockefeller’s historic residence, the painting encourages visitors to reflect not only on one of America’s most influential business leaders but also on the broader themes of vision, enterprise, stewardship and the legacy each generation leaves behind.

“For many people, The Casements represents the final chapter of John D. Rockefeller’s life,” Blanco said. “For me, it represents the beginning of another conversation—one about legacy. Every generation inherits ideas, opportunities and responsibilities created by those who came before. What ultimately defines us is what we choose to build with that inheritance.”

Museum Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition also features paintings previously exhibited at The Butler Institute of American Art alongside a curated selection of photographs celebrating the American landscape, its people and the cultural narratives that have shaped the nation across generations.

Together, the works represent one of Blanco’s most comprehensive museum presentations to date, combining painting and photography in a reflection on the American experience.

According to exhibition organizers, The American Legacy is intended as a cultural reflection rather than a political statement, highlighting creativity, craftsmanship, imagination, innovation and the enduring ability of individuals to transform ideas and materials into lasting contributions.

By returning petroleum to the language of oil painting, Blanco creates a dialogue between one of America’s defining industrial achievements and one of the oldest artistic traditions in history.

About Mateo Blanco

Mateo Blanco is an American multidisciplinary artist whose work explores material transformation, cultural memory and the evolving narrative of American identity. Working across painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, Blanco examines how everyday materials become symbols of history, belonging and collective memory.

His work has been exhibited by museums and cultural institutions throughout the United States, including The Butler Institute of American Art, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Museum of Art – DeLand, the Armory Art Center, the Cornell Art Museum and the Brick Store Museum.

His artwork is included in the permanent collections of several American museums, reflecting continued institutional recognition of his contributions to contemporary American art.

Blanco is represented by Rosenbaum Contemporary, with gallery locations in Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Hollywood, Florida.