News

Brothers Bring Traditionally Crafted, US-Made Leather Products to Customers Worldwide
Eleven years ago, when brothers Chris and Jason Angelini started handcrafting leather wallets in their parents’ Massachusetts garage, they never imagined they’d soon be running a thriving global business. But what began with a single wallet design and a few sales to friends and family quickly evolved into American Bench Craft — maker of rugged…

Breaking Google’s search tools will hurt small businesses — including my family’s restaurant
The final phase of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) lawsuit against Google is underway, and a federal judge may force Google to make major changes to its online search business.

New legislation hinders data collection for targeted ads. That hurts small businesses
If you’ve been searching online for shoes, an ad for a local shoe store might pop up on your phone or computer. That’s not because the shoe store owner is spying on you. It’s because your browser data indicates you’re a good match for shoe ads.

Collateral Damage: How Small Businesses Could Lose Big in the DOJ’s Fight Against Google
The remedies phase of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) “search” suit against Google is well underway, and it could have serious consequences for small businesses across the country. Last fall, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta found that Google violated antitrust law by making contracts with phone manufacturers that ensured its search tools were the…

3C Responds After DOJ Rests its Case in Google Search Remedies Hearing
WASHINGTON (April 30, 2025) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued a statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) rested its case in the Google “search” antitrust trial remedies hearing. “The DOJ’s radical proposed remedies are wildly out of proportion with the contractual issues identified by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta…

3C Criticizes DOJ’s Radical Proposals Ahead of Google Search Case Remedies Hearing
WASHINGTON (April 21, 2025) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued the following statement ahead of a remedies hearing during which U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta will consider sweeping changes to Google’s search business. The hearing marks the final stage in the United States v. Google LLC trial. “The Department of…

Boston Artist Brings Bold, Bright, and Unapologetic Statement Pieces to Customers Across the Country
In search of a creative outlet beyond her corporate career, marketing consultant Erica Goldstein launched The Blank Canvas Company in 2014 — sharing and selling her colorful, hand-painted designs on Instagram. What started as a passion project soon gained traction, and Erica started selling at local markets and pop-up events in 2018, steadily growing her…

3C Reacts to Judge’s Decision in Google’s Ad Tech Trial
WASHINGTON (April 17, 2025) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued the following statement in response to Judge Leonie M. Brinkema’s ruling in the U.S. v. Google LLC “ad tech” trial. “While we’re relieved by the Court’s ruling on Google’s status in the market for ad-purchasing tools, we’re concerned by its…

Small Business Owners Urge Texas Legislators to Stop Possible Tax on Online Marketplace Fees
(April 17, 2025) — Small Texas online sellers today held a press conference urging Texas lawmakers to pass legislation (HB 1681/SB 265) ensuring online sellers won’t have to pay taxes on fees they pay digital marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. The press conference came as the House Ways and Means Committee plans to hold…
