News
3C Endorses SECURE Data Act
WASHINGTON (June 3, 2026) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued the following statement endorsing the SECURE Data Act. Retzlaff’s statement came ahead of today’s U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on the legislation. “Small businesses have long called for a national data privacy standard to replace today’s…
If You Don’t Speak Up, Policy Decisions Will Be Made Without You.
Tell us about your business. What do you do, and how did you get started? I spent decades working in corporate communications. When my job was eliminated in 2015, I decided to turn that apparent setback into a new beginning. In 2017, my daughter and I opened The Nourish Spot — a quick-service restaurant offering…
3C Celebrates Small Business Advocacy During National Small Business Week
WASHINGTON (May 4, 2026) — As the nation marks National Small Business Week, the Connected Commerce Council (3C) is celebrating the small business leaders who make their voices heard in policy debates across the country. With over 36 million small businesses operating in the U.S., representing 99% of all businesses, National Small Business Week is…
Massachusetts Data Privacy Bill Would Restrict Data, Breaking Key Small-Business Digital Tools
Data-powered tools like digital ads, analytics, and abandoned-cart reminders give small businesses an easy, affordable way to reach the right customers, compete with larger companies, and succeed. But a proposed Massachusetts data privacy bill, HB 4746, would seriously degrade the data-powered tools small businesses rely on every day to connect with customers and grow. The…
Statement from 3C Executive Director Rob Retzlaff in Support of the SECURE Data Act
The Connected Commerce Council released the following statement from Executive Director Rob Retzlaff regarding the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s introduction of the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement (SECURE) over Data Act. “The SECURE Data Act is a welcome introduction to the millions of digitally-empowered small businesses that use data-driven tools to…
What Is The FTC Planning for Amazon? Millions of Small Sellers — and Their Customers — Deserve Clear Answers
For millions of small businesses across the country, Amazon’s marketplace has been a game-changer — providing instant access to a massive customer base while offering cutting-edge digital marketing tools and state-of-the-art shipping and logistics services. A small candlemaker can find and efficiently ship to customers nationwide, allowing him to quickly grow his business. A specialty…
California’s Proposed Legislation Would Break Digital Tools — and Hurt Small Businesses
Newly proposed California legislation, the Blocking Anti-Competitive Self-Preferencing by Entrenched Dominant Platforms Act (the BASED Act), would break apart affordable, integrated digital tools that help small businesses grow, compete, and succeed in today’s digital economy. BASED is closely modeled on federal legislation called the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA), which failed twice amid…
The Future of Advertising: How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI to Connect with Customers and Drive Growth
During our recent webinar with expert Komal Singh, founder of 4xDigital AI, we demonstrated practical ways for small-business leaders to integrate AI and automation into their day-to-day work. Komal’s session focused on using AI tools to streamline campaign management, improve targeting, and generate high-performing content without increasing time or cost burdens. Watch the recording |…
AI Empowers us to Compete on a Level Playing Field With Much Bigger Companies
3C: Tell us about Sarah Wells Bags. When and why did you start it, and how has it grown? SW: In 2011, after my first daughter was born, I needed a stylish bag for carrying a breast pump and keeping milk fresh. I spent weeks looking for something, but there just wasn’t anything on the…
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