The Lisle Sun Business

• Job boom for new graduates
  The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that almost 1.2 million college graduates will enter the labor force this year. And according to the federal government's Bureau of Labor Statistics report, there is some good news awaiting those graduates: There ought to be a job waiting for them when they get out.
  
  
• New take on holiday parties
  OK, you still haven't gotten around to planning that holiday party for your small business. That actually may be more of a blessing than a tragedy - many of your fellow procrastinators have found that last-minute parties can be more pleasant, comfortable and fun than a more formal catered affair.
  
  
• Give the gift of plastic?
  For last-minute holiday shoppers and people choosing gifts for the picky, those plastic gift cards offering in-store credit for whatever amount you choose are a quick solution. A spokesperson for the National Retail Federation says gift cards are becoming a more personable present.
  
  
• Chamber hires vice president
  

  The Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Beth Mooney has joined its staff as vice president of membership.

• Penalized for paying minimum
  Check your holiday credit card bills closely. Some credit card companies are raising interest rates on good customers even if they pay down their balances, on time, every month. The reason they cite is that the customer's credit rating has fallen elsewhere.