A stronger economy is better for all businesses

minimum wage staines
CEO Anne Staines (second from right) pays all her staff members more than the California minimum wage of $8.
  • Business: ProProse Social Marketing Solutions
  • Location: Sacramento, Calif.

Anne Staines, the CEO of marketing firm ProProse, already pays her five employees more than the California minimum of $8 an hour.

She could pay them less, but she doesn't want them to worry about working a second job or having enough money to take care of their families.

"I'm confident that if they're happy in these jobs and successful, I'll be successful," Staines said.

She says not all business owners are driven solely by making the largest possible profit. To her, the happiness and well-being of her staff matter more.

Plus, Staines believes a federal minimum wage hike would benefit the overall economy.

"The growing disparity of incomes only hurts our economy and commerce," she said.

First published January 27, 2014: 3:53 PM ET

Partner Offers

Most Popular