American Express Announces Top Five Project Ideas for The Members Project; Final Voting Phase Ends Aug. 5

Today, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express® announced the top five project ideas selected as finalists for The Members Project, the unique online initiative that's bringing American Express Cardmembers together to submit, discuss and rate ideas to make a positive impact in the world.

Thousands of Cardmembers from across the country have come together to vote, narrowing the field from the top 50 project ideas to the top 25, and now to the top five. Cardmembers have through Sunday, Aug. 5, to cast their vote for the winning idea, which will be announced on Aug. 7.

As the final voting phase of The Members Project begins, American Express is calling for Cardmembers to register and vote for their favorite project idea. For every Cardmember that registers, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. American Express has committed at least $1 million to bring the winning idea to life.

Final Five Project Ideas
Following, is a list of the five finalists. [NOTE: Cardmember-selected project categories and project descriptions are in their own words.]

* "Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn. -- This program aims to create a website where public school teachers can request specific educational projects for their classrooms, and individuals can log on to choose which projects to fund, in turn, providing educational tools for students from low-income families nationwide." Fulfilling organization: DonorsChoose.org.

* "Plant a Million Trees: Global Reforestation -- From forest fires to rainforest destruction, to natural water disasters to overdevelopment, trees are disappearing in vast numbers all over the globe. This plan suggests planting millions of trees where they are needed most." Fulfilling organization: American Forests.

* "Wind and Solar for Residential -- This project plans to create a small power-generating unit that is small and powerful enough to be placed into every residential home. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a community of homes to help generate power for the power companies to use." Fulfilling organization: American Solar Energy Society.

* "Children's Safe Drinking Water -- Four thousand children die needlessly every day from drinking contaminated water. This program aims to address this issue through an innovative and low-cost technology that effectively purifies and cleans water while removing bacteria, viruses, and parasites." Fulfilling organization: US Fund for UNICEF.

* "Restore our U.S. National Parks -- The United States' National Parks and Historic Sites are in disrepair, and funding is needed to repair and refurbish. This project aims to provide funding to the landmarks that define our nation." Fulfilling organization: National Park Foundation.

Thought Leaders Contribute to Selection Process
American Express worked with an Advisory Panel of renowned thought leaders in a variety of fields to review the top-rated projects, as rated by the Cardmembers, and select the top 50 project ideas. Based on popular Cardmember vote, the top 50 project ideas have been narrowed down to the top five.

Cardmembers can now again cast their vote, with the winning idea announced on Aug. 7. Cardmembers can register on http://www.membersproject.com/ through Aug. 5.

Advisory Panelists include:

* Geoff Canada -- President and CEO, Harlem Children’s Zone

* Ellen DeGeneres -- Comedian and Talk-Show Host

* Dr. Jane Goodall -- Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace

* Dr. Sanjay Gupta [pictured above] -- CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and Neurosurgeon

* Rosabeth Moss Kanter -- Harvard Business School Professor

* Dr. Michael Lomax -- President and CEO, United Negro College Fund

* Wynton Marsalis -- Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center

* Gabrielle Reece -- Professional Volleyball Player and Sports/Fitness Expert

American Express, Membership and Giving Back

American Express Company [http://www.americanexpress.com/] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. American Express has been synonymous with “Membership” since it introduced “Member Since” dates on its Cards in 1964, and has continued to develop a sense of membership through the special benefits and exceptional services offered to Cardmembers.

The Members Project -- which is a part of American Express’s new brand campaign, “Are You a Cardmember?[SM]” -- highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community. Giving back is a core value of the Company, and being a “good citizen” is a hallmark of the brand.

Over the years, American Express has supported causes that are important to Cardmembers, merchant partners and the general public -- from reopening the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, to fighting hunger and preserving historic sites around the world. Through these programs, including The Members Project, American Express is providing an outlet for consumers’ desire to “do good.”

Sources: American Express, CNN [photo]
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Dixon Gallery and Gardens, in Memphis, Hosts Rodrigue Retrospective: July 29-Oct. 17, 2007

The spectacular work of GoodBiz113 profilee George Rodrigue ["Louisiana Artist Brings Post-Katrina [Blue Dog] Relief to New Orleans"] will be featured during a retrospective exhibition at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, in Memphis, Tenn., from July 29 through Oct. 14, 2007.

Titled "Forty Years of Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina," the exhibit will showcase more than 100 paintings plus many never-before-seen original works on canvas and sculpture created during the artist's prestigious 40-year career. Explore the evolution from oak trees to Evangeline, from Cajun fishermen and politicians, to the incomparable Blue Dog.

Two special events include:

* An opening reception with Rodrigue, with music performed by Cajun legend Hadley Castille. It's from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. To purchase tickets, call Juliana at [901] 312-1254, or e-mail jbjorklund@dixon.org.

* At 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, Rodrigue will present an artist's lecture.

For additional details on events and travel information, visit www.georgerodrigue.com/rodrigue_dixon_museum.html
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American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Select Chicago Metro Area as Second Region for Partners in Preservation Program

Yesterday, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that the Chicagoland metro area was chosen as the next region for the community-based Partners in Preservation initiative.

Following on the heels of the inaugural San Francisco Bay Area Initiative, the Chicago metro area will be the second region to receive $1 million in funding from American Express under the initiative. The Chicago community will be invited to participate in the program by voting for their favorite landmark to ultimately choose the winning historic site from a list of contenders.

Launched in 2006, the Partners in Preservation program is a historic initiative in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, pledged $5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic sites in the United States.

In September 2006, American Express allocated $1 million in preservation grants to thirteen sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 2006 Bay Area grant recipients continue to make progress in achieving their preservation goals. Some sites have already broken ground, while others are finalizing their planning to ensure successful project completion in 2008.

The Partners in Preservation initiative is designed to benefit local historical sites and involves community participation in a fun and engaging online model to choose the winning historic site.

"American Express created the Partners in Preservation program to underscore the importance of preservation -- not only of buildings but of culture and history -- and to promote travel and tourism around the country," said Tim McClimon, president and CEO of the American Express Foundation. "We are happy to announce that Chicagoland will be the second region to benefit from our online philanthropic program, and are confident that Chicagoans will embrace the program as passionately and sincerely as the Bay Area community did."

"Chicago has always prided itself -- and rightly so -- on its rich history, innovative buildings and landscapes," said David Brown, executive vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "It is a perfect place for our Partners in Preservation initiative. Every phase of the city's past is reflected in the historic places that enrich and enliven its neighborhoods. These are the places that Chicagoans love, and we're delighted to work with American Express and the Chicago community to identify and restore the best of them."

The Chicagoland program will be similar to the San Francisco Bay Area effort. American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will identify historic sites throughout the metro area that reflect the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage to be candidates for preservation grants.

In September, the Partners in Preservation team will reveal the site candidates and the public will be invited to vote online for the landmarks they would like to see win and receive funding for preservation. American Express will also announce the members of a special Advisory Committee comprised of Chicago area dignitaries to help guide American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in selecting the winning sites. Further details around the Chicago program, timing, dates, sites and online voting will be announced in September.

American Express's partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of historic and environmental conservation in the United States; preserve American historic and cultural landmarks; and strengthen local communities through preservation efforts.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring America's historic landmarks and communities.

More information about the Partners in Preservation program and status of the San Francisco Bay Area project grant recipients can be found at http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/.

American Express and Historic Preservation
American Express [http://www.americanexpress.com] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

Historic preservation has long been the hallmark of American Express' involvement in the community, reflecting its recognition of the contribution of sites and monuments to a sense of national and local identity and the role that their preservation can play in attracting visitors and revitalizing neighborhoods:

* As early as 1983, American Express launched a cause-related marketing effort that raised $1.7 million for the preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island;

* From 1996 to 2005, American Express contributed more than $10 million to help preserve 119 historic sites in 59 countries from the World Monuments Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites; and

* In June 2006, the company announced the American Express Partners in Preservation initiative, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as its partner in the U.S., and the World Monuments Fund as its partner internationally.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation [http://www.nationaltrust.org] is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America's communities.

Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded in 1949, and provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to protect the irreplaceable places that tell America's story. Staff at the Washington, D.C., headquarters, six regional offices and 28 historic sites work with more than 270,000 members and thousands of preservation groups in all 50 states.

Source: American Express
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Sens. Kerry, Landrieu Call on Republicans to Stop Blocking Disaster Reform Bill

Today, Sens. John Kerry [D-Mass.] and Mary Landrieu [D-La., pictured] called on the Republican minority to stop blocking a critical loan bill that will improve assistance to business owners and homeowners after a disaster.

Kerry and Landrieu spoke on the Senate floor today, seeking unanimous consent to pass legislation that has bipartisan support -- including from the Bush Administration and every member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The committee’s ranking member, Olympia Snowe [R-Maine], and committee member David Vitter [R-La.] are cosponsors of the bill, and have worked with Kerry and Landrieu since September 2005 to craft this legislation.

“The Republicans standing in the way of passing this bill should be ashamed, because we can’t afford another Katrina-like response from the federal government,” said Kerry, committee chairman. “This bill has been fully vetted, has bipartisan support, and we’ve taken care to make changes to address every single concern raised. Yet, here we are today with Republicans blocking the very tools we need in Washington to get aid out to disaster victims quickly without red-tape bureaucracy.”

“Now, two months into what is predicted to be a very active hurricane season, this is not a time for partisan politics or procedural maneuvers; it is a time for action,” said Landrieu. “This bipartisan bill, which was unanimously reported out of committee, creates a better, more efficient SBA disaster response, and I urge my colleagues to help us move this important bill forward.”

The Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act [S. 163] would:

* Establish a Private Disaster Loan program that allows banks to make loans directly to victims, with an 85 percent government guarantee;

* Create a new, expedited disaster assistance business loan program to provide short-term relief to businesses while they await other federal assistance or insurance payments;

* Create a new presidential declaration of “Catastrophic National Disaster,” which will allow the Small Business Administration [SBA] to issue nationwide economic-injury disaster loans to small businesses affected by a large-scale disaster;

* Provide key tools for processing disaster loan applications more quickly -- such as working with qualified private contractors to process the loans, and requiring the SBA to report to Congress on how the application process can be improved; and

* Increase the maximum size of a disaster loan from $1.5 million to $2 million, and allow non-profit groups to be eligible for disaster loans.

GoodBiz113's take: Small businesses of all political stripes deserve a helping hand when disaster stikes. S. 163 -- replete with ample bipartisan backing and support from the Bush administration -- should be passed and fully funded ASAP.

SOURCES: Library of Congress, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Washington Post [photo]
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American Express Unveils Top 25 Project Ideas for The Members Project; Vote for Final Five By July 22

This morning, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express® announced the top 25 project ideas selected as quarterfinalists for The Members Project -- the unique online initiative that's bringing American Express Cardmembers together to submit, discuss and rate ideas to make a positive impact in the world.

Thousands of Cardmembers from across the country came together to vote, narrowing the field down from the top 50 project ideas to the top 25. The top 25 project ideas range from disease research to environmental issues. Cardmembers have through Sunday, July 22, to cast their vote for the top five project ideas.

As the second voting phase of The Members Project begins, American Express is calling for Cardmembers to register and vote for their favorite project ideas, to narrow down the list to those ideas about which Cardmembers are most passionate. For every Cardmember that registers, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. American Express has committed at least $1 million and up to $5 million to bring the winning idea to life.

TOP 25 PROJECT SUBMISSIONS

Following, is a complete list of the 25 quarterfinalists. [NOTE: Cardmember-selected project categories and project descriptions are in their own words.]

Arts & Entertainment

* "Bring Young Audiences to Live Theater -- This program aims to bring young audiences to non-profit theaters through student matinees, rush tickets and other means of making theater accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend."

* "Women Artists: Not in the Books? Put them Online! -- With only 2% of paintings on museum walls comprised of works by female artists, this project proposes that we transfer the established library of existing female art into a universally accessible online database."

Business & Finance

* "Microcredit to Businesses in Developing Countries -- This program aims to support microfinance, one of the most sustainable and effective tools in the fight against global poverty. Microfinance emerged in the 1970s as a way to offer financial services to the working poor who were previously considered 'unbankable' due to lack of collateral."

Community Development

* "50,000 Families up From Poverty -- The practice of microlending is helping to lift many families from total poverty to self-sufficiency and better lives. This project aims to help thousands of families."

* "Bringing Water to the Poorest of the Poor -- Project designed to provide water to communities in India, Africa and impoverished areas worldwide by drilling tube wells wherever needed."

* "Help African Children Orphaned by AIDS -- This project empowers communities to care for orphans living with AIDS through education and access to treatment. Additionally the program will provide food, clothing, medicine, and counseling, while developing sustainable solutions for each orphan family."

* "Permanent Homes for American Foster Children -- Statistics show that a staggering number of kids who 'age out' of the foster care system in America without being adopted often end up homeless, in prison, or on welfare. This program proposes the creation of a neighborhood for families willing to adopt kids out of the foster care system, including senior citizen homes whose residents would act as 'grandparents' for these kids."

Education
* "Adopt a Classroom to Support School Children -- This project is designed to motivate individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute funds to specific school teachers nationwide to enable them to purchase educational materials online which will enhance teaching opportunities in the classroom."

* "Aged Out, Kicked Out: Help Foster Kids' Futures -- With 20,000 children aging out of foster care in the U.S. each year, this project aims to create a network of mentors and programs to help children prepare for life after foster care through education, job training and life skills training."

* "Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs -- This program takes a comprehensive approach to ease common barriers for hard-working, low-income youth. The youth contribute a part of their paychecks to a savings account, giving them access to support for employment training, health care, logistical needs, workshops on asset building and financial management, and planning to reach their education, career, and life goals."

* "Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn. -- This program aims to create a website where public school teachers can request specific educational projects for their classrooms, and individuals can log on to choose which projects to fund, in turn, providing educational tools for students from low-income families nationwide."

Environment & Wildlife

* "Harvest the Sun -- Every day, we get up in the morning to the largest source of energy in our lives. Every roof on every building, both residential and commercial, is a potential piece of real estate for solar power generation. The goal of this project is to get 100% self-sufficiency for the average household, depending on geographic location."

* "Plant a Million Trees: Global Reforestation -- From forest fires to rainforest destruction, to natural water disasters to overdevelopment, trees are disappearing in vast numbers all over the globe. This plan suggests planting millions of trees where they are needed most."

* "Restore Our Bee population! -- This proposal propagates a replacement for the honey bee. Approximately 85% of the fruits and vegetables that are consumed rely on pollination."

* "Save Lake Winnipesaukee! [Winni-Who?] -- Lake Winnipesaukee needs action to ensure it will always be available for drinking and recreational enjoyment. Record development has caused impairments, making this idea more urgent than ever. This project's vision is to develop and implement community strategies which effectively stop threats to water quality."

* "Wind and Solar for Residential -- This project plans to create a small power-generating unit that is small and powerful enough to be placed into every residential home. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a community of homes to help generate power for the power companies to use."

Health & Fitness

* "A Cure for Autism -- One in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. This project hopes to make people more aware of autism and drives to donate funds to an organization that has an interest in curing autism."

* "Alzheimer's Disease Research -- At age 85, 50% of the population will have Alzheimer's disease. Medicaid expenditures are threatening to overwhelm state budgets. Sixty percent of family caregivers die before the person for whom they are caring. These factors have created a 'perfect storm' that will devastate our healthcare systems, unless a cure and/or prevention are found."

* "Children's Safe Drinking Water -- Four thousand children die needlessly every day from drinking contaminated water. This program aims to address this issue through an innovative and low-cost technology that effectively purifies and cleans water while removing bacteria, viruses, and parasites."

* "Cure for Alzheimer's -- The cost of caring for an Alzheimer's patient is expensive, and the number of people suffering from this disease continues to increase. This project supports the research for a cure as the disease afflicts more people every day."

* "Help Stop ALS [Lou Gehrig's Disease] -- This program seeks to provide financial assistance to the research of Lou Gehrig's Disease, or ALS [Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis]. This fatal disease attacks the motor neurons of a person's central nervous system as most patients live for an average of 5 years after diagnosis."

* "Prevent Blindness in Millions of People Worldwide! -- Millions of people are going blind around the world because of disease or medical complications of the eye. For only about five or six dollars, a person can be treated to prevent the onset of blindness, cataracts and other eye maladies. This winning project could literally save the sight of a million people or more around the world."

* "Treating our Troops -- This project plans to start a nationwide system of rehabilitative specialists to bridge the gap in care for troops returning from Iraq."

Miscellaneous

* "Awareness Can Build a Family -- An astonishing 90% of pregnancies involving diagnosis of Down Syndrome are terminated. This program will use public-service television, ads, booklets and more to share that the lives of people with Down Syndrome are just as valuable as everyone else."

* "Restore our U.S. National Parks -- The United States' National Parks and Historic Sites are in disrepair, and funding is needed to repair and refurbish. This project aims to provide funding to the landmarks that define our nation."

Thought Leaders Contribute to Selection Process

American Express worked with an Advisory Panel of renowned thought leaders in a variety of fields to review the top-rated projects, as rated by the Cardmembers, and select the top 50 project ideas. Based on popular Cardmember vote, the top 50 project ideas have now been narrowed down to the top 25. Cardmembers can now again cast their vote, with the top five to be announced on July 24. The winning idea will be announced on August 7, and Cardmembers can register on http://www.membersproject.com/ through August 5.

Advisory Panelists include:
* Geoff Canada -- President and CEO, Harlem Children’s Zone
* Ellen DeGeneres [pictured above] -- Comedian and Talk-Show Host
* Dr. Jane Goodall -- Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace
* Dr. Sanjay Gupta -- CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and Neurosurgeon
* Rosabeth Moss Kanter -- Harvard Business School Professor
* Dr. Michael Lomax -- President and CEO, United Negro College Fund
* Wynton Marsalis -- Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
* Gabrielle Reece -- Professional Volleyball Player and Sports/Fitness Expert

American Express, Membership and Giving Back
American Express Company [http://www.americanexpress.com/] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

American Express has been synonymous with “Membership” since it introduced “Member Since” dates on its Cards in 1964, and has continued to develop a sense of membership through the special benefits and exceptional services offered to Cardmembers. The Members Project -- which is a part of American Express’ new brand campaign, “Are You a Cardmember?[SM]” -- highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community.

Giving back is a core value of the Company, and being a “good citizen” is a hallmark of the brand. Over the years, American Express has supported causes that are important to Cardmembers, merchant partners and the general public -- from reopening the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, to fighting hunger and preserving historic sites around the world. Through these programs, including The Members Project, American Express is providing an outlet for consumers’ desire to “do good.”

Sources: American Express, Los Angeles Times [photo]
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Life is good® at Fenway Raises $802,636 for Kids in Need

As we "warned" you last week ["Life is good® Takes Fun, Fundraising Fest to Fenway"], GoodBiz113 profilee Life is good® did, indeed, optimize every corner of Fenway Park on what was deemed to be the luckiest day of the century: July 7, 2007. While billions of folks across the globe watched Al Gore's Live Earth mega-concert, and thousands of people got married [including, of course, Eva and Tony You-Know-Who], LIG hosted a summer festival of good, old-fashioned fun and Americana for a diverse crowd of 15,000 that raised $802,636 to help kids in need.

It was a perfect summer day for colorful games, shows, activities, giveaways, contests, live music, scavenger hunts, bubble-blowing contests, dugout photos, the first annual Red Sox Super Fan competition, celebrity appearances, and even a surprise marriage proposal. Baseball, football, soccer, Wiffle, and beach balls were in the air all day long -- none more spectacular than the gigantic, inflatable baseball shared by thousands of hands around the stands to complete the World's Biggest Game of Catch.

The Grammy-nominated headliner Gin Blossoms and theatrical Neil Diamond tribute band Super Diamond rocked the main stage, capping off the steady stream of good vibes and great tunes started by family-friendly SteveSongs and American Idol sensation Ayla Brown.

Once again, the coveted title of World's Greatest Backyard Athlete was up for grabs -- this time, with a baseball twist. More than 100 fundraising athletes took to Fenway's field to compete in quirky athletic endeavors like Peanut Pitching, Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, and the Green Monster Frisbee Toss. The fans cheered perennial runner-up Charlie Walsh as he grasped the crown that had narrowly eluded him for two years by clocking the fastest time in the dramatic and absurd pole-to-pole Warning Track Dash.

As with all Life is good festivals, the goal is to rally good people around a great cause. Together on 07/07/07, fundraising athletes, sponsors and volunteers went to bat for children facing unfair challenges and hit one out of the park -- LIG's biggest fundraiser ever, with a total of $802,636 raised for Project Joy and the Red Sox Foundation.

To glimpse photos of the event -- all of which were taken by Life is good's official photo team from the CDIA at Boston University -- visit: http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/fenway/festival-photos.aspx.

Limited-Edition 2007 Optimist Tees Available Online
So, you couldn't make it to Fenway Park last Saturday, eh? Good news! The fundraiser T-shirts sold there -- replete with "Optimist 7" screened on the back -- are available in men's, women's and youth sizes, and ready for purchase online. Simply go to: http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/optimist-tee.aspx.

Remember: When you purchase a fundraiser tee, Life is good donates 100% of the profit to children's charities. Thanks for spreading good vibes and helping kids in need!

Sources: Life is good®, CDIA at Boston University [photo]
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Kerry to GSA: Don’t Eliminate Small Business Office Supply Contracts

Today, Sen. John Kerry [D-Mass.], chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, urged the General Services Administration [GSA] to postpone implementing a policy that could have a detrimental impact on many small businesses, and called for a Government Accountability Office [GAO] study evaluating the proposal. The GSA is preparing to drop office supplies from its Global Supply Stock Program. Currently, nearly 80 percent of government purchases of office supplies through this program are directed to small businesses.

“It’s unacceptable for the Administration to abandon innovative and effective small businesses in favor of a handful of big businesses," Kerry declared. "Before GSA eliminates these contracts, we need to know exactly what it means, economically and operationally, for the small firms that have been doing business with the federal government."

Kerry sent a letter to GSA Administrator Lurita Doan [pictured above] -- along with Ranking Member Olympia Snowe [R-Maine], Sen. Johnny Isakson [R-Ga.], and the chair and ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, Nydia Velázquez [D-N.Y.] and Steve Chabot [R-Ohio] -- asking the agency to halt the new policy.

The bipartisan group also announced that they will ask GAO to review the consequences of this policy change, given that the continued presence of the stock program’s office products also creates a vital and readily accessible resource to all government agencies for their various supply needs in times of emergency.

Following, is the text of their letter:

July 9, 2007

Ms. Lurita Doan
GSA Administrator
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20405-0002

Dear Administrator Doan:

It has been brought to our attention that the General Services Administration [GSA] is planning to eliminate office supplies from its Global Supply Stock Program. The continued presence of the Stock Program’s office products creates a vital and readily accessible resource to all government agencies for their various supply needs. The Stock Program currently has multiple small businesses that provide office products to depots across the nation for stockpiling in the event of an emergency.

Under your proposal, office supplies would be eliminated from the Stock Program and we are concerned that these services will be allocated to a handful of larger business supply companies. At present, approximately 80 percent of the office supply procurements for the Stock Program are directed to small businesses. Therefore, any change to this program that does not fully and properly take into account the detrimental impact on small business greatly concerns us.

Before GSA moves forward, we request that you refrain from terminating the office supplies from the Stock Program until Congress has had a chance to review this matter in greater detail and consider potential detrimental economic impacts to small businesses. We are also concerned about the impact this will have on our Nation’s emergency readiness capabilities and our Country’s ability to react quickly to major disasters. Therefore, before GSA eliminates any items from the depot, we would like to fully understand the impacts of such a move.

In light of our concerns, we will soon request that the Government Accountability Office [GAO] study what impact removing office products from the Stock Program will have on the many small business suppliers that currently participate in the Stock Program and our Country’s emergency preparedness. We appreciate your confirming for us, within 30 days of receipt of this letter, that you will suspend any efforts to change the Stock Program with respect to office supplies until the matter has been independently evaluated by the nonpartisan GAO.

Thank you and we look forward to your prompt reply on this matter.

Sincerely,

John F. Kerry
Chairman
Senate Small Business Committee

Olympia J. Snowe
Ranking Member
Senate Small Business Committee

Nydia Velázquez
House Small Business Committee

Steve Chabot
House Small Business Committee

Johnny Jackson
U.S. Senate
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(RED) VISION Seeks Short-Film Entries for 2008 Vail Film Festival; New Toolkit Available

This just in from (PRODUCT) RED, with whom GoodBiz113 ad partners American Express and Apple have teamed to help fight AIDS in Africa: The (RED) VISION short film category for the Fifth Annual 2008 Vail Film Festival is now open for submissions!

For those of you seeking a fun summer project, you're in luck. (PRODUCT) RED is looking for short films that represent one of these two (RED) themes: "We are the people we've been waiting for," and "Be a good-looking Samaritan."

The accepted (RED) VISION film will debut at the 2008 Vail Film Festival held in Vail, Colo., which promotes independent filmmaking during a week of screenings, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, parties and live music.

With your creativity and artistry, (PRODUCT) RED can raise awareness about (RED) and the fight against AIDS in Africa. So pick up your camera and start shooting!

For submission guidelines, go to JOINRED.COM/VAIL. Find out more about the Vail Film Festival at vailfilmfestival.org.

SPREAD (RED)!
(PRODUCT) RED recently updated its website with the (RED) Community Toolkit, which you can find at JOINRED.COM/TOOLKIT.

The toolkit comes with an instruction sheet to help you figure out the best way you can promote (RED) amongst your friends and family. Plus, you can choose from posters [see sample above], fliers, stickers, buttons, name tags, Web banners, and desktop wallpapers. A fact sheet and FAQ are also available, so you can effectively answer questions about (RED).

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American Express Announces Top 50 Semifinalists for The Members Project

Today, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express® announced the top 50 project ideas selected as semifinalists for The Members Project [www.membersproject.com] -- the unique online initiative that brought American Express Cardmembers together to submit, discuss and rate ideas to make a positive impact in the world.

Cardmembers from across the country and The Members Project Advisory Panel of thought-leaders helped determine the top 50 project ideas from the thousands that were submitted. Project ideas ranged from local community-based projects throughout the United States, to international aid projects in Africa and Asia.

In the next phase of The Members Project, American Express is calling for Cardmembers to register and vote for their favorite project ideas to narrow down the list to the idea about which Cardmembers are most passionate. For every Cardmember that registers, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. American Express has committed at least $1 million and up to $5 million to bring the winning idea to life.

"Our Cardmembers are passionate about making a difference, expressing their ideas and supporting causes that are important to them -- which was clear from the more than 7,000 project ideas submitted to The Members Project," said Jud Linville, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Consumer Business, American Express. "We're encouraging all Cardmembers to make their voices heard by voting for the idea they want American Express to make a reality. The power is in their hands."

TOP 50 PROJECTS
Following, is a complete list of the top 50 semifinalists. [NOTE: The Cardmember-selected project categories and project descriptions are in their own words.]

Arts & Entertainment
* "Bring Young Audiences to Live Theater -- This program aims to bring young audiences to non-profit theaters through student matinees, rush tickets and other means of making theater accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend."
* "Kid's International Peace Mural Exchange -- Program to teach children conflict resolution and peer mediation through the creation of murals that are internationally exchanged."
* "Preserve Music Education in Our Schools -- While the infrastructure of music programs in schools already exists, this project proposes that The Members Project supplements adequate funding to strengthen music education."
* "Women Artists: Not in the Books? Put them Online! -- With only 2% of paintings on museum walls comprised of works by female artists, this project proposes that we transfer the established library of existing female art into a universally accessible online database."

Business & Finance
* "Inspiring Kids to Become Entrepreneurs -- Spearheaded by an award-winning filmmaker and executive producer, this project aims to create an innovative film with an interactive online component to supplement it, which will aim to inspire city teens to start their own businesses."
* "Microcredit to Businesses in Developing Countries -- This program aims to support microfinance, one of the most sustainable and effective tools in the fight against global poverty. Microfinance emerged in the 1970s as a way to offer financial services to the working poor who were previously considered 'unbankable' due to lack of collateral."

Community Development
* "50,000 Families up From Poverty -- The practice of microlending is helping to lift many families from total poverty to self-sufficiency and better lives. This project aims to help thousands of families."
* "Bringing Water to the Poorest of the Poor -- Project designed to provide water to communities in India, Africa and impoverished areas worldwide by drilling tube wells wherever needed."
* "Help African Children Orphaned by AIDS -- This project empowers communities to care for orphans living with AIDS through education and access to treatment. Additionally the program will provide food, clothing, medicine, and counseling, while developing sustainable solutions for each orphan family."
* "Helping Heal our Returning Wounded Veterans -- This project encourages community support for our troops and supplies aid to financially strained, wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan."
* "Helping Wounded Soldiers Return From Iraq -- Many young women and men have been shipped to Iraq only to return with crippling injuries. This project aims to set up an organization that can teach these veterans useful skills regardless of their disabilities."
* "Microfinance Loans -- This project provides seed money for a low-interest microfinance organization to grant loans that will circulate money into poor villages. This project idea could provide a wide relief effort for years which could then be branched out to more communities in need."
* "Microloans for Mothers in Third World Countries -- Project provides financial assistance, to mothers in poverty so that they can feed their children, bring changes to their homeland and restore family values."
* "Permanent Homes for American Foster Children -- Statistics show that a staggering number of kids who 'age out' of the foster care system in America without being adopted often end up homeless, in prison, or on welfare. This program proposes the creation of a neighborhood for families willing to adopt kids out of the foster care system, including senior citizen homes whose residents would act as 'grandparents' for these kids."
* "Railroad Dining Car Restoration Project -- The goal of this project is to restore historic dining cars, sleeping cars and lounge cars to operate on a scenic railroad line. These railroad cars would be the original cars running on their original route, providing historic railroad food and service as it was in the 1950s and early 1960s. The project would partner with a local college's hotel and culinary program to provide a unique educational component."
* "RightRides: A Free Safe, Late Night Ride Home -- As a response to physical assaults on women in North Brooklyn neighborhoods, RightRides was formed in August 2004 to provide free late night rides to women in high-risk and low-income areas. The goal of this project is to provide proper funding to expand this project nationwide."
* "The Clean Hub -- In refugee camps and areas affected by natural disaster, a common policy exists that most structures must be temporary, even though they may be used for decades. This results in substandard living conditions. The Clean Hub can solve this problem, as it is a self-sustaining source for clean water, electricity and sanitation. In keeping with all policies, it can be deemed portable. But since it is self-sustaining, it can function in one place for as long as necessary with minimal maintenance."
* "Water in Africa: Need for Wells & Clean Water -- With over a billion people lacking sanitary drinking water, this project aims to provide wells and clean water to impoverished communities to promote proper hygiene and prevent diseases. Ready access to clean water also allows people to spend more time on other important tasks, such as farming and gathering food."

Education
* "Adopt a Classroom to Support School Children -- This project is designed to motivate individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute funds to specific school teachers nationwide to enable them to purchase educational materials online which will enhance teaching opportunities in the classroom."
* "Aged Out, Kicked Out: Help Foster Kids' Futures -- With 20,000 children aging out of foster care in the U.S. each year, this project aims to create a network of mentors and programs to help children prepare for life after foster care through education, job training and life skills training."
* "Connect Kids Around the World -- This project connects kids in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia through video-teleconferencing. One of the great inequities in the world is the vastly different resources available to school children across the globe. By connecting classrooms electronically, teachers in the developed world can include students in poor classrooms in joint projects and daily lessons."
* "Interactive Museum for Children of ALL Abilities -- This project proposes an interactive museum for children of all abilities, providing a safe, nurturing environment for them to learn and socialize. While some programs will be tailored to special needs children, it will be a place for all kids to come together and build strong social skills through exhibits requiring them to work together."
* "KidsWithGive: Teach Philanthropy & Change the World -- This idea is to create a nonprofit organization to inspire children to give back by connecting them with kid-friendly charities around their passions. An online gift registry will be created where children can contribute and learn more about philanthropy."
* "Life Skills Classes in High School -- This plan proposes to create a curriculum that prepares high school kids for life beyond the classroom. Topics will cover skills that apply to real life ranging from what a credit score is and a how a high and low score can affect your life, to retirement savings and benefits of homeownership."
* "Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs -- This program takes a comprehensive approach to ease common barriers for hard-working, low-income youth. The youth contribute a part of their paychecks to a savings account, giving them access to support for employment training, health care, logistical needs, workshops on asset building and financial management, and planning to reach their education, career, and life goals."
* "Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn. -- This program aims to create a website where public school teachers can request specific educational projects for their classrooms, and individuals can log on to choose which projects to fund, in turn, providing educational tools for students from low-income families nationwide."

Environment & Wildlife
* "Harvest the Sun -- Every day, we get up in the morning to the largest source of energy in our lives. Every roof on every building, both residential and commercial, is a potential piece of real estate for solar power generation. The goal of this project is to get 100% self-sufficiency for the average household, depending on geographic location."
* "Plant A Million Trees: Global Reforestation -- From forest fires to rainforest destruction, to natural water disasters to overdevelopment, trees are disappearing in vast numbers all over the globe. This plan suggests planting millions of trees where they are needed most."
* "Restore Our Bee population! -- This proposal propagates a replacement for the honey bee. Approximately 85% of the fruits and vegetables that are consumed rely on pollination."
* "Save Lake Winnipesaukee! [Winni-Who?] -- Lake Winnipesaukee needs action to ensure it will always be available for drinking and recreational enjoyment. Record development has caused impairments, making this idea more urgent than ever. This project's vision is to develop and implement community strategies which effectively stop threats to water quality."
* "Small Windfarms -- This project aims to fund the installation of one or more wind generators on many small farms in appropriate places. This would place wind-power towers in rural places with lots of wind, produce power for small farmers who otherwise couldn't afford it and also provide some income when excess power is sold to the grid."
* "The Virtual Forest Project. 1 million trees. Easy. -- This program will help develop a virtual community to calculate and offset their own CO2 footprint by planting a virtual tree. 1 virtual tree = 1 real tree planted in a reforestation project. Then let them invite their friends to go carbon neutral too and invite corporate sponsors, local groups and celebrities to start their own forests or to recognize the most influential members of the virtual forest."
* "Wind and Solar for Residential -- This project plans to create a small power-generating unit that is small and powerful enough to be placed into every residential home. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a community of homes to help generate power for the power companies to use."

Health & Fitness
* "A Cure for Autism -- One in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. This project hopes to make people more aware of autism and drives to donate funds to an organization that has an interest in curing autism."
* "Alzheimer's Disease Research -- At age 85, 50% of the population will have Alzheimer's disease. Medicaid expenditures are threatening to overwhelm state budgets. Sixty percent of family caregivers die before the person for whom they are caring. These factors have created a 'perfect storm' that will devastate our healthcare systems, unless a cure and/or prevention are found."
* "Alzheimer's Research and Support -- Alzheimer's early detection and treatment/prevention is critical as is the affordability of medications, in-home assistance and care facilities. This project hopes to relieve the extreme emotional distress and financial burden that can ruin a family."
* "Aphasia Support Center [Cincinnati Area] -- This project aims to create a non-profit Aphasia Support Center in the Cincinnati area. Caused by a stroke or traumatic brain injury, aphasia impacts the ability to speak, understand others, causes difficulty with reading, writing and numbers. The Aphasia Support Center would provide group therapy, activities, caregiver support and community outreach."
* "Children's Safe Drinking Water -- Four thousand children die needlessly every day from drinking contaminated water. This program aims to address this issue through an innovative and low-cost technology that effectively purifies and cleans water while removing bacteria, viruses, and parasites."
* "Cure for Alzheimer's -- The cost of caring for an Alzheimer's patient is expensive, and the number of people suffering from this disease continues to increase. This project supports the research for a cure as the disease afflicts more people every day."
* "Help Stop ALS [Lou Gehrig's Disease] -- This program seeks to provide financial assistance to the research of Lou Gehrig's Disease, or ALS [Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis]. This fatal disease attacks the motor neurons of a person's central nervous system as most patients live for an average of 5 years after diagnosis."
* "Helping Military Families with Deployment! -- This program strives to provide resources to hundreds of thousands of military children and their families as they cope with the challenges of a parent's deployment. This project will additionally provide resources for families to address complicated transitions where a parent returns with combat-related health conditions/injuries."
* "Homeless Prevention for Vets from Iraq/Afghanistan -- This program strives to provide support and assistance to returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. Services include outreach to newly separated veterans and their families, outpatient counseling and case management, in-patient residential treatment services and much more."
* "Kids Alfresco -- This program plans to inspire and enable young children to enjoy active lives outdoors. Kids Alfresco promotes purpose-driven activity through everyday play -- as well as planned activities, such as hiking, camping, biking and much more. From passionate parents and volunteers to generous corporations, Kids Alfresco, through education and collaboration, will accomplish the incredible."
* "Prevent Blindness in Millions of People Worldwide! -- Millions of people are going blind around the world because of disease or medical complications of the eye. For only about five or six dollars, a person can be treated to prevent the onset of blindness, cataracts and other eye maladies. This winning project could literally save the sight of a million people or more around the world."
* "Simplify Medication Information -- Medication instructions can be especially difficult to follow because the names are hard to remember, and the instructions aren't always clear. This program aims to simplify medication instructions in the U.S. by using pictures that everyone could understand -- regardless of age, education, language, or background."
* "Treating our Troops -- This project plans to start a nationwide system of rehabilitative specialists to bridge the gap in care for troops returning from Iraq."
* "The Return of Physician as Healer -- This project looks to transform the study and practice of modern medicine through integration with traditional medicine, reviving the way of the physician as healer."

Miscellaneous
* "1 Billion People, $10/year = $10B for Social Change -- This project strives to develop an online social network that enables individuals to combine money, resources, and intellectual capital to end poverty and injustice. Members join the community with a $10 commitment. If every person tells 3 people, the program could reach the world in 16 days."
* "Awareness Can Build a Family -- An astonishing 90% of pregnancies involving diagnosis of Down Syndrome are terminated. This program will use public-service television, ads, booklets and more to share that the lives of people with Down Syndrome are just as valuable as everyone else."
* "Restore our U.S. National Parks -- The United States' National Parks and Historic Sites are in disrepair, and funding is needed to repair and refurbish. This project aims to provide funding to the landmarks that define our nation."

THE MEMBERS PROJECT ADVISORY PANEL
American Express worked with an Advisory Panel of renowned thought-leaders in a variety of fields to review the top-rated projects, as rated by the Cardmembers, and select the top 50 project ideas. Advisory Panelists include:
* Geoff Canada -- President and CEO, Harlem Children's Zone
* Ellen DeGeneres -- Comedian and Talk Show Host
* Dr. Jane Goodall -- Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace
* Dr. Sanjay Gupta -- CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and Neurosurgeon
* Rosabeth Moss Kanter [pictured above] -- Harvard Business School Professor
* Dr. Michael Lomax -- President and CEO, United Negro College Fund
* Wynton Marsalis -- Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
* Gabrielle Reece -- Professional Volleyball Player and Sports/Fitness Expert

NEXT STEPS
Based on popular Cardmember vote, the top 50 project ideas will be narrowed to the top 25 announced on July 17, then to the top five announced on July 24. The winning idea will be announced on August 7, and Cardmembers can register on www.membersproject.com through August 5.

AMERICAN EXPRESS, MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING BACK
American Express [www.americanexpress.com] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. The company has been synonymous with "Membership" since it introduced "Member Since" dates on its Card in 1964, and continues to develop a sense of membership through the special benefits and exceptional services offered to Cardmembers.

Giving back is a core value of American Express and being a "good citizen" is a hallmark of the brand. American Express was the first company to launch a cause-related marketing campaign, which was a program benefiting the Statue of Liberty in 1983, and the Company has continued to roll out successful initiatives around the world that have supported and enhanced the communities where we live and work.

Over the years, American Express has supported causes that are important to Cardmembers, merchant partners and the general public -- from reopening the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, to fighting hunger and preserving historic sites around the world. Through these programs -- including The Members Project -- American Express is providing an outlet for consumers' desire to "do good."

The Members Project, which is a part of American Express's new brand campaign, "Are You a Cardmember?" ^SM, highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community.

Source: American Express
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July 7: Life is good® Takes Fun, Fundraising Fest to Fenway

Those funmeisters at Life is good® are at it again -- this time, at Fenway Park, home of Boston's beloved Red Sox baseball team. Yep, this Saturday, July 7, 2007, the balls, discs [AKA Frisbees], peanuts, watermelon seeds and even a few T-shirts are going to fly.

New Foundation Serves Kids in Need
Since GoodBiz113 profiled Life is good® last December ["Life is good® Festivals Unite Communities, Help Kids Face Unfair Challenges"], the company has formed its Life is good® Kids Foundation, "to improve the physical, emotional and social well-being of children."

Via charitable community fundraising events held near LIG's Boston headquarters and at sites throughout the U.S., plus sales of special LIG products, the foundation supports innovative not-for-profit groups that "help strengthen joy and connection in children's lives." Special emphasis is placed on supporting underserved children and those recovering from the trauma of exposure to violence, poverty, and natural disasters.

Life is good® at Fenway: The Lineup
This Saturday, from 11 a.m to 6 p.m., Fenway Park's stands and concourses will be filled with activities, games, contests, shows and giveaways all day long for the entire family.

Among the day's activities:
* Dunk-a-Yank Tank
* World's Biggest Game of Catch
* Peanut Pitching
* Scavenger Hunts
* Dugout Photos
* Football Fling
* Magic Shows
* Bubble Gum Blowing Contests
* Face Painting
* Spin-to-Win
* Batting Cage
* Seed Spitting
* Soccer Kick
* Arts and Crafts
* Dog Bowling
* Baseball Speed Pitch
* Double Dutch
* Snaggle

Of course, lots of "ballpark food" will be on hand. Plus, family-friendly music will be performed by SteveSongs, American Idol sensation Ayla Brown, the Neil Diamond tribute band Super Diamond, and, finally, the Gin Blossoms.

Tickets for Life is good® at Fenway
Tickets are general admission: adults, $20; and kids [ages 3-12], $10. To order in advance [highly recommended!], go to: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=22406&agency=FENWAY2&pid=6020442.

All proceeds from Saturday's Life is good® at Fenway event benefit the Red Sox Foundation and Project Joy, two not-for-profits that "go to bat" for kids in need throughout Greater Boston.

2007 Watermelon Festival Tees
Can't get to Fenway Park, but still want to spread good vibes and help kids in need? Buy a Watermelon Festival fundraiser tee! When you do, the Life is good® Kids Foundation donates 100% of the profit to children's charities!

The shirts, adorned with a colorful and smile-inducing Watermelon Festival design, are available in men's, women's, boys', girls' and tots' sizes at Life is good®'s online store: http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/buy-a-festival-tee.aspx.
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