Thursday, January 28, 2010

Verbatim: President Obama Draws Praise for His Commitment to Making Small Business a Top Priority

After his first-ever State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress and the American people last evening, President Barack Obama [pictured with Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in background] drew high praise from two key small-biz stakeholders regarding his agenda to make small business a top priority.

"Tonight, the President made clear that he recognizes the central role small businesses play in our economy," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez [D-N.Y.], chairwoman of the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. "His address outlined a broad-based strategy for putting our nation on a path back toward prosperity.

"The tax initiatives the President discussed would spark job growth by helping firms reinvest in their facilities, expand operations and purchase new equipment. Importantly, the President's proposed investments in infrastructure and energy efficiency programs will put more Americans back to work in sectors dominated by small businesses.

"Ultimately, access to capital remains the single biggest obstacle to small-business job growth. So, I was particularly pleased to hear President Obama focus on ways to get credit flowing to entrepreneurs.

"The House has already passed legislation that would support $44 billion in small-business lending and investment. In coming weeks, I look forward to working with the President as we seek ways to improve the flow of capital to small businesses.

"As the President made clear tonight, we will not rest until America's entrepreneurs have the resources necessary to lead our economy forward. After all, small businesses are critical -- not just for immediate job growth, but for rebuilding our economy in the long term."

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.], who has effectively shepherded small-business job creation measures through her committee, also weighed in on President Obama’s important focus on investing in small businesses to help create jobs.

"Tonight, President Obama made it clear that investing in our Main Street businesses is the quickest way to improve our economy and create jobs," Sen. Landrieu declared. "Small businesses are truly our nation’s job creators, creating 64 percent of all new jobs in the last 15 years. And, yet, this past year, small businesses have been hit the hardest by the economic downturn.

"Nearly 85 percent of the jobs lost came from small businesses. We must invest in our small businesses, because they are the businesses that have bared the greatest burden in this economy, and they are the businesses that have the greatest potential to improve it.

"The first, and fastest, way to boost our small businesses’ ability to create jobs is by giving them greater access to capital and tax credits. President Obama highlighted several ways to do this -- all of which I support, and look forward to hearing more details.

"Another way is by increasing the loan limit cap on small-business loans -- something that President Obama has encouraged, and that I, along with 18 Republican and Democratic Senators, have included as part of S.2869, 'The Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act.' In addition to raising the cap on loans, this bill extends important Recovery Act provisions that have helped to create more than 500,000 jobs in the last year.

"In addition to improving lending for small businesses, President Obama launched the National Export Initiative to help small businesses and farmers increase American-made exports, and help reach a goal of creating 2 million new jobs in America by doubling our exports. Making minor changes to some of the programs that already exist to help small exporters can help us reach the 2 million goal even faster. I, along with Sen. [Olympia] Snowe, made these changes in a bill to boost the exporting potential of small businesses.

"These are simple, inexpensive ways we can make a big impact. I look forward to working with President Obama, his administration and my colleagues in Congress to help our small businesses as we work to create jobs in America.”

The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship passed S.2869, "The Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act," and S.2862, "The Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act," out of committee last December. For more information on the bills, please click here.

Last week, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that his office is dedicating a high-level post to promoting the interests of small-business exports, a move that Sen. Landrieu repeatedly advocated. To read more about the announcement, please click here.

Several small-business owners sat with First Lady Michelle Obama during last night’s address. They included: Ping Fu of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Chris Lardner of Albuquerque, N.M.; Juan Yépez of Lawrence, Mass.; and Trevor Yager of Indianapolis, In. For biographies of the small-business owners, please click here.

GoodBiz113 Tools
* To view the video and read the transcript of President Obama's first State of the Union address, go to: http://bit.ly/SOTU01272010

* To learn more about S.2869, "The Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act": http://bit.ly/SmallBiz2869

* For an overview of S.2862, "The Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act," visit: http://bit.ly/SmallBiz2862

SOURCES: Library of Congress, U.S. House Committee on Small Business, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, The White House [photo by Pete Souza]
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Landrieu Announces $12.4 Million in Broadband Internet Funds for Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu [D-La.] today announced more than $12 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds for the Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company, based in Collinston, La. The funds made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be used to bring broadband services to rural unserved and underserved communities.

“The Recovery Act Broadband Infrastructure projects bring small businesses in rural parts of the country one step closer to being true competitors in the global economy,” said Landrieu, chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “With the help of these funds, the Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company will be able to expand their coverage to more rural areas of Louisiana. The funding will also provide an economic boost to an area that has been recovering since the closure of International Paper last year.”

In a statement, Northeast Louisiana Telephone owners Rector Hopgood and Mike George wrote: “We are excited to be able to offer a new state-of-the-art communication system to the residents of Collinston, Bonita and Jones. With these funds, we will be covering our service territory with buried fiber optics.

“Our customers will have access to high-speed Internet, digital TV, as well as telephone service -- which will be a vast improvement over our current copper network. This is an exciting time for our customers and our company.”

The funds awarded to Northeast Louisiana Telephone include a $4,359,000 grant and a $8,124,600 loan to provide an active Ethernet system.

Sen. Landrieu has been a vocal supporter of expanding broadband services. To view more information on her broadband expansion efforts, please click here.

GoodBiz113 Tools
* Recovery.gov: http://www.recovery.gov/
* USDA Rural Tour: http://bit.ly/RuralTour
* U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: http://sbc.senate.gov/

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Monday, January 25, 2010

SBA, Minority Business RoundTable Renew Strategic Partnership to Expand Outreach to Minority Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it renewed its two-year partnership agreement with the Minority Business RoundTable [MBRT], to continue joint outreach efforts to minority entrepreneurs.

“During these difficult economic times, it is imperative that we provide small and minority businesses with the necessary tools to drive economic growth and create jobs in their communities,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills [pictured]. “Far too often, minority-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs encounter hurdles to getting capital, contracts and other assistance to help them succeed in the marketplace. Making sure we do all we can to remove these hurdles is a top priority for SBA and the Obama Administration.”

This strategic alliance is part of SBA’s ongoing effort to support small-business development initiatives in underserved communities. The agreement allows the organizations to share resources and educate minority entrepreneurs on how to use SBA products and services to establish and grow their businesses.

SBA has supported substantial financing to minority-owned small businesses under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Since the Act was signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009, minority-owned small businesses have received more than $4 billion in SBA-backed loans -- about 23 percent of the more than $18.5 billion in small-business lending that SBA has supported under the Recovery Act.

Minority-owned businesses continue to account for about 29 percent of the agency’s overall lending, and 37 percent of its microloans. Minority-owned small businesses also have received more than $3 billion worth of federal contracts under the Recovery Act.

MBRT is a national membership organization for minority CEOs that serves as a unified voice for minority businesses. Through this partnership, the SBA and MBRT intend to help more of these businesses succeed and stimulate economic growth in their communities and the nation’s economy.

The SBA-MBRT alliance is intended to strengthen and expand small-business development across the nation for minority entrepreneurs. SBA will provide MBRT with timely information on the agency’s programs, services and resource partners; participate in roundtable discussions and conferences; and advise them on events that will impact their mission.

As part of the resource pooling, MBRT will cooperate with SBA and its resource partners to provide information to members about its business-development programs and services, and share current SBA news and information. The two-year agreement is a renewal of the partnership between the SBA and MBRT, and was implemented on Jan. 11, 2010.

GoodBiz113 Tools
* SBA: http://www.sba.gov/
* MBRT: http://www.mbrt.net/
* Recovery.gov: http://www.recovery.gov/

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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Sunday, January 24, 2010

'Hope For Haiti Now' Telethon Tally Tops $57 Million; Digital Album No. 2 on Amazon

Friday night's star-studded "Hope For Haiti Now" telethon -- simulcast on several network and cable television stations across the globe -- has, thus far, generated more than $57 million to help bring relief to Haitians after the massive 7.0 earthquake hit the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. Donations have poured in via phone, text messages, online and post.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, the "Hope for Haiti Now" global telethon is already available as an extraordinary digital album -- including fantastic performances by Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, The Roots, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Beyoncé, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Charlie Sexton, Jennifer Hudson, Emeline Michel, Bono, The Edge, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, and Wyclef Jean. As of this morning, the MP3 album ranked No. 2 on Amazon.

Via digital video, you can also own the entire two-hour Hope for Haiti Now global telethon, hosted by George Clooney, CNN's Anderson Cooper, and Wyclef Jean -- including all of the musical performances.

All proceeds from album and video sales will go to American Red Cross, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, and Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation.

Take Action Now
This is the time for all of us -- corporations, small businesses, individuals, fundraising groups -- to step up and help the people of Haiti get the clean water, food, blankets, tents, medical supplies and assistance they need. Know that, when you do, 100 percent of the funds raised will go towards relief efforts in Haiti, and that there are NO backend costs whatsoever.

* Donate now: https://www.hopeforhaitinow.org/

* Download the "Hope For Haiti Now" MP3 album [$7.99]: http://bit.ly/HopeForHaitiNowAlbum

* Watch the "Hope For Haiti Now" video [$2.99]: http://bit.ly/HopeForHaitiNowVideo

SOURCES: Amazon, CNN, Hope For Haiti Now, MTV Networks
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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Jan. 28: SBA’s Export Experts Offer Free Web Chat on Going International, and Accessing Small-Business Capital and Credit Programs

Does your business product or service have potential in an overseas market? Have you considered doing business globally? Exporting can be a means of substantially growing your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration's January VOICE online chat discussion will highlight exporting basics, as well as general SBA capital and credit programs for small-business owners.

SBA offers several loan programs to help small businesses expand or develop an export market. From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. [ET] on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, business owners can find out if they are ready for exporting, and learn more about how to get started.

Richard Ginsburg and Patrick E. Tunison, of SBA’s Office of International Trade, will co-host this month's Web Chat on “Small Business Exporting and Access to Credit.” For one hour, Ginsburg and Tunison will answer questions on how to grow a business through exporting.

SBA’s free monthly Web Chat series provides small-business owners with opportunities to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the Web Chats via questions they submit online -- in advance and during the live session -- with instant answers.

Participants can join the live Web Chat by going online to http://www.sba.gov/, and clicking “Online Business Chat.” Web Chat participants may post questions before the Jan. 28th event by visiting http://bit.ly/SmallBizJan2010, and posting their questions online.

To review archives of past monthly Web Chats, visit online at http://bit.ly/WebChatArchives.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Fairview Southdale Hospital Library Invites Employees, Patients and Community to 'Meet the Authors'; Suspense Writer Brian Freeman Presents on Jan. 22

Editor's note: Typically, GoodBiz113 profiles socially responsible small businesses that partner with nonprofit groups and public agencies in innovative ways to serve the greater good. Occasionally, though, other win-win-win alliances deserve so much attention, that we break from format.

Such is the case of Fairview Southdale Hospital Health Sciences Library, a nonprofit entity that showcases Minnesota fiction writers during its quarterly "Meet the Authors" book events. These lunchtime book discussions invite hospital employees, patients, caregivers and community members to engage with independent working artists, and embark on a one-hour adventure that offers a healing escape -- mostly, into the realm of thrillers.


The Organization
Fairview Southdale Hospital Health Sciences Library
LL-27G
[Lower Level, near Caffé Amoré]
6401 France Avenue South
Edina, MN 55435
Phone: [952] 924-5005
Fax: [952] 924-5933

Founded: 1960

Employees: 3 part-time [1.1 FTE total] + 1 volunteer

Hours: 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

Contact: Mary B. Carlson, Knowledge Manager <mcarlso1@fairview.org>

The Function
Fairview Southdale Hospital [FSH] Library Services -- AKA the Mary Ann McIntyre King Health Sciences Library -- is one of three Fairview Health Services Libraries operated by the award-winning Fairview Health Services system of community hospitals and clinics. [Fairview Southdale Hospital was recently named a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospital for 2009, marking the fourth year that FSH ranked among leading U.S. hospitals setting the nation's cardiovascular benchmarks for inpatient care.]

Open to the public, FSH Library's sister libraries include the University of Minnesota Medical Center -- Fairview Library Services, located in Minneapolis, and Fairview Ridges Hospital Library Services, in Burnsville.

Each weekday, FSH medical librarians fulfill dozens of literature and information search requests submitted by physicians, nurses, administrators, etc.; respond to myriad reference questions from hospital personnel, patients, caregivers, visitors and others; and arrange interlibrary loans with other local libraries -- as well as state, regional and national networks -- to fill special requests for materials.

In addition, FSH Library staff help customers search the library's online databases and print collection of medical reference sources -- including texts, directories and handbooks -- plus consumer health books to find the latest and most credible health information about diverse topics [e.g., alternative medicine, brain health, cancer, diabetes management, drug interactions, heart disease, nutrition, orthopedics, weight loss surgery].

Periodically, on an as-requested basis, FSH Library staff also conduct individual and group training sessions to teach hospital employees how to fully utilize the library's comprehensive technologies, print and online health information resources, and services.

The Partners
Since FSH Library launched its "Meet the Authors" series about five years ago, several award-winning writers have shared their literary talents and insights. Among the featured scribes [in alphabetical order]:

* Charles Baxter ["The Soul Thief," "Burning Down the House"]

* Carl Brookins ["A Superior Mystery," "The Case of the Greedy Lawyers"]

* Brian Freeman ["In the Dark," "Stalked"]

* Ellen Hart ["The Mirror and the Mask," "Sweet Poison"]

* David Housewright ["Jelly's Gold," "Dead Boyfriends"]

* Julie Kramer ["Missing Mark," "Stalking Susan"]

* William Kent Krueger ["Heaven's Keep," "Iron Lake"]

* Alison McGhee ["Shadow Baby," "Always"]

* Scott Muskin ["The Annunciations of Hank Meyerson"]

* Faith Sullivan ["Gardenias," "What a Woman Must Do"]

* Mary Winstead ["Back to Mississippi: A Personal Journey Through the Events that Changed America in 1964"]

The Buzz
During the past 50 years, FSH Library has had three managers and operated in about a half-dozen locations. Two years ago, it moved to its current high-traffic spot -- i.e., near the base of the stairs leading to the main-floor patient check-in desk and parking ramp, down the hall from the cafeteria, and right next to Caffé Amoré [for more upscale offerings, including real espresso drinks]. Replete with helpful and friendly staff, seven Internet-access computers, guest wireless network, conference table, daily Star Tribune, plus six sections of floor-to-ceiling print resources, it's a very popular and well-used space by hospital employees and visitors alike.

On a daily basis, FSH Library also offers a welcome respite. During a recent Friday afternoon, for example, a patient's mother phoned to inquire about the library's weekend hours. The next day, she was taking her son off life support, and was hoping that Internet access would be available so she could inform family members and friends via e-mail. Mary Carlson, 25-year FSH Library manager, told the woman that, even though the library was officially closed on Saturdays, FSH security officers would be alerted to grant her admission.

Leadership Q&A
Kari Larson, GoodBiz113: Businesses gauge success in terms of annual sales, revenues, etc. How do you quantify your success?

Mary Carlson, FSH Library: For us, it's all about tracking daily traffic and use. For instance, since relocating here, we've seen a 190 percent increase in walk-ins -- for computer use, reference questions, collection-browsing, you name it. The consumer piece of that growth is huge. We went from responding to an average of one consumer-related question per day, to researching seven questions per day. Of course, that's in addition to the growing number of requests we receive from hospital staff.


GoodBiz113: Who, exactly, are your customers?

Mary Carlson: We're here to serve physicians, nurses, consumers -- basically, anyone who has medical information or consumer health information needs.


GoodBiz113: How is FSH Library funded?

Mary Carlson: We're funded as part of Fairview Southdale Hospital's budget. Recently, we also received our first-ever endowment, which came from a library volunteer whose late husband had been a patient here. She and I became friends, and celebrated her husband's birthday every year. Before her death last year, she arranged for a very generous gift to the library.


GoodBiz113: Fairview's stated vision is "To be the best health care delivery system for America, in partnership with the University of Minnesota." Its goals are: 1] exceptional clinical care; 2] exceptional patient and family experience; 3] effective and efficient use of resources; and 4] strategic growth. On a day-to-day basis, how does FSH Library serve Fairview's vision and help meet those goals?

Mary Carlson: We sit right behind education in order to support the research needs of physicians, staff and consumers. The bottom line is delivering optimal patient care, and we do everything possible to make that happen.


GoodBiz113: When did FSH Library launch its "Meet the Authors" series? What was the catalyst for doing so?

Mary Carlson: We started showcasing area authors five years ago. Mary Winstead, Fairview Southdale Hospital's former P.R. director, wrote a book -- "Back to Mississippi" [Hyperion] -- about the civil-rights movement in the 1960s South, and we thought people should know about it. Since then, we've had some great feedback. On one occasion, for instance, a woman from the public told me, "I hadn't read a book in three years. Your event really inspired me to start reading again." It's a risk in a hospital setting to host these writers, because we never know if we're going to attract five people or 25 people. As long as the interest is there, though, we'll keep doing them.


GoodBiz113: How many authors have you hosted since then?

Mary Carlson: We've featured at least a dozen writers -- including author-comedian Lorna Landvik, who, due to bad weather, did the entire event via speakerphone. At first, I initiated the contacts with authors. Now, I receive e-mail queries all the time from writers who want to be part of our series.


GoodBiz113: Typically, your "Meet the Authors" events are held during the lunch hour. What do you want to have happen during that hour?

Mary Carlson: My mother always said, "It doesn't matter what you read, if you pick up just one insight or bit of information you didn't have before, it's worth it." These events are designed to give people insights into writers' vivid imaginations, and to provide a break from the day-to-day... We read nonfiction all day, and tend to reach for the same genres of books over and over again. Our "Meet the Authors" sessions simply invite people to de-stress, relax, get lost in a thrilling adventure, and rediscover the joy of reading fiction.


GoodBiz113: Heretofore, what is your most successful and/or memorable "Meet the Authors" event? Why?

Mary Carlson: One time, we hosted an author from Brainerd. Someone from her childhood -- who had grown up right next door to her -- found out she was speaking here, and came to surprise her. That was a delightful and heartwarming reunion to witness.


GoodBiz113: GoodBiz113 is all about win-win-win partnerships. Who are the winners in this series that you've created?

Mary Carlson: First, the author wins as a result of reaching more people with his or her work. Second, our customers win by discovering, or rediscovering, a genre they probably don't experience that often, as well as the chance to connect with regional storytellers. Finally, Fairview benefits by giving a positive experience -- a mini-vacation, of sorts -- to our multifaceted base of internal and external customers.


Author Q&A
On Jan. 22, 2010, internationally acclaimed suspense novelist Brian Freeman [pictured] is making his second "Meet the Authors" appearance at FSH. His latest book, "The Burying Place" [Minotaur Books], is set in Grand Rapids, Minn., and will be released on April 13, 2010. Last week, GoodBiz113 cornered the best-selling author for an interview via e-mail.


GoodBiz113: During the course of a year, how many book-related events do you do? Types of events? Geographic range of those events? Most interesting/off-the-beaten-path [read: non-bookstore] venue?

Brian Freeman: I usually do 30 or more events in an average year -- mostly, book-club discussion groups, library visits, and bookstore signings. Most of my events are in the Upper Midwest, because I can get to the locations by driving. But, over the last few years, I’ve also done book events in 20 states and four foreign countries. Sometimes, I’m in small towns in the middle of nowhere; sometimes, I’m in big cities. You never know what you’re going to get with book events. I remember once, I did an event at a bookstore in St. Louis -- only to discover that the event happened to coincide with the first home game of the World Series...in St. Louis! Not great timing. You’ll usually find me in libraries or bookstores, but not always. We had a lot of fun this past summer, when I was “Brian on a stick” at the Minnesota State Fair.


GoodBiz113: Why take time away from your writing to do a one-hour event with Fairview's health-care professionals, administrators, etc.?

Brian Freeman: I don’t write just for myself -- I write for readers! One of the great joys of my career is the opportunity to discuss my books with people who enjoy reading. My novels are dark and suspenseful, but my events are always fun -- with lots of stories and laughter. I’m really not as scary as you might think from reading my books. Really.


GoodBiz113: You've done a previous "Meet the Authors" event. How would you characterize the FSH audience?

Brian Freeman: FSH delivers a great crowd, with plenty of enthusiasm and questions. Great questions make an event work. Speakers will tell you they get energized by the electricity of the crowd, and that’s absolutely true. If the audience is engaged, everyone has more fun. I was delighted to schedule a return visit to FSH because the first visit was so entertaining.


GoodBiz113: GoodBiz113 is, in great part, about win-win-win alliances formed between small businesses and nonprofits and/or public agencies. Who wins when FSH Library hosts a world-class author like yourself for one of its "Meet the Authors" events?

Brian Freeman: It’s certainly a winning formula for me, because I get to meet my readers face-to-face and talk about my books to new readers who may be curious about what I do. I also think that more and more businesses and nonprofits are looking to add value for their employees by giving them cultural opportunities at work. It’s not always easy for people to get away to bookstore and library events in the evenings, or on the weekends when they’re busy with their families. So, events like the FSH book club give them the chance to explore the world of publishing during the day.


GoodBiz113: Any additional comments?

Brian Freeman: I’ve done great events and not-so-great events, and the difference is always the enthusiasm of the person putting the event together. Mary’s energy for the FSH book club is infectious, and that’s why the events work so well. She came and sought me out at the St. Paul Library specifically to invite me to participate at FSH. That level of outreach makes a huge difference.


"Meet the Authors" guest Brian Freeman will be speaking from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in the Au Fait Room, located on the lower level of Fairview Southdale Hospital. Beverages and cookies will be served. The book discussion and Q&A event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

To learn more about Brian, go to http://www.bfreemanbooks.com/. Or, check out his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/bfreemanbooks.
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Friday, January 08, 2010

Healthcare Overhaul Could Save Money and Boost Jobs, Researchers Say

Health insurance reform will do more than provide coverage to millions, make health insurance more affordable, and slow long-term growth. It will also create jobs. According to two new studies, reform will slow cost increases for businesses, and free up money for raises and new jobs.

Following is an excerpt from a story by Duke Helfand, published in today's "Los Angeles Times":

“National healthcare legislation in Congress could slow the growth of medical costs, allowing employers to create 250,000 to 400,000 new jobs a year over the next decade, economists from Harvard University and USC are predicting.

"Wading into the hotly debated issue of whether the legislation is a job creator or a job killer, researchers from the two universities say that the reforms under consideration would slow the rate of cost increases and free up money for companies to raise wages and hire more workers.

"Specifically, healthcare savings could be achieved through proposals for greater competition in insurance markets, better coordination of care and shrinking administrative expenses, they said in a report to be released today. With those changes, employers could then reallocate money now spent on ever-growing premiums to other business priorities.”

To read the full story, go to: http://bit.ly/HealthcareOverhaul

GoodBiz113 Tools
* President Obama's Plan for Health Insurance Reform: http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care

* President Obama’s Weekly Address, "Health Insurance Reform, Small Business and Your Questions" [07/24/2009]: http://bit.ly/WeeklyHealthReformSmallBiz

* Health Insurance Reform Reality Check: http://bit.ly/HealthReformRealityCheck

* How Health Insurance Reform Will Help Small Business: http://bit.ly/SmallBizHealthReform

* Video: "Health Reform Will Benefit Small Business -- Not Burden It": http://bit.ly/RealityCheckSmallBizVideo

* Report: "The Economic Case for Health Care Reform": http://bit.ly/EconomicCase

* Report: "Helping the Bottom Line: Health Reform and Small Business": http://bit.ly/HelpingTheBottomLine

* Report: "Insurance at Risk: Small Business Employees Risk Losing Coverage": http://bit.ly/InsuranceAtRisk

* Report: "Lower Premiums, Stronger Businesses: How Health Insurance Reform Will Bring Down Costs for Small Businesses": http://bit.ly/StrongerBusinesses

* Report: "The Economic Effects of Health Care Reform on Small Businesses and Their Employees": http://bit.ly/EconomicEffects

SOURCES: Council of Economic Advisers, HealthReform.gov, Los Angeles Times, WhiteHouse.gov
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