In FY 2008, Small Businesses Won Record $93.3 Billion in Federal Contracts

Small businesses won a record $93.3 billion in federal prime contracts in Fiscal Year 2008 [Oct. 1, 2007 - Sept. 30, 2008] -- an increase of almost $10 billion from 2007, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA]’s third annual Small Business Procurement Scorecard, released today. In addition, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses increased their share of federal contracting dollars by at least $1 billion to $3 billion.

"This record $93.3 billion in contracts to small businesses is significant," SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. "However, across the federal government, we are committed to ensuring that the 23 percent goal is met, and even exceeded, going forward.

"Especially during these tough economic times, federal contracts for small businesses can be just the opportunity they need to continue to grow and create jobs. At the same time, the federal government gets access to some of the most innovative, and best, products and services."

Earlier this week, the Obama Administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that minority-owned businesses and small businesses -- including women and veteran-owned businesses -- have greater access to federal government contracting opportunities. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and SBA Administrator Karen Mills also announced a government-wide plan that includes federal agency procurement officials holding or participating in more than 200 events over the next 90 days to share information on government contracting opportunities, including those available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"President Obama [pictured] has made a commitment to ensuring that small businesses have greater access to federal contracting opportunities, and it is a commitment shared across this Administration," noted Mills. "We have already begun taking aggressive steps to connect small businesses with contracting opportunities, as well as increase our outreach to federal agency procurement officers to make sure they get the information and tools they need to help them connect with these good, innovative small companies."

Small Business Procurement Scorecards provide an assessment of federal achievement in prime contracting to small businesses by the 24 Chief Financial Officers Act agencies. It also measures progress that departments are making to ensure that small business opportunities remain an integral part of their acquisition of goods and services to meet mission objectives.

The Scorecard was designed as an internal control and monitoring device to ensure that:

1] Federal agencies reach their small-business and socio-economic goals;

2] Accurate and transparent contracting data is used; and

3] Agency-specific progress is maintained.

SBA is issuing the Small Business Procurement Scorecards for the third time.

The annual Scorecard rates federal agency performance in meeting the overall small-business goal and the component contracting goals for small disadvantaged businesses, small businesses in HUBZones, and small businesses owned by women and service-disabled veterans. Procurement goals for federal procuring agencies may vary, because the SBA negotiates individual goals with each federal procuring agency.

The following 13 agencies met small-business contracting goals: the departments of Agriculture [USDA], Education, Energy [DOE], the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], General Services Administration [GSA], Health and Human Services [HHS], Homeland Security [DHS], Interior [DOI], National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC], Transportation [DOT], SBA and Veterans Affairs [VA].

The following 22 agencies met goals for contracts to small disadvantaged businesses: the departments of Agriculture, Commerce [DOC], Defense [DOD], Education, Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development [HUD], Interior, Justice [DOJ], Labor [DOL], National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation [NSF], the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, SBA, Social Security Administration [SSA], State, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs.

The following 14 agencies met goals for women-owned small businesses: the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy, General Services Administration, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Transportation, Treasury, and SBA.

The following nine agencies met HUBZone contracting goals: the departments of Agriculture, Energy, General Services Administration, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Transportation and SBA.

The following four agencies met goals for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans: the departments of the Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, Labor and Veterans Affairs.

According to the Scorecard ratings of performance on all five goals:

* One agency -- GSA -- met or surpassed its goals in all areas.

* Eight agencies -- DHS, DOE, DOI, DOL, DOT, NRC, SBA, USDA -- met or surpassed four of the five goals.

* Four agencies -- Education, EPA, HHS, VA -- met or surpassed three of the five goals.

* Four agencies -- DOC, HUD, NASA and Treasury -- met or surpassed two of the five goals.

* Five agencies -- DOD, DOJ, NSF, SSA and State -- met or surpassed one of the five goals.

* Two agencies -- Office of Personnel Management [OPM] and the U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID] -- met none of the five goals.

About the Scorecard
SBA rates 24 agencies green, yellow or red on each of the individual goals established by Congress, and gave a numerical score to each agency based on how many of the five goals were met or surpassed.

Each federal agency has a different small-business contracting goal, determined annually in consultation with SBA. SBA ensures that the sum total of all of the goals meets the 23 percent target established by law.

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase access to contracting opportunities for small businesses, the SBA is continuing to work with federal agency procurement staff to strengthen the integrity of contracting data -- including providing tools to facilitate public review of data and training to improve accuracy.

The goaling reports released today by SBA are available at http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/goals/index.html.

SOURCES: General Accounting Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration
____________________

Need On-Call Professional Talent? Find a Great Graphic Designer, Browse Profiles, and Hire Experts on Elance.

Verbatim: 2008 Candidates Champion Small Business

Every week, GoodBiz113 features influencers who are propelling the interests of small-business owners, entrepreneurs, consultants, self-employed folks, artists, etc. Following, are comments made by some of the nation's leading politicos on the 2008 campaign trail.

* "Medicare is one of the great policy success stories in modern American history. We have a health care cost problem, not a Medicare problem. The problem that Medicare faces is the same problem that every family and small business in America knows all too well, and that is that health care costs are rising dramatically. Private premiums are up 78 percent during the Bush administration. There is no question that tackling spiraling health costs is a top priority for families, business and government. We absolutely must get a handle on our health spending to preserve American competitiveness. We also need to strengthen Medicare to allow people ages 55 to 64 to buy into it. And a prescription drug benefit." -- U.S. Senate challenger Kay Hagan [D-North Carolina, pictured], in response to a News & Observer [Raleigh, N.C.] reader question about Medicare Part D

* "I know we're not running against George W. Bush, but we are, in fact, running against the very Bush economic policies that John McCain wants to continue and is promising to continue... Policies that call for more taxes for companies that send jobs overseas, while providing no relief for a 100 million middle-class families. Policies that call for taxing your heath care benefits as if they're income. Policies that call for another four billion dollars in tax cuts for the Exxon Mobil's in the world, as if they need it." -- Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, addressing a crowd in Marion County, Fla., last week [reported by The Bulletin: Philadelphia's Family Newspaper]

* "Washington sprung into immediate action when Wall Street was in trouble, but there's been no help for struggling homeowners on Main Street and no solutions for middle-class families and small businesses hurt by the failed economic policies of the last eight years... And now we find that the $700 billion bailout is being used not to solve the problem, but to hand-pick winners and losers on Wall Street. That's an outrage. Taxpayer dollars should be helping taxpayers, not going to pad the bottom lines of the Wall Street bankers whose bad bets got us into this mess. This is exactly why we should never have passed this bill without proper accountability. And it's time for Congress to take action." -- Minnesota DFL U.S. Senate challenger Al Franken [reported by GoodBiz113 on Oct. 29, 2008]

* "We're going to help small businesses. We're going to help the middle class. We're going to get health care under control. We're going to get government spending under control, because it's time for a change." -- U.S. Senate challenger Bruce Lunsford [D-Kentucky], before a crowd of supporters in Bowling Green [WBKO, on Oct. 24, 2008]

* "As voters head to the polls just two days from now, the stakes for New Hampshire couldn't be higher. We have the chance to turn the page on a failed economic agenda and instead stand up for small businesses and middle-class families again. In the last month, the need for a new economic direction has grown even more urgent. Families who were already struggling to pay for everything from gas to groceries now tell me they're worried about whether they will be able to retire or send their kids to college. And business owners are worried about whether they will be able to buy inventory or make payroll. Now, more than ever, we need meaningful change in Washington. And to do that, we need a new senator with the experience and the will to tackle the challenges we face..." -- Democratic U.S. Senate challenger Jeanne Shaheen, in an editoral she wrote for New Hampshire's Union Leader, Nov. 2, 2008]

* “The last eight years have proven that the philosophy of the Republican Party and how they managed this economy has been wrong. Eight years of believing in an economy based from the top down. [It] doesn’t work. We’ve got a terrible economic crisis in this country, but we’re going to fix it.” -- Democratic U.S. Senate challenger Jim Martin, during a campaign stop in rural Danville, Ga. [Chattanooga Times Free Press on Oct. 30, 2008]

* "Don't lose hope. The country is going to turn the page and we're going to get a fresh start." -- Democratic U.S. Senate challenger Mark Warner, to 200 employees at Geico Insurance in the Corporate Landing office park, in Virginia Beach, Va. [The Virginian-Pilot, on Oct. 30, 2008]

* "...After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George Bush, and twenty-one months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky coast of Maine to the sunshine of California, we are one day away from change in America. Tomorrow, you can turn the page on policies that have put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of folks on Main Street. Tomorrow, you can choose policies that invest in our middle-class, create new jobs, and grow this economy so that everyone has a chance to succeed; from the CEO to the secretary and the janitor; from the factory owner to the men and women who work on its floor. Tomorrow, you can put an end to the politics that would divide a nation just to win an election; that tries to pit region against region, city against town, Republican against Democrat; that asks us to fear at a time when we need hope. Tomorrow, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need." -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, addressing supporters yesterday in Jacksonville, Fla.

GoodBiz113's take: Small business needs advocates and, as reflected here, we have a strong number of them running for election. These fine candidates deserve our support tomorrow, so get out and vote! Then, after the ballot-counting dust settles, the returns are in, and the pundits have finally retreated -- till Jan. 20, 2009, anyway [Inauguration Day] -- take a good look at Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan for Small Business. It's the consummate, win-win-win playbook for growing America's small businesses.

SOURCES: News & Observer, The Bulletin: Philadelphia's Family Newspaper, Al Franken for Senate, WBKO, Union Leader, Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Virginian-Pilot, Obama for America
____________________

Not sure where your polling place is? At VoteForChange.com, you can find out exactly where to vote and get crucial voting information.

Facing Campaign Financing Fraud Charges, Sen. Norm Coleman Tries to Smear Minnesota DFL Challenger Al Franken

This week, a Republican businessman in Texas by the name of Paul McKim filed a lawsuit this week against Nasser Kazeminy. Kazeminy is one of Sen. Norm Coleman's biggest donors and closest friends. In fact, he's the same man who flew Coleman on his private jet to vacations in the Bahamas and Paris.

Only a small portion of the lawsuit has anything to do with Norm Coleman -- but the part that does is incredibly serious. McKim's sworn affidavit, since corroborated by a second lawsuit, describes an effort to funnel $75,000 to Sen. Coleman's wife.

So, are the allegations true? That's yet to be determined. Still, no one at the Al Franken for U.S. Senate campaign reportedly knew a thing about this lawsuit, and had never even heard of this company or Paul McKim, until they read about it in the newspaper.

Then came yesterday. Instead of answering these very serious allegations, Norm Coleman released a TV ad, blaming DFL challenger Al Franken for the lawsuit. It shows Coleman, seated on a couch next to his wife, Laurie, as he looks directly into the camera and says, "This time, Al Franken's crossed the line... I'm fair game for his ugly smears. My wife and family are not."

"It's his most dishonest ad of the year," wrote Andy Barr, Al Franken for U.S. Senate's communications director, to campaign supporters today. "That ad is up on TV right now. And it's a despicable lie. Franken had nothing to do with this lawsuit. Norm Coleman, faced with sworn allegations of a conspiracy to funnel him improper payments, is trying to deflect blame by lying about Al Franken in a TV ad."

According to the Star Tribune, Coleman called this an "11th-hour attack" on his re-election campaign. The Star Tribune also reported that, "within an hour [of the ad's airing], Franken abruptly canceled an appearance at a campaign rally in Minneapolis to hustle over to a DFL Party news conference, where he denied the accusations and called Coleman's remarks 'insulting to voters.'"

There, Franken looked directly into the camera and flat-out discredited the notion of any wrongdoing. "Senator Coleman looks the people of Minnesota in the eye and lies," he said. "I'm being blamed for crossing a line and I didn't do a thing. And our campaign didn't do a thing."

"It has been a long campaign, and a tough one," noted Barr. "Norm Coleman has sunk to historic depths to smear Al Franken and make this election about something -- anything other than his own record and the issues that affect the people of Minnesota."

DSCC Issues Memo: "It's Time for Norm to Go"
These lawsuits come within days of a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee memo, rhetorically asking, "Does Norm Coleman deserve to be re-elected?"

It goes on to highlight a handful of compelling numbers reflecting Coleman's service as Minnesota's senior U.S. Senator in the seat once held by the late Paul Wellstone:
* 52 free trips paid for by special interests
* Over $600,000 from big oil and drug companies
* Living almost rent-free in the $1,000,000 home of a Washington insider
* Ranked the 4th most corrupt senator in Washington
* Coleman voted nearly 90% of the time with George Bush -- together, running up a $10 trillion national debt

The DSCC memo cites dozens of credible sources -- including specific votes that Coleman has cast -- and then concludes, "It’s time for Norm to go."

GoodBiz113's take: We agree: It is time for Norm Coleman to go. After all he's done for George W. Bush, big corporations and myriad special interests, he should be able to land at least one or two consulting and/or lobbying gigs. Now, it's time for small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, etc., in Minnesota and across the nation to have real champions in the U.S. Senate. Al Franken will aptly fill Paul Wellstone's seat with integrity, vision, ingenuity, compassion and, very likely, some terrific post-Bush era humor, too.

SOURCES: Al Franken for U.S. Senate, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Star Tribune
____________________

Not sure where your polling place is? At VoteForChange.com, you can find out exactly where to vote and get crucial voting information.

Franken Demands Immediate Congressional Hearings re Banks' Abuse of $700 Billion Bailout

Minnesota DFL candidate Al Franken -- the only U.S. Senate candidate who opposed the $700 billion Wall Street bailout -- today called for immediate hearings in light of reports indicating that banks may not be using those funds to unfreeze credit markets but, rather, for other purposes -- with the encouragement of the Treasury Department.

"Washington sprung into immediate action when Wall Street was in trouble, but there's been no help for struggling homeowners on Main Street and no solutions for middle-class families and small businesses hurt by the failed economic policies of the last eight years," said Franken. "And now we find that the $700 billion bailout is being used not to solve the problem, but to handpick winners and losers on Wall Street. That's an outrage.

"Taxpayer dollars should be helping taxpayers, not going to pad the bottom lines of the Wall Street bankers whose bad bets got us into this mess. This is exactly why we should never have passed this bill without proper accountability. And it's time for Congress to take action."

Earlier this month, the Bush administration announced that it would use bailout funds to inject capital directly into banks. They claimed that this would allow credit to start flowing again as banks lent that money to other entities. But recent reports indicate that, instead, the banks receiving these funds are using them to buy up other, smaller banks. And the Treasury Department, according to a column by New York Times financial columnist Joe Nocera, is encouraging the practice.

Meanwhile, Wall Street financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch continue to pay out billions in bonuses, despite receiving bailout funds.

This morning, during his statewide "For The Middle Class, For A Change" bus tour, Franken stopped at Bouquets by Carolyn, a small business located in St. Paul, Minn. There, he called for:
* Immediate hearings into potential abuses of the $700 billion bailout by Wall Street banks
* Straight answers from the Bush administration on its real plans for these taxpayer dollars
* An administration guarantee that banks receiving bailout funds will use them to lend
* A revocation of U.S. Treasury Department Secretary Henry Paulson's authority to implement the bailout if he cannot explain how his plan is serving taxpayers

In an editorial today, the New York Times wrote, "Shortly after the bailout was enacted, The Times's Mark Landler reported that Treasury officials also wanted to steer the bailout billions to banks that would use the money to buy up other banks. Now, lo and behold, with $250 billion in bailout funds committed to dozens of large and regional banks, it turns out that many of the recipients of this investment from taxpayers are not all that interested in making loans. And it appears that Mr. Paulson is not so bothered by their reluctance."

Case in point: Merrill Lynch. Two days ago, Bloomberg reported that, while Merrill Lynch is laying off employees, the financial institution is paying out billions in bonuses. According to Bloomberg, "Five straight quarters of losses and a 70 percent slide in its stock this year haven't stopped Merrill Lynch & Co. from allocating about $6.7 billion to pay bonuses ... The money Merrill has set aside for bonuses equates to an average $110,000 for each of its 60,900 people, up from $108,000 a year ago because more than 3,000 jobs have been cut."

Apparently, Merrill Lynch isn't the only bailout recipient that's utilizing taxpayer funds to reward its employees. Bloomberg also reported that Morgan Stanley and Lehman are both setting aside billions for bonus payments. According to Bloomberg, "Even some employees at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., which declared the biggest bankruptcy in U.S. history last month, will get the same bonus they received a year ago ... Morgan Stanley, the second-biggest securities firm until it also converted to a bank, has $6.44 billion for bonuses, or $138,700 per person, down 20 percent from last year."

GoodBiz113's take: Al Franken is right: Congressional oversight is needed, post-haste, to hold the Wall Street bailout recipients accountable for seeing that taxpayer funds are used to help fuel America's economy [e.g., small businesses, homeowners, working families], as intended -- not to lavishly reward their own fat-cat executives and employees.

SOURCES: Al Franken for U.S. Senate, Bloomberg, New York Times
____________________

Not sure where your polling place is? At VoteForChange.com, you can find out exactly where to vote and get crucial voting information.

'Jobs, Baby, Jobs': Al Franken Wins Fourth Debate by Focusing on Minnesota's Middle Class, Small Businesses; Kicks off GOTV Bus Tour

By all accounts, Al Franken won his fourth consecutive U.S. Senate debate last night -- not by yelling the loudest or throwing the most elbows at his opponents, but by focusing on his middle-class economic agenda.

"Al Franken is proving that you don't need to be a career politician to win debates if you're the candidate of change in an election that's all about change," said Andy Barr, Al Franken for U.S. Senate communications director, just after the debate ended.

"Tonight, Minnesota voters saw that it's Al Franken who will be a strong voice for the middle class," Barr noted. "It doesn't matter how slick his opponents' rhetoric is, or how many elbows come his way. Al Franken won this debate for the same reason he'll win this election: He's the candidate of the middle class, and the candidate of change."

Perhaps in recognition of Al Franken's recent lead in public polls, both Norm Coleman and Dean Barkley frequently attacked Franken. But Franken stayed focused on his core economic message.

"The reason I voted against -- or would have voted against -- the bailout package, is that it didn't really do anything on golden parachutes and bonuses," Franken noted during the dabate. "That's one of the many reasons...

"Look, people are hurting, and we need to get the economy working again. Now my mantra is 'jobs, baby, jobs,' and here are the things that I would do to keep the jobs that we have and create new jobs:

"One, build. Build new bridges and roads and schools... infrastructure. We've always built infrastructure, and it always has a multiplier effect and creates good jobs.

"Secondly, let's address the housing crisis head-on. I agree with Barack Obama: We have to help families -- who, through no fault of their own, are in trouble -- stay in their homes.

"Third, let's stop rewarding companies that are offshoring our jobs, American jobs, overseas. They're getting tax breaks; we should stop that.

"OK, let's get credit into the hands of small businesses. That's fourth.

"Fifth, a green economy. Let's make Minnesota the epicenter of a green economy that can create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

"Finally, [get] tax cuts into the hands of the middle class. The middle class is the engine of our economy. We have to stop tilting all these tax cuts and tax giveaways to the special interests."

"For The Middle Class, For A Change"
This morning, Al Franken kicked off his "For The Middle Class, For A Change" get-out-the-vote bus tour at a DFL get-out-the-vote rally in St. Paul. The rally launched a statewide barnstorm of Minnesota for the last 10 days of the campaign.

Franken called for fundamental change in Washington, detailed a bold economic agenda for Minnesota's middle class, and urged supporters to take action as part of the DFL's grassroots GOTV campaign. The unprecedented campaign will involve 77,000 volunteers making 1.5 million phone calls and 2.8 million door-knocks before Election Day.

"Folks are frustrated, they're anxious, and, frankly, they're outraged -- and they have a right to be all three," Franken declared. "Washington just isn't working for Minnesota's middle-class families. And if we want change, we're going to have to work for it.

"I want to go to Washington and work with President Barack Obama and Sen. Amy Klobuchar to stand up for Minnesota's middle-class families. And I'm calling on everyone who's ready for change to stand with me in this campaign."

Al Franken also detailed his plan for rebuilding the middle-class economy:

* Bring back oversight on Wall Street and address the housing crisis
* Cut taxes for middle-class families
* Make health care and college more affordable
* Protect Social Security
* End giveaways to special interests, like big drug and oil companies
* Repeal tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas
* Create jobs by investing in infrastructure and renewable energy
* Make credit available to small businesses

Today, Franken headed to St. Paul, Albert Lea, Austin and St. Peter; Vice President Walter Mondale joined Franken in Austin and Albert Lea. Tomorrow, Franken will campaign with Congressman Keith Ellison in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

On Monday, Franken will visit St. Cloud, Morris, Crookston, Climax, Moorhead, Brainerd and Bemidji. Congressman Collin Peterson will join Franken for several events throughout the 7th Congressional District.

GoodBiz113's take: It's no wonder that Al Franken carried the day with his strong, clear and focused economic agenda for Minnesota's middle-class families and households, and small businesses. Franken truly is the candidate of change for Minnesotans, and all Americans will benefit from his win-win-win vision and service in the U.S. Senate.

SOURCES: Al Franken for U.S. Senate, Twin Cities Public Television
____________________

Not sure where your polling place is? At VoteForChange.com, you can find out exactly where to vote and get crucial voting information.

Franken Campaign Releases Two New Ads Focusing on the Economy, Middle-Class Families and Small Businesses

Just one day after Minnesota's U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken unveiled his proposal to unfreeze credit and help small businesses create jobs, his campaign released two new television spots highlighting Franken's strong message on middle-class economic issues and supporting small businesses. The ads -- "Get to Work" and "Honest Differences" -- began airing this morning and will run statewide.

"The election comes down to a simple choice," said Andy Barr, communications director of the Al Franken for Senate campaign. "Norm Coleman chose Bush economics over Minnesota's middle class. And, now, Minnesotans have a chance to choose a new direction. In these ads, Al Franken lays out his plans to help the middle class: Cut taxes for middle-class families, create jobs, bring real oversight to Wall Street, and work to put our economy back on track."


SCRIPT: "Get To Work"
Al Franken: It's such a tough time. People's life savings are literally slipping away. We have got to change the disastrous policies of the Bush administration. I don't have all the answers – but here's where we start. Let's stop the billions of dollars in giveaways to big oil and drug companies. Bring real oversight to Wall Street. Work to make college affordable. And fix the economy to help the middle class. I'm Al Franken. I approve this message. Because it's time to get to work.


SCRIPT: "Honest Differences"
Announcer: Honest differences on the issues that matter to your family. The economy: Al Franken supports tax breaks for the middle class. A five thousand-dollar tax credit to help families pay for college. Stop giveaways to the special interests. Norm Coleman? He supported George Bush's economic plan all the way, voting for budgets that have left us ten trillion dollars in debt. It's Al Franken who will stand up for the middle class. For a change.

Al Franken: I'm Al Franken, and I approve this message.


GoodBiz113's take: During this election year, while far too many candidates have stooped to unleashing petty, baseless and mean-spirited attacks on their opponents, it's refreshing to see and hear specific, pragmatic and forthright proposals -- especially those that pertain directly to economy-propelling small businesses.

SOURCE: Al Franken for U.S. Senate
____________________

ShopPBS.org -- Your purchases on ShopPBS.org help PBS continue to provide programming that educates, inspires, and entertains!

Obama Proposes New Small-Business Rescue Plan

During his final American Jobs Tour stop, in the Appalachian community of Chillicothe, Ohio, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama [D-Ill.] demonstrated steady leadership and introduced a new short-term proposal to address the credit crisis of struggling small businesses.

Sen. Obama’s goal is to put all tools on the table to ensure that necessary steps are taken to help Americans who are scrambling financially. Many small-business owners can’t even make their payroll or finance their holiday inventories. Obama’s proposal is one giant leap toward helping them during this time of financial crisis.

While the financial-market rescue plan [AKA bailout] is designed to unfreeze credit, which will indirectly benefit small businesses, Obama recognizes that small businesses need direct and immediate access to capital now. Yesterday, he called for a Small Business Rescue Plan to help small firms get the loans they need to conduct day-to-day operating expenses, undertake short-term investments, and meet payrolls.

The plan will use tools available through the Small Business Administration [SBA] to aggressively extend credit to struggling firms, while providing tax cuts for small businesses to encourage job creation. With America's 27 million small businesses responsible for more than two-thirds of new job creation, this plan is vital to stemming job losses and turning our economy around.

Barack Obama’s Small Business Rescue Plan includes:

* A Nationwide Emergency Lending Facility for Small Businesses: Just as our nation did in the wake of 9/11, when businesses all around the country were facing economic injury, Obama is calling for the SBA to directly lend to small businesses that cannot access other sources of capital. The facility will be run through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which is designed to offer affordable, fixed-rate loans to small firms to meet operating expenses, undertake needed short-term investments, or to refinance debt. Loans should be available with an expedited approval and disbursement process, so that firms can access the credit needed to meet their operating expenses immediately.

* Expanding SBA Guarantees to Encourage Private Lending to Small Businesses: Obama is calling for expanding the SBA’s key loan guarantee programs -- 7[a] and 504 -- by temporarily eliminating fees for borrowers and lenders, and increasing the guarantee rate on private loans. These steps will give lenders new incentives to lend and help unlock credit for small firms. It will send a clear signal that the government is standing with small businesses and ensuring sources of loans.

* Temporary Tax Incentives to Encourage Small Businesses to Invest in Jobs: Barack Obama will give small businesses additional incentives to make investments and start creating jobs again by providing temporary business tax incentives through 2009. February's Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 increased maximum Section 179 expenses to $250,000, but this expires in December 2008. This provision will encourage all firms to pursue investment in the coming months, but will benefit small firms in particular, who generally have smaller amounts of annual property purchases and so choose to expense the cost of their acquired property.

"If we're going to rebuild this economy from the bottom up, it has to start with our small businesses on Main Street -- not just the big banks on Wall Street," Obama declared at yesterday's American Jobs Tour rally stop in Ohio. "Small businesses employ half of the workers in the private sector in this country, and account for the majority of the job growth. But we also know that a credit crunch has dried up capital and put these jobs at risk. Shops can't finance their inventories, and small firms can't make payroll. It's harder to get an idea off the ground, or to provide health care for your employees. If we don't act, we'll be looking at scaled back operations, shuttered shops, and laid off workers.

"That's why we need a Small Business Rescue Plan, so that we're extending our hand to the shops and restaurants -- the start-ups and small firms that create jobs and make our economy grow. Main Street needs relief and you need it now. We won't grow government; we'll work within the Small Business Administration to keep folks afloat, while providing tax cuts to lift the tide. It's what we did after 9/11, and we were able to get low-cost loans out to tens of thousands of small businesses. That's one of the many steps we can, and should, take to help stop job losses and turn this economy around.

"It starts with a nationwide program to provide affordable, fixed-rate loans to small businesses across the country. We can run this through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which provides loans to small-business owners to get the help they need to maintain their inventory and meet their payroll. We'll also make it easier for private lenders to make small-business loans by expanding the SBA's Guaranty Loan Program. By temporarily eliminating fees for borrowers and lenders, we can unlock the credit that small firms need to move forward, pay their workers, and grow their business.

"Just as we make lending more available, we need to relieve the tax burden on small businesses to help create jobs. That's why I've proposed eliminating all capital-gains taxes on investments in small businesses and start-ups. And today, I'm proposing an additional temporary business tax incentive through next year to encourage new investments. Because it's time to protect the jobs we have and to create the jobs of tomorrow by unlocking the drive, and ingenuity, and innovation of the American people. That's what I'll do as president of the United States."

Barack Obama's comprehensive and far-reaching Small Business Rescue Plan marks yet another bold move on behalf of America's small businesses. He and running mate Sen. Joe Biden [D-Del.] have also proposed the following:

* Zero Capital-Gains Rate for Investment in Small Businesses: Barack Obama believes that we need to encourage investment in small businesses to help create jobs and turn our economy around. That’s why he will eliminate all capital-gains taxes on investments made in small and start-up businesses. Unlike John McCain, who wants to give $200 billion in new tax cuts to America’s largest and most profitable businesses, Obama wants to cut taxes for those small businesses that create jobs, but are struggling with restricted access to credit -- alongside skyrocketing health-care and energy costs.

* Tax Cuts for the Vast Majority of Small Businesses: Barack Obama believes that we need to reduce burdens on small-business owners -- many of whom are struggling to succeed in the midst of our economic crisis. Unlike John McCain, Obama has proposed direct tax cuts for small businesses -- including zero capital gains for investments in small businesses, plus a new 50 percent tax credit for businesses that offer health care to their employees on behalf of their employees, and to small businesses with no employees. Obama will provide a $1,000 Making Work Pay middle-class tax credit to 95 percent of workers and their families, which will help individuals with small-business income -- including the country’s more than 20 million self-employed individuals. And, because the Obama plan preserves existing tax rates for families making less than $250,000 a year, nearly 99 percent of small-business owners won’t see any tax increase under the Obama plan.

* New Small-Business Health Tax Credit: Barack Obama will exempt small businesses from any requirement to offer health insurance to their employees or contribute on their behalf. Instead, he will give small businesses new incentives to provide health care with a Small Business Health Tax Credit. The Obama Small Business Health Tax Credit will provide a refundable credit of up to 50 percent on premiums paid by small businesses.

* Investment of $15 Billion a Year in Renewable Sources of Energy: Barack Obama will create five million new, green jobs over the next decade -- jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars; jobs that will help us end our dependence on oil from Middle East dictators.

* Investing in Our Nation's Infrastructure: Barack Obama will put two million more Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, schools, and bridges -- because it is time to build an American infrastructure for the 21st century. He would also work with the building trades to expand apprenticeship programs, so that young workers can develop their skills.

GoodBiz113's take: Wall Street has gotten its $700 billion bailout. Unfortunately, it'll be awhile before small businesses on Main Street, as well as in America's rural farming areas, benefit from the supposed "trickle-down effect" of that massive cash infusion. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's innovative Small Business Rescue Plan is just what small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and working families and households need for short- and long-term endeavors, and deserves to be funded and implemented ASAP.

SOURCES: Internal Revenue Service, Obama for America, U.S. Small Business Administration
____________________

ShopPBS.org -- Your purchases on ShopPBS.org help PBS continue to provide programming that educates, inspires, and entertains!

Palo Alto Software Releases New Marketing Plan Pro Powered by Duct Tape Marketing®

As students head back to school, small-business owners are revving up their enterprises. Need help? Good news! GoodBiz113 ad partner Palo Alto Software, in partnership with small-business marketing guru John Jantsch [pictured] of Duct Tape Marketing, just announced the release of its new Marketing Plan Pro powered by Duct Tape Marketing®.

In this latest release of Marketing Plan Pro, Palo Alto Software has taken the award-winning Duct Tape Marketing methodology and embedded it into Marketing Plan Pro. The result: a product that will guide users through the process of creating a powerful marketing action plan that will help them understand how marketing and advertising can help grow their businesses.

Marketing Plan Pro powered by Duct Tape Marketing -- the best way to write a successful marketing plan -- is all-new for 2008. Small businesses often struggle with marketing strategies, and how to put an action plan in place that will actually grow their sales numbers. Marketing Plan Pro will give any business a clear plan to start working from, and get them started on creating a winning marketing strategy in just 30 minutes.

Your First Marketing Plan -- Within 30 Minutes!
Creating a marketing plan doesn't have to take months. In fact, Jantsch recommends starting with the simplest marketing plan outline, and then returning to add detail as implementation of your marketing plan progresses.

Marketing is a system, not an event, and Duct Tape Marketing is a systematic approach to marketing that is as elegantly simple as that sticky and trustworthy roll of duct tape. The Duct Tape Marketing system shows customers how to develop and execute marketing plans that will give businesses life and longevity. Audio introductions narrated by Jantsch are also included for major topics.

This new version of Marketing Plan Pro will help you:
* Build your marketing vision to identify your business goals.
* Focus on action, not words.
* Find your customers.
* Identify your remarkable difference and help figure out how you stack up against your competition.
* Forecast sales and budget expenses.
* Publish your plan securely online.
* Present your plan in style.
* Track your progress.
* Get free books [including a copy of Jantsch's own bestseller, "Duct Tape Marketing"] and more!

“It’s been exciting watching my Duct Tape Marketing system go from blog to book to software,” said Jantsch, creator of Duct Tape Marketing. “Merging my system with Palo Alto Software’s Marketing Plan Pro software will make this methodology available to anyone wanting to see their business succeed. The 30-minute plan will allow anyone to get from plan to action immediately.”

“Working with John Jantsch to bring Marketing Plan Pro powered by Duct Tape Marketing to market has been a great experience for Palo Alto Software,” noted Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software. “Our Marketing Plan Pro software still employs the core elements that have always made it a great value — including the step-by-step approach that guides users seamlessly through the process of creating a marketing plan that will be immediately available for use and get results.

“Palo Alto Software’s collaboration with John Jantsch and the Duct Tape Marketing system will be nothing short of remarkable for new and repeat customers, and we are very proud to bring this version to market.”

Learn From the Best in Class
Marketing Plan Pro and Duct Tape Marketing are both widely recognized as the best solutions in their class. Among their accolades:

“If you're going to market with a new product or service, Marketing Plan Pro will deliver all of the professional documents that you need to plan your launch.” -- Entrepreneur Magazine

“Marketing consultant and entrepreneur John Jantsch has earned a large following among small-business owners... He dispenses tips, strategies and tactics to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses.” -- BusinessWeek

Practically speaking, summer's over. Now, focus on growing your business!

Marketing Plan Pro powered by Duct Tape Marketing is available as an instant online download or on CD-ROM [download included] via Palo Alto Software. All Palo Alto Software products come with a no-risk, 60-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.

SOURCES: BusinessWeek, Entrepreneur, Palo Alto Software
____________________

In June 2008, Entrepreneur Magazine picked Palo Alto Software's Business Plan Pro as one of the top resources that can take your company to the next level of growth and profitability. Click this link to learn why...

Angie Morgan, Nine-Year Marine Corps Vet and Small-Biz Leader, Helps Kick Off 2008 Democratic National Convention

Today, when the 2008 Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver, Col., Angie Morgan [pictured] will lead conventioneers in the Pledge of Allegiance. Morgan is a nine-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran who co-founded Fairfax, Va.-based Lead Star LLC, a leadership consulting and development firm, with fellow ex-Marine Courtney Lynch.

A glimpse at the DNC schedule reveals a refreshingly multicultural Who's Who of Democrats who will grace the convention stage during these four days, from Aug. 25-28. Given that some 29 million small businesses are fueling the U.S. economy, it is both fitting and refreshing that small business be prominently represented during this truly democratic event -- subtitled "Americans Gathering to Change the Course of a Nation."

Indeed, it is prudent, thoughtful, pragmatic and compassionate leadership that's required in order to move our nation in a new and better direction, and the folks who assemble in Denver this week are at the core of making that happen. By week's end, a powerful duo -- i.e., Barack Obama and Joe Biden -- will be leading the charge toward achieving a better tomorrow for us all.

Besides co-founding their business, Morgan and Lynch also co-authored the best-selling Leading from the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women. The book tells of the Marine Corps leadership skills that enabled them to succeed in their post-military careers.

Like the Marines, the male-dominated business world requires special navigation techniques for women. This book reveals 10 key practices -- each with its own chapter -- that will help transform readers into respected and efficient leaders.

To track this week's Democratic National Convention coverage, go to PBS's Vote 2008 Election Connection.
____________________

ShopPBS.org -- Your purchases on ShopPBS.org help PBS continue to provide programming that educates, inspires, and entertains!

Franken Frames U.S. Senate Race at Farmfest Debate

As today's three-day 27th Annual Farmfest kicked off at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County, Minn., U.S. Senate challenger Al Franken took on incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman [D-Minn.] during their first debate of the general election.

During the course of the debate, Franken effectively framed the race while making his case that Minnesotans need a senator who will stand up for them -- not the myriad special interests with which Coleman has been linked. The upshot: Franken's strong performance demonstrated that he's ready to bring change to Washington as a United States Senator.

"Al Franken kept this debate focused on the issues -- the economy, energy prices, farm policy -- and on Norm Coleman's record of selling out the middle class," said Andy Barr, communications director of the Franken campaign. "That's how Al won the debate, and that's how we'll win this election."

Franken discussed his vision to create new opportunities in Greater Minnesota by supporting our family farmers, revitalizing rural Minnesota, and investing in education, health care, R&D, and infrastructure. Franken believes farming is vital to Minnesota and to the country's well-being. He highlighted the need to strengthen the middle class and change the broken system in Washington.

Franken also effectively used the debate as an opportunity to hold Norm Coleman accountable for his record of backing George W. Bush, putting special interests ahead of Minnesotans, and supporting Big Oil.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Coleman has received more contributions from the oil and gas industry than any other senator in Minnesota history. Coleman has taken at least $244,900 from the oil and gas industry since 2002 -- over $60,000 more than the next senator, Rod Grams.

Coleman Has Supported President Bush Almost 90% of the Time
On June 29, 2008, shortly after interviewing Sen. Coleman, award-winning WCCO-TV reporter and Sunday morning news anchor Esme Murphy spoke on-air with Larry Jacobs, a University of Minnesota professor and esteemed political analyst.

"Let's talk about the campaign ad I mentioned, in which the senator's wife brings up the point that a lot of people think that he is a rubber stamp for the Bush administration," said Murphy. "If you look at the record, definitely for the first four years, he was. I mean, he really did vote with the president. In the past two years, he has clearly distanced himself."

Want proof? Check out CQ Vote Studies, a service provided by Congressional Quarterly's CQ.com. On the site's "Bush Era Scores" chart, one can see that, during his time in office, Norm Coleman has supported President Bush an average of 83% of the time -- including a whopping 98% of the time in 2003, his first year in the Senate.

Rubber stamper? You decide.


GoodBiz113's take: U.S. small businesses fuel nearly 75% of our nation's economy -- and family farmers play no small part in that. Al Franken's common-sense proposals are good for all small businesses -- including farmers -- and for America as a whole.

SOURCES: Al Franken for U.S. Senate, Center for Responsive Politics, Congressional Quarterly, WCCO-TV
____________________

Save time and energy. Let Business Plan Pro 11.0 lead you through every step of creating your business plan.

Al Franken Kicks Off Weeklong Statewide Tour, Offers New Solutions to Ease the Middle-Class Squeeze

This morning, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken unveiled new common-sense solutions to ease the squeeze on Minnesota's middle class. Franken discussed his new proposals at a campaign rally that attracted hundreds of people outside the locally owned Harvest Moon Coffee House in his hometown of St. Louis Park, kicking off a week of traveling the state to contrast these common-sense solutions with the disastrous Bush-Coleman economic legacy.

"Norm Coleman wants to stay the course with the Bush economic 'plan,'" said Franken. "But that 'plan' has put Minnesota's middle class into a deep hole – and it's time to stop digging.

"The solutions I'm proposing today will help Minnesotans care for their kids and aging loved ones, balance work and family, and save for retirement. Easing the middle-class squeeze isn't just about helping those who are suffering in the Bush-Coleman Recession. It's about restoring the sense of hope and opportunity that my family enjoyed when I was growing up in St. Louis Park."

After sharing a few horror stories he's heard along the campaign trail -- e.g., one about an independent trucker who now nets just $200 per week, thanks to astronomical gas prices -- Franken offered three new proposals:
* Kitchen Table Tax Relief: A set of tax credits designed to ease the burden on families caring for children or elderly loved ones
* 21st Century Family Leave: A new family leave policy to address 21st-century family structures
* The 401[U]: A revolutionary new type of retirement account to help every Minnesotan develop long-term financial security

More details on these proposals is available at www.alfranken.com/easethesqueeze.

Franken's next stops on this week's statewide tour include the following:
* July 22, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.: Duluth -- Beaner's Central Concert Coffeehouse, 324 N. Central Avenue
* July 22, 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Cambridge -- DFL Offices, 237 2nd Avenue SW
* July 23, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Rochester -- Rochester Labor Center, 11 4th Street SE
* July 23, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Burnsville -- Ironwood Electronics, 11351 Rupp Drive, Suite 400
* July 24, 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.: St. Cloud -- Mississippi Bean & Tea Co., 819 W. Germain St.

GoodBiz113's take: Skol to you, Al Franken! Your innovative proposals deserve serious consideration and buy-in by citizen-voters, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and current and would-be elected officials at all levels of government. The very fact that you chose a small business from which to announce these solutions to help lift the beleaguered middle class, speaks volumes about your purely good intentions and actionable ideas for much-needed change. Minnesotans are fortunate that you're willing to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

SOURCE: Al Franken for Senate
____________________

Buy stocks for $4 at ShareBuilder.

Franken Announces New Labor Endorsements

Today, the Al Franken for U.S. Senate campaign announced that four new labor organizations have joined its ever-growing coalition that's fighting to send a senator to Washington who will stand with Minnesota's middle class.

The endorsements come on the heels of a false negative ad produced by a Norm Coleman front group, attacking Al Franken for his support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Coleman continues to repeat publicly the lie that EFCA "eliminates the secret ballot" for workers.

Today's new endorsements include:
* Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union
* Minnesota State Council of UNITE HERE!
* Minnesota Postal Workers Union
* Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local Union 1

"Minnesotans need a senator who understands the needs of Minnesota families, and who won't abandon them in a time of need," declared Mark Froemke, education director of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union, Local 167G.

"Norm Coleman had a chance to support the families of the Red River Valley on CAFTA and, instead, he supported President Bush," Froemke noted. "Al Franken will stand with farmers and workers and Minnesotans, and that's why we stand with him in this election."

"Unlike Norm Coleman, Al Franken is a candidate who will never privatize social security and will continue to fight for the middle class and workers' rights," added Jim Lundquist, president and secretary-treasurer of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local Union 1.

For a complete list of Franken's endorsements , including elected officials, visit: Al Franken for U.S. Senate.

SOURCES: AFL-CIO, Al Franken for U.S. Senate, Wikipedia
____________________

Apply now for the TrueEarnings® Business Card from Costco and American Express

Minnesota Native Al Franken Files to Run for U.S. Senate

Today, Al Franken officially filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State to run for the U.S. Senate.

Franken was joined by his wife, Franni [pictured], his daughter, Thomasin, and more than 100 cheering supporters on the steps of the Minnesota State Office Building.

"I would say I'm excited to get to work," said Al Franken. "But we're already working hard to spread our message of ending the war, rebuilding our economy, and fixing our broken health care system across the state. I'm so proud to have my family, my team, and my coalition for change standing alongside me -- and I'm ready to go to Washington to stand up for the people of Minnesota."

DFL-endorsed Franken -- a true ally of small business, farmers, labor, environmentalists, educators, students, soldiers, veterans, consumers and countless others seeking a new direction for our nation -- was born in St. Louis Park, Minn. He's challenging Sen. Norm Coleman, a Democrat-turned-Republican from Brooklyn, N.Y., for the seat once held by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, who died in a plane crash in October 2002.

SOURCE: Al Franken for U.S. Senate
____________________

To learn more about Al Franken's politics, check out his New York Times bestseller, "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right."

Al Franken Wins Minnesota DFL Nomination to Run for U.S. Senate in 2008

Editor's note: This weekend, during Minnesota's DFL convention at Rochester's Mayo Civic Center, Al Franken won the nomination to challenge Republican Norm Coleman for the U.S. Senate in 2008. Following, is the acceptance speech delivered by Franken -- a true ally of small business, farmers, labor, environmentalists, educators, students, soldiers, veterans, consumers and, well, everyone else seeking a new direction for our nation.

Thank you.

I want to start by thanking my family. I think you all know Franni, don't you? My daughter Thomasin. You might not know Joe, he's been kind of -- he's been doing a lot of work. And my sister-in-law Carla, who looks suspiciously like Franni.

I also want to thank my staff, my volunteers, the interns. We've been at this awhile, we've been at this awhile. Thank you, guys, thank you. I want to thank my supporters, elected officials who supported me, stuck by me. I want to thank all of you, most of all. But first let me say something about Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.

You know, earlier in the questions-and-answers, I was asked why am I a Democrat. You know, I'm a Democrat because this is the only party that would have a Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. This is the only party that would have a man of such compassion and wisdom and energy, such a pure heart, and such a strong soul. It has been an honor to share the stage with you, sir, and I hope to do so for the next five months and beyond.

And the same goes for Jack's supporters, to his staff, to his volunteers, to his interns. I'd be honored to share a stage, or share a convention, or share a meeting, or share a campaign rally, or share anything with you. You are fantastic.

I want to thank Amy Klobuchar, who will make a great senior senator in Washington. And I want to thank our congressional delegation, from whom I will continue to learn so much.

But most of all, I want to thank you delegates who have put your faith in me. And it is in that spirit, with tremendous gratitude and tremendous humility, that I accept your endorsement.

You know, we have been waiting for eight years to take this country back. And this year, we have seen the emergence of a new progressive majority in this state and in this country.

You saw it on Feb. 5, Caucus Night, when over 215,000 DFLers showed up for the caucus, to say they're ready for a new direction. And a lot of you hung out in hot, crowded rooms for a few hours, and I thank you for going through that process and being here today.

We have a new progressive majority in this country, and we know what we want.

We want universal health care.

We want an economy that works for everyone, not just the special interests.

And I want to thank my friends in labor, who have been through me with this all the way. Thank you.

We want to address global warming and create "green" jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

We want a world-class education for all our kids so they can compete in a 21st century economy.

And we want to restore our standing in the world, starting with getting out of Iraq and bringing our troops home.

We have a lot of work to do together.

We're going to canvass until our feet hurt, and when our feet hurt, we'll start picking up the phone, start phone-banking. We're going to get up early and stay up late.

And we're going to do it because five million Minnesotans need a voice in Washington, and they don't have one in Norm Coleman.

On issue after issue, he hasn't brought people together to get things done. He's sold people out to get ahead.

Minnesota has the second-highest rate of subprime foreclosures in the country, and families I talk to every day are worried about losing their home equity and their chance at building wealth. These families need help. But Norm Coleman doesn't work for them. He works for the mortgage companies. That's why he voted against helping people who have gone bankrupt because of health-care crises from keeping their homes.

Minnesotans are paying four dollars a gallon at the pump. But Norm Coleman doesn't work for them. He works for the oil companies. That's why he voted to give them billions of dollars in tax subsidies while they were already raking ridiculous profits.

Minnesota seniors are paying too much for their prescription drugs -- so much that they can't afford to take the medications that they need. But Norm Coleman doesn't work for them. He works for the big drug companies. That's why he voted to prohibit Medicare from negotiating with the pharmaceuticals for lower drug prices.

Minnesota veterans need the health-care benefits they were promised. Minnesota students need the loan aid that will help them to make tuition payments. And the young Minnesotans serving bravely in Iraq need a senator who will bring them home. But Norm Coleman doesn't work for them.

Norm Coleman went to Washington to play a game. The game works like this. Norm Coleman accepts hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign checks from corporate interests. He votes to give them special handouts and tax breaks that come out of our pockets. Then he comes back to Minnesota and pretends it didn't happen. Everybody wins, except the people of Minnesota.

It's time we had a senator who took this job seriously. And that's what this election is about.

It's not enough that we take back the White House. It's not even enough that we take more seats in Congress. We have to take back this government. We have to tell the special interests, you're not so special anymore. We have to elect people who will stand up to the oil companies, stand up to the insurance industry, stand up to the drug companies, and stand up for the working families across this state.

So, to the people of Minnesota, let me say this: I'm not a perfect person. And I'm not going to pretend to have all the answers.

But I'll tell the truth. I will keep my spine and I will work for you.

I will wage a campaign you can be proud of, whether you're a DFLer, or a Republican, or an Independent, or somebody who's never even thought about what party you might belong to.

And I'll be a senator you'll be proud to have working for you in Washington.

Last fall, I went on a 10-college tour. Some of the kids I met with were 11 years old when this president took office. They don't remember that the federal government is supposed to work. They saw Katrina. They saw Iraq. And even sadder, they don't remember when we were once the most respected country on the face of this planet.

After all, we are the country that sent a man to the moon, the country that mapped the human genome, the country that beat fascism and communism, the country that re-built Europe after World War II, and still had enough juice left over to invent rock-and-roll and the Internet.

I believe we can be that country again.

Paul Wellstone said, "The future belongs to those who are passionate and work hard."

I don't think I have to tell you how passionate the people in this room are about taking back our country. Tomorrow, we get to work.

Thank you.

SOURCE: Al Franken for U.S. Senate
____________________

To learn more about Al Franken's politics [and satirical style], check out his latest best-selling book, "The Truth [With Jokes]."

OPEN: Small-Business Owners Hold the Line on Hiring, Remain Focused on Growth in Uncertain Economy

Hiring plans among small-business owners are at their second-lowest point in the seven-year history of the OPEN from American Express® Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of business owners. This fall, hiring plans among business owners have dropped, with three in 10 [31%] business owners reporting plans to hire full- and/or part-time staff in the next six months. That is down from 34% in fall 2006; 37% in fall 2005; 35% in fall 2004; 34% in fall 2003; and 26% in fall 2002.

Health care is cited by one in five small-business owners [21%] as the issue that will most sway their decision on the next president of the United States, followed closely by homeland security [cited by 19%].

Despite a lack of robust hiring plans, growth remains a top priority for entrepreneurs. More than one-third [37%] of small-business owners report growing their business as their company's single most important priority over the next six months -- on par with 35% last fall. In fact, more than half [57%] of business owners are willing to take on risk in order to grow their business -- unchanged from 2006.

"Small-business owners are on the front lines -- dealing with issues like health care, the housing market and interest rates -- so they know firsthand where we are as a country," said Susan Sobbott, president of OPEN from American Express. "It says a lot about the attitude of small-business owners that they remain optimistic in the face of this difficult environment, as evidenced by their plans for growth and investment."

Entrepreneurs Adjust to Energy Prices, but Economy and Rising Costs Present a Challenge
According to the survey, business owners are adjusting to higher energy and gas costs. A much fewer number report having lost sales as a result of higher energy costs [17%] -- down sharply from fall 2006 [31%]. Fewer entrepreneurs also report having to pay rising costs for the materials and products they need as a result of higher costs [65% -- down from 71% in fall 2006]. One-third of businesses in the South [31%] report rising gas and energy costs as having little impact on their business.

More business owners believe the downturn in the housing market and rising interest rates have negatively impacted their business. The survey found a 5% rise in the number of business owners who believe that the downturn in the housing market has had a negative affect on their business, compared to this spring. Half of all business owners believe rising interest rates have negatively impacted their business.

Rising costs and uncertain economic conditions [each 20%] are the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face in growing their business. Finding the right staff [19%] and being too busy satisfying existing customers [17%] present additional challenges.

Entrepreneurs are not letting the economy dictate their plans for growth. Over the next six months, nearly half [48%] of business owners expect their business to grow, regardless of the economy. Nearly three out of 10 [28%] of business owners report the economy as the greatest determinant in growing their business.

Business Owners Plan to Invest in Technology and Marketing
Entrepreneurs plan to make capital investments as an avenue to business growth. The percentage of small-business owners planning to make capital investments over the next six months remains on par with the previous fall [59% vs. 56%].

Business owners will invest most heavily in the area of technology [45%]. More are planning to make their next purchase in mid-priced equipment -- e.g., desktops, laptops and printers -- than a year ago [53% vs. 47%]. Nearly one in five (19%) plans on making more substantial investments in major technology infrastructure -- such as software, servers or telephone systems. Slightly fewer [17%] plan to invest in modestly priced items, such as PDAs or smart phones.

Besides technology, other investment areas include office equipment [21%], real estate [15%], manufacturing/production equipment [14%] and office furnishings [13%].

In addition to capital investments, business owners plan to invest marketing dollars as a way to grow. Entrepreneurs are taking advantage of online marketing techniques -- with the company website being the most-utilized online marketing method [55%].

Nearly seven in 10 [69%] business owners believe their marketing dollars are well-spent. Almost half [46%] of business owners report seeing a direct uptick in sales when spending money on marketing. Male business owners are more likely to agree that marketing dollars have a direct positive impact on sales [47% vs. 32% female owners].

Those with Hiring Plans Center on Growth; Males Most Likely to Hire to Increase Business
Although hiring plans over the next six months are near record lows, among those businesses that plan to hire, three-quarters [75%] say they need to hire to handle their growing business. Two-thirds [65%] will hire to help increase business volume. This number is greater among male business owners, as seven out of 10 plan to hire for this reason [71% vs. 46% of female owners].

Two out of five [43%] will hire because they have a new business venture. One in three say they will hire because they have finally found the right candidate for the position [33%], or need seasonal help [28%].

Business owners do not believe the increase in minimum wage is offset by small-business tax breaks included in the law. Four in 10 business owners [44%] disagree that the increase in minimum wage passed by Congress is offset by small-business tax breaks included in the law. This number was even higher among male business owners [59% vs. 35% of female owners].

Health Care Remains Top of Mind
The rising costs of doing business have not overridden the importance of employee well-being. Seven out of 10 bosses [69%] agree it is important to offer health-care coverage to their employees. The number of businesses offering health-care benefits to employees remains unchanged from last fall [71%].

Business owners are looking for ways to make health-care coverage more accessible to their employees. Nearly eight in 10 [79%] small businesses would consider proposed health-care policy solutions as a way to make health care accessible.

About two out of three [65%] support the solution to "create purchasing cooperatives for small businesses to make heath insurance affordable." More than half support a plan that would "ensure every child in the U.S. has health insurance" [58%], or "provide tax credits to low-income workers to help pay for health care" [54%].

Fewer than half would support the proposed solution of a "universal health-care system" [42%], or an "additional tax on tobacco and alcohol" to fund health care [38%]. Three-quarters [75%] of business owners believe health-care coverage will be a problem for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Cash Flow Issues Keep Entrepreneurs Up At Night
Business issues are a cause for entrepreneurs' insomnia. One in four [26%] entrepreneurs cited cash-flow issues as what "keeps them up at night," followed by ideas for growth [23%], customer service [16%], staff [15%] and competition [9%]. Among those businesses in the North, 32% are kept up by ideas for growth.

Cash flow remains a constant concern for business owners. The number of entrepreneurs experiencing cash-flow issues remains on par with the previous fall [49% vs. 47%]. Among small businesses with cash-flow concerns, 22% will access their personal or private funds, while others will obtain and use line of credit [20%], put off purchases [14%], or use a credit card [12%] or short-term loan [10%] in order to address these concerns.

Business owners' handle on accounts receivable is not as good as they think. Nearly eight in 10 [79%] entrepreneurs do not believe their accounts receivable are too high. Yet, to improve cash flow, 25% are most likely to get aggressive in collecting accounts receivables. Others will look for special payment terms [13%], raise prices [12%], or offer customer discounts for early payment [11%] in order to improve cash flow.

On average, small-business owners are able to project cash on hand five months out. Business owners in the South are in the ideal situation, with the ability to project cash on hand more than six months out.

"It is not surprising that tightening purse strings put greater emphasis on cash flow," said Sobbott. "Anecdotally, we see small-business owners becoming more sophisticated in dealing with cash-flow issues, pursuing solutions such as special payment terms like trade terms."

Prosperity Signifies Growth; More Male than Female Entrepreneurs Have Plans to Grow
The majority of entrepreneurs plan to grow over the next six months. However, views on growth diverge regionally and among the sexes.

According to the survey, three-quarters of business owners plan for growth over the next six months. However, more male than female business owners have a plan to grow [82% and 64%, respectively].

Overall, three out of 10 [30%] small businesses measure growth by their profits. One out of five [22%] measure growth by the number of customers; this number jumps to nearly one in three [32%] in the West. One-third [35%] of owners agree that "growth" can be signified by prosperity; significantly fewer associate growth with achieving balance/wellness [23%], the freedom to choose [20%], and popularity [15%].

Being an Entrepreneur is as Fulfilling as Expected
Business concerns do not weigh on business owners' sense of fulfillment. Despite an uncertain economy and concerns over cash flow, three out of four [74%] owners of small businesses find that being an entrepreneur is fulfilling, while only 46% agree that being an entrepreneur is harder than expected; this number rises to 53% in the West.

Four out of ten [42%] agree they are an entrepreneur because they are a born leader. But leaving a lasting impression is what appears to matter most to entrepreneurs, as two out of three [68%] claim their business is an important part of their legacy. The vast majority of business owners [89%] in the North report this sentiment to be true.

More than Half of Entrepreneurs on Track for Retirement; Males Require More Money
Business owners are on track to meet retirement goals, although goals differ between the sexes. The average net worth business owners believe they need to retire is $1,286,000. Male small business owners desire an average of $1.5 million net worth in order to retire, compared to $1.2 million among female business owners.

According to the survey, more than half [55%] of business owners report they are on track to save the funds they need for retirement -- unchanged from last fall. However, six out of 10 say they are worried about their ability to save for the retirement they want -- on par with last fall [60% vs. 57%]. Business owners in the South are in the best shape for retirement; nearly half [49%] are not at all worried about their ability to save for the retirement they want.

Entrepreneurs Show Concern for the Environment
Even as the impact of rising energy costs diminishes, business owners' concern for the environment is still an action item. The majority of small-business owners/managers [87%] have taken steps to make their business environmentally friendly.

Half of business owners have taken steps to recycle waste products [51%] or follow environmental recommendations within their industry [48%]. Less than half [46%] buy and use recycled products, or offer eco-friendly products and services to customers [24%]. Most agree that it is important to give back their community [87%], and take actions in business to reflect concern for the environment [79%].

Additional survey results are available by contacting OPEN from American Express.

Survey Methodology
The OPEN from American Express Small Business Monitor, released each spring and fall, is based on a nationally representative sample of 627 small-business owners/managers of companies with fewer than 100 employees. The survey was conducted via telephone by International Communications Research from Aug. 20-Aug. 31, 2007. The poll has a margin of error of +/-3.9%.

About OPEN from American Express
OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small-business owners and their companies. The OPEN Team supports business owners with unparalleled service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business.

Specifically, business-owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings -- including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities, and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPEN, visit OPEN.com; or, call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card or loan. Terms and conditions apply.

GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express Company [www.americanexpress.com] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

SOURCE: OPEN from American Express
____________________

The American Express SimplyCash[SM] Business Card. Earn 5% cash back on gas, wireless and office supplies -- plus 1% cash back on virtually everything else! Apply Now!

Hillary Clinton's New Health-Care Strategy Will Benefit Small Businesses

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton says only 37 percent of Iowa's small businesses provide health-care coverage to their workers. The universal-health-care strategy she unveiled Monday -- her $110 billion American Health Choices Plan -- seeks to provide a tax break to small companies, so more small businesses will start offering a health-care benefit to workers.

"They will have new incentives to provide you with coverage that makes it affordable for you and the small business, but they will not be required to do so," Clinton said today during a telephone interview with Radio Iowa. If you can't get insurance through your employer, her plan allows you to buy into the government-subsidized health-care system. When all is said and done, the 47 million Americans who currently don't have health insurance -- those who are fully employed or otherwise -- will finally have coverage.

It's important to note that small businesses won't be forced into the system. In fact, Clinton's plan even rewards small businesses that already provide health insurance. How? With a tax credit.

Republican critics say Clinton hopes to get more citizens used to a "government-run system," so she can eventually shift all Americans away from private insurance. Clinton's response: "I anticipate that those who do not want to solve the problems we face, and who do not understand the human and economic costs that our current health-care system is imposing on our people and businesses, will come up with all kinds of criticism."

Some of Clinton's Democratic critics say she's too willing to work with the insurance and pharmaceutical industries on this issue. Clinton says she's not only willing to work with insurance and drug company representatives, she will work with any willing Republicans. "The bottom line is," she noted, "we cannot have health-care reform unless we have a bipartisan majority to do it."

Clinton and four other Democratic presidential candidates will be in Davenport tonight to talk about health-care reform and retirement security issues at a forum sponsored by the Divided We Fail coalition, which includes AARP and other health care-oriented organizations.

Sources: Associated Press [photo], Radio Iowa, TIME.com
____________________

GNC Vitamin C 1000 -- Buy One Get One Free (Web Only)!