Nov. 27: Consumers Can Show Their Support for Small Business This Holiday Season on 'Small Business Saturday[SM]'

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. On Nov. 27, 2010, comes Small Business Saturday[SM], a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. This year's first-ever Small Business Saturday is a national movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

Joining GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express OPEN, the company’s small-business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday, are an initial group of more than a dozen advocacy, public and private organizations, including:

* The 3/50 Project
* Business Matchmaking
* Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
* Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence
* Destination DC
* eWomenNetwork
* Facebook
* Girls Inc.
* Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
* LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau
* National Association of Women Business Owners [NAWBO]
* National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center
* New York City Department of Small Business Services
* NYC & Company
* San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau
* SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Businesses
* Women Impacting Public Policy
* Women’s Leadership Exchange
* Women President’s Organization
* Yelp!

American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth I. Chenault will launch the nationwide program later today with New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Small Businesses Rock!
Small businesses are critical to the nation’s overall economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA], there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year. Over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of net new jobs.

Their importance to local communities extends even further. For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to the small-business advocacy group The 3/50 Project.

"Small business is the engine of job creation in the U.S. economy," said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express. "It is also among the sectors hardest-hit by the recession. By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most."

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the glue that holds communities together, and we’ve always sought new ways to support them -- something that became even more important when the national economic downturn began," noted Mayor Bloomberg. "When Ken Chenault told me about his idea for Small Business Saturday, I jumped at the opportunity to participate.

"We’ve all heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year, if you have the opportunity to shop on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, make it a point to visit local small businesses. It really can make an enormous difference for merchants trying to succeed."

Joining the Movement
Social media will play a central role in helping raise awareness about the importance of supporting small business and recognizing Small Business Saturday. American Express is launching campaigns on Facebook and Twitter, driving consumers and business owners to http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday, where they can participate in many ways -- including:

* American Express is giving a $25 statement credit to 100,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally owned, independent small businesses that accept American Express.

* American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising to 10,000 business owners who sign up at http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday to help build online buzz and drive customers to shop at their businesses on Small Business Saturday. By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to Nov. 27. Facebook has donated $500,000 in Facebook credits for these small-business owners to use in the future.

* Small-business owners can also download online promotional materials and use a number of social-media tools to promote their businesses on the inaugural Small Business Saturday.

* Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.

* For every person who "likes" Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000 to Girls Inc., to empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

To support Small Business Saturday, American Express is also launching a national advertising campaign.

"Supporting local business is more than just a one-day event, and Small Business Saturday is a movement we can all help sustain," Chenault added. "We encourage consumers across the country to join us and the many advocates that are already on board."

Who Has Joined the Movement?
An initial group of more than a dozen advocacy, public and private organizations are thus far part of the Small Business Saturday movement.

"The 3/50 Project is pleased to be joining American Express OPEN on Small Business Saturday," said Cinda Baxter, founder of The 3/50 Project. "According to a recent survey, 90 percent of consumers are willing to pledge support for a buy-local-small-business initiative. So, I ask everyone to pledge their support for Small Business Saturday and to shop exclusively with independent stores on Nov. 27."

The 3/50 Project encourages consumers to pick three locally owned, independent brick-and-mortar businesses they can’t live without, and commit to spending $50 per month across the three businesses -- in addition to all of the other spending they do.

"When we invest in small businesses, we are investing in Main Streets -- the places that give our towns and cities a unique sense of place," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which includes the National Trust Main Street Center. "By celebrating Small Business Saturday and shopping at independent businesses, everyone can play a part in strengthening our economy and supporting revitalization on our Main Streets."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center is a preservation-based economic development program that helps more than 2,000 communities nationally revitalize their historic and traditional commercial districts by leveraging local assets.

For more information on the movement, visit http://facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday or http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/.

American Express OPEN
American Express OPEN is the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the United States, and supports business owners with products and services to help them run and grow their businesses. This includes business charge and credit cards that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, rewards, savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners, plus online tools and services designed to help improve profitability.

Learn more at http://www.open.com/ and connect at http://www.openforum.com/, http://www.facebook.com/open and http://twitter.com/openforum.

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at http://www.americanexpress.com/, and connect on http://www.facebook.com/americanexpress, http://twitter.com/americanexpress and http://www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

The 3/50 Project
The 3/50 Project [http://www.the350project.net/] is a grass-roots awareness campaign focused on reuniting consumers and independent, locally owned brick-and-mortar businesses in their communities.

Begun in March 2009 as an off-the-cuff blog post written by Minneapolis retail expert, Cinda Baxter, The 3/50 Project asks consumers to return to three local businesses they love and don’t want to lose, then to commit $50 of their current monthly budget toward local, independent merchants.

The message went viral via social media, exploding onto the national stage as a unique, positive and achievable concept. Launch of http://www.the350project.net/ and its companion Facebook page have since garnered international support from small-business owners and consumers alike.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center
Established in 1980 as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Trust Main Street Center is the nation’s largest commercial district revitalization organization. The Center provides information, offers technical assistance, holds conferences and workshops, and conducts research and advocacy on critical revitalization issues in order to best serve the communities and individuals interested in revitalizing traditional commercial districts.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation [http://www.preservationnation.org/] is a nonprofit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history -- and the important moments of everyday life -- took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development, and promote environmental sustainability.

SOURCES: American Express OPEN, National Trust for Historic Preservation, The 3/50 Project, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Dec. 1 Marks World AIDS Day; (PRODUCT) RED Hits $50 Million Contribution Milestone

Yesterday, just one day before marking World AIDS Day 2007, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced that contributions from (PRODUCT) RED partners -- including GoodBiz113 ad partners American Express, Apple and Motorola -- have reached over $50 million.

This cumulative total, achieved since (RED) was launched in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver, outstrips, by far, all previous private-sector contributions to the Global Fund, and creates a new benchmark for engaging business in the global fight against AIDS in Africa.

(PRODUCT) RED has become one of the largest consumer-based income-generating initiatives by the private sector for an international humanitarian cause. As the Fund looks to existing and new donors to help raise $6 billion to $8 billion annually to finance programs globally to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, (PRODUCT) RED has become a significant and promising new source of funds.

"(PRODUCT) RED has brought about a major change in the way the private sector contributes to global causes," said Dr. Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. "We applaud Bono and Bobby Shriver for their vision in establishing the campaign, and thank (RED), its partners and the consumers who've chosen (RED) for their leadership. The contributions of (PRODUCT) RED partners have already enabled hundreds of thousands of people to benefit from AIDS treatment, prevention and care."

(RED) was created to deliver a sustainable flow of private-sector funds to the Global Fund, and to raise public awareness about the AIDS emergency in Africa. (RED) partners are Gap, Hallmark, Apple, Motorola, Emporio Armani, American Express and Converse.

The partner contributions from the sale of (PRODUCT) RED products are sent directly to the Global Fund to invest in HIV/AIDS programs in Africa. No overhead is taken out of the (RED) money, which means there is 100% throughput to the identified Global Fund grants.

(RED) funds are already at work as part of Global Fund grants in Rwanda, Swaziland and Ghana, funding programs with a primary focus on the health of women and children. (RED) funds will continue to be disbursed to these grants as soon as the next scheduled disbursement requests are received and approved by the Global Fund.

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant, multilateral financer of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, providing well over 20 percent of all international finance against AIDS, and two-thirds of global financing for TB and malaria.

So far, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted 2 million deaths through providing AIDS treatment for 1.1 million people, tuberculosis treatment for 2.8 million people, and through the distribution of 30 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide.

About the Global Fund
The Global Fund is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector, and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing.

The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.

About (RED)™ and (PRODUCT) RED
(RED)'s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help fight AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children.

Current partners are: American Express [U.K. only], Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Motorola and Hallmark. MySpace.com is the first media sponsor in the United Kingdom, and MTV Networks is the first media sponsor in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.joinred.com/.

Also, for World AIDS Day, The Killers turned their new Christmas single, "Don't Shoot Me Santa", (RED) -- with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Global Fund, for investment in African AIDS programs. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the single package -- including audio track and video -- arrives in stores. Click here to order from Amazon.com.

SOURCES: Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, (PRODUCT) RED
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Just One Day Left to Help Give Away $1 Million to Local Chicagoland Historic Sites!

With just one day left of community voting for the Partners in Preservation program, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are asking the public to make a last push for their favorite Chicagoland historic site by voting online daily at http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/ through tomorrow, Oct. 10. The historic site with the most public votes is guaranteed to win a portion of the preservation grant money.

As GoodBiz113 reported last month ["American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Launch Program in Chicago Metro Area; Public Open House, Sept. 15-16"], there are several fascinating funding candidates. From a Viking ship in Kane County, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery in McHenry County, to the Robie House and International Museum of Surgical Science in Cook County, 25 historic sites are all trying to woo the Chicagoland public to vote for their site and enable them to win a portion of the $1 million Partners in Preservation grant.

Some sites needing public support include:

* ABLA Animal Court Sculptures

* Homan Square Power House

* Great Lakes Naval Station

* Peterson Historic Farmstead

* Grosse Point Lighthouse

* International Museum of Surgical Science

For the full list of 25 sites, please visit http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/

Launched in September by GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the program is a community-based historic preservation initiative. American Express is committing $1 million in preservation grants to Chicagoland, and is encouraging members of the community to participate in the initiative by casting an online vote daily for their favorite historic site from a slate of 25 sites across five Chicagoland counties.

The Chicagoland community call-to-action is designed to help preserve historic places that reflect the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage while building community and national pride, spurring economic development, and saving local history. Folks in Chicagoland, cast your votes here!

Source: American Express, National Trust for Historic Preservation
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American Express Announces Thank You Gift Card and Increases Web Purchasing Power for Corporate Giving

American Express recognizes the value and importance of companies saying "Thanks," "Well done," or simply showing appreciation to employees and customers throughout the year. To that end, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express today announced the American Express® Thank You Gift Card, the latest addition to their growing line of themed Gift Cards.

According to a 2007 Incentive Magazine survey, 82% of businesses give gift cards and gift certificates. Of those, 74% gave gift cards and certificates for employee recognition, 46% for sales incentives, and 17% for consumer promotions. The survey also revealed that 83% of businesses find that giving gift cards and certificates is equally effective or more effective than giving cash -- up from 69% in 2006.

As a premium gifting product, the new Thank You Gift Card has an elegant gold design and provides recipients the freedom to create their own memorable experiences. It is available in various denominations from $25 to $100, and comes with special offers from participating retailers and merchants nationwide.

"Gift Cards have become a preferred incentive and holiday gift option among corporate buyers, due to their ease of purchase, use and universality," said Stefan Happ, vice president and general manager, American Express Gift Cards.

"This growing demand has led American Express to help simplify companies' gifting processes by offering bulk purchasing of American Express Gift Cards and adding relevant business-themed products like the Dining and Thank You Gift Card to our portfolio," Happ noted. "These service and product enhancements will enable companies to give their employees and customers a premium gift for any occasion throughout the entire year."

American Express enhanced its corporate Gift Card services in 2006 to help corporations and small businesses increase the effectiveness of their gifting programs. The improvements simplified bulk orders and increased the number of American Express Gift Cards that can be purchased by one company through the American Express Web site.

Companies interested in buying American Express Gift Cards in bulk for reward, incentive and promotional programs can visit the American Express "Gift Cards for Business" website, which gives companies a convenient way to buy a large number of American Express Gift Cards -- increased this year to as much as $35,000 or 1,400 cards, up from $15,000 or 600 cards last year.

Companies interested in purchasing American Express Gift Cards in excess of these thresholds can do so by calling American Express at 877-297-8242. American Express offers the American Express Business Gift Card, Gift Card Especially for Dining, and Thank You Gift Card to its corporate clients.

In addition to the American Express Gift Card, American Express offers themed Gift Cards for consumers -- including Gift Cards Especially for Kids, Teens, Birthdays, Dining, Movie Lovers, the Bride and Groom, and Thank You.

The American Express Gift Card lets the recipient choose from millions of things and experiences, making it a popular gift choice. Unlike store gift cards, which can be redeemed at one retailer's locations, the American Express Gift Card can be used at millions of places in the U.S. that accept American Express. The Gift Card is available in denominations ranging from $25 to $500 and can be refunded if lost or stolen.*

American Express Gift Cards come with special offers at best-of-brand retailers, restaurants and merchants. Click here for more information.

About American Express
American Express is a leader in prepaid products. In addition to the 116-year old American Express Travelers Cheque -- the pre-eminent brand welcomed worldwide -- the Company issues other prepaid products including Cheques for Two, Gift Cards, Gift Cheques, and a range of corporate incentive prepaid products through American Express Incentive Services, a joint venture with Maritz Inc.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

* Terms, conditions and purchase/replacement fees apply to Gift Cards. Subject to applicable law, a monthly service fee of $2.00 is waived for the initial 12 months after purchase. A $5.95 replacement fee may apply if a Gift Card is lost or stolen. Not for use at car rental, cruise lines, casinos or ATMs. Offers are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE: American Express
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OPEN from American Express® Supports Women Entrepreneurs Through Sponsorship of Women's Leadership Exchange Conferences

The Women's Leadership Exchange® [WLE], a national leadership and business development program, is proud to announce that, for the fifth consecutive year, OPEN from American Express® is the WLE Founding Sponsor. This year, with the support of GoodBiz113 ad partner OPEN from American Express, Women's Leadership Exchange will hold its first-ever Northern California conference, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007.

Exciting, new highlights include candid, inspirational "conversations" with two extraordinary women: Dawn Lepore, chairman and CEO of Drugstore.com, who recently led the Internet-based company to record sales in excess of $100 million; and California's own Carly Fiorina, former chair and CEO of Hewlett Packard, and author of "Tough Choices."

The conference also features expert- led seminars focused on leadership and business development skills, the WLE powerful brand of Speed Coaching, QVC Product Evaluations, and more. In addition to Dawn Lepore and Carly Fiorina, speakers and honorees include Quinn Tran, founder and CEO of goQTT, and Edie Weiner, renowned futurist and co-author of "Future Think."

Built into the day are various facilitated interactions between sponsors, speakers and the attendees so that they can build relationships and become resources for each other.

Michelle Thompson-Dolberry, director, Advocacy Marketing, for OPEN from American Express, says, "Over the past five years, working closely with the Women's Leadership Exchange, we have seen women make significant strides in every arena of business.

"Women helping women is the right formula for growth, and these conferences have definitely been a contributing factor, because they bring women together in the most impactful way. All of us at OPEN are proud of our founding sponsorship of WLE and we are delighted to help bring the first event to Northern California's entrepreneurial and executive women."

WLE was one of the first national advocacy/conference programs to give corporations the opportunity to build relationships with women business owners/leaders, and OPEN stepped up to the plate early on.

"OPEN from American Express committed to the growth and success of women business owners by becoming the WLE Founding Sponsor in 2002," said WLE co-founder Andrea March, "long before most corporations understood the potential of the women's business market.

"As my co-founder, Leslie Grossman, explains in her book, 'SELLsation! How Companies Can Capture Today's Hottest Market: Women Business Owners and Executives' [WLE Press, 2006], today, rather than 'mass sell' to women, companies need to get to know them directly, understand their needs, and help them succeed."

In addition to OPEN from American Express, WLE corporate partners include IKEA, Morgan Stanley, American Airlines, Bermuda Department of Tourism, and Jones New York.

For registration information, visit http://www.womensleadershipexchange.com/; or, call 888.937.5800.

The cost to attend the Northern California conference, which includes facilitated networking, breakfast, luncheon and a cocktail reception, is $299. Members of WLE's supporting organizations save $50.

The WLE also plans all-day conferences in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta and Long Beach/Los Angeles.

Source: The Women's Leadership Exchange
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American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Launch Program in Chicago Metro Area; Public Open House, Sept. 15-16

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently launched a community-based historic preservation initiative supporting the Chicago metro area as part of the American Express Partners in Preservation program. American Express is committing $1 million in preservation grants to Chicagoland, and is encouraging members of the community to participate in the initiative by voting for their favorite historic place from a slate of 25 sites across five Chicagoland counties.

Launched in 2006, the Partners in Preservation program is a philanthropic initiative in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, pledged $5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic sites in the United States. In September 2006, American Express allocated $1 million in preservation grants to 13 sites in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago we welcome the Partners in Preservation program and thank them for preserving part of our city's past for future generations," said Mayor Richard M. Daley, Honorary Chair of the Partners in Preservation Advisory Committee. "I encourage everyone to take part in this wonderful program and learn more about our area's historic sites."

"Through the Partners in Preservation program and online voting, our goal is to re-introduce historic sites in Chicagoland to the local community, support tourism and spur economic development, while also saving a piece of the local history," said Timothy J. McClimon, president, American Express Foundation. "We encourage everyone to vote online daily and help us choose the winning site to receive grant funding."

"Architecture, history, design and folklore are at the heart of the Windy City's history and contribute to the many reasons people love Chicago," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Every vote counts towards providing a better future for Chicago's historic treasures. We invite you to vote early and vote often, for historic preservation."

The American Express Partners in Preservation program was created to help preserve historic sites that reflect Chicago's rich cultural history, architecture and landscape, while also engaging the community in preservation, driving tourism and stimulating economic development.

Additionally, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation developed the slate of 25 sites in an effort to raise awareness of some of the region's most important, but often not widely recognized "hidden gems." The public's participation in the grant selection process will ensure that this remains a community-centered initiative.

Sites on the slate reflect the diversity of Chicagoland's heritage -- encompassing cemeteries and Viking ships, farmsteads and cultural centers, and lighthouses and cathedrals. The scope of the preservation needs at these sites ranges from fixing leaking roofs, repairing foundations, restoring original terracotta to adapting buildings for further use as assets in the community.

Vote to Preserve
American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation encourage all Chicagoland residents, and people who care about Chicagoland, to cast their vote from Sept. 6 to Oct. 10, 2007, through a dedicated website, http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/index.php?sec=vot.

The public can vote once daily through Oct. 10. The community will also be able to share their memories, photos and thoughts about each landmark on the website, encouraging others to vote for their favorite sites.

American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a special advisory committee comprised of local Chicago dignitaries will review the public's votes, along with each site's monetary needs, to determine how the $1 million in preservation grants will be awarded. The site that receives the highest number of popular votes is guaranteed to receive funding.

The sites being awarded American Express Partners in Preservation grants will be announced to the public in November 2007.

Public Open House
A public open house at all 25 sites will be held on September 15-16, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days, for the community to tour and learn more about each of the historic sites on the slate. Information on the site locations, activities during the open house weekend and further details can be found on the Partners in Preservation website at http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/.

Historic Chicagoland Sites on the Slate
American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation used specific criteria to select the 25 sites on the slate including their historic, architectural and cultural significance, demonstrated community support for the sites, ability to complete a preservation project by June 2009, and potential to contribute to tourism or community development. The 25 selected sites are as follows:

Cook County
* ABLA Animal Court Sculptures
* Bohemian National Cemetery
* Chicago Cultural Center
* Fountain of Time Sculpture
* Grosse Point Lighthouse
* Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral
* Humboldt Park Stables and Receptory
* Independence Park Bungalow
* International Museum of Surgical Science
* On Leong Merchants Association Building [Pui-Tak Center]
* Pleasant Home
* Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
* Robie House
* Roger Brown Study Collection
* Homan Square Power Plant
* South Side Community Art Center
* Unity Temple
* Von Steuben High School

DuPage County
* Peabody Estate at Mayslake

Kane County
* Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall
* Viking Ship

Lake County
* Great Lakes Naval Station, Building 42 [The Hostess House]
* Ragdale Foundation

McHenry County
* Petersen Historic Farmstead

More information about each of these sites can be found at http://www.partnersinpreservation.com/index.php?sec=invs.

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

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

As early as 1983, American Express launched a cause-related marketing effort that raised $1.7 million for the preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. From 1996 to 2005, American Express contributed more than $10 million to help preserve 126 historic sites in 62 countries from the World Monuments Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites.

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

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

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

Sources: American Express Company, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Park Service, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Wikipedia
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OPEN from American Express® Forges Strategic Card Relationships With Harris, BankAtlantic to Serve Small-Business Customers

OPEN from American Express® just announced that it's partnered with two large regional banks to offer its products to Harris and BankAtlantic small-business customers.

Harris
OPEN's relationship with Harris marks the first agent bank marketing agreement in the Chicago area. The exclusive agreement calls for the companies to jointly market small-business charge and credit cards that carry the Harris and American Express brands. Beginning in late September, OPEN will offer a suite of co-branded Cards through Harris' 230-plus branches in Chicago and Indiana.

"Harris is a respected and well-known financial institution with an impressive customer base, and we are pleased to serve as their new, exclusive small-business credit card issuer," said Raymond Joabar, Senior Vice President, OPEN from American Express. "This new relationship brings together the strength of OPEN and Harris to link small-business owners with the financial tools and resources they need to help them grow their businesses."

"We are delighted to join with American Express to add the industry-leading, small-business credit-card solution to our robust customer offering of products and services," said Peter McNitt, Vice Chairman and Head of Business Banking, Harris. "In addition to the benefits a business credit card offers in terms of simplifying accounting, I know our customers will appreciate the purchasing power, payment flexibility, cash rebates, travel rewards and savings program that only OPEN offers."

Through Harris, small-business owners are eligible to apply for the SimplyCash[SM] Business Card, which automatically offers up to 5% cash back annually on gas, office supplies, and wireless purchases, plus 1% on virtually all other purchases. In addition, they can apply for the Business Gold Rewards Card and Business Platinum Card®, which offers Cardmembers automatic enrollment in the Membership Rewards® program from American Express, to earn valuable rewards points toward travel, dining, entertainment and retail purchases.

All three Cards include access to the OPEN Savings® program, which gives Cardmembers automatic savings when using their Card for purchases with partners such as FedEx Kinkos®, Hertz®, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts®, Delta Airlines®, JetBlue Airways® and more.

Under the agreement, OPEN from American Express will issue the new Cards and service the accounts. Harris and OPEN will market the Cards to small-business owners through the bank's branch network, on-line, direct mail, and inbound telemarketing channels.

OPEN is a leading issuer of small business credit and charge card products in the United States. With $42 billion in assets and $29 billion in deposits, Harris is the second-largest bank based on branches in the Chicago market. Additionally, Harris has affiliated wealth management offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Virginia and Washington, and will also offer the cards in those locations.

BankAtlantic
In light of its new relationship with OPEN from American Express®, BankAtlantic will be the first financial institution in Florida to offer American Express® Business Cards. The agent bank agreement calls for the companies to jointly market small business charge and credit cards that carry the BankAtlantic and American Express brands.

Beginning this month, the companies will market two co-branded Cards to BankAtlantic's small business customers in nearly 100 stores in Florida. BankAtlantic stores are located in Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties, as well as the Tampa Bay and Orlando markets.

BankAtlantic's small-business customers will be eligible to apply for the Business Gold Rewards Card, as well as the SimplyCash[SM] Business Card. American Express will issue the new Cards and service the accounts. BankAtlantic and OPEN from American Express will market the Cards through BankAtlantic's in-store, direct mail, telemarketing and online channels. The agent bank alliance brings together OPEN from American Express with one of the largest financial institutions based in the state of Florida. BankAtlantic holds assets of more than $6 billion.

"Our partnership with BankAtlantic allows us to broaden our reach to additional Cardmembers and share our industry-leading products and capabilities with small business customers in Florida," said Joabar. "BankAtlantic is an excellent partner for OPEN, and our alliance will allow small business customers to enjoy best-in-class, co-branded card products from two trusted brands."

"We believe these products are an excellent complement to BankAtlantic's existing business product offerings," said Nona Wilgus, Senior Vice President from BankAtlantic. "BankAtlantic is excited to partner with American Express and provide these offerings to our customers."

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 www.OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card or loan.

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

Source: American Express
____________________

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Cardmembers Vote 'Children's Safe Drinking Water' Project Idea the Winner of American Express' Members Project

GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express just announced that, after receiving the most Cardmember votes, "Children's Safe Drinking Water" is the winning project idea for The Members Project. American Express is awarding the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the organization selected to fulfill the idea, $2 million dollars, which will be used to provide millions of children in the developing world with safe drinking water.

The Members Project [www.membersproject.com] launched on May 15 and brought thousands of American Express(R) Cardmembers together to submit, discuss, rate and, ultimately, vote on the one project idea they wanted American Express to bring to life. American Express contributed $1 toward the winning idea for every Cardmember that registered, with a minimum commitment of $1 million and up to $5 million in funding.

Throughout The Members Project initiative, 186,508 Cardmembers registered -- with more than 7,000 project ideas submitted and 162,087 votes cast. Additionally, there were over 1.5 million unique visitors to the website.

Therefore, American Express decided to double its minimum commitment of $1 million and award the winning project idea $2 million to help make a larger impact.

In addition, American Express announced a Recognition Award of $100,000 each to the organizations paired with the remaining four project ideas, and has designated the award money be used in the spirit of the Cardmember's project idea.

"Through The Members Project, we brought together our community of Cardmembers in a new, interactive way that tapped into ideas and causes they are most passionate about," said Jud Linville, President and CEO, Consumer Services at American Express. "Our Cardmembers truly rallied around project ideas, encouraging Cardmembers across the country to get involved. Now, they can feel great that a difference will be made, thanks to their votes and efforts."

The winning idea, "Children's Safe Drinking Water" paired with UNICEF, was submitted by American Express(R) Cardmember Gregory Allgood of Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: American Express
____________________

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Life is good® Adds Inspiring Book to Its Growing Catalog; Profits Support Kids Foundation

Attention, shoppers! GoodBiz113 profilee Life is good® ["Life is good® Festivals Unite Communities, Help Kids Face Unfair Challenges"] has just added a new product to its ever-growing catalog of high-quality merchandise: a book. Yep, while you're relaxing in your easy chair -- clad in your favorite LIG T-shirt, lounge pants and slippers, and sipping from your trusty LIG mug -- you can enjoy timeless pearls of wit and wisdom from Jake and Rocket, LIG's ubiquitous characters.

This hardcover gift book, measuring a handy 7 inches by 7 inches, is packed with 132 full-color pages, and priced at just $20. The best part? LIG will donate 100% of its profit from the sale of this book to the Life is good Kids Foundation, established to help children facing unfair challenges.

Know someone who's heading off to college? Want the perfect host/hostess gift for those generous folks who welcomed your family to their cabin this summer? Stocking up holiday gifts already? Surf on over to LIG's online store: http://www.lifeisgood.com/
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American Express Announces Top Five Project Ideas for The Members Project; Final Voting Phase Ends Aug. 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advisory Panelists include:

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

* Ellen DeGeneres -- Comedian and Talk-Show Host

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

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

* Rosabeth Moss Kanter -- Harvard Business School Professor

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

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

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

American Express, Membership and Giving Back

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

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

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

Sources: American Express, CNN [photo]
____________________

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Sens. Kerry, Landrieu Call on Republicans to Stop Blocking Disaster Reform Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP 25 PROJECT SUBMISSIONS

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

Arts & Entertainment

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

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

Business & Finance

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

Community Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environment & Wildlife

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

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

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

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

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

Health & Fitness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

Thought Leaders Contribute to Selection Process

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: American Express, Los Angeles Times [photo]
____________________

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Life is good® at Fenway Raises $802,636 for Kids in Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: Life is good®, CDIA at Boston University [photo]
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(RED) VISION Seeks Short-Film Entries for 2008 Vail Film Festival; New Toolkit Available

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

____________________

Support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS in Africa... Get your iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition today! Starting at $199.

American Express Announces Top 50 Semifinalists for The Members Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: American Express
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