Committee Examines Economic Impact of the Nation’s Small Firms

This morning, Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez [D-N.Y.] gave the following opening statement at a House Small Business Committee hearing on the state of the small-business economy:

"Today’s hearing will examine the production, employment, and output of our nation’s small businesses as drivers of the U.S. economy. There can be little doubt that, at its heart, our nation’s economy is truly a small-business economy.

"Research has shown that small businesses create most of the nation’s net new jobs and account for almost half of our employer firms. Additionally, they produce more than half of the country’s non-farm private output. It goes without question that small firms make significant contributions to the U.S. economy.

"Today’s hearing will provide a forum to hear the Federal Reserve’s perspective on small businesses’ contributions to the economy. This comes at a time where we are seeing mounting challenges in the financial markets. These challenges, stemming mainly from the housing market, may spill over to other sectors of the economy. This would have broad ramifications, including an impact on small businesses.

"Despite this recent turmoil, small businesses remain a critical source of growth. The number of new businesses, measured as the number of firm births, has shown a net increase of over 20,000 since 2004. Just last week, the Labor Department reported nationwide job growth of 166,000 new jobs and a stable rate of unemployment. Small businesses were at the heart of these metrics, and whatever our economic future may hold, we can be assured that small businesses will be the vanguard for production, job creation, and output nationwide.

"Recently, however, we’ve witnessed increased volatility in the capital markets. These conditions have been driven primarily by weaknesses in the mortgage sector, but virtually every business sector has been affected by these events. Mortgage market instability has resulted in a tightening of lending standards that has spilled over into the small businesses credit markets. Indicators reflect that entrepreneurs are experiencing difficulty obtaining credit and more banks are reporting lower demand for small business loans.

"I am sure it comes as no surprise to members of this Committee that small businesses have more difficulty gaining access to affordable sources of credit compared to large businesses or other types of borrowers. Unfortunately, the most recent Federal Reserve's Report to the Congress on the Availability of Credit to Small Businesses reveals that this continues to be the case.

"Small businesses continue to rely disproportionately upon more expensive alternatives to traditional credit than larger businesses. Additionally, the percentage of small businesses that used credit cards increased nearly 10 percent since the last Federal Reserve survey. These results demonstrate the need for strong SBA programs aimed at providing small firms with access to affordable sources of financing.

"Yet, despite the obvious importance of small businesses, there remain few studies on their economic role. In addressing the need for solid information on small businesses, few studies have been more influential than the Federal Reserve’s Report to Congress on the Availability of Credit to Small Businesses. Much of the information contained in the report is gleaned from the Survey of Small Business Finances, which is itself the most comprehensive and up-to-date direct assessment of small-business finance.

"Over the past decade, this report has provided Congress with invaluable insight into the small-business credit markets. Now, more than ever, such insight is a key resource in developing balanced and effective economic policies. With the economic turmoil we have seen recently, it is paramount that we all work together to restore financial market stability and offset the effects of tighter credit conditions.

"These developments have created uncertainty over our economic future. Our history has proven that, as small businesses go, so goes the national economy. In this environment, it is more important than ever that this committee remain committed to ensuring that small businesses have access to the financial tools they need to grow and thrive."

View video highlights from today’s hearing.

Sources: Federal Reserve Board, U.S. House Small Business Committee

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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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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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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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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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June 17 Deadline Nears to Submit World-Changing Ideas for American Express® Initiative, The Members Project

As we reported on May 17 ["American Express Empowers Cardmembers to Make a Positive Impact in the World Via Unique Online Program"], GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express® has introduced The Members Project [SM], a unique and exciting new initiative that empowers Cardmembers to come together as a community and unite behind project ideas for making a positive impact on the world.

Cardmembers have till 11:59 p.m. EST on June 17 to dream up and submit their project ideas. After the select advisory panel -- including Geoff Canada, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Jane Goodall, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, Wynton Marsalis, and Gabrielle Reese -- pore over the applications and select the top 50 ideas, fellow Cardmembers can then rate and discuss the innovative projects on message boards.

Since the launch, thousands of project ideas have been submitted and rated, and Cardmembers from all over the country have begun rallying behind the ideas they like best. Highlights of projects currently posted on membersproject.com include:
* More than 900 community development projects -- including mentorship programs, after-school initiatives for kids, and homeless outreach
* More than 700 education projects, ranging from literacy programs to textbook exchanges, to life skills classes
* More than 600 projects concerning the environment -- such as land conservation, energy efficiency, and alternate transportation
* More than 125 arts and entertainment ideas -- including jazz preservation, music in schools, and film projects

Multiple project ideas center on themes. Three of the most popular themes are:
* Water purification
* Microfinance
* Environmental preservation

Ultimately, Cardmembers will vote and unite behind one incredible idea. On August 7, American Express will help bring that winning idea to life with up to $5 million -- i.e., $1 for each Cardmember who registers to be part of The Members Project. Registration is free and lasts throughout the entire Members Project selection and voting process. The more Cardmembers registered, the more dollars available for the winning project idea.

Will you send vital vaccines to India? Sponsor schools in the inner city? Or fund a next-generation hydrogen car? The possibilities are endless. The decision is yours. Visit membersproject.com.
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American Express Empowers Cardmembers to Make a Positive Impact in the World Via Unique Online Program

GoodBiz113 advertiser American Express just announced a unique, online initiative called The Members Project [www.membersproject.com], which enables American Express® Cardmembers to come together as a community by submitting and sharing their project ideas for making a positive impact in the world. Cardmembers can rate and discuss the project ideas on message boards, and will ultimately vote and choose one innovative, winning idea that American Express will help bring to life with up to $5 million.

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

"Our Cardmembers make up a unique community -- one that is highly engaged and passionate -- and we know that they care about the world around them," said Jud Linville, president of American Express Consumer Card Services Group. "Through the unique experience of The Members Project, our community of Cardmembers is pulling together and collectively shaking up the world just a little bit to do some good."

How The Members Project Works
Through June 17, Cardmembers can go to http://www.membersproject.com/, register, and submit their project ideas for making a broad and positive impact in one of the following categories: Arts & Entertainment, Business & Finance, Education, Environment & Wildlife, Fun, Health & Fitness, and Community Development. Cardmembers can also participate by rating or posting comments about project ideas already submitted.

For every Cardmember that registers, regardless of whether they come up with a project idea or just add their input on project ideas already submitted, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. The more Cardmembers registered, the more dollars available. American Express will commit at least $1 million and up to $5 million for the winning idea.

Once the project idea submission and rating phase closes, starting June 18, American Express will work with a special Advisory Panel to review the top-rated projects and narrow the submissions to the top 50 ideas.

"In addition to our community of Cardmembers, we have enlisted a group of well-known and respected leaders across a number of fields to help us identify the ideas that are the most innovative, achievable and have a broad, positive impact on the world around us," added Linville.

Advisory Panelists include:
* Geoff Canada -- President and CEO of the 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
* 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

The top 50 ideas will be announced on July 3, and Cardmembers can then log-on and cast their vote for their favorite idea. Based on popular vote, the top 50 ideas will be narrowed to the top 25 ideas and then the top five, with the final winning idea announced on August 7.

American Express and Giving Back
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. The Company has continued to roll out successful initiatives around the world that have enhanced the communities where we live and work, and bring support to causes.

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."

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