Advocatevolume 19, Number 3 May/June 2005 Start Spreading the Views Washington Presentation Attendees Hear First-Hand from Policymakers

ADVOCATEVolume 19, Number 3 May/June 2005 Start Spreading the Views Washington Presentation attendees hear first-hand from policymakers

By Rob Yunich After Perlowitz Director of Communications received her award, s the weather warmed in our political commenta- Nation’s Capital, NSBA turned tor Charlie Cook Aup the heat on its advocacy spoke to the group efforts. Although advocacy remains a about the 2004 pres- constant for the organization, idential elections, NSBA’s annual Washington 2006 mid-term elec- Presentation gives attendees a chance tions, and 2008 pres- to take their activism to the source— idential elections. and meet with elected officials to Cook is editor voice their opinions and, in some and publisher of cases, frustration. The Cook Political The 2005 event included the Report, and political presentation of the Small Business analyst for the Advocate of the Year award to National Journal Valerie Perlowitz of Vienna, Va., Group, where he PHOTO BY ROB YUNICH president and chief executive officer writes weekly for NSBA Chair Malcolm Outlaw presents the Small Business of Reliable Integration Services, Inc. National Journal Advocate of the Year Award to Valerie Perlowitz during the Perlowitz founded the company in magazine and opening luncheon of the the 2005 Washington Presentation. 1988. (More information about CongressDailyAM. He also writes a questions from the audience. Perlowitz can be found on p. 7.) regular column for the Washington Reardon reviewed President During the search for this year’s Quarterly and is a political analyst for George W. Bush’s recent proposal to winner, NSBA looked for a small NBC News. reform Social Security and also business owner who demonstrated a “Charlie’s unique, honest and updated attendees about the presi- commitment to small business advo- informative insights to the political dent’s Advisory Panel on Tax cacy; a proven history of voluntary world are often-times humorous and Reform, which is examining numer- efforts and endeavors to advance laugh-provoking—something that ous proposals to reform the current small business and improve the con- Charlie has a definite talent for when tax system. One of the ideas they are ditions for small business owners; discussing political issues that would researching is the Fair Tax, which and success and growth as a small drive most listeners to tears,” said NSBA endorses and was voted the business owner. Mark Deion, who co-chaired the organization’s top priority by its Perlowitz fit the bill perfectly, and event with Dee Smith. members. was rewarded for her distinguished “The Washington Presentation The Fair Tax, first introduced by history of advocacy in Northern exceeded my expectations. It was John Linder (R-Ga.), would impose Virginia and across the United States. gratifying to see small business a 23-percent, single rate, national NSBA will be launching the owners from across the nation take retail sales tax and replace the indi- search for the 2006 Small Business the time out of their busy schedules vidual federal income tax, the capital Advocate of the Year in the near to bring their concerns to gains tax, all payroll taxes, corporate future. Look for updates at nsba.biz. Washington, D.C.,” Smith said. income taxes, the self-employment Following Cook’s speech, the tax, and the estate and gift taxes. Inside the Advocate group headed to Presidential Hall in During the question-and-answer Ultimate Capitol Experience (p. 4). the White House Complex, where session, Reardon addressed members’ ’A’ for Advocacy (p. 7). the National Economic Council’s concerns about the SBA 7(a) loan Small Business California debuts (p. 9). Brian Reardon spoke and answered continued on p. 6 ADVOCATE May/June 2005 Volume 19, Number 3 In This Issue © 2005 National Small Business Association Chair Malcolm Outlaw

First Vice Chair Paul Hense

Secretary Phyllis Shearer Jones

Treasurer Grafton “Cap” Willey

Immediate Past Chair Raymond Arth

President Todd McCracken

Editor 5 Rob Yunich PHOTO BY ROB YUNICH Writers 4 NSBA’S ULTIMATE CAPITOL EXPERIENCE Molly Brogan David Mack The recent Washington Presentation was a huge success, reports Chair Malcolm Outlaw, who also relays his excitement about future endeavors. Printing McArdle Printing Company 5 REACHING THE (PROCUREMENT) SUMMIT NSBA’s Procurement Summit brought out an all-star cast on the subject— HOW TO REACH US including David Safavian, head of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. National Small Business Association 9 RECYCLED PAPER GREETINGS KEEPS GROWING 1156 15th Street NW Suite 1100 When Mike Keiser founded Recycled Paper Greetings in 1971, he probably had Washington, DC 20005 no idea how successful it would become. Phone: 202-293-8830 Fax: 202-872-8543 Internet: www.nsba.biz MORE NSBA NEWS 7 “A” for Advocacy…9 Small Business California launches… The NSBA Advocate, published 10 NSBA at work… 11 Your NSBA calendar… and more. bimonthly by the National Small Business Association, is one of the benefits of an NSBA membership. Notification of address changes should be sent to NSBA, 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005.

MISSION STATEMENT NSBA is a volunteer-led association. Our primary mission is to advocate state and federal policies that are beneficial to small business, the state, and the nation — 4 9 and promote the growth of free PHOTOS BY ROB YUNICH enterprise.

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Insurance plans are underwritten and issued by John Alden Life Insurance Company. Chair’s Message NSBA’s Ultimate Capitol Experience By Malcolm Outlaw After the breakfast, some atten- NSBA Chair dees met with their elected officials, always enjoy visiting our Nation’s while others ventured to NSBA’s Capital. Not only is it a beautiful Procurement Summit. The summit Icity with plenty of history, but it is featured some of the best and bright- a place where small business owners est in the procurement arena, includ- can make a difference. ing U.S. Attorney (Virginia) Paul J. It is with that mindset that I tell McNulty, Rep. Nydia Velázquez you about NSBA’s annual Washington (D-N.Y.), and David Safavian, head Presentation, held May 11-12. We had of the Office of Federal Procurement a sell-out crowd this year that was Policy. treated to an all-star event featuring After experiencing these two great speakers and a unique chance to events first-hand, I am very proud to visit the White House Complex and call myself an NSBA member. Not U.S. Capitol in a two-day span. only did NSBA go above and beyond The Washington Presentation the call of duty to give attendees a started out with the presentation of memorable and educational experi- our Small Business Advocate of the NSBA FILE PHOTO ence, but we hopefully showed every- Year Award. This year’s recipient is our annual Congressional Breakfast, body why NSBA is so special. And Valerie Perlowitz of Vienna, Va., who featuring speeches from Sen. John more importantly, we spread the is the president and CEO of Reliable Kerry (D-Mass.) and Reps. Don word about the organization and our Integration Services, Inc. Valerie not Manzullo (R-Ill.), John Linder (R- priority issues. only runs a very successful company, Ga.), and Candice Miller (R-Mich.). As you can imagine, this is only but she is truly dedicated to advocacy. All four speakers were fabulous and the beginning. The 109th Congress is We congratulate you, Valerie, on an supplied insight into issues that are going to be full of extremely impor- honor that is well-deserved. (You can of the utmost importance to small tant votes and legislation, and we learn more about Valerie on p. 7 of business owners. must stay on top of each and every this issue of the Advocate.) Manzullo’s comments about the one and make sure our voice is heard. I also want to thank Money mag- uphill battle constantly faced by If you were not able to attend the azine and FedEx for their assistance small business owners struck me the event and/or meet with your represen- to the award and the luncheon. most. His speech was extremely tatives, I urge you to contact them on After I presented the award to timely and made me realize what the your own—either in their D.C. office Valerie, attendees were treated to a small business environment would be or when they come back to your dis- speech by political commentator like if NSBA hadn’t been extremely trict. I urge you to tell your friends, Charlie Cook. His non-partisan active over the years. neighbors, relatives, or anybody you observations about the 2004 presi- Sometimes we don’t think that we know about our priority issues and ask dential elections, 2006 mid-term elec- have accomplished very much, but them to help you in the quest. tions, and 2008 presidential elections when you grasp what we have Finally, I would like to thank were very insightful. It was a real prevented from happening, it puts our everybody who contributed to making treat to have Charlie speak to us at achievements into perspective. (Please the 2005 Washington Presentation a the luncheon and we thank him. look for full coverage of the event on success and let’s start the countdown Next on the menu, so to speak, the cover of this issue.) to next year’s event! was a visit to Presidential Hall in the White House Complex, where the NSBA Thanks Mark Deion and Dee Smith National Economic Council’s Brian NSBA would like to thank Board Members Reardon spoke to us about Social Mark Deion (left) and Dee Smith for co-chair- Security and taxes. He also took ing the 2005 Washington Presentation. Both questions from the audience and pro- led a fantastic and memorable two-day event vided information direct from the and played an integral and active role in the Bush Administration. planning process. Deion also chaired the 2004 Washington Presentation. On May 12, the venue shifted to PHOTO BY ROB YUNICH Capitol Hill. The day started with

4 May/June 2005 Reaching the (Procurement) Summit

By Rob Yunich Director of Communications

SBA’s newly-formed Procurement Council hosted a Small Business NProcurement Summit concurrent- ly with the second day of the Washington Presentation, May 12. The event was full of expert speakers, who put into perspective the uphill battle small business procurement organizations face. “The Procurement Summit allowed small business to hear from and talk to the White House, Department of Justice and Congress,” said Jere Glover, executive director of the Small Business Technology Council (SBTC), and the event’s master of ceremonies. “The government officials all expressed concern about the concentration of PHOTOS BY ROB YUNICH federal procurement in fewer and U.S. Attorney (Virginia) Paul J. McNulty (below) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) spoke fewer hands. Contract bundling is a at the 2005 Procurement Summit, which also featured David Safavian, head of the Office growing problem that is continuing of Federal Procurement Policy. and worsening.” Contracting goals was the subject of a speech by Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.). U.S. Attorney (Virginia) Paul McNulty spoke about procurement fraud, Eagle Eye Publishing’s Paul Murphy spoke about contract bundling, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Gary Jackson spoke about size standards. The luncheon speaker was David Safavian, head of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. In the afternoon session, a panel discussion focused on the future of small business procurement. Participating speakers included Nelson Crowther and LeAnn Delaney from the House Small Business Committee and Nigel Stephens from the Senate Small Business Committee. The concluding panel discussion focused on “Best Practices: Top-10 Mistakes to “The summit was a giant step NSBA is committed to working on Avoid.” Major Clark from the SBA forward in getting something done improving small business opportuni- Office of Advocacy and Paul J. about the problem,” Glover said. ties for government contracting.” Seidman of Seidman and Associates “Recent data shows the government More information about procure- were the speakers. is not meeting its small business goal. ment is available at nsba.biz. May/June 2005 5 Start Spreading the Views (continued from p. 1) program, health care, Medicare, and other topics. After a short break, the agenda shifted to an issue briefing to prepare attendees for their meetings on Capitol Hill. The main topics were the Fair Tax and several health care- related issues—including NSBA’s proposal and Association Health Plans (AHPs). More information about all of NSBA’s priority issues is PHOTOS BY ROB YUNICH available at nsba.biz/issues. Speakers at the 2005 Washington Presentation included (clockwise from top left): politi- The day concluded with a recep- cal commentator Charlie Cook, Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Ill.), National Economic Council staff member Brian Reardon, Rep. John Linder (R-Ga.), and tion, where attendees could network Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.). with their fellow attendees. “It is always exciting to see the enthusiasm of other entrepreneurs and to hear some of their achievements,” Smith said. “Sometimes it is easy to think, as a small business owner, that perhaps you are trying to fight an uphill battle alone. It is extremely beneficial to be able to communicate and commiserate with others who have similar concerns and issues.” “I am delighted that so many NSBA members took time from their hectic schedule to participate in such a valuable program,” Deion said. “It is imperative in an ever-critical economic climate that small business owners communicate their concerns to Congress, and this event provided that opportunity.” On May 12, the venue shifted to Capitol Hill. The day started with facts and figures about his proposal suggestions on the best way, in his NSBA’s annual Congressional for permanent tax reform. opinion, to reinvigorate the 7(a) loan Breakfast, featuring speeches from Manzullo, chair of the House program, improve the health care Linder, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) Small Business Committee, subse- system and lower costs, and the and Reps. Don Manzullo (R-Ill.) and quently spoke to the group about judicial confirmation process. Candice Miller (R-Mich.). small business manufacturing—his “NSBA has led the way in advo- The first speaker was Miller, who passion and a cause that he devotes cating for small business issues in the discussed small businesses in much of his time to helping. The Nation’s Capital,” Deion said. “This Michigan and the importance of Illinois native also focused on small annual event is one way for members small businesses around the country. business tax equity, one of NSBA’s to communicate their concerns to Like all the speakers, she strongly top priorities. Congress and other governmental urged the attendees to make their The final speaker was Kerry, who agencies.” needs known to the elected officials spoke passionately about small busi- After the breakfast, many atten- whom they would be meeting later in ness. Kerry, the ranking member on dees remained on Capitol Hill to the day. the Senate Small Business meet with their elected officials— Linder spoke next. The Georgia Committee, focused his speech on armed with much knowledge and native eloquently spoke about the making the correct budgetary choices several copies of NSBA’s priority Fair Tax, and provided additional to help small business. He offered issues booklet. 6 May/June 2005 Perlowitz Gets an ‘A’ for Advocacy Virginia resident named 2005 Small Business Advocate of the Year

By Rob Yunich Director of Communications people, including William B. of the George W. Bush IT Advisory Perlowitz (chief technology officer), Council. She also was named to the SBA, more than anything else, Joe Foster (controller), Lisa Washington Business Journal’s 2004 list stands for advocacy. Every day, the Burzynski (human resources manag- of “Women Who Mean Business.” Norganization and its members er), Mike Irwin (vice president of Perlowitz traces her advocacy advocate for the rights of small busi- network services), and Carolyn efforts to a realization shortly after ness owners around the country. On Manetti (vice president of federal she started Reliable. May 11, NSBA recognized one person services). “As a small business without eli- who is the epitome of this mantra. “Winning this award is very spe- gibility for government set-aside pro- That day, during the opening cial to me as it recognizes my success grams, I quickly found that there luncheon of the Washington not only as a small business owner, were a dazzling array of impedi- Presentation, NSBA named Valerie but as an advocate for all small busi- ments to succeeding in the federal W. Perlowitz the “Winning this award is very special to me as it marketplace and that 2005 Small there were equally as Business recognizes my success not only as a small business many opportunities to Advocate of the owner, but as an advocate for all small businesses. advance small busi- Year. Her fellow For those of us who remain committed to bringing ness and improve finalists for the conditions for small award included equity and fairness to small businesses, our efforts business owners,” she Stephen Cornell will continue to enhance our economy, keep more said. of San Francisco, than half our citizenry employed, and hold the After Perlowitz Paul Hense of spark of innovation bright across America.” made this discovery, Grand Rapids, she devoted herself to Mich., Bernard — Valerie W. Perlowitz creating opportunities Featherman of Kennebunkport, nesses,” Perlowitz said. “For those of for small business owners, first in Maine, and Elaine Longer of us who remain committed to bring- Fairfax County, Va., and subsequent- Fayetteville, Ark. ing equity and fairness to small busi- ly around the country. “Valerie distinguished herself nesses, our efforts will continue to Prior to forming Reliable, from an exemplary field that includ- enhance our economy, keep more Perlowitz served as a systems con- ed many extremely active and pas- than half our citizenry employed, sultant for numerous Fortune 500 sionate small business advocates,” and hold the spark of innovation companies, where she was responsi- said NSBA Chair Malcolm Outlaw, bright across America.” ble for a wide range of systems inte- owner of Sunwest Mud Company, Perlowitz has a proven history of gration disciplines. Previously, Inc. in Midland, Texas. “She has advocacy. Her involvements include Perlowitz was a real-time engineer worked hard on behalf of small busi- serving as founding president of for Sikorsky aircraft and a database ness and NSBA is extremely proud Women in Technology, national engineer for the Mitre Corporation. of what she has accomplished as founding partner for Women Perlowitz holds a bachelor of sci- well as her continuing efforts.” Impacting Public Policy, winning the ence in electrical and computer engi- Perlowitz, a resident of Vienna, Fed 100 Award for Small Business neering from Northeastern Va., founded Reliable Integration Advocacy, and serving as a member University. Services, Inc. in 1988 and currently serves as its president and chief execu- Interested in exporting? Find plenty of information, resources, links, tive officer. The company provides updates, membership information, and much more from the Small premium service to commercial enter- Business Exporters Association. prises and government IT organiza- Act now and visit: tions of up to 500,000 users. Reliable designs, implements, manages, and maintains networks of multi-vendor software and systems carrying mis- www.sbea.org sion-critical, multimedia traffic. Reliable currently employs 58 May/June 2005 7 Member Profile Recycled Paper Greetings Keeps Growing

By Rob Yunich Director of Communications

t seems there is a greeting card for every occasion: birthdays, anniver- Isaries, holidays, and myriad others. In fact, Americans purchase nearly seven billion greeting cards every year, according to the Greeting Card Association. However, two companies— Hallmark Cards and American Greetings—dominate the market, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the industry, according to Mike Keiser. Keiser founded Recycled Paper Greetings (RPG) in 1971 with Phil Friedmann. The company began in a Chicago apartment and now has grown into the world’s third largest greeting card company. The company remains in Chicago and boasts approximately 400 employees and COURTESY MIKE KEISER/RECYCLED PAPER GREETINGS more than 200 freelance artists who Two of the company’s more popular cards feature the country’s last two presidents, Bill craft the company’s creative cards. Clinton (left) and George W. Bush. Above are the front and inside of both cards. RPG is a NSBA member—one of the bigger ones, in fact. long as he [served] as president. The another big national chain.” “I believe NSBA is a force in same is happening with Bush. He’s Keiser is proud of many things Washington and you represent all of easy to caricature. John Kerry would about RPG, but one thing sticks out the small business guys out there,” have been easy to caricature, too.” in his mind. Keiser said. “All of them, like us, are RPG has managed to find its “We survived,” Keiser said. “To struggling to compete with the big niche is the greeting cards market, survive is something we’re proud of giants. I’ve always liked your ‘mom branching into retail stores. Cards are every day.” and pop’ approach.” readily available at Target, FedEx Keiser is hoping for an average of RPG does not hold the copy- Kinkos, Wallgreens as well as other five-percent growth over the next five rights to some of the characters that stores and selected Web sites. years—and more good news to appear on greeting cards, such as “We consolidated on the retail report. News, in fact, that would Mickey Mouse. But they have been end and we got into Kinkos and look great on a greeting card. able to take advantage of two key Wallgreens over the last three years. Do you want to suggest some- political figures, President George W. We were unable to get into big body to be profiled in a future issue Bush and former President Bill chains and our base of independent of the Advocate? Please e-mail Rob Clinton. [stores] closed down,” Keiser said. Yunich at [email protected] with your “Clinton was sort of a cartoon- “We’re working hard on growing the idea. Please remember that the per- ists’ dream—even more than Bush. Wallgreens business and getting into son must be an NSBA member. When Clinton came on, he became our Mickey Mouse,” Keiser said. Are you searching for the latest information from NSBA? Do you “Clinton, anyone can [draw], he’s want to read about the latest issues? It’s easy! Just visit: fair game [unlike Mickey Mouse, who is copyrighted]… Some of what we got was fabulous, and those www.nsba.biz became instant classics and lasted as 8 May/June 2005 NSBA Steps to the Forefront in D.C. and Beyond By Rob Yunich and the organization’s vice chair of small businesses and low income Director of Communications communications—testified before the individuals. SBA continues to assert itself on House Small Business Committee’s The next morning, NSBA hosted Capitol Hill and beyond. The subcommittee on tax, finance, and the monthly House Small Business Ntrend has been especially evident exports. Pitrone is a principle of the Committee Breakfast. The event lately—when the organization sent Integrity Group, a financial services focused on two of NSBA’s councils, three people to testify before company in the Cleveland area that the Small Business Technology Congress, one to speak at a press he started with his father. In addition Council (sbtc.org) and the Small event in the U.S. Capitol, hosted a to investment work, Pitrone is an Business Exporters Association breakfast on the Hill, and one to expert at assisting business owners in (sbea.org). appear on an Iowa radio show. dealing with the estate tax. Pitrone On April 27 in the U.S. Capitol, The appearances began on once again voiced the organization’s NSBA Vice Chair of Advocacy March 8, when NSBA President support of full and permanent repeal Marilyn Landis, owner of Basic Todd McCracken testified before the of the estate tax. Business Concepts in Pittsburgh, House Small Business Committee. On Wednesday, April 20, former spoke at a press conference devoted to McCracken was part of a panel that NSBA Chair Bill Lindsay testified access to capital and small business. spoke about H.R. 22, legislation stat- before the Senate Small Business At nearly the same time, NSBA ing that American small businesses Committee. The hearing, which Board Member Keith Ashmus are entitled to a Small Business Bill focused on “Solving the Small appeared on “Open Line with Randy of Rights. The resolution, sponsored Business Health Care Crisis: Renshaw” on KSCJ in Sioux City, by Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.), has since Alternatives for Lowering Costs and Iowa. Ashmus spoke about AHPs. passed a vote on the House floor. Covering the Uninsured,” was Ashmus currently serves as chair McCracken reiterated NSBA’s designed to look at the rising cost of of NSBA’s Health and Human top priorities, as decided by members health care and various proposals that Resources Committee and previously following the 2005 Small Business have been debated. served as chair of the Council of Congress. McCracken’s testimony Lindsay voiced NSBA’s contin- Smaller Enterprises in Cleveland. included NSBA’s call for fundamen- ued opposition to AHPs and also The full text of all of NSBA’s tal health care reform, support of the promoted the organization’s compre- testimony is available at Fair Tax, and opposition to hensive health care policy. That poli- nsba.biz/press/testimony, while more Association Health Plans (AHPs). cy promotes increased individual information about NSBA’s health On April 14, Tom Pitrone—the responsibility, greater quality controls care proposal is available at chair of NSBA’s tax policy committee and fair and equitable tax benefits for nsba.biz/healthreform. Small Business California Debuts cott Hauge, NSBA’s vice chair of lead small business organization in would be paid for by a public goods membership, is a one-man advo- promoting legislation to get all chil- charge that already exists in the Scacy machine. He recently made dren in California health insurance Golden State. a new addition to his efforts: Small through AB772 and SB437. The “Small Business California looks Business California (SBC). organization also is sponsoring legis- forward to working with NSBA on “I founded the organization to lation (AB1302) to get more small small business issues,” Hauge says. advocate for grass roots small business- business input on regulations at state “We have joined the [Small Business es in Sacramento on what I call global agencies and working on funding for Coalition for Equitable Health issues,” Hauge says. “To set our agen- the Small Business Advocate. Insurance] to stop Association da, we did a survey of small businesses In the energy arena, SBC has Health Plans. Additionally, NSBA around the state and found the major recruited Hank Ryan, who is one of has incorporated in their energy issues, in order, are health insurance, the top small business energy people paper support of programs like On worker’s compensation cost, education in the United States, to advocate on Bill Financing to help small business- and workforce, energy costs, regula- their behalf. es reduce their energy costs.” tions and access to capital.” Ryan is working to get On Bill More information about the SBC has only been in existence Financing for small business, which organization can be found at small- for four months, but has already would provide zero-percent financing businesscalifornia.org and in future made its presence known. SBC is the through the utility companies. This issues of the NSBA Advocate.

May/June 2005 9 NSBA At Work Highlights of NSBA staff activities from the recent past

very day, NSBA works to ensure April 14 about the importance of a strong and that small business owners are Estate Tax Testimony healthy 7(a) lending program. Erepresented on Capitol Hill. NSBA Board Member Tom NSBA staff and volunteers meet with Pitrone testified before the House April 27 Congressional leaders and other Small Business Committee about Radio Interview on AHP Legislation organizations to accomplish this estate tax repeal. NSBA Board Member Keith goal. Ashmus was featured on “Open Line NSBA continues to attend myri- April 14 with Randy Renshaw” on KSCJ in ad events, including: 7(a) Lending Program Roundtable Sioux City, Iowa. Ashmus spoke NSBA helped lead a roundtable about the problems with AHPs. March 8 with various Democratic members of NSBA Priorities Testimony the House Small Business Committee April 28 NSBA President Todd to discuss problems and seek solu- Tax Gap Hearing McCracken testified before the tions to the dwindling 7(a) lending Staff attended a House Small House Small Business Committee program. Working with Rep. Melissa Business Committee hearing on the about NSBA’s top legislative priori- Bean (D-Ill.) on small business Tax Gap. ties for the 109th Congress. impact of the 7(a) fee increases, NSBA stressed the importance of a April 29 March 16 strong 7(a) program. Pension Hearing Tax Seminar Staff attended a Senate Finance Staff attended a tax and budget April 20 Committee Hearing on pension sav- policy seminar. Senate Health Care Hearing ings and investment incentives. NSBA past Chair Bill Lindsay March 16 testified before the Senate Small May 2 Size Standards Roundtable Business Committee on the problems SBA Roundtable NSBA staff played a key role in a with AHP legislation and NSBA’s Staff attended a Small Business Democratic Committee Member long-term health care proposal. Administration Office of Advocacy Roundtable to discuss pending SBA Following contentious discussion roundtable on telecommunications size standard rule changes. Ranking between Department of Labor reform. Member Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) Secretary Elaine Chao and members based her comments on the discussion of the committee, Lindsay eloquently May 4 with NSBA and other trade groups. outlined the underlying problems Estate Tax Meeting with the current health care arena. Staff attended a meeting of the March 17 Family Business Estate Tax Coalition Small Business Breakfast April 21 to discuss estate tax repeal. NSBA participated in a breakfast NSBA Breakfast hosted by the American Medical NSBA hosted a House Small May 17 Association for the House Small Business Committee policy breakfast, Tax Forum Business Committee and other small focusing on SBEA and SBTC. Staff attended an IRS tax forum business advocates. At the breakfast, roundtable. NSBA staff met with various com- April 26 mittee members and discussed Social Security Hearing May 19 important small business issues. Staff attended a Senate Finance Small Business Breakfast Committee Hearing on Social Staff attended a House Small April 11-12 Security reform. Business Committee policy breakfast. AHP Briefings NSBA President Todd April 27 May 19 McCracken spoke at two Hill 7(a) Lending Press Conference Social Security Hearing briefings for health care staff to dis- NSBA Vice Chair of Advocacy Staff attended a House Ways and cuss the problems with Association Marilyn Landis spoke at a press con- Means Committee hearing on Social Health Plan legislation. ference organized by Velázquez Security reform.

10 May/June 2005 NSBA Calendar

DATE SPONSOR EVENT TIME/LOCATION REGISTRATION INFO

Friday, SMC Business Seminar: 8 a.m., No charge, register by calling June 17 Councils, “Is Your Website Westinghouse Jen Gurkweitz, ThomasNet.com Increasing Sales?” Research and 412-264-6002 Technology Park

Wednesday, Arizona Small Building a Better La Paloma $30, for more information, June 29 Business Business Awards Resort, call ASBA, 602-265-4563, or Association 3800 East visit www.asba.com. Sunrise Drive, Tucson

Thursday- National Small Quarterly Board Marriott Dallas For more information, call Friday, Business Meeting Las Colinas, Rosa Wright, 202-293-8830 Aug. 11-12 Association 223 West Colinas ext. 207 or e-mail Blvd., Irving, [email protected]. Texas

Tuesday, Council of Smaller COSE Caucus Greater Cleveland 3:45 p.m., register online Aug. 23 Enterprises (COSE) Partnership, (www.cose.org) or call COSE 50 Public Square, customer service, Suite 200, 216-592-2222, or e-mail Cleveland, Ohio [email protected].

Thursday, SMC Business Elected Officials Westinghouse 5:30 p.m., $10 per Oct. 25 Councils Networking Research and person, RSVP to Kim Reception Technology Park, Flowers, 412-371-1500 ext. Churchill, PA 224, e-mail [email protected], or register at www.smc.org.

Thursday- National Small Quarterly Board Portofino Hotel For more information, call Friday, Business Meeting/Annual and Yacht Club, Rosa Wright, 202-293-8830 Nov. 10-11 Association Membership 260 Portofino ext. 207 or e-mail Meeting Way, Redondo [email protected]. Beach, Calif.

Do you want to see your events appear on the calendar? Please send the information to Rob Yunich, 202-293-8830 ext. 224, fax to 202-872-8543, or e-mail [email protected].

Are you interested in small business technology, SBIR, or STTR? Then the Small Business Technology Council is a valuable resource especially for you. Learn more today by visiting: www.sbtc.org

May/June 2005 11 1156 15th Street NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005