uschamber.com Magazine March 2003

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• Chamber Helps Restore $6 Billion in SBA Loans
  The federal government recently restored $6 billion in guaranteed small business loans—funds that are vital for the continued growth and prosperity of many of the nation’s 22.4 million small businesses.
• How The New Tax Benefits Apply to Your Filings
  While the possibility of new tax cuts dominates the conversation in Washington, it's easy to lose sight of beneficial provisions already in the tax code that take effect this year.
• Tech Tools: Avoiding the Nigerian Letter Scam
  If I sent you an e-mail asking you to help me transfer $25 million out of the country and all you had to do was send me your Social Security number, blank company letterhead, and your bank account and pin number, would you respond?
• An Exclusive Interview With OMB’s John Graham
  Many small businesses are struggling to comply with a host of government regulations.
• Contract Opportunities Available
  The U.S. Chamber and the Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with HP, launched the first of many planned matchmaking conferences in Orlando, Florida, from March 4 to 5.
• In Your Corner: Seeing the Impact of Trade Through Foreign Eyes
  Chairman Steve Van Andel discusses the positive and far-reaching benefits of free trade policies in the United States.
• ECON 101: The Economy and the President's Plan for Growth and Jobs
  Recently released data show an economy that is still searching for confidence, balance, and momentum. While the economy expanded during the fourth quarter of last year -- the fifth consecutive quarterly increase -- real GDP growth slowed to a paltry 0.7%.
• Face Off: Would Association Health Plans Help the Uninsured?
  Harry C. Alford (National Black Chamber of Commerce) and Scott P. Serota (Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association) square off on Association Health Plans.
• In Your Corner: Gain A Competitive Edge Through Training
  Louis Moniz was consumed with self-doubt. Louis, a Quaker Fabric Corporation floor mechanic, had been rewarded for his superior work with a promotion to a supervisory position, but he was unsure if he was prepared for the job.
• Small Business Matters: How Your New Tax Benefits Apply to Your Filings
  While the possibility of new tax cuts dominates the conversation in Washington, it's easy to lose sight of beneficial provisions already in the tax code that take effect this year. Some key new provisions in the tax code apply to your filings for 2002.
• Success Insight: Determination and Hard Work Pay Off
  Has your gender ever been an obstacle on your path to success? Ever been made to feel like you weren't the best person for the job because of your sex? Judith Richards Hope can tell you all about it.
• Working For You: Doug Loon
  "We’re the eyes and ears of the U.S. Chamber,” says Doug Loon, vice president of regional affairs for the Chamber. “We’re the troops out in the field building local support for the Chamber membership’s national agenda.”
• ECON 101: The Economy and the President's Plan for Growth and Jobs
  Recently released data show an economy that is still searching for confidence, balance, and momentum. While the economy expanded during the fourth quarter of last year -- the fifth consecutive quarterly increase -- real GDP growth slowed to a paltry 0.7%.