uschamber.com Magazine July 2004

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• An Exclusive Interview With Sean O'Keefe
  What impact will increased exploration have on technology, our economy, and the business community? We have the answers from the man responsible for implementing the president's space vision, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe.
• Small Business Platform Delivered
  The U.S. Chamber delivered its Small Business Platform to the Republican and Democratic National Committees, calling for the national political parties to promote policies and individuals that support small business owners.
• OSHA Reform Would Help Ensure Fairness
  Four bills passed the House with bipartisan support in May that would make it easier for small businesses to contest alleged violations of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) rules. The U.S. Chamber is urging their prompt approval by the Senate.
• Sick of Paperwork?
  With countless forms, is it any wonder that entrepreneurs view government paperwork as the least satisfying part of owning a business? Passing the Paperwork and Regulatory Improvements Act of 2004 would help.
• Tax Cuts for Small Businesses
  The U.S. Chamber is aggressively promoting H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which promises to provide small businesses with billions of dollars to expand their businesses, better afford health care, and create new jobs.
• Chamber Makes Additional 2004 Endorsements
  Which candidates does the Chamber endorse in the upcoming election? What are their backgrounds? Where do they stand on the issues that impact your small business?
• John Bachmann Voted Chamber Chairman
  At its June meeting in Washington, D.C., the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce elected John Bachmann, Senior Partner at St. Louis-based investment firm Edward Jones, as its new chairman.
• Legal Costs Slam Small Businesses
  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform released a study June 8 on Capitol Hill showing that the tort system costs U.S. small businesses $88 billion a year. This equals about $150,000 a year for each small business.
• Tech Tools: Buying the Right Printer: Features to Consider
  There are plenty of different printers to choose from, but answering a few basic questions can help ensure that you buy the model best suited for your business needs.
• Legal Reform Victory in Mississippi
  Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Haley Barbour and to an unrelenting campaign by the U.S. Chamber and its Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), comprehensive legal reform passed the Mississippi Legislature on June 3.
• Personal Consumption: Down But Not Out -- July 2004
  With prices now rising and the stimulative effects of the tax cuts waning, can we continue to depend on the American consumer to drive the economy forward?
• ECON 101: Personal Consumption: Down But Not Out
  With prices now rising and the stimulative effects of the tax cuts waning, can we continue to depend on the American consumer to drive the economy forward?
• Face Off: U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement: An Economic Win for America? -- July 2004
  Is it an economic win for America? Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA)debate the FTA. Is going down under the right direction?
• Small Business Matters: Addressing Employee Theft
  What if your employees are stealing from you? Small businesses are especially vulnerable to employee theft because they generally do not have the resources to oversee staff behavior as do large organizations.
• Success Insight: Patty's Three Cs
  Patty Orzano has owned a 7-Eleven franchise for two decades. In the face of competition over the years, she did not waver. She plotted a new course to maintain and expand her customer base.
• Working For You: James W. Robinson
  As a senior vice president and counselor to Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue, James Robinson crafts many of the Chamber's winning messages on crucial business issues.