National Small Business Week is May 17-22, 2009.  Now is the time to recognize the impact that these companies have on our economy.

Small businesses are the backbone of America.  They represent 99.7% of all employer firms.

Roughly half of all private sector employees work for small businesses.  60 to 80 percent of new jobs are generated from these companies.

There are more than 40 million people working in businesses with fewer than 100 employees.  Without them our quality of life would be significantly less than we demand.

We tend to take these businesses for granted.  Too often, we fail to recognize just how much they contribute to our everyday lives.

The Chamber Board of Directors expresses sincere appreciation to the owners and employees of the small businesses in Fort Payne.  Without their drive to succeed, our business climate would not continue to grow.

Several bills are before Congress to help small businesses.  The three largest components of the Obama Administration’s plan include: 1) the direct purchase of the Small Business Administration pooled securities; 2) the elimination or reduction of the borrower and lender fees associated with the SBA loan programs; and 3) an increase in the percentage of the SBA loans guaranteed by the SBA.

To understand the impact that these bills will have on your small business, a counselor with the WBCNA will be available at the Chamber office on May 25^th.  Call 845-2741to schedule a personal consultation.

The Chamber’s After Hours will be May 21^st at 5:00 PM at Myrtle Jane’s Antiques.  Join others to share news about your business.