Senate Extends Vital SBA Programs

/PRNewswire/ -- The United States Senate unanimously agreed to extend the Small Business Administration (SBA) and vital programs that fall under the Small Business Administration Act and the Small Business Investment Act, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The programs, which have been operating under a temporary extender and were set to expire on April 30, 2010, will continue with a three-month extension through July 31, 2010. The bill now heads to the House for approval. United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship made the following comment on the passage of the extension:

"The extension of these programs that fall under the Small Business Administration, such as the SBIR and STTR, will allow the nation's innovators and entrepreneurs to continue their work as we continue negotiations with the House for a longer, more comprehensive agreement. Over the next three months, I encourage the entrepreneurs, scientists and engineers looking for jobs, or waiting for a chance to explore a promising and innovative idea, to apply for research projects through these programs. SBIR and STTR entrepreneurs start businesses, create jobs and account for 25 percent of our nation's innovators, and we are ready to support them and their businesses."

Small firms employ 41 percent of the nation's high-tech workers and generate 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than large firms. The SBIR program alone has generated more than 84,000 patents and millions of jobs. Eleven federal agencies participate in the SBIR program -- including the Department of Defense and National Science Foundation -- allocating 2.5 percent of their extramural research and development dollars for the program.

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Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson Issues Statement on Lease Extension at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) CEO Richard Anderson yesterday issued the following statement announcing an agreement with the City of Atlanta to extend its lease at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport through 2017.

"Delta is pleased to have reached an agreement with the City of Atlanta on a lease extension at Hartsfield-Jackson that will maintain the airport's position as the leading airport in the world and ensure the continued growth of air service in Atlanta.

"Atlanta and Delta are successful because we have worked hand-in-hand for nearly 70 years to distinguish our hometown airport as one known for its convenience, efficiency and competitive costs. We have been fortunate to work with a long line of visionary leaders including Mayors Hartsfield, Young, Jackson and Franklin who understood that Atlanta's economic prosperity and growth is directly tied to Hartsfield-Jackson's more than $20 billion annual economic impact.

"We look forward to working with the city administration and the city council on finalizing the legislation and moving forward with the development of the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal."

The agreement is subject to the finalization of definitive documents and approval by the Atlanta City Council and Delta's Board of Directors.

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