Senate Passes Small Business Innovation Bill

/PRNewswire/ -- The United States Senate last night unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, set to expire on July 31, 2009, and September 30, 2009, respectively. SBIR and STTR stimulate technological innovation, allow small businesses to meet federal research and development needs and provide seed capital for small businesses to develop ideas until they attract outside investment. The bill, introduced by Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, passed unanimously out of Committee on June 18, 2009.

"SBIR and STTR have been instrumental in fostering breakthrough technological innovation and creating new jobs among America's more than 27 million small businesses," Chair Landrieu said. "Recipients of SBIR and STTR awards have produced more than 85,000 patents and have generated millions of well-paying jobs across all 50 states. Now that the Senate has passed SBIR and STTR reauthorization, we are one step closer to strengthening these essential programs and increasing federal opportunities for small businesses. I look forward to working with the House to get a bill to President Obama's desk before SBIR expires on July 31st."

"Reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs will unleash the ground-breaking innovation potential of our nation's small businesses, particularly given that these critical initiatives direct more than $2 billion in Federal research and development funding annually to small-tech firms across the nation," said Ranking Member Snowe. "At a time when the nation is struggling to dig out of the deepest recession since the Great Depression, we must ensure that our country once again brings to bear the kind of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation that made America and our free-market economy the greatest and most powerful on earth. By assisting thousands of pioneering small businesses with the development and promotion of scientific breakthroughs, the SBIR and STTR programs keep America ahead of the curve. I pledge to work expeditiously to ensure that we resolve differences with the House legislation so that President Obama may sign a bill as quickly as possible."

The SBIR program was established by Congress in 1982, and the STTR program in 1992, to, among other things, help meet the government's research and development needs through small businesses. Federal agencies with an annual extramural R&D budget of more than $100 million must currently allocate 2.5 percent of their extramural R&D dollars to the SBIR program. Agencies with an annual extramural R&D budget of more than $1 billion must currently allocate an additional 0.3 percent to the STTR program. The bill provides for an important increase to the SBIR program allocation, raising it to 3.5 percent, spread out over eleven years. The SBIR allocation increase includes all agencies, including the NIH. The bill also increases the STTR program allocation from .3 percent to .6 percent over six years.

The last comprehensive reauthorization of the SBIR program occurred in 2000, when the program was reauthorized for eight years, scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2008. The program has since received two temporary extensions - first to March 20, 2009 and now to July 31, 2009. The STTR was last reauthorized in 2001, also for eight years.

The legislation will reauthorize the programs for eight years, giving small businesses and the government the stability they need to plan for and transition important technologies for our country. It amends the eligibility requirements to allow businesses owned and controlled by multiple venture capital firms to compete for a certain percentage of SBIR projects while making sure that there's a fair playing field for the small businesses that are independently owned and operated. It also adjusts the amount of SBIR and STTR awards to reflect inflation costs while taking a measured approach to increasing the allocation dedicated to these important small business research and development programs. To improve the diversity of the programs, geographically and otherwise, so that more states and individuals can participate in federal research and development for our country, the bill reauthorizes the Federal and State Technology (FAST) program and Rural Outreach Program for five years.

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The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Latest Kessler Collection Property, Set to Open in Savannah, Ga. on July 24

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, the latest luxury boutique hotel by The Kessler Collection, will officially open in Savannah, Ga. on Friday, July 24, 2009.

This exquisite new property, which is the first new hotel overlooking the Savannah River to open in 17 years, complements The Kessler Collection's AAA Four-Diamond Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah. Defined by majestic brick and glass architecture and inspiring interior design, The Bohemian Hotel features nine stories of luxury including 75 spacious, impeccably-appointed guest rooms and suites, concierge service, valet parking, an on-site fitness center and more.

Located at 102 West Bay Street, the hotel is the latest property by acclaimed hotelier and real estate developer Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc. With a premier location overlooking the Savannah River, The Bohemian embodies classic Southern hospitality. The hotel's new construction and brick façade echo River Street's historic riverwalk, where shipping and the cotton trade once dominated.

The Bohemian Hotel's contemporary design, which was approved by Savannah's historic review board, features a vintage allure that recalls the era when British settlers first landed on the bluff above the Savannah River in 1733. This premier location, coupled with the service and luxurious quality standards synonymous with The Kessler Collection, make this hotel the perfect getaway for leisure and business travelers alike. Each guest room features luxury bedding and linens, high-definition television with Roomlinx® interactive media and entertainment system, high-speed wireless Internet connection and spectacular city and river views.

Savannah's newest hotel will also be one of the city's most exceptional destinations for dining and entertainment. Rocks on the River, a full-service restaurant on River Street serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves fresh seafood and casual American fare, while Rocks on the Roof, a rooftop lounge providing spectacular views of the Savannah River, will be the city's most talked about nightlife destinations.

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Recovery Act Changes To SBIC Program Mean Increased Funding Available For Small Businesses

Effective last week, small businesses that would otherwise have difficulty securing private equity or venture capital may find funding easier to get as a result of changes made as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Company program.

“The Recovery Act expands SBA’s venture capital program to increase the pool of investment funding available to the Small Business Investment Companies licensed by SBA,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “We believe those companies will be better equipped by these changes to help sustain and grow small businesses for their next important growth steps.”

SBICs are privately owned and managed venture capital firms which are licensed and regulated by SBA. SBICs use a combination of funds raised from private sources and money raised through the use of SBA guarantees to make equity and mezzanine capital investments in small businesses. There are approximately 338 SBICs with $17.4 billion in capital under management.

The changes made as part of the Recovery Act are:

· The Recovery Act makes SBICs eligible for greater SBA guaranteed funding and requires SBICs to invest 25 percent of their investment dollars into “smaller” businesses. Also, the amount of funding an SBIC may invest in a single small business is set at 10 percent of an SBIC’s total capital rather than the previous limit of 20 percent of an SBIC’s private capital only. This translates to an effective 50 percent increase in funding available to a single business by an SBIC.

· Maximum SBA funding levels to SBICs will increase up to three times the private capital raised by the SBIC, up to a maximum of $150 million for single SBICs, or up to $225 million for multiple SBICs that are under common control. The cap for all licensees was set at $137.1 million before the Recovery Act.

· These limits are even higher for SBICs that are licensed after October 1, 2009, that certify that at least 50 percent of their investments will be made in small businesses located in low-income areas, up to $175 million for single licensees and up to $250 million for jointly controlled multiple licensees.

· Changes made to the SBIC program under the Recovery Act are permanent.

Industry associations have commended SBA for these changes and SBA continues to encourage new SBICs to apply for licensing and actively participate in the program.

The SBIC program was created to stimulate the growth of America’s small businesses by supplementing the long-term debt and private-equity capital available to them. Since the SBIC program’s formation in 1958 through April 2009, it has invested approximately $56 billion in more than 106,000 small businesses in the United States. For more information about the SBA’s Investment Division and SBIC program, go to www.sba.gov/INV or call 1-800-U ASK SBA.

Rep. Ramsey to Speak to Young Professionals of Fayette County

Professionals ages 21-39 are invited to join join Young Professionals of Fayette County for their next Business to Business Breakfast to be held on Wednesday July 29th, 8:30am at the Four Season's Café in PTC on Huddleston Rd.

All attendees pay $10/pp, which includes the breakfast buffet and your seat to hear guest speaker Matt Ramsey, Georgia State Representative. He will update us on the Current Issues before the Georgia General Assembly. Please be sure to RSVP by Wednesday, July 22 to Diva Thomas at dthomas@bbandt.com to reserve your seat!

We also need your help collecting items for Gracie's Closet. Gracie's Closet provides clothing, free of charge, to foster children on both the south side as well as Metro Atlanta. The following items are much appreciated:

- New or gently used infant, child and teen clothing
- Pajamas
- Socks and underwear (new)
- Children's shoes
- Diaper wipes and diapers
- Baby powder, lotion, diaper rash ointment and infant shampoo
- Baby gear (diaper bags, infant carriers, baby swings, etc.)
- Baby blankets and linens
- Baby bottles, sippy cups, bibs and pacifiers (new)
- Children's books
- Children's toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo
- School supplies and bookbags
- Suitcases
- Jackets and Coats

Please visit our website www.ypfayette.com today for more information about YP Fayette!
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USDA Urged To Heed Producer Testimony and Scrap The National Animal Identification System (NAIS)

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to actually listen to and honor the comments offered by the nation’s livestock producers during the USDA's multi-city listening tour on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and scrap the program.

"A common thread that ran through much of the testimony at the USDA hearings was that existing prevention and tracking programs for animal diseases together with state laws on branding and the existing record-keeping by sales barns and livestock shows provide the mechanisms needed for tracking any disease outbreaks," said Pete Kennedy, acting president of the Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

"NAIS is simply not needed," he added. "The USDA continues to confuse industry support for efforts to identify and eliminate animal diseases with support for NAIS, despite the fact that some 80 percent of the people who testified during the hearings testified against USDA's animal identification program," he said.

Kennedy’s comments came as the USDA wrapped up its 14-city listening tour with a session in Omaha last week. During the tour more than 1,600 people attended listening sessions; almost 500 people testified; and more than 400 of those stated their opposition to NAIS.

"Even the U.S. Congress has grown impatient with the NAIS," commented Fund board member Taaron Meikle, "with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro calling continued investment in USDA's NAIS ‘unwarranted.’ "

De Lauro’s comments came in a release explaining the cuts in the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill her subcommittee recommended.

Instead of pouring more money and effort into NAIS, the Fund is urging Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to re-focus the nation’s animal disease and food safety efforts on several alternatives including:

* Decentralizing the livestock industry and encouraging local, diversified farms, which would increase animal health, food security, and food safety;
* Increasing inspections of imported animals and agricultural products and barring the entry of animals from countries with known disease problems; and
* Improving enforcement of existing laws and inspections of large slaughterhouses and food processing facilities, including unannounced spot inspections at those large facilities.

The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, along with six of its members from Michigan, last year filed suit in the U.S. District Court – District of Columbia against the USDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) to stop the implementation of NAIS. An amended complaint was filed in January 2009 with the Fund adding a member from Pennsylvania as a Plaintiff.

The MDA has implemented the first two stages of NAIS – property registration and animal identification – for all cattle and farmers across the State under the guise of its bovine tuberculosis disease control program. MDA’s implementation of the first two steps of NAIS was required, in part, in exchange for a grant from the USDA.

The Fund’s suit asks the court to issue an injunction to stop the implementation of NAIS at both the State and Federal levels by any State or Federal agency. If successful, the suit would halt the program nationwide.

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Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters to expand in Dodge County

Metal fabrication company will invest $550,000 to expand facility at Heart of Georgia Regional Airport

Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters announced today that it plans to expand its Dodge County facility, investing $550,000.

“Aerospace is one of Georgia’s strategic industries, and the growth of Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters shows that our work is paying off,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia has the talented workforce and business-friendly environment to help aerospace companies take flight.”

Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters (HGMC), which is headquartered in Eastman, is adding 12,500 square feet onto its facility at Heart of Georgia Regional Airport. The company is adding more office space, equipment and workspace for its metal fabrication business.

HGMC has recently won contracts with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, prompting the expansion. No additional jobs are being created at this time.

“The business environment here in Georgia means we have low overhead, which means our customers get a first-time quality product delivered on time at a competitive price,” said Stephen Pritchett, general manager and CEO of Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters. “The well-trained graduates from Middle Georgia College’s Aviation Campus and Heart of Georgia Technical College enable us to hire kind of talent we need to grow.”
“The Eastman-Dodge County community is very proud of the expansion at Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters,” said Kennon Graham, board chairman of the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce. “This expansion demonstrates the commitment of the company and workforce in moving our community forward. Their success will be a vital part of our economy for years to come.”

Ryan Waldrep, project manager for GDEcD, assisted the company in its expansion.

Brightworth Partners Ranked Among Top Wealth Advisors for Client Satisfaction

Brightworth partners Dave Polstra, Chris Dardaman, Alan Gotthardt and Ray Padron have been selected as 2009 FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Managers SM for metro Atlanta.

More than 147,000 metro Atlanta residents and 14,400 financial service professionals were surveyed to determine the wealth managers who ranked in the top 7 percent for “best in client satisfaction.”

“Exceptional client satisfaction is at the core of who we are,” said Dave Polstra, Founding Partner of Brightworth. “We are greatly honored to be recognized for providing Five Star service.”

Survey recipients were asked to select only wealth managers whom they knew through personal experience, and to evaluate them based upon nine criteria: customer service, integrity, knowledge/expertise, communication, value for fee charged, meeting of financial objectives, post-sale-service, quality of recommendations and overall satisfaction.

Only wealth managers with five years of experience in the financial services industry were considered and each wealth manager was reviewed for regulatory actions, civil judicial actions and customer complaints as reported by FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and other regulatory agencies.

Before finalizing the list, each wealth manager was reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel that was comprised of knowledgeable individuals from within the financial services industry. Although panelist comments were incorporated into the final score, safeguards were built into the review process to reduce the ability of panel members to influence the composition of the final list on the basis of company affiliation.

Brightworth (www.brightworth.com) is an independent, fee-only wealth management firm that serves entrepreneurs and high net worth families and individuals. The firm and its partners have been nationally ranked as one of Robb Report Worth Magazine’s 100 Most Exclusive Wealth Advisors, Mutual Funds magazine’s 100 Top Advisors, Wealth Manager magazine’s Top 150 Wealth Managers and Barron’s Indie 100 list of top independent financial advisors, and are members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
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Georgia Seeks Exhibitors for Top World Air Show

Business opportunities abound for companies, communities at biennial Dubai Airshow

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is seeking Georgia export companies and communities interested in joining its delegation to the Dubai Airshow 2009 November 15 – 19 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). To help Georgia companies capitalize on the event, GDEcD has created affordable event packages targeting those who would not otherwise be able to travel to the Dubai Airshow.

“By teaming up with the state, Georgia companies have an outstanding and affordable opportunity to expand their presence and sales to critical world markets,” said Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for global commerce at GDEcD. “We are providing a unique targeted marketing strategy that will give added exposure and value to their efforts at the show.”

The biennial Dubai Airshow is the largest aviation event in the world’s fastest-growing region. In 2007, the show marked its 10th anniversary and attracted more than 850 exhibitors, 45,000 trade visitors, 140 aircraft and record-breaking orders of $155.5 billion. A major trader with the UAE, Georgia was ranked ninth in the U.S in exports to the UAE, totaling $426 million in 2008.

“Aventure has been active in the Middle East aviation arena for eight years now and has established working relationships with the region’s airlines and aviation organizations. Participating in the Dubai Air Show is an absolute must for us," said Zaheer Faruqi, president of Aventure International Aviation of Peachtree City. "Dubai is a perfect location for such an event, as it is not only recognized as the business hub for the Middle East, but also as the premier aerospace industry hub on a global level.”

Aerospace is one of the state’s leading strategic industries. Georgia is home to more than 200 aerospace and aviation businesses, including industry giants like Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Cessna and Northrop Grumman.

GDEcD has developed an affordable participants’ exhibitor package for small- to medium-sized companies and communities that are working with limited marketing budgets. The final deadline for registration is August 15, 2009.

For complete details or to register for the trade mission, contact Kathy Oxford, senior trade manager, at 678-640-4351 or koxford@georgia.org. For more information, visit http://www.georgia.org/Business/International/Trade+News.htm
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Dillard's, Inc. Reports June Sales Results

Little Rock, Arkansas, July 9, 2009 -- Dillard's, Inc. (DDS: NYSE) ("Dillard's" or the "Company") announced today that merchandise sales ("sales") for the five weeks ended July 4, 2009 were $497,165,000 compared to sales for the five weeks ended July 5, 2008 of $593,285,000. Total sales decreased 16%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 14% for the five-week period.

Sales for the 22 weeks ended July 4, 2009 were $2,344,280,000 compared to sales for the 22 weeks ended July 5, 2008 of $2,773,160,000. Total sales decreased 15%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 13% for the 22-week period.

During the five weeks ended July 4, 2009, sales were above the average total Company trend in the Central region, slightly below trend in the Eastern region and below trend in the Western region. The sales performance in the home and furniture category was significantly below trend during the period.

Dillard's, Inc. is one of the nation's largest fashion apparel and home furnishing retailers. The Company's stores operate with one name, Dillard's, and span 29 states. Dillard's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, including products sourced and marketed under Dillard's exclusive brand names.
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Cambria and Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. form New Exclusive Partnership

Cambria, the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the U.S., announced today that Decatur-based Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. is the latest Cambria fabricator business partner to be inducted into their Lexus Partner Program.

The Lexus Partner Program was designed by Cambria to further strengthen the relationships between Cambria and its fabricator partners as well as provide the highest possible service to the consumer. Atlanta Kitchen, Inc. is the ninth fabricator partner to be inducted into the program. Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces (Omaha, Neb.), Renaissance Marble & Tile (Urbandale, Iowa), TrendStone, LLC (Lenexa, Kan.), K & D Counter Tops, Inc. (Trenton, IL), StoneTrends, LLC (Chesterfield, MO) Smokey Mountain Tops (Knoxville, TN), Fine Line Pacific (Seattle, WA) and Floform Countertops (Winnipeg, Manitoba; Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta; and Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) were inducted in 2008 and 2009.

“The Lexus Partner designation elevates and solidifies our deep partnership with Atlanta Kitchen, Inc.,” said Martin Davis, Cambria President and CEO. “This relationship demonstrates Cambria’s commitment to high-quality, very capable fabricators that set the standard for delivering exceptional products and outstanding customer service.”

Cambria Lexus Partners must meet specific criteria set by Cambria that includes sales success, exceptional quality and customer service and a commitment to marketing the Cambria brand. In return, Lexus Partners enjoy unique benefits from Cambria, including a guaranteed market position through exclusive fabrication and distribution in their marketplace; and dedicated Cambria sales, marketing and training support.

“We are excited about our new Lexus Partner status and look forward to further promoting the Cambria brand,” said Mitch Hires, co-owner of Atlanta Kitchen. “Atlanta Kitchen’s Lexus Partner status will strengthen our relationship with Cambria and create mutual growth and success for both companies.”

Cambria is sold to select fabricators across North America through a partnership model that celebrates a common vision and culture. The pinnacle of that model is the Lexus Partner Program, which formalizes Cambria’s commitment to highly evolved fabricator business partnerships that deliver mutual success. Cambria’s Lexus Partner fabricators are committed to innovation, hard work, are entrepreneurial-minded, and want to grow their businesses in partnership with Cambria.

As a leader in design innovation, Cambria offers more colors with unique design capabilities than any other surfacing material. Complementary colors from the Desert and Quarry collections offer unique opportunities to incorporate multiple colors on a variety of surfaces, creating more depth and character in a home. Cambria is available through builders, designers, architects and kitchen/bath retailers throughout all of North America.

Cambria is a stain resistant, nonporous surface that is harder, stronger and easier to care for than other stone surfaces because it does not require sealing with chemical-based conditioners, polishers or wax. Cambria is also certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface—there is no safer surface available to consumers.

Cambria recycles and recovers 100 percent of the water used in its production processes through unique settling and filtering techniques. In addition, Cambria surfaces do not off-gas and contain zero formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cambria surfaces have been tested for radon emissions by Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS), an International Organization for Standard (ISO) 9001:2000 registered and ISO 17025 accredited Indoor Air Quality Company. Testing confirms Cambria natural quartz surfaces have no harmful emissions of any type.

Cambria surfaces are GREENGUARD for Children and Schools® certified and GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. Cambria may help projects achieve LEED points towards certification under various LEED Green Building Rating Systems.

Primarily made from North American quartz, and as the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the United States, Cambria has a lower carbon footprint when compared to other quartz products that are largely produced in the Middle East, Asia and Europe and require greater transportation and carbon resources en route to market.
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