• NASE, Member to Receive Award During Small Business Week
• NASE Joins Campaign to Highlight 45 Million Uninsured Americans

NASE, Member to Receive Award During Small Business Week

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) looks forward to celebrating micro-business during National Small Business Week with awards going to a member and the association president leading an education session. Organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBA Expo ’05 will bring small business owners, associations, and the federal government together to celebrate and promote small business endeavors in the U.S. NASE member Chris Krupinski of CK Art and Design in Fairfax, Virginia, won a regional SBA award for Home-Based Business Champion of the Year. NASE director of public affairs Maureen Petron received regional Women in Business Champion of the Year first runner-up honors for her work with the NASE Women Entrepreneurship Initiative. Both were also considered for national awards. The SBA award nomination process began in November with an extensive application which was reviewed at both the district and national levels. The Home-Based Business Champion award recipient required success not only in one’s business but also an interest and desire in entrepreneurial progress and policy development. The Women in Business Champion recognizes efforts to increase business opportunities for women and strengthen the role of women in business. “We could not be more proud of our association and its members. Both Chris and the Women Entrepreneurship Initiative deserve this recognition from the SBA,” said Robert Hughes, president of the NASE. “National Small Business week gives everyone a time to show small businesses the recognition they deserve as well as a time to highlight important issues for this important sector of our economy.” As part of the week’s activities, Hughes will participate in a panel titled “How Tax and Regulatory Reform Impact Your Bottom Line.” The business session takes place on Wednesday and Hughes will discuss tax issues and provide tax tips. The conference and expo include a trade show, business-government matchmaking, business education sessions, and networking opportunities. The agenda also includes a luncheon to celebrate women in business, as well as additional awards ceremonies. President George W. Bush will address the attendees on Wednesday as well. “As small business owners and employees add to the vitality of our economy, they also inspire others to realize the full promise of our nation,” said President Bush in a proclamation to designate National Small Business Week 2005. “I join all Americans in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of our small business owners and employees.” The NASE is a proud supporter of National Small Business Week 2005 and sponsor of the SBA Expo ’05. For more information on Small Business Week and the conference and expo, visit http://www.sba.gov/expo/index.html.

NASE Joins Campaign to Highlight 45 Million Uninsured Americans

With 45 million uninsured Americans, including more than 8 million children, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) recognizes the need for affordable health care coverage in this country. The association has teamed up with many national organizations in support of Cover the Uninsured Week 2005. Events will take place across the country bringing together individuals, organizations and leaders to highlight the necessity for health coverage for all people. “With 8 out of 10 uninsured Americans either working or in working families, the National Association for the Self-Employed has made affordable health care a top legislative priority,” said Kristie Darien, executive director for the NASE legislative office. “We encourage all of our members to get involved with this week in their communities.” Former presidents Gerald Ford (R) and Jimmy Carter (D) return as the week’s honorary Co-Chairs and are joined by nine former Surgeons General and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretaries. Actor Noah Wyle will serve as the national spokesman for the week. Cover the Uninsured Week events, including kick-off events, health and enrollment fairs, seminars for small businesses, campus events and interfaith activities will take place in hundreds of communities nationwide. Events will spotlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health coverage. The NASE works year-round to make health insurance more affordable for small business owners. The association continues to fight for the elimination of the self-employment tax on health insurance costs and supports health care tax credits, health savings accounts and association health plans. For more information on the NASE's involvement in Cover the Uninsured Week, please go to http://advocacy.nase.org. Visit http://covertheuninsuredweek.org/ for more information and updates on events in your area throughout the week.