Dear Friends,

Small business is big business in America. The spirit of entrepreneurship has turned us into the world's leading economic power and, for many, owning a business is part of the American dream. Small businesses also anchor our communities, provide local residents with jobs, and bring economic development to underserved areas.

Even though small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, they still face an array of challenges today - from rising health care and energy costs to increasing interest rates. These days, small businesses need to be aware of every resource available to them in order to survive and continue their critical contribution to our nation’s economy.

For this reason, I am hosting a Small Business Resource Conference at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) on April 20, 2006, in cooperation with the JCCC Small Business Development Center, the Kansas Women’s Business Center and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

The conference will begin with a discussion of today’s economic climate with our two special guests, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Tom Hoenig. Breakout sessions will follow, providing information on competing for federal grants, protecting intellectual property, and designing a marketing plan. In addition, the conference will offer assistance for companies hoping to compete under designations for women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses.

Again, I strongly urge you to make plans to attend the Kansas Small Business Resource Conference at Johnson County Community College on April 20, 2006, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration information is available by contacting my Overland Park office at 913-383-2013. I hope to see you there.

Very truly yours,

DENNIS MOORE
Member of Congress