2007

• NASE Executive Director of the Legislative Office Kristie Darien spoke with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) about how to become informed consumers when it comes to health care decisions. Press Release

• A bill introduced in the United States Senate and House of Representatives seeks to assist working parents and home-based businesses. It also included the creation of a standard home-office tax deduction, a measure that has been a top legislative priority for the NASE. Press Release

• Twenty-seven percent of micro-businesses said the cost of health coverage was a top issue facing their business in 2007. Fourteen percent were troubled by tax equity and complexity. Other issues of concern include access to capital, the ability to hire skilled, qualified workers and retirement security. Press Release

• As the nation’s largest organization for the self-employed and micro-businesses, the NASE launched a multimedia site offering free tax assistance in downloadable, audio format just in time for tax season. Press Release

• The NASE partnered with Small Business Development Centers across the nation to take TaxTalk on the road. National Tax Advisor Keith Hall fielded tax questions face-to-face as he traveled to five cities: Greenbelt, Md.; Burlington, Mass.; Dallas, Texas; Vancouver, Wash.; and Fremont, Calif. Press Release

• Nearly sixty percent of micro-businesses say they rely on personal finances as the primary source of funding to start up their business. That habit continues after the business is established, with thirty-six percent continuing to use their personal savings as an ongoing means of finance. These numbers remain similar to an NASE poll in 2005, which found that a majority of micro-business owners (57 percent) initially fund their businesses using personal savings, and 40 percent use personal savings thereafter. Press Release

• As a result of continued confusion surrounding worker classification, the NASE submitted written testimony to the U.S. House Workforce Protections Subcommittee which called for more easy-to-understand resources for entrepreneurs to use as they navigate the maze of regulations. Press Release

• The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) joins business owners, organizations, educators and others banded together to raise awareness for Cover the Uninsured Week. The annual event focuses on demonstrating support for programs that seek to provide health insurance for the nine million children living without coverage, like the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Press Release

• The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) teamed up with the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) to sponsor National Small Business Week to highlight the contributions of the nation’s small-business community. Press Release

• Keith Hall, NASE national tax advisor, spoke before Congress regarding the unfair hand micro-businesses are dealt in current proposals to fix the nation’s tax gap, estimated at $353 billion. Press Release

• NASE Members Frank Hunter and Kim Peavey, owners of Hillside Springs Farm and CSA Garden of Westmoreland, N.H., received a $30,000 gift from the National Association for the Self-Employed in recognition of their excellent small-business practices and contribution to local agriculture and the community. Press Release

• The United States Congress introduced H.R. 3660 and S. 2239, the Equity for Our Nation’s Self-Employed Act of 2007, which would eliminate a discrepancy in the tax code that requires nearly 17 million self-employed individuals to pay an additional 15.3 percent in taxes on the cost of their health insurance premiums. Press Release

• The winner of the NASE’s Future Entrepreneur Scholarship received $12,000 toward her education at Goshen College of Goshen, Ind. The scholarship awards $12,000 the first year, and recipients may renew the scholarship for $4,000 for each of three years of continuing education. Twenty other exemplary scholars also received $4,000 toward educational expenses at the college of his or her choice. Press Release

• A nationwide survey of over 3,000 micro-business owners found that an overwhelming percentage– 80% – do not offer retirement plans of any type for either owners or employees. The NASE also found that the greatest barrier, reported by 62 percent of respondents, is the cost of administering and contributing to a retirement plan. Press Release

• Micro-businesses spent more time and resources to go green. An online study by the NASE found that two-thirds weigh environmental impact when making business decisions. That same number said they are more likely to buy a product from a company who advertises that they are environmentally-friendly. Press Release

• High gas prices had either a significant or moderate affect on micro-business with 74 percent indicating they felt a pinch in 2007, up from 67 percent in 2005. Press Release

• Self-Employed, the bi-monthly publication of the National Association for the Self-Employed, received top honors for general excellence and feature article writing. Self-Employed took home bronze awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) during their annual Azbee Awards of Excellence. Press Release

• The NASE distributed over $100,000 in grant money to members across the country. Over $250,000 has been awarded since the Grant's Program inception in mid-2006. Grant Information

• NASE President Robert Hughes testified before Congress on how the minimization of insurance carriers due to consolidation compounded with the concern of high risk in this small group segment and excessive state regulation leaves small businesses with minimal options to set up a small group health plan and is a factor contributing to high premiums in insurance markets. Press Release

• More than three-quarters of micro-businesses have never utilized any federal small business programs, and nearly half said they were not aware of them. Despite low utilization and awareness, however, fifty-eight percent of micro-business owners say they believe these programs are very valuable. Press Release

• The number of people without health insurance coverage rose to 47 million – an increase of over 2 million people since 2005 – according to recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Press Release

• The NASE supported the eighth annual Back-to-School Campaign, which seeks to inform parents that their children may be eligible for state-provided health care coverage. Press Release

• Seeking member input, the NASE forms the Member Advisory Council to direct the association’s response to issues important to micro-business owners. Press Release

• President Bush proposes an expansion of savings for health savings accounts to be used in conjunction with high deductible health plans and higher caps on small business expensing, some of the NASE’s top legislative priorities. Press Release

• NASE Executive Director of the Legislative Office Kristie Darien participated in a public policy conference sponsored by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), where she discussed how the tax code affects health care decisions for micro-business owners and how critical education is in making those decisions. Press Release

• The House of Representatives introduced legislation that would eliminate a discrepancy in the tax code that requires 14 million self-employed individuals to pay an additional 15.3 percent in taxes on the cost of their health insurance premiums. Press Release

• Keith Hall, NASE national tax advisor, testified to Congress against proposals that would require further withholding and information reporting for micro-business in an effort to narrow the tax gap. Press Release

• NASE Executive Director of the Legislative Office Kristie Darien participated in a roundtable discussion on the difficulties small businesses have saving for retirement, hosted by the House Small Business Committee. Press Release

• With 8 out of 10 uninsured Americans either working or in working families, the NASE teamed up in support of Cover the Uninsured Week 2006.

• The NASE, joined by Rep. Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., and Rep. Melissa Hart, R-Penn., launched the Your Health, Your Choice program and new Web site—www.MicroBusinessHealth.com—designed to educate and empower anyone looking to assess their own health care needs, including tips for choosing the right health plan, tips on keeping health care costs down and tips on health and wellness programs. Press Release

• NASE attended a discussion with President Bush on small business and the economy.

• NASE supported the seventh annual Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign which is designed to encourage parents to enroll children in low-cost or free health coverage.

• The winner of the NASE’s Future Entrepreneur Scholarship received a scholarship worth up to $24,000 toward his education at New Mexico State University. Twenty other exemplary scholars also received $4,000 toward educational expenses at the college of his or her choice. Press Release

• The U.S. Census Bureau updated the number of Americans living without health coverage in 2005 to show that the number rose to 46.6 million, an increase of almost 16 percent over the previous year. Press Release

• Congress passed a measure to expand health savings accounts (HSAs), which allows easier access to and use of the savings accounts, which could help micro-businesses and the self-employed gain access to health insurance. Press Release

• The NASE launched the Business Development Grant Program and in just over 6 months had already distributed over $70,000 to micro-business owners with a lack of resources to carry out a specific business need. Press Release

2005

• NASE President Robert Hughes released the second edition of Schedule C: From A to Z, the sole proprietor’s guide to preparing their taxes and saving money.

• The NASE partnered with SBTV.com to bring small business news video to the association’s Web site. Press Release

• President Bush called for three of the NASE top legislative priorities in his State of the Union address: expanded use of health savings accounts, health care tax credits and creation of Small Business Health Plans. Press Release

• NASE President Robert Hughes testified before the House Small Business Committee on ways to increase micro-business access to affordable health coverage. Press Release

• Continued success in advocacy and public education efforts pushed the NASE Washington, D.C., office to grow in the number of staff and responsibilities. Press Release

• The NASE rolled out a new look for its member magazine, Self-Employed. The number of pages also increased, allowing more focus on benefit updates and business resource articles.

• NASE Executive Director of the Legislative Office Kristie Darien testified to the House Small Business Committee on tax relief for micro-businesses. She concentrated her statements on the elimination of the self-employment tax on health insurance. Read Testimony

• The NASE sponsored the Wall Street Meets Main Street Women's Business Forum in New York City, organized by Count Me In. The forum brought women entrepreneurs together to learn how to grow their businesses. Press Release

• The NASE supported “Cover the Uninsured Week” for the third year. Press Release

• NASE TaxTalk advisor and CPA Keith Hall testified to the House Small Business Committee on the tax gap. He focused his testimony on micro-business needs for improvements in tax education and compliance. Press Release

• The NASE submitted micro-business tax concerns to the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. Press Release

• The Senate introduced a bill to eliminate the payment of self-employment taxes on health insurance premiums, the number one legislative priority of the NASE. Press Release

• NASE staff and member receive awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration during National Small Business Week. 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. Press Release

• Winner of the NASE Future Entrepreneur Scholarship attended Texas Tech University, as one of only ten incoming freshmen accepted into the Undergraduate Medical Initiative Program. Twenty other dependents of NASE Members received $4,000 scholarships to the college of their choice. Press Release

• The NASE supported the “Covering Kids and Families” Back to School Campaign, which encouraged parents to enroll children in low-cost or free health coverage. Press Release

• The Association of Small Business Development Centers named the NASE a “Champion of Small Business Development” at their annual meeting. Press Release

• NASE Member and Hurricane Rita survivor, Cathy Denison-Wicke, took time out of her recovery efforts to discuss small business procurement needs with House Small Business Committee Democrats. Press Release

• The NASE released results from the only nationwide survey of its kind to assess the impact of rising healthcare costs on the smallest segment of the U.S. business population. Press Release

• NASE TaxTalk advisor and CPA Keith Hall testified to the need for paperwork reduction to the House Government Reform Committee. Read Testimony

• NASE Member Susan Waldman spoke at the press conference supporting the Parent’s Tax Relief Act of 2005, which would simplify and standardize the home office deduction.

• NASE made an appearance on CNN or CNN Headline News four times in 2005. The topics included last minute tax advice, retirement security and access to health coverage. View Video

2004

• NASE invited to a “Conversation with the President” about the state of the economy. Two NASE members and a Member of the Board of Directors attended the event in Washington, D.C. Press Release

• NASE sponsors Women's Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century Summit in Cleveland, Ohio. At the event, NASE staff met with President George W. Bush. Press Release

• NASE Member Chris Krupinski participates in the release of the U.S. Small Business Administration study on the affect of federal regulations on home based businesses. Press Release

• Board of Directors of the NASE elected at the annual meeting in Grapevine, Texas. Press Release

• NASE supports “Cover the Uninsured Week” for the second year. Press Release

• NASE Board Member David Alders testifies to Congress on micro-business access to affordable health coverage. Press Release

• The second Women’s Advisory Council meets in Washington, D.C. Press Release

• Online Legislative Action Center revamped with new look, and easier to use tools.

• Senate introduces a bill to eliminate the payment of self-employment tax on health insurance premiums, the top NASE legislative priority. Press Release

• Winner of the NASE Future Entrepreneur scholarship attends Ivy League college. Press Release Twenty other dependents of NASE members receive $4,000 scholarships to the college of their choice. Press Release

• Three NASE members attend economic speech by President Bush. Press Release

• Women.NASE.org resource center launched, targeting women in business issues and concerns. Press Release

• “Election Watch” on the online Legislative Action Center provides educational tools for micro-business owners before they vote. Press Release

• U.S. Small Business Administration releases a study on the growth of entrepreneurship at the NASE Washington, D.C., office. Press Release

• NASE member Chris Krupinski participates in a White House panel on health care and the economy in Washington, D.C. Press Release

2003

• NASE President Robert Hughes published "Schedule C: From A to Z," a step-by-step guide to tax filing for sole proprietors. Press Release

• The NASE releases a Micro-Business Stimulus Plan to energize the economy by helping the nation's smallest businesses. Part of the plan is included in the "Jobs and Growth" package of tax cuts passed by Congress in June. Press Release

• The NASE attends a speech given by President George W. Bush about the economy in the White House Rose Garden.

• Sponsorship of Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century summits continues. Events were held in Philadelphia, PA and Tampa, FL

• Spearheaded by the NASE, legislation to eliminate the payment of self-employment tax on health insurance premiums is introduced in the House of Representatives. The NASE forms a coalition of small business trade associations working to pass the bill. Press Release

• Ten NASE Members are selected for the first Women's Advisory Council, directing the Association's response to the increasing number of women entrepreneurs. Press Release

• The second annual "Micro-business and the Economy" survey finds that optimism among the nation's smallest businesses slipped in 2003, and that owners strongly disapprove of federal tax laws they believe favor large corporations and unfairly penalize the self-employed. Press Release

• Meghan Murphy is named the 2003 Future Entrepreneur, receiving a scholarship worth up to $24,000 over four years. Press Release

• NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen joins the NASE as celebrity spokesperson. Press Release

• The NASE releases original research on the growing ranks of women entrepreneurs. The survey shows that start-ups of women-owned businesses have grown by double digits annually from 2000-2003, significantly outpacing growth in the 1990s and out-numbering men-owned start-ups by nearly a 2-to-1 ratio in 2003. Press Release

• The NASE is called on as an expert on issues facing the self-employed. NASE President Robert Hughes, the NASE director of government affairs and NASE members testify on the cost of health coverage, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing before Congress and the Administration.
   

2002

• Robert Hughes, NASE President, testifies before the House Small Business Committee regarding micro-business access to affordable health care, participates in both House and Senate Small Business roundtables regarding access to capital, and a Senate small business committee roundtable on the role of the Small Business Development Centers in promoting regulatory compliance.

• NASE President Robert Hughes meets President Bush at a speech announcing the President's health care agenda.

• The NASE meets with the new Chief Counsel for the SBA Office of Advocacy, Tom Sullivan, to discuss the NASE agenda.

• The NASE begins its co-sponsorship of the Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century summits across the country. The first, hosted by the Department of Labor, Small Business Administration and White House, was held in Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 women business owners attended the conference, including NASE Board Member Shonda Parker. Other summits were held in Nashville, Tenn., New Briton, Conn., Houston, Texas, and St. Louis, Mo.

• The NASE releases the "Affordability in Health Care: Trends in American Micro-Business" survey at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The original research was lauded by Members of Congress and the Bush Administration, and has been sited in many speeches and publications since its release.

• The NASE launches "Bob's Place," a weekly online column in which NASE President Robert Hughes addresses important legislative issues, association benefits and other association news.

• Daniel Zia of Oregon is named the ninth annual Future Entrepreneur, eligible for a scholarship worth up to $24,000.

• The NASE Scholarship Program presents 20 awards to outstanding students from across the nation and exceeds the $1 million mark in total scholarships given.

• The NASE Web site is redesigned and offers more content including a weekly Micro-Business Edge column.

• The NASE adopts "the nation's leading resource for micro-business and the self-employed" as its new tag line.

• The NASE "Micro-Business Survey" receives national media attention as it reports that self-employed are confident in their ability to overcome an economic downturn.

• A gallup poll reports that small businesses are one of the most trusted groups in America, second only to teachers.

2001

• Robert Hughes becomes NASE President.

• The NASE adds new features to its award-winning Web site, including Web accounts offering free e-mail and the ability to purchase benefits online.

• The NASE launches its Legislative Advocacy Center, http://advocacy.nase.org, utilizing Internet resources to mobilize members as part of a grassroots campaign to advance the legislative agenda.

• The NASE spearheads the creation of the Alliance for Small Business Investment in Technology to push for changes in federal law that will improve small-business productivity by promoting investment in information and technology.

• The NASE launches www.entrepreneurialconnection.com, featuring tools, tips and training to help the self-employed maximize the success of their businesses.

• The NASE launches the "Tell Your Small-Business Story" and "Small-Business Crusader" program as part of the online Legislative Action Center to facilitate a strong, grassroots arm in the advocacy program.

• The NASE Entrepreneurial Connection Conference is held in Boston. This hands-on, financially oriented seminar is designed to give small-business owners techniques and knowledge for success in the demanding entrepreneurial world.

• The NASE launches the Washington Watch E-Mail Update, giving small-business owners up-to-the-minute information about the latest happenings on Capitol Hill.

• The NASE Scholarship Program receives an "Award of Excellence" from the American Society of Association Executives' "Associations Advance America Program." In its 12 years of existence, the NASE Scholarship Program has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to the nation's best and brightest students.

• The NASE introduces the TaxTalk E-letter, providing expert advice on tax issues affecting the self-employed.

• The NASE leads the Billion Byte March to reform Social Security -- the first-ever "Internet March" on Washington, D.C.

• The Health Insurance Tax Deduction climbs to 60 percent and is scheduled to reach 100 percent by 2003.

• The Home Office Tax Deduction is broadened, allowing more small businesses to claim the deduction.

• Following a diligent campaign by the NASE, the IRS creates an independent oversight board that enhances the ability of small businesses to recover attorney fees and halt the accrual of fines and interest penalties in many instances.

• Congress passes IRS overhaul legislation with small-business-friendly provisions backed by the NASE.

• The NASE meets with IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti and other IRS executives to offer small-business views on the pending IRS overhaul. Rossotti's plan creates an IRS operating unit devoted specifically to small-business needs.

• The NASE leads a successful effort to postpone mandatory electronic payroll tax deposit requirements. The system is made voluntary for the smallest businesses.

• Legislation is passed allowing the costs of a home office to be deducted by businesses that perform essential administrative and management functions in the home office. The NASE was a leader in the fight for the broadened deduction.

• Congress agrees to phase-in 100 percent deductibility of health insurance for the self-employed. The NASE has consistently sought 100 percent deductibility.

• An increase in the exemption from estate taxes from $600,000 to $1.3 million for family businesses and farms is passed, with overall exemption from estate taxes for all other assets increasing to $1 million over 10 years.

• Efforts of the NASE are instrumental in passing the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996, which mandates major improvements in the way federal agencies treat small businesses. The Act -- a small business "regulatory bill of rights" -- is hailed as perhaps the most significant small-business legislation passed since World War II.

• The NASE helps persuade Congress to set up IRAs for non-wage-earning spouses of self-employed people.

• Increases in deductibility of health insurance costs for the self-employed are achieved.

• www.nase.org goes live to raise awareness of key issues for micro-businesses.

• The NASE plays a significant role in the reinstatement of an expired 25 percent health insurance deduction for the self-employed, increasing the deduction to 30 percent in the process.

• Members are a major voice in formulating a 60-point agenda developed for the Congress and Administration's consideration during the White House Conference on Small Business.

• The NASE successfully fights for reduction of paperwork issued to small business by the federal government.

• The association establishes its Legislation Action Network to strengthen the grassroots element of its legislation efforts.

• The NASE recruits House Ways and Means Committee representatives to introduce H.R. 3407 to reinstate a Home-Office Tax Deduction for home-based small-business owners. The organization leads a coalition of 32 business groups to secure additional support for the bill.

• The association leads a coalition in support of Regulatory Flexibility Reform, which requires federal agencies to review regulations for their impact on small businesses and to consider less burdensome alternatives.

• The NASE successfully fights for an increase in small-business equipment purchase deductions (from $10,000 to $17,000), a reduction in capital gains tax for small-business investors, and an increase in "earned income" tax credit.

• Strong backing is provided by the NASE for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Microloan Program for micro-businesses.

• The association establishes a legislative advocacy program with a presence in Washington, D.C.

• The NASE Scholarship Program is initiated for dependents of the self-employed.

• Capitol Hill discussions on health insurance issues utilize NASE data on availability and cost of health insurance for small businesses.

• Membership in the NASE exceeds 100,000.

• Membership climbs from 10,000 to 50,000 in two years.

• The NASE is founded to bring collective buying power and clout to smallest businesses.