Ben Franklin on Small Business Week, Beer, and the Facebook IPO…

It’s Founding Father Friday…

If you’ve ever wondered what I’d look like dressed up as Ben Franklin, (and who hasn’t, really?) today’s your day. I’ve donned colonial-esque gear to channel one of my favorite Founding Fathers and bring you a special message as we wind down National Small Business Week.

A lost giraffe, a lying father, and the Ritz-Carlton…

Joshie at the Ritz-Carlton: An Extraordinary Customer Experience…

Lately, I’ve been doing a little more traveling that I would like to. When I was younger, it wasn’t as big a deal…but now I’d much rather be home to spend time with my family.

I was in Los Angeles about six weeks ago on one of these recent business trips, and it happened to coincide with my kids’ Spring Break. I wished I could have spent the time with them, but I suggested that my wife use some of my Marriott points I’ve been accumulating and take the kids to stay at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, which is about two hours or so from Orlando.

Video of My Recent Senate Testimony…

If you missed it live, you can watch it now…

It took a little longer than expected, but we finally have the video of my testimony before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship from March 29th. Believe it or not, I’ve taken a lot of heat for what I said at this Senate Hearing two weeks ago. Some of my comments have been taken out of context, and some folks have fabricated things I never said (or even implied). So, before I’m bombarded with any more criticism for what I said (or didn’t say), I invite you to watch the video for yourself and see what really happened here.

Update on my Senate testimony earlier today…

It’s done. I testified earlier today before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. It turns out things were a little rushed at the hearing — I was only given about three minutes to deliver my verbal testimony (which is very short, especially given the length of my written testimony) — and Ranking Member Sen. Olympia Snowe wasn’t able to be there for the panel I was on. But I think I got my point across, and Committee Chair Sen. Mary Landrieu commented that the different opinions on the panel made for some interesting debate.

As I began to prepare my testimony last Friday, I was advised that I could submit a lengthy written testimony and summarize the high points in my verbal testimony. To read more about why I did this, and to read the full text of my written testimony, go here.

We’re supposed to get a video of the hearing soon, and you’ll be the first to know when we do. Thanks for your continued support of America’s small business owners. Let’s all cross our fingers that this hearing and other things that are in motion will trigger some needed beneficial changes for our small business community.

Dedicated to Your Continued Success,

Chris

P.S. Let me know how I did (if you happened to catch the live video stream) and/or what you think about my full written testimony. Email me at ChrisHurn@MercantileCC.com or leave a comment on my blog. Thanks in advance!

Small Business Lender to Testify on Capitol Hill

I’m on my way to Washington to fight for Small Businesses!

Late last week I got an invitation to speak before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship this Thursday (tomorrow). They want me to discuss the FY 2013 SBA budget request, and I’m going to primarily talk about how to get the 504 program back to its historical zero-subsidy status.

Update on small business jobs legislation…

Time to Make Some Noise in Washington…

Here's an UPDATE on what transpired yesterday regarding the JOBS Act (H.R. 3606) and the Reed-Landrieu-Levin Amendment.

Late yesterday, cloture (motion to limit debate) failed on the Reed-Landrieu-Levin Amendment, which included an extension for the SBA 504 Refi program. The cloture motion needed 60 votes and got only 55. This vote was expected due to other issues related to the underlying bill, and was not a reflection on the merits of the one-year refi extension.

An Urgent Request on Behalf of Small Businesses…

I really don’t feel very well today. I’ve been fighting some sort of virus since late last week, but I came to the office today solely to film a short video for you and compose an urgent blog post. The reason I willed myself to get off the couch, drive to the office, and put my employees’ health at risk is that America’s small businesses need your help (today). In short, I’m asking you to make four (just four) phone calls (again, today).

Should the SBA be abolished?

What do you think about abolishing the SBA?

The Wall Street Journal announced last week that an upcoming special report will explore the pros and cons of abolishing the U.S. Small Business Administration. This comes in response to President Obama wanting to consolidate a handful of government agencies, and while I’m generally all for streamlining and simplifying government, I’m against what’s being proposed in this case.

Special Leap Day Video…

Leap Day Edition of “Inside the Lenders Studio”

As I promised last week, I’ve uploaded my first edition of “Inside the Lenders Studio” — inspired by James Lipton’s Inside the Actors Studio. I’ve been watching that show a lot lately, and I’ve realized that I’m not as introspective as I think I am. Actors, because it’s their job to interpret different characters and personalities, seem to be fairly introspective when asked about where they came from, why they do what they do, what they aspire to be, and so on.

NBA, NASCAR, Oscars, and more?

The weekend ahead…and what can entrepreneurs learn from actors?

We’re on the verge of a BIG weekend. Sunday’s the day for TV-watching: the NASCAR Daytona 500 will be run in the afternoon, the NBA All-Star Game will be played right here in Orlando (within walking distance of MCC Headquarters), and the Academy Awards (better known as the Oscars) will happen in Prime Time.