Q&A and Luncheon with SBA Administrator Karen Mills - Washington, DC (12/14/09)

The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Karen Mills, will discuss the Administration's efforts to boost the small business sector to drive economic recovery at a National Press Club luncheon on Monday, December 14, 2009.

Mills heads the federal agency that is the nation's largest single financial backer of small business, with a portfolio of direct and guaranteed loans of more than $90 billion. President Obama recently outlined a new plan to make more recovery funds available for small business lending.

Health care reform has also been at the top of list of concerns for small business. Mills recently released a report that found that the number of small businesses offering health benefits has dropped to less than half, and that employees of small firms are 50% more likely to lose their health coverage. Yet, some key business organizations have voiced opposition to current legislative proposals.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and remarks will begin just after 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made by contacting reservations at the National Press Club, (202) 662-7501 or reservations@press.org. Cost of luncheon admission is $17 for National Press Club members, $28 for their guests and $35 for general admission.

Credentialed press may cover this event with proper ID.

The National Press Club is located at 14th and F Streets, NW, one block west of Metro Center. For more information about the Club and its programs is go to press.org.