Bill discusses with Jim his monthly report of what small business owners are saying about the economy. You might be surprised to know that the news is very positive.

Sam and Jim talk about the recent and near-term conditions of the economy. The news is not great, but it's not too bad, either.

Charlie welcomes Jim to Mountain Maryland and talks about why this part of America is a pretty cool place to live and a great place to have a small business. This interview is part of Jim's visit to Garrett County, Maryland, a/k/a Deep Creek Maryland, a/k/a Mountain Maryland, where he is broadcasting live for two days, and delivering two keynote speeches.

Secretary Melissaratos joins Jim to talk about the progress Maryland has made in evolving its economy from a 20th century model to the 21st century reality. Maryland is doing some pretty cool things to help small businesses start and grow that other states should consider.

Sheila joins Jim to welcome him to the 7th Annual Business and Technology Showcase, from which this show is being broadcast. Jim will be the keynote speaker later in the day. Sheila talks with Jim about the Showcase and how to put something like this together.

Wayne joins Jim to discuss some of the new issues regarding technology regulations, telecommunications and nano-technology. These issues are evolving rapidly and Wayne and his organization is working hard to make sure this evolution is more market-based and less government-based.

Sam reports on the most recent Tatum Survey of Economic Conditions and the news is not so good. This report is from the 500 Tatum partners who are running businesses across the country, and the mood is cautious.

Mick and Jim talk about how his organization and his member chambers of commerce around the country are helping the chambers that are affected by the recent hurricanes. One example is chamber members joining the hard-hit chambers and sending them a year's dues.

Bill joins Jim to report on how small businesses felt about the economy in August. Bill also explains why he things the impact of Hurricane Katrina will not have a long-term negative impact on the national economy. He also explains why the Fed did the right thing when they raised short-term interest rates again.

Giovanni joins Jim to discuss how the small business public policy issues in place and on the table will be affected by the Katrina recovery effort.