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Negative Effect of High Energy Costs Leave Micro-Businesses at a Loss

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 August 2008, 15:00 CDT

The majority of micro-businesses are being crushed by high energy costs, according to the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). A recent survey asked micro-business owners to what degree the increased costs are affecting their work, and the majority reported a moderate to significant negative impact. A scant 5 percent reported that these costs have had no effect on their firms.

One of the largest aspects of operations being affected is vehicle use. Three-quarters of business owners said they have had to cut down on the amount of travel associated with their business.

Congress and the Administration have recommended a number of proposals to provide short-term relief and long-term solutions to the country's dependence on foreign oil. The following received support from micro-business owners:

 --  Allow the Attorney General to bring an enforcement action against any     country or company that is colluding in setting the price of oil, natural     gas or any petroleum product (82 %)      --  Allow additional drilling in possible oil rich areas such as Alaska     and the Gulf of Mexico (78%)      --  Offer tax subsidies to energy companies to encourage expansion of     alternative energy sources (i.e. clean coal, wind energy, natural gas     (72%))      --  Provide tax credits to drivers who buy cars with fuel-efficient     technology (69%)      

Respondents indicated strong support for other proposals, including the creation of a temporary tax on windfall profits of the major oil companies.

View full survey results (http://www.nase.org/Survey/past_survey_results.asp?SurveyID=34)

Check out previous NASE online member polls by visiting the Press Room.

Methodology:

Posted in the members-only portal on the NASE Web site, the survey was available for members to take during the months of June and July 2008. Nearly 600 NASE Members opted-in to the non-scientific survey and members were prohibited from taking it more than once.

Kristie Darien is available for more information about the poll or micro-businesses. Please contact Kristin Oberlander by phone at 202-466-2100 or by email at koberlander@nase.org with additional questions or to schedule an interview.

About the NASE

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy. The NASE is a 501(c) (6) non-profit organization and provides big-business advantages to hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses across the United States. For more information, visit the association's web site at www.NASE.org.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=810646

 Contact: Kristin Oberlander (202) 466-2100 Email Contact

SOURCE: National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

Source: MARKET WIRE

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