Mike begins his visit with Jim by talking about his meeting with the new Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, and how Mike thinks the new Fed chairman will handle the economy. They go on to talk aobut some of the things small business owners should be talking to their bankiers about as interest rates and petroleum continue to rise.

Mike joins Jim to talk about what small business owners need to do to make sure they manage profitably in the face of rising energy costs, inflation and interest rates.

Mike and Jim discuss the small business landscape with regard to basic economic indicators. They go on to talk about the trickle-down impact of Sarbanes/Oxley on small businesses.

Mike and Jim discuss the economy for small businesses, as well as how to approach a banker with a loan request.

Jim and Mike discuss how small businesses and banks are going to get together regarding intellectual properties and intangible assets.

Mike joins Jim to talk about the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, or Check 21, that will effect how long it will take a check to clear beginning October 28th, 2004.

Rebecca and Mike join Jim to discuss why these two leaders took their public companies private.

Mike joins Jim to talk about small business banking issues.

Two of the top bankers in the Brain Trust, Richard and Michael, join Jim for the Fed Watch show when they talk about the national economy.

Mike shares with Jim some fresh ideas for small business banking.