A day in the life: running a small business is a big job.

You're up and out before the sun to open up shop. You get the lights turned on. The cash drawers ready. The computers humming.

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For the next 16 hours you're on all the time. You're available for your employees, your customers, your accountants, your attorneys, your bankers and your family. You could use an extra hand around the place but not sure you can afford someone, especially with health-care costs as they are. Not to mention the last employee you hired turned out to be a disaster. You need to upgrade your computer systems but you're not sure what program will work best, and once you find it, you're not sure if you'll be able to install it. You've been growing slowly through referrals and word of mouth but you know you need to get into the marketing game.

And you're taking the time to read a magazine? Good idea!

If any of the above sounds familiar, this issue of the Detroiter is devoted especially to you.

Small businesses are the backbone of the Detroit Regional Chamber, the region and the state. Although you may not realize your importance while you're paying overtime or stocking the shelves, the Chamber does. As a sector of the economy, you are the fastest growing and you're creating the most new jobs. That's why the Chamber is focusing more of our energies on helping you tackle the day-to-day stuff, as well as your longer term needs.

This Third Annual Complete Business Resource Guide is just one example of how we're aiming to provide hands-on help. Want to reduce health-care costs? There are some suggestions beginning on page 48. Looking to market your company? Find out how to make a successful brochure on page 28. Some new office software applications are profiled on page 38 that can save you time. And, if you're wondering if you're leadership skills are up to snuff, see the self-test on page 70.

But don't stop there. Are you saving money through our Office Depot and overnight express programs? Have you talked to one of our insurance specialists lately to review your policies? Have you attended an evening networking reception to meet new customers? You should be doing these things because as a member, your Chamber provides them for you.

The Small Business Central area on our Website will link you to all of these services, as well as the Small Business Assistance Center. SBAC is a resource center and clearinghouse--a place you can call to get help in searching out capital options, understanding legal and financial documents, creating a marketing plan and much more.

While SBAC is a new program for the Chamber, we're excited to see it grow and utilized by our members and prospective members.

Small business is big business at the Chamber. After all, we won't grow if you don't grow.

RICHARD E. BLOUSE JR., CCE 

President and CEO 

Detroit Regional Chamber

For more information, visit the Small Business Central at www.detroitchamber.com. To reach an insurance specialist, call [phone].