Westchester County residents and small business owners who suffered damage as a result of last July’s storms can still apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The first deadline for applications is December 1.

The SBA last month declared New York State – including Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and certain areas in the southern Westchester – a disaster area as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred on July 6 and 7.  This disaster declaration by the SBA makes Westchester County residents and businesses in those areas hit by the storm eligible for assistance with low-interest loans.

For more information, Westchester County residents and businesses can call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email them at disastercustomer@sba.gov and visit  www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance

According to a 2006 survey by Proudfoot Consulting, American CEOs arrive late to eight out of every 10 meetings. Their tardiness costs $90 billion a year in lost productivity.

Running late can be a hard habit to break, but with a few time-management skills, Americans can get back on schedule. Success Magazine, a publication designed to helps its readers find success in every aspect of their lives, offers these tips to today’s white rabbits:

Don’t Plan Everything To Go Smoothly

Remember Murphy’s Law? Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. But this doesn’t mean that you should resign yourself to arriving late to every occasion. Instead, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled event. That way, situations beyond your control, like a cranky child or slow traffic, won’t put you behind.

Don’t Underestimate The Time You Need

When figuring out your travel time, consider everything, including dressing, drinking coffee, sending e-mails and preparing documents. Figure on traffic delays, finding parking and walking to the actual destination. If you’re going someplace new, give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes to find the building.

Stay Organized

Keep your wallet, keys, purse, briefcase and anything else you need every day in one location at home. Looking for your keys every morning will only put you behind schedule.

Block Off A Period Of The Day For Time-Consuming Tasks

Answering e-mail and making or returning calls can intrude on the tasks that you need to complete. So, instead of answering messages as they come in, carve out a block of time in your day planner to return phone calls and respond to e-mail.

Work Ahead Of Deadlines

When you get an assignment, start it immediately. That way, you won’t have to worry about the project’s deadline.

For more tips and successful ideas, visit www.SUCCESS.com or pick up a copy of Success Magazine at newsstands now.

Courtesy: NewsUSA