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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Business owners can learn about the implications of the new federal tax cuts from "Tax Cuts on the Web," a free streaming video Worldwide Web workshop presented by Oregon State University's Austin Family Business Program.

The video is available around-the-clock thorough April 15 at www.familybusinessonline.org. The workshop comes complete with downloadable notes and is presented in three indexed segments. Moderated by Pat Frishkoff, Austin Family Business Program founding director, the workshop features national tax and estate planning experts.

"Never has it been more important for family businesses to heed the tax incentives and formalize plans for the future," Frishkoff said.

The first segment, "The New Tax Law and YOU - the Family Business Owner," will cover basics of the new law and how it can affect a family business. "The 2001 tax law is loaded with opportunities that business owners should be aware of," said John Mitchell, western region economist for U.S. Bank.

The second segment, "Critical decisions for farmers and forest landowners," expands on the information from the first segment for agricultural and timber businesses.

"These are unique industries," said Larry Aamold, specialty assets manager in the farm, ranch and timber management group of private financial services for U.S.Bank. "Folks simply can't afford to ignore the aspects of this new tax law."

"The new tax law will put more money in your pocket," said Thom W. Pickett, managing director for investments, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray. "It will allow you to save more for retirement and pass on more to your heirs."

The third segment, "Impact of the New Tax Law on the Economy" covers how the law was conceived and describes the law's intended impact. The workshop is co-sponsored by Oregon State University's Colleges of Forestry and Business, the OSU Foundation, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, and U.S. Bank.

The second segment is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency.

The Austin Family Business Program is the second oldest family business program in the nation and home of the Léon A. Danco collection. Danco is widely acknowledged as the grandfather of family business studies. Since 1985, the Austin Family Business Program has fostered healthy family businesses with educational experiences and tools.

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