New Wells Fargo/Gallup Survey Shows Majority of Small Business Owners Contribute Money to Local Charities; Over 50% Volunteer Time on Community Projects SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Small business owners are active in their communities and generous with charitable contributions, according to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. Almost nine of every ten small business owners responding to the recent national survey say they give money to non-profits in their communities and almost six of every ten say they contribute their time. The survey also found that four of every ten small business owners say they're more likely to become even more involved in their communities in the coming year. More than half say a crisis or natural disaster would increase their level of community involvement. Eight of every ten small business owners surveyed say they believe their community efforts, whether money or time, benefit the communities they serve more than their own business. More than half say they participate in community outreach because they personally enjoy the activity, and another 43 percent because "it's the right thing to do." Only six percent do so because of potential business benefits. "Giving back and demonstrating concern for their neighbors are core values to small business owners," said Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, head of Wells Fargo's small business segment. "We know the vital role these businesses play in the U.S. economy, and equally important is the role they play in shaping our communities. Their leadership is invaluable, and their commitment and generosity help grow and strengthen our communities." Despite recent natural disasters and rising energy and fuel prices, the Index rose seven points to 106 this quarter. According to respondents, the rise is mainly attributed to owners' ability to obtain credit this past year, with increased optimism about their company's cash flow versus a year ago. The Index tracks six key measures for both current conditions and future expectations as reported by small business owners: current financial situation, revenues, cash flow, capital spending, number of jobs, and credit availability. Since the third quarter of 2003, the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index has surveyed small business owners on their perception of current conditions and future expectations relating to financial situation, revenues, cash flow, capital spending, number of jobs and credit availability. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $453 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance to more than 23 million customers from more than 6,200 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the United States to receive the highest possible credit rating, "Aaa," from Moody's Investors Service. Providing financial products and services to more than one million businesses with annual sales up to $20 million in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, Wells Fargo is the #1 lender to small businesses in the United States in total dollar volume according to the most recent CRA data (2003). The second largest national SBA lender in dollars, Wells Fargo is an SBA Preferred Lender in 28 states, and originated 4,165 loans for $579 million in 2005. Its diverse business services programs provide outreach and education to women, African American, Latino, and Asian business owners about financial services. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $27 billion to women and minority business owners. About the Gallup Organization For more than 60 years, the Gallup Organization has been a recognized leader in the measurement and analysis of people's attitudes, opinions and behavior. While best known for the Gallup Poll, founded in 1935, Gallup's current activities consist largely of providing marketing and management research, advisory services and education to the world's largest corporations and institutions. DATASOURCE: Wells Fargo & Company CONTACT: Sarah E. Pew of Wells Fargo & Company, +1-415-396-0866, or Web site: http://www.wellsfargo.com/

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