>Being a business owner myself, if someone owed me on outstanding invoices, I would not hesitate to begin contacting them either myself or through the use of an attorney.

Of course. But the main purpose of a bankruptcy proceeding it to enjoin creditors from starting or continuing collection efforts. You obtain a claim form from the court (or your own attorney) and file it with the clerk of the court. If your account is unsecured and a large percentage of the total indebtedness, then consider becoming active on the creditors committee.

Chapter 11 is an attenpt for a company to restructure and continue in business, thus avoiding Chapter 7 (total liquidation, usually at a substaqntial loss to creditors) If forgiving some interest will make the difference then the entity can make a comeback.

In the final analysis, of you are a creditor, be sure tou are respesented by experienced legal counsel.