Virginia NFIB Endorses Bob
RICHMOND -The Virginia Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the leading small business association in the Commonwealth, endorsed Bob McDonnell in his campaign for Governor today. The group’s membership consists of nearly 6,000 small businesses located all across Virginia. The endorsement was officially announced at a mid-afternoon press conference at Bill’s Barbecue in downtown Richmond. Bill’s Barbecue is an NFIB member. In the past 12 days McDonnell has been endorsed by Virginia’s farmers, realtors, credit unions and now, small business owners.
Julia Ciarlo Hammond, the state director of NFIB/Virginia had this to say as she introduced Bob at today’s news conference, “Small business is the heart and soul of Virginia’s economy, and our members appreciate Bob McDonnell’s long-term commitment to helping Virginia’s entrepreneurs and small, family-run businesses grow and create jobs in this tough economic climate.”
Speaking about today’s endorsement, Bob McDonnell noted, “Virginia’s small business owners are the engine that drives our economy. They are on the front lines of the crucial effort to spark an economic resurgence in the Commonwealth, create good paying jobs for our citizens and get our economy back on track. This endorsement is a testament to the positive, ideas-based campaign we are running. As governor I will be committed to making Virginia the best state in America in which to open a small business. We will get new businesses up and running within 48 hours, enhance the business one stop website, update small business guides and fast track the permit process for existing business. I will help our small business owners by keeping taxes low, and regulations and litigation at a minimum. I will fight off any proposals at the state and federal levels that make it harder for small business owners to succeed. And I will champion policies that unleash the creative spirit and productive power of the people of Virginia. Working together we are going to spend the next four years helping our small business owners create the jobs and opportunities Virginians need and deserve. This election is about jobs and the economy. I am honored to receive this endorsement from the job-creating small business owners of Virginia.”
NFIB members noted the importance of today’s endorsement.
David Guernsey, President and CEO of Guernsey Office Products in Chantilly, remarked, “I believe it is vital we elect a governor who will not marginalize small business and who will work to lessen the burden on entrepreneurs and small businesses owners rather than increase it, so small businesses can create jobs and lead Virginia out of this recession. Bob McDonnell has the experience as a businessman and the economic development plans that will help Virginia’s businesses grow and prosper.”
Thomas A. Johnson, the owner of Thomas A. Johnson Furniture Con, Inc. in Lynchburg, echoed Guernsey’s sentiment. “As a small business owner and member of NFIB, I believe it’s important that we elect a governor who understands the critical role that small businesses play in our economy - someone who will make it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses like mine to continue to grow and, most importantly, create jobs. It is critical for the future of my business and the future of Virginia that we elect Bob McDonnell.”
Small businesses account for 97.5% of all business establishments across the Commonwealth at 225,000 strong. These businesses account for approximately 75% of new job growth in Virginia. According to the Small Business Administration’s 2008 Small Business Profile, small business was responsible for creating all of the state’s net new jobs from 2004-2005.
About NFIB:
The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its members in Washington and all 50 state capitals.
NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. NFIB also gives its members a power in the marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its members, the National Federation of Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.
NFIB members are a diverse group consisting of high-tech manufacturers, retailers, farmers, professional service providers and many more.
When NFIB speaks on its members’ behalf, lawmakers in state legislatures, Congress and the White House listen. No wonder Fortune magazine acknowledges NFIB as the top-ranking business lobbying organization in Washington.
But NFIB’s policy advocacy strength didn’t come overnight. NFIB started out small. One man, Wilson Harder, founded the organization in 1943. Harder began with a home office and sold the first memberships to his neighbors. Harder’s vision was to give small and independent business a voice in governmental decision making through policy advocacy.
This vision remains strong today. NFIB sets its public-policy positions by regularly polling members and acting on their advice. Once this member ballot is tallied, NFIB carries a unified message to Congress and the state legislatures on behalf of small business owners.
In the last several years, NFIB has enlarged the scope of its policy advocacy. NFIB has entered the political arena to support pro-small business candidates for state and national office. In 2000, it added the NFIB Legal Foundation, representing small business interests in the judicial system. The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation provides scholarships and internships to the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. And the NFIB Research Foundation provides policymakers, small business owners and other interested parties empirically based information on small business. NFIB also continues to build alliances with various businesses, allowing the organization to provide services to members at special prices.
Bob McDonnell: Business Background, Experienced Leader
Bob has undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1997. He worked as a corporate manager for American Hospital Supply Company, a then Fortune 500 Company. Bob has a lifetime rating of 91% from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and his Virginia FREE lifetime business rating and effectiveness rating were consistently in the top 10% of the House of Delegates. As Attorney General he managed a large state agency with over 300 employees and a budget of $30 million. During his time in office he created the Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force with the purpose of reviewing Virginia’s regulatory framework to find those regulations that can be improved, updated or amended in order to (1) better involve the people in their government, (2) ensure that regulations do not unnecessarily hinder free enterprise and (3) ensure that regulations do not place undue costs on Virginia taxpayers. The Task Force reviewed over 8700 pages of regulations, passed 4 significant legislative initiatives and made approximately 350 recommendations for changes to sections of the Administrative Code.
Click here to check out Bob’s Small Business Plan, Encouraging Entrepreneurship