From Maine to Tennessee, Arkansas to California, we have Key Contacts working in all areas of the country advocating for the rights of small business. Key Contacts represent some of our most active members. 
(From left to right, Congressman Ron Kind, Mike Conlin, Wes Vlcek and Sherry Wuebben) On August 26, Key Contacts Mike Conlin, Wes Vlcek and Sherry Wuebben, accompanied by NFIB Wisconsin State Staff, Bill Smith and Carolyn Hutsen, met with Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) at his Eau Claire district office to talk about healthcare. During the meeting, they reiterated to Congressman Kind that small businesses can't afford costly healthcare reform that combines a destructive employer mandate and a punitive payroll tax. This meeting was highlighted in the Washington, DC political newspaper, Roll Call. Click here to read the article. 
(From left to right, Frank Goodnight, Tana Malerba and Senator Richard Burr)
On August 21, Frank Goodnight and Tana Malerba met with Senator Richard Burr (NC). During the meeting, Sen. Burr, a life-long NFIB Guardian Award recipient, reiterated his support for the small business community by expressing his opposition to the current House healthcare bill (H.R. 3200), cap-and-trade and card check. 
(From left to right, Barbara Quandt, Joseph Grossbauer, John Hurley, Andy Zay, Sen. Evan Bayh, Dan Thystrup, Brian Christenberry and John Payne) On August 14, Key Contacts Joseph Grossbauer, John Hurley, Andy Zay, Dan Thystrup and John Payne, accompanied by NFIB Indiana State Staff, Barbara Quandt and Brian Christenberry, met with Senator Evan Bayh (IN). The meeting was an opportunity for them to engage one-on-one with the Senator about their their legislative concerns, particularly those dealing with healthcare reform, cap-and-trade and card check. "Senator Bayh encouraged an open dialog and it was a very frank discussion of the serious issues facing small business owners," said Barbara Quandt. To read more about their meeting, click here. 
Patrick Schrader (above right) Arundel Machine, Arundel, Maine Patrick Shrader and NFIB staffers Christopher Walters and Kristina Blair recently met with Sen. Olympia Snowe’s Small Business Legislative Assistant. During the meeting, Patick conveyed how he is struggling to provide affordable healthcare for his employees, while coping with skyrocketing insurance premiums costs. 
Howard Stewart (above right) AGM Container, Inc., Tucson, Ariz. Howard Stewart and NFIB staffers Gary Palmquist and Kristina Blair recently met with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ legislative director. This face-to-face meeting gave Howard the opportunity to share personal anecdotes about how his business is impacted by burdensome regulations and taxes, as well as how the threat of the Employee Free Choice Act would cripple his company. Additionally, Howard was able to help us promote and advocate on behalf of the Small Business RELIEF Act, SHOP Act and the Credit Card Holder’s Bill of Rights. 
Frank Goodnight Diversified Graphics, Inc., Salisbury, N.C.
Since joining NFIB in 1979, Frank Goodnight has been one of the organization’s most active and dedicated members. In the past, Frank has served as Chairman of his local Leadership Council, attended two Small Business Summits in Washington, DC and was chosen by President George W. Bush to participate in the White House Council on Small Business. As a Key Contact, Frank continues to strengthen his relationship with Senator Richard Burr by attending his local meetings, events and fundraisers. Recently, Frank participated in NFIB’s “Conversation with Senator Burr” teleforum and had the opportunity to ask him a healthcare question. In addition to having a great sense of humor and positive attitude, Frank is always willing to go the extra mile to help NFIB accomplish its goals. 
Tim Williford CMT Investments, Wilson, N.C. Earlier this year, Tim drove 45 miles to meet with Sen. Richard Burr to engage in a dialogue about healthcare reform that would make insurance coverage more affordable and accessible to small business owners. This interaction proved to be extremely valuable in not only promoting our 10 healthcare principles, but also helping the organization strengthen its working relationship with the senator’s office.