NFIB

Denver Small Business Owner Finds Her Niche as an Activist
06/17/2002

When it comes to small business issues, it seems that Anna Brooks is everywhere.

As co-chairman of Colorado's NFIB Leadership Council and president-elect of the Denver chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Brooks can often be found in the halls of Colorado's state house lobbying legislators and giving media interviews. The mother of four has even traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators three times during the past six months.

Brooks wasn't always the political activist she is today. In fact, she says it wasn't until she began managing the administrative side of the family electrical contracting business that she began doing more than just voting. "I enjoy being a part of the political process," she says. "To be honest, I got involved because of the effect government was having on our business and industry sector."

Since jumping into the fray, Brooks has put her time to good use. She has testified before the Colorado Legislature on issues ranging from tort reform to the cost of health insurance. Recently, she worked with NFIB to illustrate the cost small business would bear if a mental health parity bill was passed. Thanks in part to her hard work, the bill was defeated.

"There is so much anecdotal information that's floated around the Legislature when it comes to issues like the mental health parity," she says. "I think what really brought it home to them was the fact that NFIB was able to show them the effect on small business in dollars and cents."

"I've seen the impact that NFIB can have on an important issue like this firsthand. I'm proud to be a part of an organization that is really making a positive impact on the small business climate here in Colorado and around the country."

Quick Facts:
Name: Brooks Electric
Location: Denver, Col.
Founded: 1962
Number of employees: Three full-time employees and six contract workers

What services does your business provide?
We are an electrical contractor dealing in custom residential homes and small commercial and industrial projects.

Is this a family business?
Yes. My husband's father started the business about 40 years ago. My husband, Brian, grew up working in the business, and has worked full-time since the age of 18. I joined him seven years ago. He handles the bidding and project management and I try to manage administrative and marketing needs.

Interesting changes over the course of business' life:
The regulations we face today are certainly tighter than when we took over the business. It seems we spend a significant portion of our time trying to stay up to date on constantly changing taxes, payroll regulations, more taxes and now health care is changing on an annual basis. It is nearly impossible for a small business to produce anything more than paper for our oversized government.

Why did you join NFIB?
We joined around 1994. A friend of mine gave me some NFIB literature, and I called to get more information on their small business health care program. Within a few weeks, an NFIB representative called on us and explained how members vote on issues before our D.C. politicians have their say. I was sold on the fact that NFIB members determine the lobbying agenda for this organization, not a select board of directors, and we have bee involved ever since. Owning a small business is isolating. There are many times when we feel like we are in it all alone. NFIB has a wonderful way of uniting small business owners everywhere, and I want to be a part of that.

How did you become involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
I actually received a call from Tim Jackson, the NFIB Colorado state director, and he worked with our industry association to help us pass important legislation. Through activism with NFIB, I found myself fighting alongside other organizations with the same issues, but not many women. This led to my position as public policy director for the Denver chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners for the past two years.

What have you done through NFIB to help the cause of small business?
By serving on the NFIB Colorado Leadership Council for the past three years, I've done everything from testifying before the Colorado Legislature to giving television and radio interviews on issues. I work with several political action committees to ensure that we elect leaders who are supportive to small business. I spend time meeting with legislators once they move into office and even more time trying to catch them during session! I did catch President Bush while in D.C. in March. What a blessing to be able to pray for him while in his presence!

There are many frustrations, but I really feel our efforts make a difference. For example, several years ago NFIB helped push through legislation that increased the number of apprentices per journeyman. Most blue-collar industries do not require training. In the electrical industry, it takes an apprentice four years of on-the-job training to become a licensed journeyman. At the one-to-one ratio, that meant we could replace one journeyman every four years (less attrition rates). Construction markets were zooming and we knew that maintaining the ratio would send prices through the roof for consumers. The unions lobbied hard against this change, but by working closely with NFIB, we gathered strong grassroots support. The difference, I believe, in the battle came when NFIB put out their "Key Vote" card to the Senate just prior to the vote to remind them of the impact this bill would have on our industry. The battle could have taken much longer without the support of NFIB.

Why do you like being a small business owner?
I like being independent, having the opportunity to select who we do work for and reaping the rewards of our own labor. Working for a franchise or corporation, you end up working toward someone else's dream. It's our labor and our reward so we can distribute it as we see fit, subject to federal taxes, license, state taxes registration, death taxes... you get the picture.