07/18/2002
Greg Show and his wife know a thing or two about power. They've been in the electrical contracting business doing electrical voice and data construction wiring for 25 years after taking the business over from her father. They also know about the power of membership with NFIB."NFIB is a high-class outfit that realistically represents the interests of small business," Show says. "You don't find that it many trade associations. NFIB represents us with a touch of class."
Show has been a member of NFIB for 15 years. "I know them [the people of NFIB] and I don't feel bad about sending them to represent me," he says. "And that means a lot."
Quick Facts:
Name: Electro Management, Inc. (EMI), www.electromgmt.com
Location: Cedar City, Utah and Orem, Utah
Number of employees: 40 and "growing like crazy"
Do you employ family members? How many?
Two -- My wife and I.
Tell us a little about your business: interesting facts, changes you've seen, things you've endured.
I've really learned how much government regulation can affect your business. It seems that government gets to run on completely different playing field; they get to run their operation with completely different rules.
Tell us your number one legislative concerns on the state and federal levels.
Health insurance is the biggest problem overall. Before it was a lack of finding qualified manpower. Now there is plenty of manpower, but I worry about how to treat them fairly. I feel responsible for protecting our employees. Our workers' compensation rose by 20 percent because of 9-11. With deductibles going up, employees have to pay more. Even if I give them a raise, it's short felt. It's heart wrenching. You want to do good for your employees and still be fiscally sound with your business, but that's tough right now.
Why did you join NFIB?
NFIB is a high-class outfit that realistically represents the interests of small business. You don't find that it many trade associations. NFIB represents us with a touch of class.
How did you become involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
I am co-chair of the Leadership Council because NFIB is truly the voice of small business. They've proven it over and over again. Everything they send me hits the issues on the head. No one else would know to ask what NFIB asks unless they care about small business people like NFIB does. It is the only way you get things done.
An issue that we're really watching out for is health insurance mandates. Legislators try to slip these things in at the end -- like mental health parity. I was there the day they passed it. They promised it wouldn't affect us, and then the next year we see a raise in premiums.
I have also testified for the House Budget Committee about mandated health insurance. It was a great experience.
I like getting in touch and involved with government. I'll go and watch the legislators debate issues. I'm rejuvenated over what's been done and what's been talked about in D.C. Speaking with legislators is always a good chance to give good input.
Why do you like being a small business owner?
It affords me opportunity do a lot of other things, like NFIB. Business is a vehicle to do what you want to do; it takes you where you want to go. My small business has provided a great life for my family and the families of the employees who work for us, and has opened up doors to do other great things.
